Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of true intestinal digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and amino acids of cowpea and silverleaf desmodium forage legumes and Brachystegia spiciformis (musasa) browse legume

True intestinal digestibility of dry matter (DM), rumen-undegraded dietary protein (UDP) and amino acids of cowpea, silverleaf desmodium and Brachystegia spiciformis (musasa) were estimated. The true intestinal digestibility was calculated as the difference between the content of a bag that was preincubated in the rumen for 12, 24 and 48 h and was recovered in the faeces. Significantly higher DM and nitrogen disappearance rate in the rumen, postruminally and throughout the whole tract were found for cowpea than for silverleaf desmodium and musasa. Total amino acids or true nitrogen digestibility values of silverleaf desmodium and musasa tended to be higher than in cowpea. The true digestibilities for the individual amino acids in the different undegraded protein sources showed significant differences. The true intestinal digestibility of DM, nitrogen and amino acids in the mobile bags after 24 h and 48 h of preincubation in the rumen were higher for silverleaf desmodium and musasa, than in cowpea. Musasa and silverleaf desmodium provided little rumen-degradable nitrogen and supplied UDP to the intestines. The UDP supplied postruminally would be used for productive processes such as milk production and growth.
Spatial dynamics and integration within clones of grassland perennials with different growth form

The grassland perennials Beilis perennis and Prunella vulgaris have contrasting genet architectures, ‘phalanx’ (modules tightly aggregated within clones) and ‘guerrilla’ (modules loosely aggregated within clones). Plants of the two species were grown along density gradients in the presence or absence of Lolium perenne. Clonal branching systems were mapped repeatedly and digitized, and changes over time were analysed statistically. Variability in genet size was large in the guerrilla species, due to fast lateral growth and intense competition between genets, but small in the slowly expanding phalanx species. When the experiments were terminated, the distance between modules within genets was similar for the two species in pure stands and in mixtures without Lolium, but in the presence of Lolium, the phalanx species (Beilis) had responded by increased module aggregation and the guerrilla (Prunella) by decreased module aggregation. Genets of the phalanx species showed an integrated response when growing along a density gradient, expanding equally quickly in all directions, whereas in the guerrilla species parts of single genets responded differentially to their immediate environment, expanding more intensely towards lower than towards higher densities of the gradient. The ecological implications of the different growth forms are discussed.
Are adult nonbreeders prudent parents? The kittiwake model

Understanding evolutionary consequences of intermittent breeding (non- breeding in individuals that previously bred) requires investigation of the relationships between adult breeding state and two demographic parameters: survival probability and subsequent breeding probability. One major difficulty raised by comparing the demographic features of breeders and nonbreeders as estimated from capture-recapture data is that breed- ing state is often suspected to influence recapture or resighting probability. We used mul- tistate capture-recapture models to test the hypothesis of equal recapture probabilities for breeding and nonbreeding Kittiwakes and found no evidence of an effect of breeding state on this parameter. The same method was used to test whether reproductive state affects survival probability. Nonbreeding individuals have lower survival rates than breeders. Moreover, nonbreeders have a higher probability of being nonbreeders the following year than do breeders. State-specific survival rates and transition probabilities vary from year to year, but temporal variations of survival and transition probabilities of breeders and nonbreeders are in parallel (on a logit scale). These inferences led us to conclude that nonbreeders tend to be lower quality individuals. The effect of sex was also investigated: males and females do not differ with respect to survival probabilities when reproductive state is taken into account. Similarly, there is no effect of sex on transition probabilities between reproductive states.
Portfolio Distortions Among Institutional Investors: Evidence from China

The behavior of institutional investors often deviates from established personal or social norms; this deviation may reflect either an informational advantage or a psychological bias. In this paper, we investigate the reasons Chinese mutual funds hold lottery-type stocks, which are characterized by low average returns and high risk. We find that funds at the aggregate level do not exhibit a propensity to gamble, but when they do gamble, they earn abnormal returns on lottery-type investments. Gambling-related outperformance is greater among held firms with characteristics that enable fund managers to obtain more informational advantages. Our results suggest that portfolio distortion is driven by the ability of managers to capitalize private information rather than by behavioral bias.
PCR gut analysis reveals that Tenuiphantes tenuis (Araneae: Linyphiidae) is a potentially significant predator of Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in New Zealand pastures

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) gut analysis was conducted on specimens of the introduced spider Tenuiphantes tenuis collected from dairy pasture in Canterbury, New Zealand. PCR primers were specifically designed to amplify a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) from Listronotus bonariensis and revealed that this major pasture pest species is consumed in the field by T. tenuis. The field predation rate of L. bonariensis by T. tenuis was estimated from our PCR results together with published data on the degradation of DNA and the density of T. tenuis in Canterbury pastures. We found that T. tenuis is a potentially significant predator of L. bonariensis in New Zealand pastures.
Effect of leaflet size and number on agronomic and physiological traits of mungbean

