Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigate the effects of non-genetic factors on calving difficulty and stillbirth rate in Holstein Friesian cattle using the CHAID analysis.

A total number of 947 calving records from 613 Holstein Friesian cows raised at a private dairy farm in Kelkit, Turkey, from 2004 to 2006 were used to study the effect of non-genetic factors on calving difficulty and stillbirth rate using CHAID algorithm. The mean calf birth weight was 41.0±0.19 kg. The overall incidence of calving difficulty and stillbirths in the Holstein Friesian herd were 9.1% and 9.4%, respectively. Calf birth weight, birth type and calving season had the greatest impact on calving difficulty. The increase in calf birth weight was associated with a significant increase in calving difficulties (P<0.01). The calving difficulty risk in twins (18.9%) was higher than in singleton calves (5.0%). The main environmental variables affecting the stillbirth rate were parity number, calf birth weight, sex of calf, calving season and calving difficulty. Parity number was statistically the most relevant factor affecting the stillbirth rate, which was also higher in primiparous (18.7%) than in multiparous cows (5.4%). As the calf birth weight increased, a significant increase was also in the stillbirth rate (P<0.01). The stillbirth rate in winter (19.7%) was higher than in other seasons (3.6%) (P<0.01). Calving assistance was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth (P<0.05). As a result, calf birth weight, birth type and calving season had the greatest impact variables on calving difficulty, however, parity, calf birth weight, sex, calving season and calving difficulty were the most effective variables on stillbirth in Holstein Friesian Cattle.
Bidding Agent for Electric Vehicles in Peer-to-Peer Electricity Trading Market considering uncertainty

It is a problem that as the spread of solar power generation expands, the net power demand sharply fluctuates between day and night. The P2P (Peer to Peer) Electricity Market is expected to be a solution when accumulator-users play an important role. In such background, widespread EVs are expected to participate in the P2P market and utilize the battery storage. However, in previous research, only simulation and effect verification under an ideal condition were conducted and no EV bidding agent which works in the real situation was proposed. Therefore, in this paper, a whole system of a robust automatic bidding agent of EV which works in the real situation is proposed, and case studies based on the actual EV driving data were conducted. The results show that even EVs are running irregularly, proposed EV bidding agent was able to realize benefits for EV-users and leveling effect of the power demand through the day.
Heritability of body size in the Chilean blue mussel (Mytilus chilensis Hupé 1854): effects of environment and ageing

Selection, either natural or artificial, induces an inter-generational response only when the trait exhibits additive genetic variation. An index of additive genetic variation is narrow-sense heritability (h2): the ratio between additive genetic variance and phenotypic variance. Here, we present narrow-sense heritabilities for mass and size in the Chilean blue mussel Mytilus chilensis at different ages and in three different populations. We found that h2 changed with age and that maternal-non-additive variance was high, generating relatively low estimates of h2 in most cases. Our results, together with previous studies, suggest that genotype-by-environment interaction does not appear to play a significant role. However, we found that non-additive and common environmental variance are important determinants of phenotypic morphological variation in body size in M. chilensis. Further studies are needed to establish the precise contributions of these sources of variation, to assess the real potential for response to selection.
The so‐called tonic muscle fibre type in cyprinid axial muscle: their morphology and response to endurance exercise training

The morphology and the effect of an endurance training programme on tonic muscle fibres were studied in chub Leuciscus cephalus, by means of histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, electronmicroscopy and morphometry/stereology. Location and distribution, SDH- and mATPase-activity, reaction to an anti-tonic myosin antibody and ultrastructural features of the fibre type were investigated. With regard to training conditions, fibre size was not significantly affected. However, an increase in the volume densities of mitochondria, lipid and myofibrils can be observed, suggesting a training influence on the aerobic capacity of the so-called tonic muscle fibres. Based on the quantitative findings, the fine structure and the response to training, similarities with intermediate muscle fibres and the functional role of these so-called tonic muscle fibres are discussed.
Importance of distribution function selection for hydrothermal time models of seed germination

