Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DETERMINATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF KOMBUCHA BEVERAGE PREPARED WITH SAFFRON

This research aimed to explore the impacts of saffron extract (SE) on composition and sensorial features of kombucha beverage prepared with green tea (GT). For this point, SE was added to GT infusion then fermented at 28±2 °C (120 h). Total acidity of samples prepared with GT (control) and saffron extract added kombucha (SEK) reached to 3.96 and 4.02 g/L, respectively at the end of the fermentation. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the beverages raised in proportion to uncultivated samples. The current findings demonstrated that SE addition to GT infusion resulted with an increment in TPC and TAC. At the end of the fermentation, increase of TPC in control and SEK were determined as 73.51% and 43.85%, respectively. The results revealed that SE addition to GT for kombucha fermentation provided enhanced nutritional properties as well as improving functional and sensorial attributes of the beverage.
Use of Tephrosia candida and Leucaena leucocephala in mixtures with Panicum maximum as feed for small ruminants

An experiment was conducted to compare the utilization of Tephrosia candida and Leucaena leucocephala in mixtures with Panicum maximum as feed for small ruminants, using the artificial bag technique of feed evaluation. Three West African dwarf (WAD) sheep with rumen cannula were used for the experiment. T. candida was formulated into diets with P. maximum as diets A, B and C while L. leucocephala was formulated into diets with P. maximum as diets D, E and F in the ratio 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 respectively for both legumes. The degradation characteristics indicated L. leucocephala – based diets as being more (P < 0.05) degradable in the rumen than the T. candida – based diets, with diet D having the highest potential degradability (a+b) value.
Bioenergetics and PCB, DDE, and Mercury Dynamics in Lake Ontario Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush): A Model based on Surveillance Data

Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) ingestion rates in a bioenergetics and contaminant dynamics model were estimated directly from contaminant concentrations in lake trout and their prey, rather than from the sum of growth and predicted metabolism. Elimination rates for PCB and DDE, but not for mercury, were dependent on either body mass or lipid content. Concentrations in lake trout responded rapidly to changes in concentration of their prey. This was due primarily to growth dilution and not contaminant elimination, especially for DDE and PCB. Changes in lipid concentrations, therefore, have only minor effects on final concentrations in lake trout, and it is not appropriate to lipid normalize PCB or DDE concentrations when examining trends in whole-body concentrations for this species. Concentrations of PCBs and lipids have declined in lake trout from 1977 to 1988. The drop in PCB concentrations is probably not caused primarily by the lowered lipid concentrations but is the result of either a reduction in .
Rapid Construction of a Linkage Map using High-efficiency Genome Scanning/AFLP and RAPD, Based on an Intraspecific, Doubled-haploid Population of Capsicum annuum

A genetic linkage map of the sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) using an intraspecific doubled-haploid (DH) population was primarily constructed by amplified fragment-length polymorphism (AFLP) using the high efficiency genome scanning (HEGS) system and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Linkage analysis was done using a total of 518 molecular markers that consisted of 382 AFLP, 122 RAPD, 3 RFLP, 7 SCAR and 4 CAPS markers. The linkage groups consisted of 11 large linkage groups (56.7 to 118.5 cM) and 5 small linkage groups (1.8 to 33.1 cM), covering a total distance of 1043.1 cM with an average distance between 224 framework markers of 4.6 cM. AFLP markers could be developed quickly using HEGS, even in an intraspecific DH population in which it is generally difficult to detect polymorphisms in comparison with interspecific crossing populations. The map was constructed essentially in two months. Linkage analysis also provided three AFLP markers and an RAPD marker linked to PMMoV resistance (L3), and an AFLP marker linked to C that was required for expression of pungency. A closer marker linked to C, Plastid-lipid-Associated Protein-simple sequence repeat (PAP-SSR), a microsatellite marker linked to C, was found at a distance of 0.6 cM. We examined the usefulness of PAP-SSR with three species in Capsicum using fragment analysis and nucleotide sequences, many alleles were found at this locus. The results suggested that these markers could be effective in marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs for sweet pepper breeding purposes.
Aquatic ecotoxicology of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda‐cyhalothrin: considerations for higher‐tier aquatic risk assessment†

Preliminary risk characterisation for the pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin identifies potential concerns for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Here we describe additional ecotoxicological studies for lambda-cyhalothrin generated to refine the aquatic risk assessment. These include tests conducted under more realistic exposure conditions (i.e. accounting for the rapid adsorption of lambda-cyhalothrin to sediments), studies on sediment toxicity and bioavailability, tests on a range of fish and invertebrate species in order to characterise sensitivity distributions, and field studies which have examined effects on invertebrate communities and fish populations under semi-natural conditions. Fish are generally less sensitive to lambda-cyhalothrin than are aquatic invertebrates, and fish species tend to be similar to each other in their sensitivities. Adsorption of lambda-cyhalothrin reduces exposure and hence the apparent toxicity of the compound to fish, and under field conditions no adverse effects on fish have been observed even at concentrations approaching the water solubility. For aquatic invertebrates, there is a wider range of sensitivities, with the Crustacea and Insecta predictably being the more sensitive taxa. Again, adsorption reduces the exposure of the chemical, and under field conditions no ecologically adverse effects have been observed at concentrations of c.0·02 μg litre−1. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of laryngeal hemiplegia of thoroughbred racehorses on racing performance and the usefulness of laryngoplasty performed on horses with laryngeal hemiplegia

