Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in composition and palatability traits and relationships between muscle characteristics and palatability in a random sample of pork carcasses.

The effects of a high crude protein (CP) and low lysine/CP ratio with a rice cake “ mochi sweets ” by-product based diet on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, adipocyte size in intramuscular fat, and sensory traits of pork in Duroc finishing pigs were investigated. Fourteen pigs with an average body weight of 66.7 ± 3.3 kg, were assigned to two groups by sex and body weight. There were 7 pigs per pen, 4 gilts and 3 barrows each. The first group which was fed a commercial diet, 15.4% CP and lysine/CP ＝ 0.045, served as the control. The other group was fed a diet with a high CP and low lysine/CP ratio. This diet had a 17.0% CP and a lysine/CP ratio ＝ 0.028. It was denoted as the AB (amino acid balance method) group. The pigs in both groups were fed until the required body weight was reached, which was approximately 116 kg. It was observed that the average daily gain was not significantly different between the groups. Additionally, the carcass traits, including the backfat thickness, carcass grading, and dressing percentage, were observed to be not significantly different between the groups. The intramuscular fat content of the Longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) in the AB group (6.22%) was higher than that of the control group (3.14%) (P ＜ 0.01). In the LM, L* was increased (P ＜ 0.05), “Tenderness” and “Toughness” as TENSIPRESSER TM measurements, of the AB group, were lower than that of the control group (P ＜ 0.01). Regarding the composition of fatty acids of the intramuscular and subcutaneous inner fat, dietary AB caused an increase in the C18 : 1 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in comparison with the control group (P ＜ 0.05). The adipocyte size in the LM of the AB group was larger compared to the control group (P ＜ 0.05). In the sensory evaluation, variable such as the “Initial tenderness” of the AB group ranked higher than that of the control group (P ＜ 0.05). Meanwhile, the “Flavor intensity” and “Off-flavor” parameter of the AB group tended to be lower than that observed for the control group (P ＜ 0.10). In addition, the “Tenderness at mastication”, “Juiciness after chewing 10 times”, and “Sustained juiciness, until swallowing” were not affected by either treatment. In conclusion, an amino acid balanced diet could increase the intramuscular fat content, which is associated with an increase in the C18 : 1, MUFA, and adipocyte size. Additionally, the evaluated diet has an effect on the sensory traits of pork.
Optimization of growth medium for the production of α-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens using response surface methodology

The optimization of nutrient levels for the production of α-amylase by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) based on the 23 factorial central composite design (CCD). This procedure limited the number of actual experiments performed while allowing for possible interactions between three components. RSM was adopted to derive a statistical model for the effect of starch, peptone and yeast extract (YE) on α-amylase production. The P-value of the coefficient for linear effects of starch and YE concentration was <0.0001, suggesting that this was the principal experimental variable, having the greatest effect on the production of α-amylase. The optimal combinations of media constituents for maximum α-amylase production were determined as 12.61 g L−1 starch, 2.83 g L−1 peptone and 1.25 g L−1 YE. The optimization of the medium resulted not only in a 34% higher enzyme activity than unoptimized medium but also in a reduced amount of the required medium constituents. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Um estudo de caso sobre a adaptação de usuários a mudanças de tecnologia da informação

Information Technology (IT) adoption is increasing within organizations that seek to enhance their competitiveness and performance. Besides the great expansion of IT within organizations, the introduction of new technologies creates many consequences (expected and unexpected) in the users’ environment. Such consequences are interpreted and understood in many ways by users, unleashing many varied and complex reactions. This research seeks to answer the following question: how do Brazilian corporate users adapt to IT changes in a Brazilian corporation? In order to answer this question, this work sought to analyze corporate users’ adaptation in the Brazilian context by replicating the Coping Model of Users Adaptation (CMUA). The research conducted was qualitative, exploratory, being applied in a transversal case study in a software development company. Findings corroborate the initial application of the CMUA model, suggesting that the model’s phases of appraisal, primary and secondary, adaptation efforts, results
Modelling life history strategies with capture-recapture data: evolutionary demography of the water skink Eulamprus tympanum