SUMMARY The current work was designed to compare 13 agronomic and four physiological traits in mungbean isogenic lines (ILs) with different leaflet sizes and numbers. The IL population was developed from a cross made in 2006 at Kasetsart University, Thailand, between two pure lines (one with five small and the other with seven large leaflets), followed by continuous selfing of the progenies until F6. The resulting four IL families each exhibited seven leaflet types, viz. three normal-sized leaflets per leaf, seven large leaflets, nine large, five small, seven small, nine small or 11 small. A trial was conducted in 2008 to compare the 28 ILs using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The large multiple-leaflet lines gave higher values for seeds/pod, pod size, seed weight, seed yield, leaf area, leaf area index and proportion of light interception, but fewer clusters of pods, branches and pods per plant than the small multiple-leaflet ILs. Seed yield/plant was positively correlated with pods/plant, seeds/pod, mean seed weight, light interception, leaf area and plant height at maturity. Leaflet size showed association with more traits than did leaflet number.
Protection of grapevine pruning wounds from infection by Eutypa lata

Background and Aims: Eutypa dieback is a major threat to the sustainability and productivity of the viticulture industry worldwide. The fungicide benomyl has been the most effective treatment to protect wounds against infection by ascospores of Eutypa lata and to control eutypa dieback. However, because of the withdrawal of benomyl from the market, there is a need to develop alternatives to protect pruning wounds. Methods and Results: Twenty-five compounds were evaluated in laboratory experiments and field trials. A selection of the compounds effective at inhibiting germination and/or mycelial growth in the laboratory were further evaluated in the field. Of the 15 fungicides tested, carbendazim was the most effective in reducing colonisation of pruning wounds by E. lata in the field. Other fungicides, including fluazinam, pyrimethanil and pyraclostrobin, reduced colonisation of wounds by E. lata but require further evaluation at higher concentrations. Physical barriers such as acrylic paint (with or without fungicides) and a commercial tree wound paste formulated with fungicides (Garrison) also protected pruning wounds from infection by E. lata. Conclusions: Fungicides and physical barriers have been identified for the control of eutypa dieback in grapevines. The registration of Bavistin (carbendazim) and Garrison is being sought for use on pruning wounds on grapevines in Australia. Significance of the Study: Protection of pruning wounds is essential for the management of eutypa dieback in grapevines. Identification of alternative methods for disease control will provide significant economic benefits for the grapegrowing industry
Metabolic Responses of Two Contrasting Sorghums to Water‐Deficit Stress

ABSTRACT Water-deficit stress responses in sorghum [ Sor-ghum bicolor (L.) Moench] have been described in the literature as preflowering drought toler-ant (postflowering senescent) or postflowering drought tolerant (preflowering drought sensi-tive). The underlying physiological mechanisms associated with these drought traits remain unclear. It was hypothesized that the preflower-ing drought sensitivity of stay-green lines could be related to reported differences in osmotic potential among stay-green and senescent lines resulting in an inability of the cultivars to either sense or respond the soil drying until the rate of drying is too great for the stay-green lines to compensate. The objective of this study was to measure stress-induced changes in rela-tive water content, abscisic acid (ABA), proline, dhurrin, sucrose, and carbon assimilation dur-ing the onset of water-deficit stress in the pre-flowering drought-tolerant line SC1211–11E and the postflowering drought-tolerant line BTx642 to determine if there were differential responses to the onset of soil drying. In both greenhouse and field studies, it was found that SC1211–11E had lower relative water contents and accumu-lated higher levels of ABA and proline than the BTx642. The SC1211–11E also showed increases in carbon assimilation shortly after the cessa-tion of irrigation that declined with prolonged stress. These results provide new insights into the differential responses of pre and postflower -ing drought-tolerant sorghum lines.USDA-ARS, Cropping Systems Research Lab. , 3810 4th Street, Lub-bock, TX 79415. Mention of a trademark, warranty, proprietary prod-uct, or vendor does not constitute a guarantee by the USDA and does not imply approval or recommendation of the product to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Received 25 April 2014. *Corresponding author (john.burke@ars.usda.gov).
Effect of Pasture Availability on Bait Uptake by Feral Pigs in Australia's Semi-arid Rangelands