Summary The germination of a population of seeds was modelled using the concept of hydrotime or hydrothermal time. Typically, a Normal distribution for base water potential (Ψb(g)) was used within these models to relate variation in Ψb(g) to the variation in time to germination of a given fraction of seeds. We sought to examine empirically the validity of this assumption, to compare the fit of alternative distributions and make recommendations for improved germination modelling procedures. Eight statistical distributions (Gumbel, Weibull, Normal, Log-Normal, Logistic, Loglogistic, Inverse Normal and Gamma) were fitted to data for four weed species Hordeum spontaneum, Phalaris minor, Heliotropium europaeum and Raphanus raphanistrum. Methods for incorporating each of these distributions into hydrotime are presented. For three species (H. spontaneum, P. minor and H. europaeum), the Normal distribution gave the worst fit (with AIC values: −124.2, −296.9 and −264.5, respectively) and would lead to biased predictions, whereas the Loglogistic distribution consistently provided the best explanation of Ψb(g) variation in these species (with AIC values: −188.6, −326.2 and −272.1 respectively). All distributions failed to provide an unbiased description of the observed distribution of Ψb(g) in R. raphanistrum. The Normal distribution is not necessarily the best function for base water potential in hydrothermal models and, indeed, may give much more biased predictions than alternative functions. The ‘best’ distribution may vary with species. The distribution of Ψb(g) within a seed sample should therefore be examined and an appropriate equation selected, before using a model to make predictions.
Towards the rose genome sequence and its use in research and breeding

Rose is one of the most economically important ornamental crops worldwide. Rosa sp. can become a model for woody ornamentals. Its genome size is relatively small (560 Mb), its genetic history with ploidy events is well documented, and rose has a short life for a woody plant. Furthermore, different tools are available, including transcriptomic tools, genetic maps and genetic transformation protocols. Rose represents an original model for studying some ornamental traits that cannot be addressed in other model plant species such as Arabidopsis. Some of these traits, such recurrent blooming, flower morphogenesis or scent production and emission, are of economic interest. Different groups involved in rose genetics and genomics gathered to form the ‘Rose Genome Sequence Initiative’. Our objective is to obtain a high quality rose genome sequence of the diploid R. chinensis ‘Old Blush’. One important issue is the high level of heterozygosity of roses. To tackle this issue, different strategies are proposed: production of a haploid and development a high density genetic map to anchor the genome. This genetic map will be developed from a cross between ‘Old Blush’ and R. wichurana. The genotype R. chinensis ‘Old Blush’ will be sequenced using NGS technologies. The data will be assembled and arranged using the high-density map. In order to increase ESTs and to facilitate genome annotation, we have recently produced ESTs from various tissues of ‘Old Blush’ under different conditions. Digital expression (RNA Seq) was obtained from the different tissues and data are available on the following web site (https:// iant.toulouse.inra.fr/plants/rosa/FATAL/). The rose genome sequence will be a great step to help identifying the molecular basis of ornamental traits and also to study genetic diversity and genome evolution in the genus Rosa and in the Rosaceae family
An evaluation of media for the membrane filtration enumeration of Aeromonas from drinking water

Two laboratory‐prepared media (Ampicillin Dextrin Agar, ADA, and Xylose Ampicillin Agar, XAA) were compared with two commercially‐available media (Ryan's Aeromonas Medium and Bile Salt‐Irgasan‐Brilliant Green Agar, BIBA) for the enumeration of Aeromonas spp. from drinking water. Ryan's medium and ADA were superior for both recovery of Aeromonas and selectivity, with 95+% of typical colonies from both media confirming as Aeromonas. Colony characteristics were more consistent on Ryan's medium.
Genuineness Matters in Tourism: A Phenomenology of Filipino Travel Management Students’ Emotional Experiences of Tour Guides’ Verbalized Hospitality during Destination Immersion