We evaluated the effect of laryngeal hemiplegia (LH) on racing performance in thoroughbred racehorses as well as the effects of laryngoplasty on racing performance. A total of 294 racehorses (LH group) were diagnosed with LH were analyzed for this study. A total of 294 racehorses (no-LH group) not suffering from LH extracted at random from the Japan Racing Association population were used for comparison of sex and body weight. The epidemiological investigation evaluated relationships between the occurrence of LH and sex, body weight, the number of the horses that were late for the time limit, the rate of the horse that returned to racing after diagnosis, the number of races run, and race results. Evaluations of the effect of laryngoplasty on racing performance were performed on the rate of the horse that returned to racing after laryngoplasty or no-laryngoplasty, the number of races run, and race results. The ration of males or geldings to female in the LH group was higher than it of the no-LH group. Body weight of the LH group was significantly heavy as compared with it of the no-LH group. It became clear that there is a tendency to suffer the male with heavy weight from LH compared with female. In Grade III, the racing performance was significantly lower than Grade I and Grade II. The racing performance of the laryngoplasty group was higher than the no-laryngoplasty group. It became clear that the horses that have severe LH were poor performance, and laryngoplasty was the useful surgical technique for LH treatment.
Habitat variables of the Japanese squirrel identified by regression tree model

ABSTRACT Habitat variables of the Japanese squirrel, Sciurus lis Temminck, were analyzed by the regression tree method based on radio-tracking data. The results suggest that the squirrels tended to use the sites with more walnut trees from July to December, and more evergreen trees in middle layer from January to June for feeding. For nest sites, they tend to use sites with more evergreen trees in the upper layer, preferably having DBH (diameter at breast height) of at least 30 cm. These results are consistent with observations in previous field studies.
kakusan: a computer program to automate the selection of a nucleotide substitution model and the configuration of a mixed model on multilocus data

The application of different substitution models to each gene (a.k.a. mixed model) should be considered in model-based phylogenetic analysis of multigene sequences. However, a single molecular evolution model is still usually applied. There are no computer programs able to conduct model selection for multiple loci at the same time, though several recently developed types of software for phylogenetic inference can handle mixed model. Here, I have developed computer software named ‘kakusan’ that enables us to solve the above problems. Major running steps are briefly described, and an analysis of results with kakusan is compared to that obtained with other program.
Approximation Schemes for a Buyer with Independent Items via Symmetries

We consider a revenue-maximizing seller with $n$ items facing a single buyer. We introduce the notion of $symmetric~menu~complexity$ of a mechanism, which counts the number of distinct options the buyer may purchase, up to permutations of the items. Our main result is that a mechanism of quasi-polynomial symmetric menu complexity suffices to guarantee a $(1-\varepsilon)$-approximation when the buyer is unit-demand over independent items, even when the value distribution is unbounded, and that this mechanism can be found in quasi-polynomial time. Our key technical result is a poly-time, (symmetric) menu-complexity-preserving black-box reduction from achieving a $(1-\varepsilon)$-approximation for unbounded valuations that are subadditive over independent items to achieving a $(1-O(\varepsilon))$-approximation when the values are bounded (and still subadditive over independent items). We further apply this reduction to deduce approximation schemes for a suite of valuation classes beyond our main result. Finally, we show that selling separately (which has exponential menu complexity) can be approximated up to a $(1-\varepsilon)$ factor with a menu of $efficient$-$linear$ $(f(\varepsilon) \cdot n)$ symmetric menu complexity.
Microsatellite development for the endangered Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus Duméril, 1869) using 454 sequencing

Summary The Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) is an endemic species in China. Using 454 sequencing, eight polymorphic tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexanucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated in this study. The raw sequence data from a one-eighth run of 454 sequencings were 38.0 Mbp containing 94 222 reads/sequences. Of 80 microsatellite loci, only eight loci were polymorphic in a population of 30 individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 14 (mean 7.62), and the observed heterozygosities varied between 0.46 and 0.88 (mean 0.74). Cross amplification was tested in congeneric species Acipenser sturio and Acipenser sinensis. These new microsatellite markers will be useful for further studies on genetic variation, parentage analysis, and conservation management for this critically endangered species.
Urban planning as collective, progressive, interrelated and path-dependent decision making