Matrix population models, elasticity analysis and loop analysis can potentially provide powerful techniques for the analysis of life histories. Data from a capture-recapture study on a population of southern highland water skinks (Eulamprus tympanum) were used to construct a matrix population model. Errors in elasticities were calculated by using the parametric bootstrap technique. Elasticity and loop analyses were then conducted to identify the life history stages most important to fitness. The same techniques were used to investigate the relative importance of fast versus slow growth, and rapid versus delayed reproduction. Mature water skinks were long-lived, but there was high immature mortality. The most sensitive life history stage was the subadult stage. It is suggested that life history evolution in E. tympanum may be strongly affected by predation, particularly by birds. Because our population declined over the study, slow growth and delayed reproduction were the optimal life history strategies over this period. Although the techniques of evolutionary demography provide a powerful approach for the analysis of life histories, there are formidable logistical obstacles in gathering enough high-quality data for robust estimates of the critical parameters.
Amino acid sequence of wheat flour arabinogalactan-peptide, identical to part of grain softness protein GSP-1, leads to improved structural model

Katholieke Univ Leuven, Food Chem Lab, B-3001 Louvain, Belgium. Katholieke Univ Leuven, Lab Mol Immunol, B-3000 Louvain, Belgium. Limburgs Univ Ctr, Biomed Res Inst, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium. Oklahoma State Univ, Dept Biochem & Mol Biol, Noble Res Ctr 246, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA.Van den Bulck, K, Katholieke Univ Leuven, Food Chem Lab, Kasteelpk Arenberg 20, B-3001 Louvain, Belgium.
A Partial Life Table of the Cereal Leaf Beetle, Oulema melanopus,in Northern Indiana

The study of the cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopus (L.), (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was conducted in 1966 in 2 oat fields with different population densities in Indiana. The average number of eggs deposited per linear foot of row was 194 in the high-density field and 59 in the low-density field. All the eggs used to assess egg mortality in both study groups were 1 day old on May 20, when the study was begun. In the low-density field egg mortality from all causes was 60.3%. Predation by adults of the lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata (De Geer) and the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville, was the primary biological factor causing egg mortality. The adults and larvae of these 2 coccinellids were also the primary biological agents responsible for larval mortality. Larval mortality from all causes was 72%. Prepupalpupal mortality was 42%. A total mortality of 93.8%, from day-old eggs to newly emerged adults, occurred in the low-density field Adults of the same 2 species of coccinellids were also the primary biological agents responsible for egg mortality in the high-density field. Egg mortality from all causes was 52.2%. Adults and larvae of these 2 coccinellids were the primary biological agents responsible for larval mortality, while rainstorm activity was the major physical factor. Larval mortality from all causes was 58.5%. Prepupal-pupal mortality was 54.5%. The total mortality in the high-density field, from day-old eggs to newly emerged adults, was 91.2%. Additional observations showed that larval mortality late in the season occurred when larval feeding depleted the food supply. Larval mortality caused by rainstorm activity in the high-density field following each of 2 rainstorms was 14.5 and 13.5%, respectively. Mortality of newly emerged adults in the high-density field ran as high as 2.8 per linear foot of row. This mortality was attributed to larval competition for a limited food supply prior to pupation, effects of high soil temperatures and low soil moisture during the pupal period, and lack of an immediate source of food and moisture for the adults upon emergence from pupae.
Notice of Retraction ISL-Induced Differentiation Is Associated with NADPH Oxidase in HL-60 Cells

In our previous study, we have found that the intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) to mediate the monocytic differentiation in leukemia cells (HL-60) induced by isoliquiritigennin(ISL), NADPH oxidase is the main source of reactive oxygen species in the cell. In order to find out the relationship between ISL-induced differentiation and NADPH oxidases, the content of Superoxide anions (O2-) was detected. ISL increased intracellular Superoxide anions (O2-) that was completely inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI and APO. ISL increased NBT reduction ability and the expressions of surface antigens CDllb were completely inhibited by DPI and APO. Our data suggest that NADPH oxidase-mediated generation of ROS is an important contributor to ISL-induced HL-60 cell differentiation.
Biology and trophic interactions of lucerne aphids