ABSTRACT As the popularity of guided tours has become evident in the aspect of tourism activities, the expanding yet ambiguous role of tour guides in the tourism industry gained the attention of scholars globally. While studies have been conducted on tour guides and tourists’ immersion in other countries, few scholars have delved into these topics in the Philippine context. Hence, this phenomenological study aims to describe the emotional experiences of travel management students relative to tour guides’ verbalized hospitality during destination immersion. A robotfoto and semi-structured interviews were utilized to gather data from 15 purposively selected participants at the capital of the Philippines. This naturalist-driven inquiry afforded the development of an interesting conceptualization called the Dimensions of Tourist Guide’s Communication and the Resulting Emotional Experiences for the Tourists Findings from this study may serve as foundations in rapport building with tourists contributing to the improvement of their destination experience as well as basis in initiating efforts to recognize and uplift the status of the tour guides in the country.
Condensed tannins in the genus Leucaena and their nutritional significance for ruminants

Condensed tannin (CT) can dramatically reduce the utilisation of protein in ruminants. However, at low levels ( 0.10). Part of the advantageous effect of L. leucocephala (K636) CTs on the delivery of protein post-rumen may be attributed to their weaker ability to bind protein, especially at abomasal pH. On a g/g basis, purified L. leucocephala (K636) CT had approximately half the binding power of L. pallida (CQ 3439), L. trichandra (CPI 46568), Lotus pedunculatus (cv. Maku) and Acacia aneura CTs at pH 5, and no measurable binding at pH 2.5, in vitro. There was also an indication that L. leucocephala CT was better able to release protein between the abomasum and end of the small intestine than L. pallida (CQ 3439) and Acacia aneura CT. L. leucocephala (K636) may be an example of a forage with a CT fraction that stimulates a better than expected supply of protein to ruminants. However, the authors, and others, have been unable to directly link enhanced protein flow to enhanced N retention. It is postulated that this lack of translation is because gains in protein delivery are offset by enhanced losses of endogenous protein due to interactions between CT and proteolytic enzymes and/or the gut wall distal to the rumen. The data indicate a promising future for L, leucocephala (K636) and L. collinsii (51/88) forage in productive feeding systems for ruminants in the tropics. In contrast, L. pallida (CQ 3439) and L. trichandra (CPI 46568), whose protein availabilities are dramatically inhibited by CT, should not be recognised as valuable protein supplements.
Alveolar Epithelial Cell Line, A549 Cells Inhibit Neutrophil Apoptosis

Though cellular localization at the site of an inflammatory challenge is the critical first step in a neutrophil response, little has been known about the effects of alveolar epithelial cells on the dynamics of neutrophils. To investigate these effects, we used human purified neutrophils incubated with monolayers of human alveolar epithelial cells (A549), quiescent or preactivated with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α for 24 h. Laser scanning cytometry (LSC) was employed to detect nuclear morphological changes and quantitate DNA strand breaks in neutrophils. The experiments revealed that A549 cells inhibited neutrophil apoptosis, and that this inhibitory effect was enhanced when the A549 cells were preactivated with TNF-α for 24 h. These results suggest that alveolar epithelial cells may be potentially able to contribute to promote inflammatory mechanisms by delaying neutrophil apoptosis.
Regulation of resource allocation during reproductive growth in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Heynh

﻿ The abi3-1 mutant causes moderate perturbation of seed metabolism relative to wild-type seeds, so offering a distinct and discrete treatment for use in experiments investigating regulation of allocation between sources and sinks. abi3-1 plants continue to initiate new flowers, and hence siliques, for longer than wild-type plants. Total rates of carbon assimilation in the short-term were the same in both genotypes during early reproductive growth. This rate fell to 50-70 % in wild-type plants during later reproductive growth, but did not change in the mutant, consistent with delayed senescence of cauline leaves in abi3-1 plants. It was found that restriction of carbon and/or nitrogen availability restricted growth in both genotypes, and abolished the mutant phenotype. Specific leaf areas increased under shading and decreased when nitrate was limiting. Reduction in nitrate limitation from 90 to 80 % was considerably less limiting for wild-type plant growth, but remained grossly limiting for abi3-1 plants. In previously non-acclimatised plants of both genotypes, no difference was found in assimilation and allocation of 14 C-radiolabel supplied at 200 ppm CO 2. 800 ppm CO 2 similarly had no effect on the wild-type, but caused abolition or inversion of normal source-sink relationships in abi3-1 plants. A significantly large amount of radiolabel was initially incorporated into starch in all tissues in abi3-1 plants, and later moved into the water soluble fraction in each tissue, most likely as sucrose. It is proposed that resource allocation is regulated by competition for resources between sinks maintaining sucrose concentration gradients in the phloem, and that sucrose is both the transport and signalling molecule in the mechanism described. No difference in concentration of sucrose in tissues was found between genotypes, but it was found that mutant siliques imported [U- 14 C]glucose into siliques significantly more slowly from the phloem than wild-type siliques. In conclusion, abi3-1 seeds may be seen as having reduced capacity for growth which causes stimulation of floral meristem development by feedback of sucrose in the phloem. Silique initiation is thereby prolonged, creating a demand for assimilates that delays cauline leaf senescence.
The Endothelium, Part II: EDHF-Mediated Responses "The Classical Pathway"