Although there is little dispute that decision is an essential component of planning, the attention paid in the literature for the implications of this fact is still lacking. Drawing from soft decision aid theories, we develop a descriptive model of planning based on multiple partial interlinked decisions and explore its consequences to the understanding of planning and its practice. We argue that, because of cognitive limitations, planners have to deal in a piecemeal manner with many interlinked decisions, progressing slowly towards a more structured view of the problem through successive decisions that differ from each other not so much by the subject area, but by the level of detail. Complexity has to be maintained on acceptable levels, and thus preliminary decisions are made among compound alternatives that synthesize some key aspects of the problem as it is perceived at that moment. The chosen compound alternative acts then as a framework for future activities involving both the enhancing of resolution and the search for alternatives in areas not yet addressed, i.e. in a search for more comprehensiveness of the final product. Although these preliminary decisions may be overruled further down the process, the costly nature of knowledge and consensus building often prevents it from happening, thus rendering planning processes more path-dependent than we usually like to admit. Understanding the evolving sense of the problem and how multiple interlinked decisions occur at different stages of real planning situations may improve the meta-decisions concerning the knowledge and consensus building activities to be carried out.
Estimating browse biomass using multiple regression and plotless density estimates.

We estimated current annual growth (CAG) of woody material on stems of bog birch (Betula gladulosa) and willow (Salix spp.) growing on 4 sites in central British Columbia using 4 single-stem approaches. Three approaches used regression equations of CAG on stem dimensions; 2 of these involved single equations representing all sites, and the other applied separate equations to each site. The fourth approach employed a clip-and-weigh technique. Estimates of similar precision were obtained from the 3 regression approaches, although the single equation based on the common data set gave biased results. The clip-andweigh method provided the most accurate estimates for a given sample size, but may not be the most costefficient at achieving a specific precision level. A regression equation designed to encompass several sites can likely be developed from a smaller sample than several site-specific equations. It is important that sample data for such an equation be selected equitably across all the sites. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 54(1):180-186 Current annual growth of twigs and leaves of woody plants, commonly termed browse (Basile and Hutchings 1966), is an important forage source for cattle and wildlife in British Columbia (McLean 1979). Effective allocation of browse between domestic stock and wild ungulates requires reliable, quantitative inventories. Browse inventories pose complex problems because of highly variable plant physiognomy, life history, and spatial distribution among browse species. Available browse sampling methods range from simple observation of plant presence to accurate delineation of biomass (Telfer 1981), each with inherent strengths and weaknesses relative to specific objectives (Rutherford 1979, Habgood 1985:4-28, Pitt and Schwab 1988). We present single-stem regression equations relating CAG to measurements of stem and canopy dimensions and quality for bog birch and willow on 4 wetland sites. Bias and precision of estimates from equations derived to represent all the sites, using data collected in 2 different ways, are compared to estimates from site-specific equations. Predictions of CAG production (g/m2), derived by combining estimates of mean stem CAG based on the different regression equations with an estimate of stem density based on the corrected-point-distance (CPD) method (Batcheler 1973, 1975), are compared to estimates obtained using a clip-and-weigh approach. Financial support was provided by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment (Fish and Wildlife Branch). L. Larson, Oregon State University, initiated the project and was instrumental in arranging financing.
Yield-independent variation in grain nitrogen and phosphorus concentration among Ethiopian wheats

New semidwarf wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and new land management practices for Vertisols are being introduced in Ethiopia. Our objectives were to (i) determine the variation of N and P content and concentration in the grain and whether these are related to grain yield, (ii) test cultivar response to different fertility levels, and (iii) assess component traits of N and P yield. Five bread wheat cultivars and three durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) cultivars were sown in Exp. 1 at three locations in Ethiopia on two dates. In Exp. 2, seven of these cultivars were grown on a P-deficient soil at four N levels (0, 20.5, 41, 61.5 kg N ha -1 ) and four P levels (0, 10, 20, 30 kg P ha -1 ) ; in Exp. 3, two cultivars were grown in all possible combinations of the same four N and P levels. Grain yields did not differ among cultivars, but significant variations were found for total shoot N and P, grain N and P yield, and grain N and P concentration. Cultivar differences in these traits were fairly consistent across the treatments and were corroborated by Exp. 3. The N and P concentrations in the grain were not related to grain yield (r = 0.36 Ns for N; r = 0.28 Ns for P). There was a positive assodation between grain N and P concentrations in Exp. 1 (r = 0.66; P = 0.07) and in Exp. 2 (r = 0.92; P < 0.01). The N and P grain yields were related to total shoot N and P at maturity (r = 0.99;P < 0.001). However, postanthesis accumulation of N was more dosely related to postanthesis dry matter accumulation (r = 0.84; P < 0.05) than to the postanthesis accumulation of P (r = 0.56 Ns). Total shoot P varied by as much as 50%. Thus, cultivar choice is an important factor determining removal of P from the soil.
The acoustical properties of seven commonly encountered background noises for digital signal processing applications