Factors that influence bait uptake by feral pigs will determine the efficacy of poisoning and trapping programmes for the control of pigs and have the potential to introduce bias to indices of pig abundance requiring bait consumption. In this study, the influence of pasture availability on uptake of bait trails consisting of soaked wheat by pigs in the semi-arid rangelands of north-western New South Wales was investigated. Percentage uptake of bait trails, pig density and pasture biomass were estimated for six sites along the Paroo River on six occasions: two each when pasture biomass was relatively high, moderate and low. The influence of pasture biomass on the relationship between percentage uptake of bait trails and pig density was examined by linear regression analysis. The analysis demonstrated that increasing pasture biomass significantly reduced the density of pigs corresponding to a given percentage uptake of bait trails, suggesting that, as pasture biomass increased, fewer pigs consumed bait trails andlor the number of bait trails each pig consumed declined. Assuming the former, the effect of increasing pasture biomass on the relationship between percentage uptake of bait trails and pig density indicated that, for every increase in pasture biomass of 100 kg ha-1, the percentage of pigs consuming bait declined by about 10%. The implications of these results for pig control and bias associated with indices of pig abundance requiring bait consumption are discussed.
Estádio sucessional e fatores geográficos como determinantes da similaridade florística entre comunidades florestais no Planalto Atlântico, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Analysis of floristic similarity relationships between plant communities can detect patterns of species occurrence and also explain conditioning factors. Searching for such patterns, floristic similarity relationships among Atlantic Forest sites situated at Ibiuna Plateau, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, were analyzed by multivariate techniques. Twenty one forest fragments and six sites within a continuous Forest Reserve were included in the analyses. Floristic composition and structure of the tree community (minimum dbh 5 cm) were assessed using the point centered quarter method. Two methods were used for multivariate analysis: Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN). Similarity relationships among the study areas were based on the successional stage of the community and also on spatial proximity. The more similar the successional stage of the communities, the higher the floristic similarity between them, especially if the communities are geographically close. A floristic gradient from north to south was observed, suggesting a transition between biomes, since northern indicator species are mostly heliophytes, occurring also in cerrado vegetation and seasonal semideciduous forest, while southern indicator species are mostly typical ombrophilous and climax species from typical dense evergreen Atlantic Forest.
The Effect of Alpha-galactosidase Enzyme with and Without Avizyme 1502 on Performance of Broilers Fed Diets Based on Corn and Soybean Meal

One experiment in wire-floored batteries and two experiments in litter-floor pens were conducted to evaluate the effects of addition of "-galactosidase enzyme to typical corn-soybean meal based diets for broilers. In two experiments, Avizyme 1502 was fed in conjunction with the "-galactosidase enzyme. In formulating test diets, soybean meal was assigned an ME value beginning at 2440 ME kcal/kg and increased on the assumption that the addition of the enzyme would increase the ME of soybean meal by 10, 20, or 30%. In two experiments, the level of supplemental poultry oil remained constant with increases in apparent ME, while in the third the level of supplemental poultry oil was reduced as the assumed ME level of soybean meal was increased. Male chicks of a commercial broiler strain were used in all experiments. Overall, the results of the three experiments suggest little if any improvement in metabolizable energy of SBM as a result of the addition of an exogenous "-galactosidase enzyme, as indicated by evaluation of body weight gain, feed utilization, calorie conversion, or mortality. No improvements in the above parameters were noted when Avizyme 1502 was added to the diet, alone or in combination with the "-galactosidase enzyme. At the present time, it does not appear that diets based on corn and SBM of average quality would benefit from supplementation with these enzymes.
Evaluation of antioxidative constituents from thyme

The non-polar fraction of thyme was examined for the occurrence of phenolic components and their antioxidative activity. In addition to carvacrol (II) and thymol (III), p-cymene-2,3-diol (I ; 2,3-dihydroxy-4-isopropyl-1-methyl-benzene) was isolated for the first time from thyme. The structure of I was elucidated using 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13 C NMR, and mass spectrometry. Antioxidative activity was investigated with the Rancimat method (100°C) and the Schaal test (60°C). Compound I exhibited the strongest antioxidative activity which was greater than that of α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxyanisole. Five thyme species were analysed by means of HPLC with electrochemical detection for the concentration of compounds I-III. The highest amounts of I-III were found in Thymus vulgaris L.
Effect of a Granulovirus Larvicide, Madex®, on Egg-Laying of Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Due to Changes in Chemical Signalization on the Apple Leaf Surface