ABSTRACT The endothelium controls vascular tone by releasing various vasoactive substances. Additionally, another pathway associated with the hyperpolarization of both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells contributes also to endothelium-dependent relaxations (EDHF-mediated responses). These responses involve an increase in the intracellular Ca₂⁺ concentration of the endothelial cells followed by the opening of Ca₂⁺-activated K⁺ channels of small and intermediate conductances (SKCa and IKCa). These channels show a distinct subcellular distribution, suggesting that their activation could be elicited by distinct stimuli. Following KCa activation, the endothelial hyperpolarization can be conducted to the underlying smooth muscle cells by electrical coupling through myo-endothelial gap junctions. In addition, the potassium efflux can lead to the accumulation of potassium ions in the intercellular space and the subsequent activation of smooth muscle Kir2.1 and/or Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. The hyperpolarization of .
Infection and establishment of Ascochyta anemones in leaves of windflower

Leaf spot, caused by Ascochyta anemones, is one of the major diseases of windflower in China. Histological studies of the artificially inoculated leaf tissues with A. anemones conidia were observed by light and electron microscopy to elucidate the host-pathogen interaction. Conidial germination and germ tube formation began after 4 h of inoculation. Each conidium produced one germ tube which penetrated the host surface. The fungus gain entry of the host by direct penetration of the leaf cuticle, following the formation of appressorium after 12-24 h of inoculation. Most appressoria were formed in the grooves between adjacent epidermal cells. Once the fungus was fully established, it destroyed internal tissues, resulting in diseased lesions on the leaves after 3-6 days of inoculation. Development of leaf spots and fungal pycnidia could be observed on necrotic areas within 7-14 days after inoculation.
STUDIES ON THE PROCESSING OF WHEAT GERM

Processes are described for the controlled treatment of wheat germ with steam or with ethylene dichloride vapours followed by steam. The products are highly palatable and have excellent keeping and baking qualities. The improved quality is associated with the inactivation of proteolytic enzymes, low moisture content, and the removal of odoriferous substances. The treatments destroy a considerable part of the glutathione but do not affect the vitamin E and thiamin content or promote rancidity.To facilitate these studies on processing, a new procedure has been developed for measuring the proteolytic activity of wheat germ, and previous methods have been adapted for the determination of the lipoxidase activity and glutathione content of wheat germ. No relationship is found between the development of off-flavours in wheat germ during storage and the formation of peroxides or lipoxidase activity.
Utilization of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pod husk as fillers for bioplastic from Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed starch with Ethylene Glycol Plasticizer

Bioplastic is environmentally friendly plastic designed to facilitate the degradation of enzymatic reactions of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This research was aimed to obtain the effect of cocoa pod husk addition on mechanical properties of bioplastics included tensile strength, elongation at break, functional group using FT-IR, surface morphology using SEM and biodegradation. Cocoa pod husk is a filler in production of bioplastic research. The production of bioplastic method that used in this research was casting method. Variation of jacfruit seed starch and cocoa pod husk composition ratio were 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2, and 9:1 (w/w) and variation of ethylene glycol were 0,2; 0,25; 0,3; 0,35; and 0,4 (v/w). The best condition of bioplastic was composition ratio of jackfruit seed starch and cocoa pod husk 7:3 on addition of ethylene glycol was 0,2 (v/w) with tensile strength 15,40 MPa, elongation at break 1,24%. From the result of FT-IR analysis indicated O-H group, C-H group, C=O group and C-O group on bioplastics. The result of mechanical properties were supported by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the bioplastic with cocoa pod husk as filler and ethylene glycol as plasticizer have the fracture surfaces were compact. From the result of biodegradation test, bioplastics was completely degradated within 14 days in the soil.
Soil-Root Interface Changes in Sugarcane Plant and Ratoon Crops under Subtropical Conditions: Implications for Dry-Matter Accumulation

