Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
QTL Analysis of Cotton Fiber Quality Using Multiple Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense Backcross Generations

Cotton fiber properties are essential predictors of yarn performance. The suite of fiber quality traits that collectively affect the utility of the fiber for the textile industry include the length, the strength, the fineness and the color. These properties have been shown to be moderately to highly heritable. In an attempt to overcome the limitations of conventional breeding we undertook a marker-assisted selection program aimed at introgressing fiber quality QTLs from Gossypium barbadense L. into G. hirsutum L. We describe the QTL analysis of 11 fiber properties measured on three phenotypic data sets. The three populations studied were the 1st (BC1) and 2nd (BC2 and BC2S1) backcross generations derived from the cross between 'Guazuncho 2', G. hirsutum, and 'VHS', G. barbadense. Collectively we detected 80 QTLs, of which 50 surpassed the permutation-based LOD thresholds (3.2-5.7). The most economically important traits, length (two correlated properties), strength, fineness (four properties), and color (two properties) were influenced by 15, 12, 21, and 16 QTLs, respectively, that could be detected in one or more populations. As expected, for the majority of QTLs, the favorable alleles came from the G. barbadense parent. Altogether one third (26) of the QTLs confirmed the map position and phenotypic effect of QTLs reported in the literature also detected in interspecific G. hirsutum X G. barbadense populations. Cases of colocalization of QTLs for different traits were more frequent than isolated positioning. Taking these QTL-rich chromosomal regions into consideration, 19 regions on 15 different chromosomes, were identified as target regions for the marker-assisted introgression strategy. (Resume d'auteur)
Fault Diagnosis under Variable Working Conditions Based on STFT and Transfer Deep Residual Network

Fault diagnosis plays a very important role in ensuring the safe and reliable operations of machines. Currently, the deep learning-based fault diagnosis is attracting increasing attention. However, fault diagnosis under variable working conditions has been a significant challenge due to the domain discrepancy problem. This problem is also unavoidable in deep learning-based fault diagnosis methods. This paper contributes to the ongoing investigation by proposing a new approach for the fault diagnosis under variable working conditions based on STFT and transfer deep residual network (TDRN). The STFT was employed to convert vibration signal to time-frequency image as the input of the TDRN. To address the domain discrepancy problem, the TDRN was developed in this paper. Unlike traditional deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) methods, by combining with transfer learning, the TDRN can make a bridge between two different working conditions, thereby using the knowledge learned from a working condition to achieve a high classification accuracy in another working condition. Moreover, since the residual learning is introducing, the TDRN can overcome the problems of training difficulty and performance degradation existing in traditional DCNN methods, thus further improving the classification accuracy. Experiments are conducted on the popular CWRU bearing dataset to validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach. The results show that the developed TDRN outperforms those methods without transfer learning and/or residual learning in terms of the accuracy and feature learning ability for the fault diagnosis under variable working conditions.
The structural capital, the innovation and the performance of the industrial SMES

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of the structural capital of SMEs in the capacity of innovation and organizational performance, in the context of an emerging country. ,The sample consisted of 259 industrial SMEs from the province of Cordoba Argentina. The data was analyzed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS–SEM). ,The study provided evidence that acquisition of information and knowledge management, organizational culture and structure, systems and processes have positive and significant effects on the innovation capacity of SMEs. Only the communication and cohesion component did not show positive and significant results on it. It also showed a positive and significant relationship between the capacity for innovation in processes and performance, contributing to the scarce empirical literature in the context of SMEs. ,The research exposes some limitations that uncover a path for the development of future lines of research. In the first place, the work focuses on the use of a single source of information, the consultation at the managerial level of the company, without considering other representative variables to measure the capacity for innovation. Second, the study covered only companies in the industrial sector and country. Future studies should focus on other sectors and countries. ,The results of the study can have important practical implications for the owners and managers of SMEs. The results offer a vision of the dimensions of structural capital that most influence the innovative capacity of the organization. This is especially useful given that in the context of Argentina there is a low level of knowledge and structural capital is key to being more competitive. The managers of SMEs can thus increase the innovative potential of the company and favor the acquisition of information and knowledge and improve its processes and systems to contribute to the development of innovation capabilities to make SMEs more competitive. ,The results obtained can be useful for those responsible for making public policy decisions, since in the knowledge of the economy to maintain a developed state and nation, it is necessary to include as one of the main issues on the national agenda the improvement of intellectual capital of its people to promote the competitiveness of companies. ,The research contributes to the development of intellectual capital literature focused on the generation of innovation and performance in the perspective of SMEs in emerging countries.
Hybrid Modulation Technique With DC-Bus Voltage Control for Multiphase NPC Converters

