Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single nucleotide polymorphism-based analysis of the genetic structure of Liangshan pig population

Objective To conserve and utilize the genetic resources of a traditional Chinese indigenous pig breed, Liangshan pig, we assessed the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and genetic distance in this study. Methods We used 50K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip for SNP detection of 139 individuals in the Liangshan Pig Conservation Farm. Results The genetically closed conserved population consisted of five overlapping generations, and the total effective content of the population (Ne) was 15. The whole population was divided into five boar families and one non-boar family. Among them, the effective size of each generation subpopulation continuously decreased. However, the proportion of polymorphic markers (PN) first decreased and then increased. The average genetic distance of these 139 Liangshan pigs was 0.2823±0.0259, and the average genetic distance of the 14 boars was 0.2723±0.0384. Thus, it can be deduced that the genetic distance changed from generation to generation. In the conserved population, 983 runs of homozygosity (ROH) were detected, and the majority of ROH (80%) were within 100 Mb. The inbreeding coefficient calculated based on ROH showed an average value of 0.026 for the whole population. In addition, the inbreeding coefficient of each generation subpopulation initially increased and then decreased. In the pedigree of the whole conserved population, the error rate of paternal information was more than 11.35% while the maternal information was more than 2.13%. Conclusion This molecular study of the population genetic structure of Liangshan pig showed loss of genetic diversity during the closed cross-generation reproduction process. It is necessary to improve the mating plan or introduce new outside blood to ensure long-term preservation of Liangshan pig.
Amaranth as a bread enriching ingredient

Amaranth is a promising raw material for enriching foods with protein, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre, squalene, and other nutrients. However, its varieties differ significantly in composition and properties. The research included two stages. At first, we studied the composition of eight amaranth varieties grown in a collection nursery of Voronezh State Agrarian University. Their composition was a factor that determined their functional use as an enriching ingredient. We found that amaranth grain of the Universal variety could be best used to increase the biological value of foods, whereas the Universal and Valentina varieties could be recommended as multifunctional ingredients. The addition of enriching ingredients into foods, including breads, often leads to changes in their traditional consumer properties. Therefore, our next step was to study changes in the composition of Universal amaranth during extrusion using IR spectroscopy. Also, we assessed the effect of amaranth extrudate on the baking properties of model wheat flour and extrudate mixtures as the main factor of the product’s consumer properties. The results showed a redistribution of moisture between flour gluten proteins and extrudate dietary fibre. We also established amounts of amaranth extrudate needed to ensure the preservation of crumb appearance and structure close to the traditional ones.
Sexual dimorphism of Pteranodon and other pterosaurs, with comments on cranial crests

ABSTRACT Metric data from the large collection of the Late Cretaceous pterosaur Pteranodon are bimodally distributed with a more numerous small size-class and a less numerous large size-class. The size-classes differ in cranial crest and pelvic structure. The small size-class has small cranial crests and deep puboischiadic plates that produce a large pelvic canal, while the large size-class has large cranial crests and shallow puboischiadic plates that produce a small pelvic canal. The difference in pelvic structure suggests that the small size-class is female. The various functions proposed for cranial crests are reviewed, and it is concluded that none can account for the difference in crest size. The conclusion is that the large crests of males are display structures.
Lineage identification of Galápagos tortoises in captivity worldwide

Ex situ conservation strategies may be substantially informed by genetic data, and yet only recently have such approaches been used to facilitate captive population management of endangered species. The Galápagos tortoise Geochelone nigra is an endangered species that has benefited greatly from the application of molecular and population genetic data, but remains vulnerable throughout its range. The geographic and evolutionary origins of 98 tortoises in private collections and zoos on three continents were identified using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and multi‐locus microsatellite genotype data relative to a large database of representative samplings from all extant populations, including historical population allele frequency data for the Geochelone nigra abingdoni taxon on Pinta by way of museum specimens. All but six individuals had mtDNA haplotypes previously sampled, with the novel haplotypes identified as most closely related to robust populations on the islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela. Multi‐locus genotypic assignments corroborated the results obtained from the mtDNA analyses, with 83.7% of individuals consistently assigned to the same locality by both datasets. Overall, the majority of captive unknowns sampled were assigned to the La Caseta Geochelone nigra porteri population, with no fewer than six individuals of hybrid origin detected. Although a purported Pinta individual was revealed to be of Pinzón ancestry, the two females currently housed with Lonesome George exhibited haplotypic and genotypic signatures that indicate that they are among the most appropriate matches for captive breeding. More generally, molecular approaches continue to represent important tools for assessing conservation value, minimizing hybridization and guiding management programs for preserving the distinctiveness of G. nigra taxa in captivity.
Examination of the Biodiesel Production Performances of Natural and Modified Bentonite Heterogeneous Basic Catalysts