Lucerne or alfalfa Medicago sativa is the most important temperate forage legume worldwide. Only one or two varieties of lucerne were grown in the U.S.A. and Australia (the two leading exporters of lucerne) before the late 1950s and late 1970s, respectively. These dates coincided with the arrival of aphid species, which devastated lucerne stands and prompted the development of aphid resistant cultivars. Lucerne-feeding aphids, including bluegreen aphids Acyrthosiphon kondoi, pea aphids Acyrthosiphon pisum, spotted alfalfa aphids Therioaphis trifolii maculata and cowpea aphids Aphis craccivora, however, still present significant risks for the lucerne industry worldwide and account for 25% of global production losses. Moreover, increased production costs, negative environmental effects and emerging aphid resistance to insecticide applications have led to a narrowing of management options against lucerne aphids. Understanding lucerne aphid biology and trophic ecology will be needed to develop future management practices, including biological control. We review and synthesize research on the four lucerne aphid species, focussing on cultivar resistance and their interactions with other organisms, including predators, parasitoids, entomopathogens and bacterial symbionts. The effects of global climate change are considered, with a particular emphasis on the potential for compromised aphid resistance in lucerne cultivars under future climates. We conclude by identifying future research questions and perspectives for the sustainable management of lucerne aphids. These include the characterization of plant secondary metabolites associated with natural enemy recruitment, an understanding of the role of endosymbionts in cultivar resistance and a better comprehension of multi-trophic interactions of lucerne aphids, both with other herbivores and higher trophic groups.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSES IN HABITAT USE: AVAILABILITY INFLUENCES RELATIVE USE IN TRADE-OFF SITUATIONS

Current methods for evaluating habitat selection from animal space-use ob- servations ignore possible interactions between time allocation patterns relative to different resources, their relative abundance, and their spatial arrangements. Habitat selection may occur in situations in which animals experience a trade-off, e.g., between time used foraging in areas with abundant forage but poor protective cover, and time used for resting in areas with good protective cover but low forage abundance. We show how functional responses in habitat use (i.e., change in preference with availability of one of two main habitat types) may be tested. Given radio-telemetry data for a sample of individuals, binomial logit models can be used to regress proportionate use of a habitat type P(u) against the proportion of that habitat available, P(a). Given an appropriate fit to the data by a linear predictor on a logit scale, functional response will be indicated by a estimated slope parameter ? 1, while a slope = 0 will indicate a consistent use as availability changes. Habitat preference is inferred from the logit regression parameters when the fitted value of the proportion of use at a specified proportion of availability, is significantly greater than the proportional availability.
Chromosomal location of genes for stripe rust resistance in spring wheat cultivars Compair, Fielder, Lee, and Lemhi and interactions of aneuploid wheats with races of Puccinia striiformis

The spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivar Lemhi has one gene, and cultivars Lee, Compair, and Fielder have two genes each for resistance to stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis. To determine the chromosomal locations of the genes, the cultivars were crossed with susceptible disomic Chinese Spring and a set of 21 Chinese Spring aneuploids. Monosomic F 1 plants were cytologically determined, grown in a green-house, and self pollinated to produce F 2 seed. F 2 seedlings and their parents were inoculated with selected North American races of P. striiformis. The results confirmed that Yr6 in Fielder is on chromosome 7B and Yr8 in Compair is on chromosome 2D; and they show that YrLem in Lemhi is on chromosome IB, YrLel in Lee is on chromosome 4D, YrLe2 in Lee is on chromosome 6D, YrCom in Compair is on chromosome 5B, and YrFie in Fielder is on chromosome 6D. None of the Lee genes that we detected with North American races is Yr7. We propose official gene designations Yr19 for YrCom, Yr20 for YrFie, Yr21 for YrLem. Yr22 for YrLel, and Yr23 for YrLe2
Effects of temperature and humidity on diseases caused by Phoma medicaginis and Leptosphaerulina trifolixs in lucerne (Medicago sativa)