Applications of Madex® (granulovirus) against the codling moth, Cydia pomonella, which targets neonate larvae before or during their initial entry into fruit, provide selective control of this key apple pest. Differences in the efficacy of Madex® treatment against C. pomonella larvae were observed in an experimental orchard in northern Italy on two apple tree cultivars, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Red Chief’. The intensity of egg-laying by the moth may vary from one cultivar to another. The composition of a metabolite blend on the leaf surface consisting of glucose, fructose, sucrose, sorbitol, quebrachitol and myo-inositol is one of the factors that could explain these variations. Our hypothesis was therefore that variations in the efficacy of Madex® could be related to variations in egg numbers, itself related to the composition of metabolites on the leaf surface of each cultivar. Differences in egg-laying (number and localization) were recorded on the two cultivars, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Red Chief’, untreated or treated with the larvicide. Madex® had the same efficacy on both cultivars in terms of the reduction of fruit damage due to larval feeding. Surprisingly, the effect of Madex® on reducing damage seemed less tied to a lethal effect of the larvicide on the larvae than to egg-laying reduction, the latter being linked to changes in chemical signals of the leaf surface induced by applications of Madex®. This observation was verified by experiments on egg-laying on an artificial substrate. When the active metabolite blends mimicking the corymb leaf surface compositions of each cultivar (untreated and treated with Madex®) were applied to nylon cloth egg-laying substrates, significant reductions in acceptance (% of egg-laying females) and egg-laying stimulation (number of eggs per egg-laying female) were observed. The reduction of eggs on ‘Red Chief’ could be primarily explained by a drastic effect on egg-laying stimulation, whereas the reduction on ‘Golden Delicious’ was partly due to a lower acceptance. The number of eggs laid naturally differs from one apple tree cultivar to another. The effects of reduced egg-laying caused by applications of Madex® were due to biochemical changes in surface blends, depending on the cultivar.
How the asymptomatic population is influencing the COVID-19 outbreak in India?

According to the current perception, symptomatic, presymptomatic, and asymptomatic infectious persons can infect the healthy population susceptible to the SARS-Cov-2. More importantly, various reports indicate that the number of asymptomatic cases can be several-fold higher than the reported symptomatic cases. In this article, we take the reported cases in India and various states within the country as the specimen to understand the progression of the COVID-19. Employing a modified SEIRD model, we predict the spread of COVID-19 by the symptomatic as well as asymptomatic infectious population. Considering reported infection primarily due to symptomatic we compare the model predicted results with the available data to estimate the dynamics of the asymptomatically infected population. Our data indicate that in the absence of the asymptomatic infectious population, the number of symptomatic cases would have been much less. Therefore, the current progress of the symptomatic infection can be reduced by quarantining the asymptomatically infectious population via extensive or random testing. This study is motivated strictly towards academic pursuit; this theoretical investigation is not meant for influencing policy decisions or public health practices.
Shape derivatives for the penalty formulation of contact problems with Tresca friction

In this article, the shape optimization of a linear elastic body subject to frictional (Tresca) contact is investigated. Due to the projection operators involved in the formulation of the contact problem, the solution is not shape differentiable in general. Moreover, shape optimization of the contact zone requires the computation of the gap between the bodies in contact, as well as its shape derivative. Working with directional derivatives, sufficient conditions for shape differentiability are derived. %The problem is addressed in the general framework of two bodies with smooth boundaries. Then, some numerical results, obtained with a gradient descent algorithm based on those shape derivatives, are presented.
Political Arrangement and Endogenous Trade Protection

We endogenize bargaining power between the industry and the government to characterize an endogenous lobby formation and a general form of a protective import tariff in an asymmetric oligopoly. We show that the free-rider problem inevitably emerges in the market. The problem of free riding in the game, if serious, will lower the lobbying-endogenous tariff, with the rate subsequently approaching the welfare-maximizing level. Furthermore, an increase in the lobbying-endogenous tariff decreases social welfare in the game. Notably, welfare-improving trade liberalization occurs if the government removes the lobbying-endogenous tariff and moves toward free trade.
Ultra-long and quite thin coronal loop without significant expansion

Context. Coronal loops are the basic building blocks of the solar corona, which are related to the mass supply and heating of solar plasmas in the corona. However, their fundamental magnetic structures are still not well understood. Most coronal loops do not expand significantly, whereas the diverging magnetic field would have an expansion factor of about 5-10 over one pressure scale height. Aims. In this study, we investigate a unique coronal loop with a roughly constant cross section, it is ultra long and quite thin. A coronal loop model with magnetic helicity is presented to explain the small expansion of the loop width. Methods. This coronal loop was predominantly detectable in the 171 A channel of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA). Then, the local magnetic field line was extrapolated by a Potential-Field-Source-Surface model. Finally, the differential emission measure analysis made from six AIA bandpasses was applied to obtain the thermal properties of this loop. Results. This coronal loop has a projected length of roughly 130 Mm, a width of about 1.5 +(-) 0.5 Mm and a lifetime of around 90 minutes. It follows an open magnetic field line. The cross section expanded very little (i.e., 1.5-2.0) along the loop length during its whole lifetime. This loop has a nearly constant temperature at about 0.7 +(-) 0.2 MK, whereas its density exhibits the typical structure of a stratified atmosphere. Conclusions. We use a thin twisted flux tube theory to construct a model for this non-expanding loop, and find that indeed with sufficient twist a coronal loop can attain equilibrium. However, we can not rule out other possibilities such as footpoint heating by small-scale reconnection, elevated scale height by a steady flow along the loop etc.