The article presents a novel carrier-based pulsewidth modulation technique for multiphase neutral point clamped converters. The technique is aimed to actively control the neutral point (NP) potential while supplying the desired set of line-to-line voltages to the load. Standard techniques are either based on the sole common mode voltage injection or on the sole multistep switching mode; contrarily, the proposed algorithm combines these two approaches to take advantage of their main benefits. The technique performs well for each number of phases, for each modulation index, and for each type of load. It can control in closed-loop the NP voltage to any desirable value with a reduced number of switching transitions. The proposed approach has been experimentally validated and compared with other carrier-based algorithms.
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health When COVID-19 will decline in India? Prediction by combination of recovery and case load rate

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. There is sudden need of statistical modeling due to onset of COVID-19 pandemic across the world. But health planning and policy requirements need the estimates of disease problem from clinical data. Objective: The present study aimed to predict the declination of COVID-19 using recovery rate and case load rate on basis of available data from India. Methods: The reported COVID-19 cases in the country were obtained from website (https://datahub.io/core/ covid-19#resource-covid-19_zip/). The con ﬁ rmed cases, recovered cases and deaths were used for estimating recovery rate, case load rate and death rate till June 04, 2020. Results: A total of 216919 con ﬁ rmed cases were reported nationwide in India on June 04, 2020. It is found that the recovery rate increased to 47.99% and case load rate decreased to 49.21%. Death rate is found to be very low 2.80%. Accordingly, coincidence of the di ﬀ erence of case load rate and recovery rate (delta) will reveal a de- clination in expected COVID-19 cases. Conclusion: The epidemic in the country was mainly caused by the movement of people from various foreign countries to India. Lockdown as restricting the migration of population and decision taken by the government to quarantine the population may greatly reduce the risk of continued spread of the epidemic in India. This study predicts that when the case load rate gets lesser than recovery rate, there after COVID-19 patients would be started to decline.
The importance of teacher-student relationships in classrooms with ‘difficult’ students: a multi-level moderation analysis of nine Berlin secondary schools

ABSTRACT Meta-analyses suggest that instructional quality in the classroom and the quality of teacher-student relationships (TSR) predict positive social-emotional and achievement-related outcomes. Psychoanalytic theory asserts that positive teacher-student relationships are particularly important for outcomes in classrooms with more students with severe psychosocial difficulties. Hence, this study tests whether classrooms with more students with severe psychosocial difficulties have better social-emotional and achievement-related outcomes when teachers have been able to establish more positive relationships with their students. Hierarchical linear regression models use nested student survey data from 32 classrooms. Results only partially support the hypothesis and suggest that too many students with psychosocial difficulties might overwhelm even teachers with strong relationship-building skills, leading to detrimental outcomes.
Large scale development of selectively amplified microsatellite polymorphic loci (SAMPL) markers in spruce (Picea)

The spruce (Picea) species are ecologically and economically important in Canada. Highly informative markers with high multiplex ratios are needed to assist spruce genomics, genetics, and breeding programs. Selectively amplified microsatellite polymorphic loci (SAMPL) markers are highly suitable for these programs. We have developed, optimized, and characterized a set of 10 new SAMPL primers in combination with 16 MseI primers and resolved a large number of polymorphic SAMPL markers in spruce. The SAMPL primers were designed from the compound microsatellite repeats found in Norway spruce (Picea abies) and white spruce (Picea glauca). A total of 6313 polymorphic SAMPL makers were produced by 160 SAMPL–MseI primers combinations in eight progeny of a spruce mapping population.
Investigation of swings caused by sudden wind loads during operation of an aerial ladder

In Hungary, as in other countries around the world, intervention firefighting units often use a mechanically operated aerial ladder for high-altitude rescue tasks. The safe operation of the equipment is only possible under strict safety regulations and requires a high level of expertise from the operating staff. During each intervention, extraordinary events such as sudden wind gusts can occur, which can cause extreme overload of the structural members of aerial ladders and have adverse effects on the equipment that can lead to malfunctions and - even worse - to accidents. Therefore it is important to study the consequences of external influences on aerial ladders during operation. The examination was performed on a widely used Magirus M32-L aerial ladder. The reason for choosing this type of aerial ladder is because it has a wide operating range, therefore test results can be a good starting point for other similar equipment as well. In this paper the development of our beam model and the performed finite element simulations are presented. The aim of the research is to develop a model based on geometrical measurement data that is suitable for studying the effects of wind gusts on the ladder structure. With our research, we aim to contribute to the safe operation of aerial ladders and to prevent possible accidents.
Correlation of modified water sorption properties with the decline of storage stability of osmotically-primed seeds of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Abstract Osmotic priming in a polyethylene glycol solution (300 g/kg water) for 48 h resulted in a partial loss of desiccation tolerance for seeds of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek (mung bean). The percentage of germination began to decrease after primed seeds were dried down to water contents less than 0.06 g/g DW. As compared with control seeds, primed mung bean seeds also had poorer storage stability. The decline of storage stability after osmotic priming was correlated with the modifications of seed water sorption properties. Priming significantly increased the amount of water associated with the weak water-binding sites, and reduced the amount of water associated with the strong binding sites and multi-molecular binding sites in seed tissues. The enhancement of molecular mobility in seeds, as a result of such water redistribution, probably accelerates seed deterioration and decreases storage stability.
Comparison of different test day models used for genetic evaluation of Polish Black-and-White cattle.