The post-inoculation temperature and humidity conditions most favourable for development of Phoma black stem and leaf spot (Phoma medicaginis) and Leptosphaerulina leaf spot (Leptosphaerulina trifolii) diseases on lucerne (Medicago sativa) were determined using controlled-environment cabinets. P. medicaginis caused more severe leaf disease at day/night temperatures of 21/16 and 18/13°C compared with 15/10°C; petiole disease was most severe at 21/16°C compared with 18/13°C, and least severe at 15/ 10°C. L. trifolii generally caused more severe leaf disease at 18/13°C compared with 21/16°C or 15/10°C, but the most severe petiole disease occurred at 21/16°C with least at 15/10°C Leaf disease caused by either P. medicaginis or L. trifolii was always more severe with the longest period (168 h) of high-humidity incubation and, generally, increased with increasing periods of high humidity. The severity of petiole disease was much less affected than that of leaf disease by an increase in the period of high-humidity incubation.
From caterpillar to butterfly: a window for looking into students’ ideas about life cycle and life forms of insects

The purpose of this study was a qualitative analysis of high school students’ ideas about life cycle and life forms of the butterfly. For this purpose, open-ended questions and drawing methods were applied to 194 high school students from the ninth to eleventh grades and 14 to 16 years of age in Erzurum, Turkey. Students’ drawings were categorised using a five-level coding framework and the frequencies of drawn external organs (elements) were calculated; open-ended responses were also evaluated and interpreted. The results indicated that many students have a wide range of misconceptions. These misconceptions could be attributed to results of the students’ naive experiences and/or insufficient emphasis of the Turkish primary and secondary biology curriculum on the phenomenon of metamorphosis. Some students were able to identify the morphological structure of a butterfly and caterpillar, but had difficulty classifying them and describing how the transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly works and what this process is. Students used different concepts to define the phenomenon of metamorphosis such as evolution, growing up, development, mutation or adaptation.
Food preferences of a fungal-feeding Aphelenchoides species.

The growth of Aphelenchoides sp. populations was investigated in vitro with 17 different fungal species as food source. Nematode mass cultures were obtained with saprophytic ( Agrocybe , Chaetomium ) and especially with mycorrhizal fungi ( Cenococcum , Hymenoscyphus , Laccaria ). Mitosporic species, like Alternaria , Monocillium or Penicillium , were generally meagre or non-hosts. This poor host suitability is likely due to the release of toxic metabolites (e.g. antibiotics) and/or to morphological differences (e.g., forming of conidiophores) by the fungi. Frequent grazing of nematodes on mycorrhizal mycelia may be of major significance for the establishment and maintenance of mycorrhizal associations in the field. Food preference of Aphelenchoides sp. was tested in choice chamber experiments. Nematodes showed a marked preference for particular fungal species. They changed food source with time, indicating a “mixed diet” selection, probably a strategy to avoid the concentration of toxic metabolites. The attractiveness of a fungus was not necessarily correlated with its suitability as a host. That a poor fungal host can be a strong nematode attractant and influence their spatial distribution in the soil has implications for nematode populations in the field. In Laborexperimenten wurde die Vermehrung des Nematoden Aphelenchoides sp. mit 17 verschiedenen Pilzspezies als Nahrungsgrundlage untersucht. Neben saprophytischen Arten ( Agrocybe , Chaetomium ) eigneten sich insbesondere Mykorrhizapilze ( Cenococcum , Hymenoscyphus , Laccaria ) fur eine Massenvermehrung. Eine schlechte Nahrungsquelle stellten mitosporische Arten, wie Alternaria , Monocillium oder Penicillium , dar. Dies durfte auf toxische Stoffwechselprodukte (z.B., Antibiotika) und/oder auf morphologische Unterschiede (z.B., Sporenbildung) zuruckzufuhren sein. Die gute Vermehrung der Nematoden an Mykorrhizapilzen ist von weitreichender Bedeutung fur das Freiland. Negative Auswirkungen auf die Ausbildung und Funktion von Mykorrhiza im Boden sind zu erwarten. In Nahrungswahlexperimenten zeigte Aphelenchoides sp. eine ausgepragte Praferenz fur bestimmte Pilzarten. Das Wechseln zwischen den einzelnen Pilzspezies weist auf die Bevorzugung von “Mischnahrung” hin. Dies durfte eine Strategie zur Vermeidung von hohen Konzentrationen toxischer Nahrungsbestandteile sein. Praferenz und Nahrungsqualitat standen nur in geringem Zusammenhang. Somit konnen auch Pilze, die eine schlechte Nahrungsquelle darstellen, attraktiv auf Nematoden wirken und deren Verbreitung in Boden und Rhizosphare beeinflussen.
Myricetin, an antioxidant flavonol, is a substrate of polyphenol oxidase

