Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Maternal and Progeny Dietary Vitamin Regimens on the Performance of Ducklings

This study evaluated the interaction effect of maternal and progeny vitamin regimens on the performance of ducklings. At 38 weeks of age, 780 female and 156 male duck breeders were fed either regular or high vitamin premix diet (maternal high premix had higher levels of all vitamins except K3 than maternal regular premix) for 16 weeks. Ducklings hatched from eggs laid at the end of the duck breeder trial were kept separate according to maternal treatment and were fed 2 levels of vitamin premix (NRC and high, progeny high premix had higher levels of all vitamins except biotin than progeny NRC premix) for 35 days. Body weight (P<0.001) and tibia ash (P=0.033) of 1-day-old ducklings and serum total superoxide dismutase activity of 14-day-old ducklings (P=0.027) were increased by maternal high vitamin premix. Progeny high vitamin premix increased body weight (14 days, P=0.019; 35 days, P=0.034), body weight gain (1–14 days, P=0.021; 1–35 days, P=0.034), gain:feed ratio (1–14 days, P<0.001), feed intake (15–35 days, P=0.037), serum total antioxidant capacity (14 days, P=0.048; 35 days, P=0.047), and serum calcium (14 days, P=0.007), and decreased serum malondialdehyde (14 days, P=0.038; 35 days, P=0.031) of ducklings. Maternal vitamin premix–progeny vitamin premix interaction significantly affected body weight (14 days, P=0.029), body weight gain (1–14 days, P=0.029), and feed intake (1–14 days, P=0.018) of progeny ducklings. Briefly, progeny NRC premix decreased the growth performance (days 1–14) of ducklings from maternal regular vitamin group, but not duckling from maternal high vitamin group. The results demonstrate a shortcoming of current vitamin recommendations for ducklings and suggest that the vitamin needs of starter ducklings can be met by either maternal or progeny vitamin supplementation.
Facilitating service-learning through competencies associated with relational pedagogy: a personal reflection

ABSTRACT Service-learning is identified as a high-impact teaching practice as it aids the development of business knowledge, human skills and civic responsibility amongst students. In spite of the benefits of service-learning, there are few studies that indicate the relational competencies of faculty members used to facilitate service-learning. This study shows how four relational competencies associated with relational pedagogy: care, interpersonal communication, an attentive presence and trust, facilitated service-learning amongst undergraduate students. Data for this study were drawn from personal reflections of teacher-student interactions during a service-learning course in change management. Findings show that although the demonstration of relational competencies associated with relational pedagogy created a conducive learning space that enabled students to gain practical knowledge, not all students in the study welcomed this approach. Based on the findings of this study, this article provides suggestions to educators in higher education engaged in service-learning and directions for further research.
Clinical Characteristics of 204 Children With Human Adenovirus Type 7 Pneumonia Identified by Whole Genome Sequencing in Liuzhou, China.

BACKGROUND Clinical knowledge of human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV-7) pneumonia in children remains limited. Moreover, predictors for disease severity are largely unknown. METHODS This is a retrospective study of children hospitalized at Liuzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China, with HAdV-7 pneumonia in 2018-2019. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and imaging data were collected. HAdV-7 was identified in plasma using whole genome sequencing, which yielded quantitative HAdV-7 sequence numbers. RESULTS There were 204 children; 145 (71%) were <2 years of age. There were 68 children with severe pneumonia (SP) and 136 with nonsevere pneumonia (NSP). Up to 43% in SP group with respiratory failure (SP-RF) were <12 months of age. Median duration of fever before hospitalization was shorter in NSP group than SP groups (P < 0.01). Fourteen (6.9%) underwent mechanical ventilation. There was a significant difference in mean plasma HAdV-7 sequence numbers among SP-RF, SP without respiratory failure (SP-NRF), and NSP groups (2485 ± 165, 2034 ± 124, and 286 ± 35, respectively) (P < 0.01). In a logistic regression analysis, we found that elevated plasma HAdV-7 sequence numbers significantly increased the risk of severe HAdV-7 pneumonia (OR 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.59-2.60, P < 0.01) after adjusting for age, fever duration, platelet counts, and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. CONCLUSIONS Over two-thirds of children hospitalized with HAdV-7 pneumonia were <2 years of age. Approximately 40% of those with SP associated with respiratory failure were <12 months of age. Those with SP exhibited higher plasma HAdV-7 sequence numbers. Thus, plasma HAdV-7 sequence numbers have a potential in predicting severity of HAdV-7 pneumonia in children.
Geographic variation in sleep and metabolic function is associated with latitude and temperature