Intension of this study is the production of an alternative energy source from rapeseed oil with renewable heterogeneous basic catalysts. Production of biodiesel from biomass has been studied over decades and the positive effects of the heterogeneous basic catalysts on this process are still worth to examine. In the presented study firstly, natural bentonite (BT) was activated by calcination to obtain calcinated bentonite (C-BT). Then Li impregnation experiments were completed, and Li impregnated bentionite (Li-BT) catalyst was prepared. Obtained catalysts were characterized and analysed with FTIR, TGA and SEM/EDS measurements. Measurements showed that Li-BT is a promising catalyst and due to Li impregnation, exchange ability of the surface of the BT increased. Subsequently, they were utilized to the biodiesel production from rapeseed oil process individually and total fatty acid methyl ester yields of the obtained biodiesel were examined by GC-MS measurements. As a result, the best conversion yield was obtained from Li-BT used experiments as 98.80 % besides C-BT revealed with no yield. These studies can be enlarged by the consecutive catalytic experiments in detail. In conclusion, there is no need to use expensive catalysts and petroleum sourced hazardous chemicals to produce renewable energy catalysts.
Role of Cluster Validity Indices in Delineation of Precipitation Regions

The delineation of precipitation regions is to identify homogeneous zones in which the characteristics of the process are statistically similar. The regionalization process has three main components: (i) delineation of regions using clustering algorithms, (ii) determining the optimal number of regions using cluster validity indices (CVIs), and (iii) validation of regions for homogeneity using L-moments ratio test. The identification of the optimal number of clusters will significantly affect the homogeneity of the regions. The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of the various CVIs in identifying the optimal number of clusters, which maximizes the homogeneity of the precipitation regions. The k-means clustering algorithm is adopted to delineate the regions using location-based attributes for two large areas from Canada, namely, the Prairies and the Great Lakes-St Lawrence lowlands (GL-SL) region. The seasonal precipitation data for 55 years (1951–2005) is derived using high-resolution ANUSPLIN gridded point data for Canada. The results indicate that the optimal number of clusters and the regional homogeneity depends on the CVI adopted. Among 42 cluster indices considered, 15 of them outperform in identifying the homogeneous precipitation regions. The Dunn, D e t _ r a t i o and Trace( W − 1 B ) indices found to be the best for all seasons in both the regions.
On-the-Go sourcing: rethinking education and technology

ABSTRACT This article creates a data-driven framework for the previously unframed concept of “on-the-go sourcing” (spontaneous actions anywhere, anytime or anyhow, whereby one instantly retrieves materials using the most accessible tools to obtain information about encountered matters). This framework was extracted from a pool of approximately 600 individuals. Of the 600, 40 were selected and divided into eight focus groups of five respondents each. Twenty-three elementary sub-concepts were identified from the focus group content. Those clusters were sorted into nine concepts and categorised into three principal elements. The first element (strengths) shows on-the-go sourcers as cognitively connected, empowered, curious, efficient, motivated, into actions or non-conformist, turning them into instant retrievers, knowers and appliers. The second element (weaknesses) shows on-the-go sourcing as a syndrome; its symptoms include being cognitively biased, shallow, unfit, overloaded, baseless, unfocused, in a rush or abdicative, cognitively at risk, messy and distracted. The third element (factors) shows on-the-go sourcing as hindered by logistical, personal, technical, temporal, spatial, monetary, preventative and pathological factors, forming socio-cultural, econo-political and medical hindrances. This academic exercise contributes to efforts to theorise human information behaviour, developing an explanatory taxonomy of defining elements and critical features for on-the-go sourcing.
Postfledging Survival and Development of Juvenile Lilac-Crowned Parrots

Abstract We fitted radiotransmitters to 68 lilac-crowned parrot (Amazona finschi) fledglings from 1996 to 2003 to determine the survival and development of juveniles during their first year after leaving the nest. Overall, first-year survival was 73% (CI = 53–94%) and all mortalities occurred within 5 weeks of fledging, with highest mortality in the first week postfledging. Survival varied between years, influencing recruitment of independent young in the population. Nesting lilac-crowned parrots produced 0.70 independent young per egg-laying pair during 1996–2003. Lowest productivity of 0.25 independent young per pair occurred in 2003, with 40% postfledging survival. Juvenile development after fledging was characterized by variations in mobility, distance from the nest, and separation distance between siblings. Mobility and distance of young birds from the nest increased linearly with months postfledging. The first 2–3 weeks after fledging were characterized by low mobility and survival of young parrots, making this the most critical phase postfledging. The dependency period for young parrots extended to 4–5 months postfledging and was characterized by increased mobility and low separation between siblings, as juveniles traveled in family groups. Independence occurred in month 5 and was marked by a significant increase in mobility and separation between siblings, indicating the break-up of family groups. The first weeks after leaving the nest were crucial for survival and highlight the need for secure habitats where fledglings can improve flight and locomotory skills. The 4–5-month dependency of young parrots may be a key period for development, enhancing survival, and establishment in the breeding population. Release programs need to replicate learning and development acquired during the postfledging dependency phase to enhance survival of captive-reared psittacines. Researchers should conduct surveys of parrot group sizes during the dependency period 1–4 months after the end of nesting to provide reliable demographic data on annual recruitment of wild populations.
Salmonellen im Meer