The present study demonstrates the antiradical efficiency of myricetin, a flavonol widely distributed in fruits and vegetables, by testing its ability to react with two different free radicals, ABTS+· and DPPH·. The polyphenolic nature of myricetin led us to consider the possibility of its oxidation by polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The results reported show that myricetin can be oxidised by PPO extracted and partially purified from broad bean seeds. The reaction was followed by recording spectral changes with time, maximal spectral changes being observed at 372 nm. The presence of two isosbestic points (at 274 and 314 nm) suggested that only one absorbing product was formed. The spectral changes were not observed in the absence of PPO. The oxidation rate varied with the pH, reaching its highest value at pH 5.5. The myricetin oxidation rate increased in the presence of SDS, an activing agent of polyphenol oxidase. Maximal activity was obtained at 1.3 mM SDS. The kinetic parameters were also determined: Vm = 1.35 µM min−1, Km = 0.3,mM, Vm/Km = 4.5 × 10−3 min−1. Flavonol oxidation was inhibited by a selective PPO inhibitor such as cinnamic acid (KI = 1 mM). The results reported show that myricetin oxidation was strictly dependent on the presence of polyphenol oxidase. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of in ovo administration of vitamins on post hatch-growth, immunocompetence and blood biochemical profiles of broiler chickens

In ovo administration of vitamins A (105IU), B1 (18μg), B2 (36μg), B6 (35μg) or E (1.4IU) in eggs (600) were carried out on 14 th day of incubation to study post-hatch performance in broiler chickens. Per cent hatchability in vitamins injected eggs ranged from 73.0 to 84.0 compared to 84.0 in un-injected control. Day-old chick weight was lower in vitamin B6 injected eggs. Body weight of male chicks did not differ due to vitamin administration till 28-day post-hatch, however at 14-day female chicks receiving vitamins A, B1, B2 or E injections weighed higher compared t control chicks. At marketable age (42 d) both male and female birds of vitamin B1 or B2 had higher body weight than control birds. Relative weight of bursa was higher in vitamins B1, B2 or E, while thymus weight was higher in vitamins A, B6 or E injected chicks. At 42 nd day post-hatch, humoral immune response (anti SRBC, HA titer) was better in vitamin B1 injected chicks but antibody titer to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine (log 10 titer) was higher in vitamin E injected chicks. Serum glucose level was higher in vitamins A, B2 or E while B2, B6 or E injected chicks had higher serum protein. From the above study it may be concluded that in ovo feeding of vitamin B1 and B2 can improve growth while vitamin A, B1, B6 or E can modulate immunity in broiler chickens.
Comparison of the abundance of pilchard in Cape gannet diet and commercial catches off the Western Cape, South Africa

A hypothesis is presented that, in the absence of quota restrictions, commercial catches of pilchard Sardinops ocellatus in the western Cape and the abundance of pilchard in the diet of Cape gannet Morus capensis obtained at three South African colonies are directly related to pilchard biomass when the latter is low. There were significant correlations (p < 0,05) between the abundance of pilchard in gannet diet at Lambert's Bay and Malgas Island combined, and the total catch and CPUE at annual, though not monthly, time-scales. Trends in levels of correlation are discussed in relation to short-term variability, sampling intensity, statistical chance and the distribution of pilchard. Gannet diet and commercial catches reflect regional, but not local, changes in biomass. The 1983 pilchard year-class was relatively strong. Gannet diet is suggested to be a reliable monitor of the trend in pilchard biomass at low pilchard biomasses, a time at which direct surveys are least reliable.