A single-trait random regression (RR) model was used for a data set of 151,413 test day milk yields of 22,068 cows calving for the first time from 1992 through 1994. The fixed regressions were considered within 32 subclasses of genetic group (defined according to the proportion of HF genes) by age group by season of calving. Two different submodels were used for fixed and random regressions: regression model (RM) and Wilmink model (WM) as well as HYS or HTD fixed effects were incorporated, giving eight different models for comparison. Differences in estimated breeding values (BVs) calculated on the basis of solutions from each of eight RR models indicated that the change of HYS to HTD effect had no significant influence on BVs. Residual variances were reduced by up to 23% when models with HTD effects were used, showing that they accounted for factors specific to each test day much better than did models with HYS. Correlations between BVs from test day models and the national 305d BVs were 0.71-0.79 for sires and were higher for models with HYS effect. Comparison of the correlations between BVs from different test day models indicated that the choice of covariates for random regressions was important. The use of the Wilmink function for those regressions is justified because it is accurate enought and computationally more efficient.
Identification of two loci causing F1 pollen sterility in inter- and intraspecific crosses of rice

F1 sterility, one of the most common post-zygotic reproductive barriers, is frequently observed in both interspecific and intraspecific crosses of rice. Elucidating the genetic and cytological mechanisms of F1 pollen sterility is important to exploit genetic resources and to understand the evolutionary dynamics of post-zygotic reproductive isolation in rice. Here, we report two F1 pollen sterility loci, designated S36 and S25, found in an interspecific cross between O. sativa ssp. japonica (Taichung 65) and O. nivara (IRGC105444), and an intraspecific cross between O. sativa ssp. japonica (Asominori) and ssp. indica (IR24). Genetic analyses revealed that both loci are located on distal end of the short arm of chromosome 12 and that allelic interaction at the heterozygous locus caused the sterility of male gametes carrying the japonica alleles in both cases. Comparison of map positions of S36 and S25 suggested that these two loci might be the same locus. Cytological investigation revealed that abnormality of sterile pollen grains caused by S36 occurred mainly at the late bicellular stage after initiation of starch accumulation. This study would provide the better understanding on the genetic nature and the cytological mechanism of F1 pollen sterility in rice.
Identification of Novel SNPs with Effect on Economic Traits in Uncoupling Protein Gene of Korean Native Chicken

The avian uncoupling protein (avUCP) is a member of the mitochondrial transporter superfamily that uncouples proton entry in the mitochondrial matrix from ATP synthesis. The sequencing analysis method was used to identify nucleotide polymorphisms within the avUCP gene in Korean native chicken (KNC). This study identified ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the avUCP gene. We analyzed the SNPs of the avUCP gene to investigate whether polymorphism in the gene might be responsible for quantitative variations in economic traits in KNC. Three significant polymorphic sites for economic traits were avUCP C+282T (mean body weight, p<0.05), avUCP C+433T (daily percent lay, p<0.05), and avUCP T+1316C (daily percent lay, p<0.05). The frequency of each SNPwas 0.125 (C+282T in avUCP gene exon 1 region), 0.150 (C+433T in avUCP gene intron 1 region), and 0.15 (T+1316C in avUCP gene exon 3 region), respectively. Among the identified SNPs, one pair of SNPs (genotype CC, C+282T and TT, avUCP C+433T) showed the highest daily percent lay (p<0.05) and mean body weight (p<0.05) and the frequency was 0.067. This study of the avUCP gene could be useful for genetic studies of this gene and selection on economic traits for KNC.
Ultraviolet Band Based Underwater Wireless Optical Communication