In den letzten Jahren berichtete man verschiedentlich von Salmonellen in Wasserproben der Nord‐ und Ostsee. Salmonellen sind Verursacher gefährlicher bakterieller Gastro‐Intestinal‐Erkrankungen und kommen nur ausnahmsweise außerhalb ihres Wirtes vor, beispielsweise im Fleisch infizierter Tiere oder in verunreinigten Gewässern. Salzwasser wirkt auf nicht‐marine Bakterien abtötend und gilt deshalb als völlig untypischer Lebensraum von Salmonellen.
Influence of queen weight and colony origin on worker response in Solenopsis geminata

Abstract. The influence of weight and colony origin of the queen of Solenopsis geminata (F.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on worker attraction is studied under laboratory conditions. In the first experiment, worker response to individual queens of different weight from the same colony is evaluated. Heavier queens are more attractive than smaller queens to their own workers. In subsequent experiments, the colony origin effect is investigated and worker response to a pair of queens of the same weight from the same or different colonies is compared. When queens are from the same colony, workers do not show a significant preference between queens. However, when queens are from a different colony, workers are significantly more attracted to their own queen than to the foreign queen. Finally, the response of workers to queens of different weight from the same or different colonies is investigated. In both cases, workers are significantly more attracted to a heavier queen than a lighter queen, even if the lighter queen is their own queen. A putative pheromonal component (E)‐6‐(1‐pentenyl)‐2H‐2‐pyranone, is not positively correlated with queen weight.
Nitrogen fixation and nitrate reduction in the root nodules of legumes

Published data on, and hypotheses regarding the effect of NO−3 on functioning of legume root nodules are reviewed. It is concluded that a short-term reversible effect of NO−3 may act via an increased resistance to O2 diffusion in nodules; this is coupled to decreased bacteroid respiration. For longer exposures to NO−3 nodule activity is irreversibly lost, but how this relates to carbohydrate deprivation or NO-2 accumulation is unclear. Complicating factors include denitrification reactions and the interaction of NO−2 with leghaemoglobin.
Basal branching in field pea cultivars and yield-density relationships

The current recommended plant density in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) in western Canada is 88 plants m–2. This rate may exceed the optimum for yield in cultivars with more basal branching than typical. The objective of this research was to determine how the seed yield of pea cultivars differing in basal branching ability responds to changes in plant density. Ten pea cultivars were sown at target plant populations of 10, 30, 90, 120, and 150 plant m–2 for 3 yr at Rosthern and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. At very low plant densities there was greater than a twofold difference in branching potential between cultivars (range 0.85 to 1.99 branches plant–1). Increasing field pea plant density reduced branching by 0.097 branches for each additional plant. The response of yield to plant density differed, as the forage cultivars 40-10 and CDC Sonata reached their potential yield at lower densities, while Courier required higher densities to reach the same proportion of yield. Field pea cultivars with greater basal bra.
GoogleNet CNN Neural Network towards Chest CT-Coronavirus Medical Image Classification

In the end of the year 2019 and the beginning of the year 2020, the world was overwhelmed by a medical pandemic that was not previously seen which is known Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Coronavirus (CoV) is a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) This paper aims to improve the accuracy of detection for CT-Coronavirus images using deep learning for Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) that helps medical staffs for classification chest CT-Coronavirus medical image in early stage Deep learning is successfully used as a tool for machine learning, where the CNNs are capable of automatically extracting and learning features medical image dataset This research retrains GoogleNet CNN architecture over the COVIDCT-Dataset for classification CT-Coronavirus image In this research, COVIDCT-Dataset contains 349 CT images containing clinical findings of COVID-19 The validation accuracy of retraining GoogleNet is 82 14% where elapsed time is 74 min and 37 sec © 2020 Nesreen Alsharman and Ibrahim Jawarneh
Modules or Mean-Fields?