Regulation of sleep and metabolic homeostasis are critical to an animal’s survival and under stringent evolutionary pressure. Animals display remarkable diversity in sleep and metabolic phenotypes; however, an understanding of the ecological forces that select for, and maintain, these phenotypic differences remain poorly understood. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is a powerful model for investigating the genetic regulation of sleep and metabolic function, and screening in inbred fly lines has led to the identification of novel genetic regulators of sleep. Nevertheless, little is known about the contributions of naturally occurring genetic differences to sleep, metabolic phenotypes, and their relationship with geographic or environmental gradients. Here, we quantified sleep and metabolic phenotypes in 24 D. melanogaster populations collected from unique geographic localities. These studies reveal remarkable diversity in sleep, starvation resistance, and energy stores. We found that increased sleep duration is strongly associated with proximity to the equator and elevated average annual temperature, suggesting that environmental gradients strongly influence natural variation in sleep. Further, we found variation in metabolic regulation of sleep to be associated with free glucose levels, while starvation resistance associates with glycogen and triglyceride stores. Taken together, these findings reveal robust naturally occurring variation in sleep and metabolic traits in D. melanogaster and suggest that distance from the equator and median temperature is a significant evolutionary factor in sleep regulation and architecture.
Floristic differentiation between mid-seral communities of abandoned charcoal kilns in the forests of the Gargano Promontory (south Italy)

We searched for patterns in species composition and richness of mid-seral communities developed on abandoned charcoal hearths that might be induced by differences in succession progress and forest context. One phytosociological releve was performed on each of the 22 charcoal platforms located in beech (Anemono apenninae-Fagetum) and oak-hornbeam forests (Doronico-Carpinetum). The ratio of forest understorey to non-forest species richness (F/nF) at plot level was used as a proxy for the succession progress. There was a sharp differentiation of plant communities due to their floristic resemblance with the understory vegetation of the forest type in which they were integrated. Nevertheless, these mid-seral communities still contained a number of nitrophilous weeds that were remnants of the preceding pioneer assemblages. A subgroup of communities (integrated in the beech forest) that lacked the non-forest species mentioned above (high F/nF ratio) could be ascribed to a more advanced seral stage. Species richness on charcoal platforms was not related to forest type, but that might be the consequence of the small sample size. Instead, the number of species decreased steadily with increasing F/nF ratio, which is consistent with the predictions emerging from the paradigm of ecological succession. The forest context accounted for most of the observed floristic dissimilarity between these mid-seral communities. Differences in succession progress seem to be traceable through the number of species, which declines towards more mature stages. The observed communities shared probably the same type of pioneer plant assemblage (Alliario-Chaerophylletum temuli) in the preceding seral stage.
Mergers and Acquisitions: A Qualitative Study in the Medical Device Sector

One of the key processes that business leaders are using to grow their organizations is mergers and acquisitions (M&A). As such, the M&As are considered as a critical process with considerable implications for the company’s profitability and growth. Still, between 70 to 90 percent of the M&As deals fail to deliver the expected value to the acquirers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore strategies that industry leaders used to conduct successful M&A processes. The conceptual framework of this study is based on Sarasvathy’s effectuation theory. Eight face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants from a global healthcare company who acted as the company’s presidents or executives and had experience conducting M&As. The data were coded, and themes were emerged using Microsoft Office and NVivo 10 software. Six themes were emerged through data analysis: leadership focus, value creation, integration strategy, the review process, relationship development, and organizational governance. The results of this study could be used to improve leadership strategies when conducting the process of M&A. The implications for positive social change might enhance the stability of the healthcare industry and the individuals who consume healthcare products. Also, this will bring to improved health outcomes, well-being, longevity, and quality of life.
The Effect of Green Transformational Leadership on Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Egypt

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Green Transformational Leadership (GTL) on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) of Information Technology (IT) employees in Egypt. Significant research has been conducted to understand the influence of transformational leadership on various, yet outdated, OCB constructs. Since Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is closely related to OCB, this research looks at the effect of transformational leadership style, from an environmental perceptive on OCB. A simple random sample consisting of 378 IT employees working for Egyptian owned organizations was studied. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were used to test the research hypotheses. The research results show that all GTL dimensions had a significant effect on all OCB dimensions. This paper makes substantial contributions in highlighting the relationships between GTL and OCB. It also adds to the critical and theoretical understandings, essential in developing green leadership styles and OCB.
Exploring the lived experiences of people on Community Correction Orders in Victoria, Australia: Is the opportunity for rehabilitation being realised?