Poor sugarcane ratoon yields in the subtropics are responsible for decrease in overall productivity and poor sugar recovery. The present work is an attempt to assess reasons for decline in crop productivity despite providing adequate inputs. The simultaneously initiated plant and ratoon crops were compared for dry-matter accumulation and its distribution pattern in relation to changes in soil-root interface environment. In spite of well-established root system and advanced sprouting and tillering during the formative phase, dry-matter accumulation and nutrient uptake were low in a ratoon crop and were more apparent 120–210 days after planting. This decrease in nutrient uptake was due to declines in soil cation-exchange capacity, nitrate reductase (NR) activity in vivo by 19.4 and 25.9 percent, and increase in percentage leakage by 11.26 percent. These alterations at the soil-root interface in ratoons functioned as barriers for nutrient uptake and affected overall physiological growth and dry-matter accumulation adversely.
Compound Effects of Flood Drivers and Wetland Elevation Correction on Coastal Flood Hazard Assessment

Compound flooding frequently threatens life and assets of people who live in low‐lying coastal regions. Co‐occurrence or sequence of extremes (e.g., high river discharge and extreme coastal water level) is of paramount importance as it may result in flood hazards with potential impacts larger than each extreme in isolation. Here, we use a coupled approach, that is, bivariate statistical analysis linked to hydrodynamic modeling, to quantify compounding effects of flood drivers and generate flood hazard maps near Savannah, Georgia. Also, we integrate wetland elevation correction in digital elevation models to improve hydrodynamic simulations of compound events and hence the accuracy of flood hazard (inundation and velocity) maps. Using statistical measures, we analyze compounding effects of terrestrial/coastal flood drivers and wetland elevation correction on maximum floodwater height (MFH) and velocity (MFV) for 50‐year return period scenarios. In addition, we compare our results to MFH and MFV patterns of Hurricane Matthew that hit the West Atlantic Coasts on October 2016. The statistical measures indicate significant differences among the scenarios, partly explained by wetland elevation correction. Inundation and velocity maps suggest that a proposed composite, that is, synthesis of marginal Q, marginal H, and “AND” scenarios, can lead to the lowest average underestimation of MFH (−0.35 m) and overestimation of MFV (0.20 m/s) within wetland areas. We conclude that a thorough compound flooding assessment should leverage statistical analysis and hydrodynamic modeling of extremes including corrections of coastal digital elevation models.
Are Genetic Threats a Serious Concern in the Conservation of Natural Populations

The conservation of the genetic variability of the indigenous angiosperm community is very essential. A survey of indigenous angiosperm biodiversity of the University of Agriculture Nature Reserve was undertaken. Plants collected were dried, poisoned and mounted on herbarium sheets; proper identification and confirmation in a recognised herbarium were carried out. A total number of one hundred and eighteen (118) plant species belonging to fifty-three families were collected. Of these, ninety-eight are dicotyledons and twenty are monocotyledons. Gramineae is the largest family with nineteen plants followed by Papilionaceae with nine and Euphorbiaceae with eight plants. Shrubs were found to have significantly contributed to the ecosystem with a total of thirty-one species, while twenty-five trees were recorded, herbs thirty, climbers eleven, grasses twenty and sedges one. From this study it is obvious that the Nature Reserve is rich in plant biodiversity. It is commendable therefore, that the University has set aside the nature reserve to protect a representative sample of the vegetation for posterity so that all the indigenous plants may not be lost to the development projects embarked upon by the University.