The segregation of neural processing into distinct streams has been interpreted by some as evidence in favour of a modular view of brain function. This implies a set of specialised ‘modules’, each of which performs a specific kind of computation in isolation of other brain systems, before sharing the result of this operation with other modules. In light of a modern understanding of stochastic non-equilibrium systems, like the brain, a simpler and more parsimonious explanation presents itself. Formulating the evolution of a non-equilibrium steady state system in terms of its density dynamics reveals that such systems appear on average to perform a gradient ascent on their steady state density. If this steady state implies a sufficiently sparse conditional independency structure, this endorses a mean-field dynamical formulation. This decomposes the density over all states in a system into the product of marginal probabilities for those states. This factorisation lends the system a modular appearance, in the sense that we can interpret the dynamics of each factor independently. However, the argument here is that it is factorisation, as opposed to modularisation, that gives rise to the functional anatomy of the brain or, indeed, any sentient system. In the following, we briefly overview mean-field theory and its applications to stochastic dynamical systems. We then unpack the consequences of this factorisation through simple numerical simulations and highlight the implications for neuronal message passing and the computational architecture of sentience.
An evaluation of the genetic conditioning of evoking pain.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Pain is an integral element of the pathogenic process and sometimes determines its course. Disorders in pain sensation, as well as its lack, the pain threshold, and variability in sensation of the same pain stimuli as more or less intensive by different persons, may be genetically conditioned. The aim of the study is to examine genes in pathogenesis of chronic pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in a specially selected group of 31 persons: study group - 20 patients with chronic pain, and control group - 11 healthy individuals who did not experience pain. The control group of 11 healthy persons, compared with the study group, was the catalyst for determining the relative quantification (RQ) of gene expression. Biological material in the form of venous blood was collected from the study participants into the tubes containing anticoagulant EDTA KE/2.7 ml (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), preventing extracorporeal blood clotting. RESULTS Analysis of expression of the examined genes showed over-expression of the DRD1 gene in patients experiencing chronic pain, which means that in these patients an increased number of dopamine D1 receptors encoded by this gene should be expected. The dopamine D1 receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor which regulates (stimulates or inhibits) adenyl cyclase - the enzyme responsible for synthesis of cyclic AMP (cAMP). An increase in the concentration of cAMP in neurons enhances the sensation of pain. CONCLUSIONS The genes (DRD1, COMT, OPRK1, HCN2) have a significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain in various diseases; they can also influence the perception of pain. Knowledge of these genes can contribute to the development of effective methods of combating pain.
Dominance and reproductive success in primates

Theoretical models of the relationship between competition and differential reproduction in primates share the premise that agonistic dominance hierarchies determine differential access to those limited resources which are essential to reproduction. In particular, the priority-of-access-to-estrous-female model is based on the postulate that high rank in males enhances reproductive success. Tests for a correlation between rank and reproductive success in males have produced mixed results. Problems in measuring male reproductive success and in conceptualizing dominance systems are implicated in the diversity of conclusions reached. Other attributes which affect reproductive success have been proposed, and alternative models of mating systems, based on the concepts of reproductive strategies, social skills, and life histories have also been developed. Studies of differential reproduction in female primates are fewer, but have the advantage over male studies of directly measuring infant production and offspring survival. Research on the relationship between rank and reproductive success in females has shown that under conditions of low resource availability, subordinate females sometimes suffer reduced fecundity and infant survival as a result of restricted access to food and water. Under conditions of social stress, low-ranking females may suffer from disruption of their reproductive cycles, resulting in lowered fecundity. Dominant females may also incur reproductive costs as well as benefits for their social position. Better insights into the relationship between dominance and reproduction are potentially offered by improved genetic paternity measures, new models of social and demographic processes, and the recent availability of life history data from field studies.
The influence of salinity on oxygen consumption and plasma electrolytes in grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.

Fingerling grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, 90–160 mm t.l. , were acclimated to experimental salinities of < 1 (fresh water), 91, 195 and 317 mOsm/kg. Oxygen consumption rates of fish declined, as salinity increased, from 0.16 mg O2/g-h in fresh water to 0.11 mg O2/g-h at an ambient concentration of 317 mOsm/kg. Plasma electrolytes (Na+ and Cl−1) and total plasma ionic concentrations increased slightly following 10 days of exposure to ambient salinities greater than 195 mOsm/kg. At 317 mOsm/kg fish appeared to lose control of plasma electrolyte concentrations. As the osmotic gradient was reduced between the fish and the external medium it might have become advantageous to the maintenance of the osmotic equilibrium to reduce blood circulation to the gills, thus imposing a reduction in metabolic rate.