The Community Correction Order, introduced in Victoria, Australia in 2012, provides a sentencing option that enables eligible offenders to serve their sanction in the community, with access to treatment or other rehabilitative activities. This paper contributes to a scant body of research investigating the specific needs of this group, their barriers to inclusion and the extent to which they experience the rehabilitative aspects of Community Correction Orders. It draws on survey data collected from 200 adults (137 men and 63 women) on Community Correction Orders in outer west metropolitan Melbourne and qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews conducted with a sub-set of 20 participants. Long-term unemployment, severe economic hardship, physical and mental health issues, social isolation and troubled personal relationships were common. While participants experienced the punitive aspects of Community Correction Orders, there was limited evidence that they were supported to address key issues that may be predictive of future offending. Support to re/engage in education, training and employment was a key area of unmet need and engagement in other therapeutic programs was low. Opportunities to enhance the rehabilitative potential of Community Correction Orders are discussed, with the paper highlighting that there is a need for rigorous evaluation of community work program activities.
Are all eggs equal? : embryonic development and nutrient metabolism in chicken eggs of different origins

Hatching eggs, supplied to hatcheries are originating from different origins varying in breed, strain, and breeder age. These hatching eggs can be different in size, composition and eggshell properties, which might influence nutrient and O2 availability and consequently could affect embryonic development and nutrient metabolism. The aim of this thesis was therefore 1) to investigate effects of egg origin on nutrient and O2 availability, 2) to investigate effects of egg origins on nutrient metabolism and embryonic development and 3) to investigate consequences of different egg origins on the incubation process and hatching characteristics. In five studies, effects of different egg origins on nutrient and O2 availability, nutrient metabolism, embryo development and hatching characteristics were investigated. The first and second study focused on breeder age and egg size. The third study on breed; broilers and layers. The fourth study on broiler strain and the fifth study on breeder age, strain and eggshell temperature (EST). The overall findings in this thesis suggest that hatching eggs from different origins are not equal in availability of nutrients and O2. Nutrient availability is altered through variation in yolk size, especially by the effects of breeder age and breed. O2 availability is altered by differences in eggshell properties, which is influenced by especially breed and broiler strain. The availability of both nutrients and O2 plays a role on nutrient metabolism measured as embryonic heat production (HP) and consequently on embryonic development. Between incubation day (E) E7 and E14, both nutrient and O2 availability might affect nutrient metabolism as shown in the results of the broiler and layer comparison. Between E14 and hatching, the availability of O2 becomes the most determinant factor for nutrient metabolism and consequently for embryonic development. An increase in EST from 37.8 to 38.9°C from E7 onward resulted in an acceleration of nutrient metabolism and embryonic development until E16, but thereafter a high EST resulted in reduced yolk free body mass development. Embryos with an accelerated metabolic speed at an early stage of incubation, caused by an increased EST, might reach limited O2 availability at a higher magnitude than the embryos at a normal EST. As a result, nutrient metabolism is restricted and embryonic development is depressed. It can be concluded that not only the HP, but also the availability of O2 is crucial to be taken into account for developing incubator temperature. The principle is to obtain an optimal EST, which could maintain the balance between O2 requirement (driven by nutrient metabolism) and O2 availability for a continuing optimal nutrient metabolism to generate sufficient energy for embryonic development throughout incubation.
Assessing the larval niche of Culex pipiens in Chile

Studies of Culicidae in Chile are fragmentary and incomplete hindering the implantation of control measures appropriate to prevent the eventual emergence of diseases such as West Nile fever. The environmental requirements of larvae of Culex pipiens L. in Chile have not been studied, although they are of great interest due to the high latitudinal environmental gradient and the variability of their climate. The aim of this contribution is to study the characteristics of the larval niche of C. pipiens in an environmental gradient in Chile and the variation of populations in urban environments. Culex pipiens was found in biotopes of neutral and basic water; sweet and slightly salty and with an average temperature of 21.05 oC. There appears to be greater plasticity in salinity, conductivity and dissolved solids. A relationship was found between the larval population and climate, with high larval densities in spring and summer. The first niche axis was associated negatively with conductivity, dissolved solids and salinity, revealing that this species prefers clean and sweet water. The second and third axes were positively associated with pH and temperature, respectively, revealing that it prefers slightly basic and warm water.
A NOVEL STEM LEYDIG CELL CULTURE SYSTEM AND ITS USE IN ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF PHTHALATE EXPOSURE ON LEYDIG CELL DEVELOPMENT

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v TABLE OF CONTENTS.vi LIST OF FIGURES.vii LITERATURE REVIEW.1 Leydig Cell Structure and Function.1 Stem Cells . 3 Phthalates.7 Stem Leydig Cell Identification and Classification . 11 Fetal onset of adult disease, the role of the Leydig stem cell and the effects on Leydig cell development and steroidogenesis.17 The adrenal-testis axis and phthalates.22 INTRODUCTION.26 MATERIALS AND METHODS,. 28 Chemicals.28 Animal Studies.29 Isolation and culture of seminiferous tubules from adult testis.29 3Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity.30 Effects of MEHP on tubule-associated stem Leydig cell differentiation.31 Isolation of peritubular and perivascular stem Leydig cells.31 Labeling cell proliferation with Click-iT EdU.32 Effect of phthalate exposure on SLC proliferation.32 Effect of phthalate exposure on SLC differentiation.33
Mafic subvolcanic intrusions from the southern Paraná‐Etendeka Large Igneous Province, Brazil: Insights from geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes

The Early Cretaceous Paraná‐Etendeka Igneous Province is a predominantly tholeiitic sequence of continental flood basalts and silicic magmatism that is intimately associated with the rupture of the western Gondwana. Intrusions of tholeiitic compositions are very common within the province and represent the magmatic plumbing system that fed the lavas at the surface. The investigated dikes are in the southeast of the Paraná Basin, southermost Brazil. The Silica Saturated Olivine Tholeiite (SSOT) dikes show restricted isotopic ranges (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70570 to 0.70585; ɛNdi = −1.01 to −4.49; 206Pb/204Pb = 18.031), with no equivalent low‐Ti magma type in the Paraná Province, but are close to the isotopic ratios of low‐Ti magma types with MgO > 7 wt%, such as Nil Desperandum in the Etendeka Province. The Silica Supersaturated Tholeiite dikes show broader isotopic ranges (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70787 to 0.71336; ɛNdi = −2.51 to −8.65; 206Pb/204Pb = 18.578–19.049), similar to the Gramado magma‐type and Tafelberg magma‐type in the Paraná‐Etendeka Province. This variation may have occurred due to the contamination at the time of magma rise and extrusion. Isotopic modelling showed that the fractional crystallization process and crustal assimilation played an important role from the magma rise through the conduits to the extrusion of the lavas. For the most primitive SSOT dikes, fractional crystallization was the most important factor for the magma evolution. The behaviour of the trace elements revealed that the assimilation of crust rocks with both Palaeoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic ages can be considered.
An Improved Model for Chlorophyll-a Concentration Retrieval in Coastal Waters Based on UAV-Borne Hyperspectral Imagery: A Case Study in Qingdao, China

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is an objective biological indicator, which reflects the nutritional status of coastal waters. However, the turbid coastal waters pose challenges to the application of existing Chl-a remote sensing models of case II waters. Based on the bio-optical models, we analyzed the suppression of coastal total suspended matter (TSM) on the Chl-a optical characteristics and developed an improved model using the imagery from a hyper-spectrometer mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The new model was applied to estimate the spatiotemporal distribution of Chl-a concentration in coastal waters of Qingdao on 17 December 2018, 22 March 2019, and 20 July 2019. Compared with the previous models, the correlation coefficients (R2) of Chl-a concentrations retrieved by the new model and in situ measurements were greatly improved, proving that the new model shows a better performance in retrieving coastal Chl-a concentration. On this basis, the spatiotemporal variations of Chl-a in Qingdao coastal waters were analyzed, showing that the spatial variation is mainly related to the TSM concentration, wind waves, and aquaculture, and the temporal variation is mainly influenced by the sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface salinity (SSS), and human activities.
Artificial selection in guppies: male and female phenotypes produced by inter‐ and intrasexual selection

Inter- and intrasexual selection are often assumed to push phenotypes in similar directions, but this must not always be the case. The current study used two artificial selection treatments in an attempt to disentangle the effects of inter- and intrasexual selection in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata). The first artificial treatment (inter) was maintained by selecting males that were most appealing to prospective females; in the second treatment (intra), only the most dominant males were allowed to reproduce. Male morphology, aggression, and reproductive behaviour, as well as female choice and reproductive behaviour were compared between intra- and inter-treatment. After three generations of artificial selection, inter-males varied more in their orange colouration pattern than did intra-males. This may indicate that male orange colouration is subject to negative frequency dependent selection by means of female choice in the inter-treatment. Females preferred inter-males, regardless of their own selection history. These results question the seldom tested assumption that intra- and intersexual selection reinforce the same characters. The lack of direct benefits for choosing a dominant male are hypothesized to be at the basis of this discrepancy, since male guppies do not defend territories and do not provide resources to mates.
Prevalent Microbes in Domestic Waters of Iwochang Community, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria

Water is an important constituent of the living organism. Although, one of the most abundant resources to man, yet it is source of microbial transfers which serves a potential health problem in many rural communities. An evaluation study was undertaken to evaluate boreholes, wells and river waters from Iwochang community of Akwa Ibom was evaluated for microbial quality identifying the prevalent microbes. The result of the evaluation showed Bacillus spp, Fusarium spp and Penicillum spp to be the most prevalent in the community with 100% occurrence in all samples studied. Analysis also showed more of fungi colonies than bacterial. Boreholes water samples however had more bacterial and fungi than the well water. Comparison with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control and the World Health Organization standard limits indicated most of the borehole samples beyond the microbial standard limits. These waters are potentially unsafe for drinking.