Ultraviolet band based underwater wireless optical communication Xiaobin Sun Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has attracted increasing interest for data transfer in various underwater activities. However, the complexity of the water environment poses considerable challenges to establish aligned and reliable UWOC links. Therefore, solutions that are capable of relieving the requirements on positioning, acquisition and tracking (PAT) are highly demanded. Different from the conventional blue-green light band utilized in UWOC, ultraviolet (UV) light is featured with low solar background noise, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and good secrecy. The proposed work is directed towards the demonstration and evaluating the feasibility of highspeed NLOS UWOC for easing the strict requirement on alignment, and thus circumvent the issues of scintillation, deep-fading, and complete signal blockage presented in conventional LOS UWOC. This work was first started with the investigation of proper NLOS configurations. Path loss (PL) was chosen as a figure-of-merit for link performance. With the understanding of favorable NLOS UWOC configurations, we established a 377-nm laser-based, the first-of-its-kind NLOS UWOC link. The practicality of such NLOS UWOC links has been further tested in a field trial. Besides the underwater communication links, UV-based NLOS is also appealing to be the link for direct communication across the wavy water-air interface. Investigations for such a direct communication link have been carried out to study data rate, coverage and robustness to the dynamic wave movement, based on the performance of different modulation schemes, including non-return-to-zero (NRZ)-OOK and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Further this study, an in-Red Sea canal field in-situ test has been conducted, showing strong robustness of the system. In addition, an in-diving pool drone-aided real-application deployment has been carried on. The trial results indicate link stability, which alleviates the issues brought about by the misalignment and mobility in harsh environments, paving the way towards real applications.
Effect of diet on the development of the immune system in the BB rat

The incidence of autoimmune diabetes in the BB diabetic-prone (BBdp) rat can be substantially delayed or prevented by replacing cereal-based mixed ingredient (chow) rodent diets with semi-purified (SP) diets differing in protein sources. Replacing a chow diet with a casein-based SP diet early in life reduces the incidence of BB rat diabetes. Feeding soy-based SP diets results in lower diabetes rates than chow but higher than casein. The following study was conducted to determine the effect of early feeding of chow to casein and soy-based SP diets on the development of the immune system in the BB rat. BBdp and non-diabetes prone (BBn) rats were fed a defined chow (NIH) or one of a casein or soy SP diet, to the dams at least one week prior to birth and to the pups of 21-30 days of age. Pups were killed at 15 and 30 days of age and effects of early diet on several immune parameters were determined. At 30 days of age, all chow fed rats were heavier (p<0.05) than the rats of both SP diets. Although the BBdp rats in the chow and soy diet groups were significantly heavier (p<0.05) than BBn rats of the same diet groups, the body weights of casein-fed BBdp and BBn rats were similar. The BBdp animals had a lower (p<0.05) proportion of T cells than BBn rats at 30 days of age. However, the proportion of CD4 and CD8 cells did not differ significantly from BBn for the casein-fed rats. The BBdp animals had poor proliferative responses and their production of IL-2 was unchanged by diet, but the natural killer (NK) activity of the casein-fed rats was reduced (p<0.05) to a level not different from the BBn rats. Diet also altered the immune response of the BBn rats. Feeding a soy-based as compared to a casein-based diet reduced (p<0.05) T cell responses (proliferation and IL-2 production) but increased (p<0.05) parameters of the innate immune system (nitric oxide production and NK cell activity). The findings of this study have important implications in identifying an immune mechanism for dietary effects on the incidence of diabetes in the BB rat and are of potential interest in defining the role of dietary protein source on the development of the immune system.
COMPARAÇÃO DE MÉTODOS PARA EXTRAÇÃO DE DNA NA REAÇÃO EM CADEIA DA POLIMERASE PARA DETECÇÃO DE Salmonella enterica SOROVAR Enteritidis EM PRODUTOS AVÍCOLAS

The identification of Salmonella spp. in food samples by microbiological diagnosis is time consuming, with approximately five different stages, requiring about 120 hours until the final result. The utilization of the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) can reduce this time, but substances present in samples may affect the reaction. The present work aimed to compare DNA extraction by thermic treatment and by the use of cetyltrimethil ammonium bromide (CTAB), in products originated from poultry houses corresponding to raw material (meat meal) and experimentally contaminated drag swabs. Materials obtained from the extractions were submitted to PCR, utilizing a pair of initiator oligonucleotides for amplification of Sdf 1 gene fragments. Comparing the methods of extraction, it was observed that when CTAB was employed, SE was detected in 70% of meat meal and in 80% of drag swabs, while the thermic treatment method yielded positive results in 20% of meat meal and in 40% of drag swabs. SE was detected under both methods utilized for DNA extraction, but the use of CTAB detected a greater number of positive samples, compared with thermal treatment. KEYWORDS: PCR, Salmonella Enteritidis, chicken, DNA extraction, CTAB.