: We can say that the most common noise sources through the United States are highway/cars, railroad/train, and airport/planes. These common noises and the others behave like a background noise for digital signal processing applications. The problem of reducing or removing noise in signals is very important. The problem has been addressed in many different ways over the years. Background environmental noises degrade the performance of speech-processing systems such as speech coding, speech recognition, and hearing aids. By modifying the processing according to the type of background noise, the performance can be enhanced. This requires classifying different noises. In this paper, we studied seven commonly encountered background noises: subway, highway, inside train, inside car, rain, restaurant, and airport. The acoustical properties, Auto Correlation Function (ACF), energy, and delay are calculated. Our experimental results show significant differences between some types of noises.
Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) Reaction in Fish Liver Exposed to Fungicide Contamination: A Possible Histochemical Biomarker

The present work aimed to study the negative effects of fungicide contamination on the liver of Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Richardson, 1845) by applying the Periodic acid – Schiff reaction (PAS). The fish were treated with increasing and real applicable pesticide concentrations in agricultureprepared according to the guidelines of the producer for a total acute period of 96 hours. Overall, we found that the intensity of the PAS staining increased proportionally with the increasing of the tested fungicide. Based on the obtained results, we consider that the PAS-staining could be successfully applied as a biomarker in toxicological research. In addition, as fungicide studies are in general less compared to the other pesticide groups, we also consider that these results could be used in future risk assessment and monitoring programs, as well as better agricultural activities.
Graphene reinforced carbon fibers

Graphene can substantially enhance the mechanical properties of PAN-derived carbon fibers by minimizing porosity and defects. The superlative strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fibers (CFs) can substantially reduce vehicle weight and improve energy efficiency. However, most CFs are derived from costly polyacrylonitrile (PAN), which limits their widespread adoption in the automotive industry. Extensive efforts to produce CFs from low cost, alternative precursor materials have failed to yield a commercially viable product. Here, we revisit PAN to study its conversion chemistry and microstructure evolution, which might provide clues for the design of low-cost CFs. We demonstrate that a small amount of graphene can minimize porosity/defects and reinforce PAN-based CFs. Our experimental results show that 0.075 weight % graphene-reinforced PAN/graphene composite CFs exhibits 225% increase in strength and 184% enhancement in Young’s modulus compared to PAN CFs. Atomistic ReaxFF and large-scale molecular dynamics simulations jointly elucidate the ability of graphene to modify the microstructure by promoting favorable edge chemistry and polymer chain alignment.
IMPROVEMENT OF FIELD CROPS THROUGH BIOTECHNOLOGY METHODS

The degree of diversity present in a sample of germplasm can be measured in terms of morphology, pedigree, allelic diversity at marker loci, and allelic at genes determining target phenotypes. The environment often influences morphological characters and there may be limited polymorphism in cultivated germplasm. Pedigree information is not available for wild or crop progenitor germplasm, and even within cultivated germplasm, it can be difficult to differentiate between closely related accessions because complete pedigree records are not always available. Allelic diversity based on genes determining key phenotypes currently is not feasible in most crop plants, although the rapidly expanding EST and SNP databases will eventually make this feasible in some germplasm, diversity at marker loci is currently the most feasible strategy for characterizing diversity in wild and cultivated germplasm. Many types of molecular markers have been used to characterize germplasm, with each method differing in principle, application, type and amount of polymorphism detected, and cost and time requirement. These include random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPDs), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLPs), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSRs).
PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVELS OF BULGARIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN RELATIONSHIP TO OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY

The health-related physical fitness of children, alongside overweight and obesity rates, have been shown to be of great interest amongst physical education teachers, sports coaches, scientists, and health practitioners. Physical fitness is a major factor, which can predict the health status in the later phases of children lives. The aim of this study was to assess the health-related physical fitness levels in primary school children, in addition to providing estimates for overweight and obesity for children at this age. This study consisted of 118 primary school children (64 girls and 54 boys from Sofia, Bulgaria) between the ages of 7 and 11. The participants completed the Alpha-Fit health-related physical fitness test battery, which included anthropometric measurements and different tests (handgrip strength, standing long jump, 4x10m shuttle run test, and 20m multistage fitness test). The mean percentile scores of height, weight and BMI in all participants were within the WHO norms. However, the individual BMI assessment showed that 20.3% of all primary school children were ‘overweight’ (BMI > 85th percentile), 8.5% were ‘obese’ (BMI > 97th percentile), and 13.5% were assessed as ‘thin’ (BMI < 15th percentile). The results of this study showed that lower levels of physical fitness are associated with overweight and obesity in primary school children.