Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on carcass traits, meat quality and postmortem energy metabolism of finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of creatine monohydrate (CMH) supplementation on meat quality and postmortem energy metabolism of finishing pigs. In total, 48 healthy Duroc–Large White cross castrated male pigs were randomly allocated into two treatments, and fed either a CHM-free basal diet or a basal diet with CMH supplementation (0.8%) for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, six pigs from each treatment were weighed individually and slaughtered. The muscle from longissimus dorsi was collected to evaluate the meat quality and energy metabolism-related parameters. The results showed that CMH supplementation did not affect the loin eye area, back fat depth or dressing percentage (P > 0.05). The muscle pH45 min was higher, whereas drip loss and cooking loss were lower in the CMH supplementation group (P 0.05). These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with CMH during the finishing period in pigs could delay early pH decline and decrease the rate of glycolysis in postmortem longissimus dorsi muscle resulting in a decreased drip loss.
Warmer climates boost cyanobacterial dominance in shallow lakes

Dominance by cyanobacteria hampers human use of lakes and reservoirs worldwide. Previous studies indicate that excessive nutrient loading and warmer conditions promote dominance by cyanobacteria, but evidence from global scale field data has so far been scarce. Our analysis, based on a study of 143 lakes along a latitudinal transect ranging from subarctic Europe to southern South America, shows that although warmer climates do not result in higher overall phytoplankton biomass, the percentage of the total phytoplankton biovolume attributable to cyanobacteria increases steeply with temperature. Our results also reveal that the percent cyanobacteria is greater in lakes with high rates of light absorption. This points to a positive feedback because restriction of light availability is often a consequence of high phytoplankton biovolume, which in turn may be driven by nutrient loading. Our results indicate a synergistic effect of nutrients and climate. The implications are that in a future warmer climate, nutrient concentrations may have to be reduced substantially from present values in many lakes if cyanobacterial dominance is to be controlled.
Shoot δ15N gives a better indication than ion concentration or Δ13C of genotypic differences in the response of durum wheat to salinity.

We compared the performance of different physiological traits that reveal genotypic variations in tolerance to salinity in durum wheat. A set of 114 genotypes was grown in hydroponics for over 3 months. Three conditions: control, moderate (12 dS m-1) and severe (17 dS m-1) salinity, were maintained for nearly 8 weeks before harvest. The genotype biomass in control conditions correlated with the biomass at the two salinity levels. Subsequently, two subsets of 10 genotypes each were selected on the basis of extreme differences in biomass at the two salinity levels while showing relatively similar biomass in control conditions. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C), nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N), and the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and several ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+) were analysed in the two subsets for the three treatments. At 12 dS m-1, K+ concentration, K+/Na+ ratio, Δ13C and δ15N correlated positively and Na+ correlated negatively with shoot biomass. Under control conditions and at 17 dS m-1 no correlation was observed. However, the trait that correlated best with genotypic differences in biomass was δ15N at 12 dS m-1. This trait was the first variable chosen at each of the two salinity levels in a stepwise analysis. We consider the possible mechanisms relating δ15N to biomass and the use of this isotopic signature as a selection trait.
Predation by Tawny owls (Strix aluco) on Bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) and Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus)

During 1954–56 we made a study of the numerical relationships between a population of Tawny owls (Strix aluco) and populations of their main prey species, the Bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) and the Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), in a 48.6-ha area of mainly deciduous woodland near Oxford. The owls were censused by plotting their territorial challenges (hooting), the rodents by the capture-mark-recapture technique. Since the rodents were marked with numbered monel metal leg rings, we were able to recover a proportion of these in the pellets of undigested material cast by the owls. The results for Bank voles, which were the more numerous of the two prey species, indicated that 20–30% of the standing crop was removed by owls in any two-month period. We also made an independent estimate of predation rate from the number of rings recovered from owl pellets in relation to the number of ringed rodents released into the population each two months. This coincided with the limits indicated by the first method for voles (20-30% removed of the standing crop each 2 months). Wood mice were scarcer than Bank voles and were not amenable to satisfactory capturemark-recapture analysis but, when treated on the system of recovery of rings in owl pellets, we found that they were preyed upon relatively more heavily than were the voles. Of the latter 18–46% of the marked animals were recovered in the owl pellets compared with 28–70% of the marked mice. Either the mice were preferred prey or they were more vulnerable to owl predation by reason of their preference for more open habitats.
Grazing refuges, external avoidance of herbivory and plant diversity

Avoidance and tolerance are the two means by which plants cope with herbivores. Avoidances internal to the plant, such as morphology, chemical repellants, thorns, etc., have received considerable attention in the plant-herbivore literature, but relatively little consideration has been given to avoidances external to the plant. We develop a conceptual framework of external plant avoidances of herbivory based on foraging selection impedances (associational avoidances), behavioral impedances (indirect avoidances), and physical impedances (refuges) organized along axes of efficiency, degree of protection, and necessity of tolerance characteristics. Associational avoidances are uncommon for terrestrial mammalian herbivores compared to plant-insect or marine situations. Indirect avoidances mediated through herbivore territoriality, predator avoidance, and other behaviors independent of foraging decisions are probably common in nature, but few have been formally documented. Biotic and geologic refuges providing a physical impedance are the only avoidances shown to have implications for plant biodiversity. This is particularly true for geologic refuges, where there is not a tradeoff between competition and the refuge effect. Small geologic refuges (rock outcrops, cliffs, etc.) are more likely to also positively or negatively alter associated plant microenvironments than large geologic refuges (mesas, islands, etc.). In a survey, 86% of small refuge studies reported positive effects on plant diversity compared to 50% for large refuges. Geologic refuges in more productive environments were more important in protecting diversity than refuges in less productive, semiarid environments, and the effects of protection were greater in communities with short compared to long evolutionary histories of grazing. Other characteristics of refuges such as extent across the landscape and the manner they alter or ameliorate the environment, as well as characteristics of the herbivore such as small or large, generalist or specialist may also determine the effectiveness of refuges, but there are too few studies to assess these factors.
ArchiveGrid

Detailed archival collection descriptions written by archivists Why select this database? • Find information about historical documents. • Learn about the contents of archival collections. • Researchers can find contact information about the archives to arrange a visit to examine materials or order copies. • Genealogists can find links to locations for birth and death records, ship logs, and cemetery records. • Individuals can find the location of family histories and personal papers.
Evidence of ex-dividend trading by investor tax category

This paper investigates the identity of the ex-dividend date traders using the Finnish unique database that records the trades of all investors on the market. We find evidence of two investor groups trading around the ex-dividend date: domestic non-financial investors doing dividend capturing arbitrage and foreign investors together with domestic financial institutions doing mainly the opposite. We report significant deviations from neutral buy probabilities for these investor groups around the ex-dividend date, deviations that are in line with their taxational characteristics. While a part of the trading can be characterized as dividend clientele trading, we also found arbitrage activity by some investors. Evidence of the arbitrage activity being more severe for high-yield stocks was also found. In terms of tax revenues lost, the economic importance of the short-term arbitrage activity seems to be minor.
Behavioral responses of Colorado potato beetle larvae to combinations of temperature and insolation, under field conditions

In short‐term field trials at combinations of ambient temperature (°C) and insolation (W·m−2), larval Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata [Say] [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae]) were observed after their release on the adaxial surface of leaflets on potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. Solanaceae). The larvae either began feeding or moved under the leaflet; mean interval from release to expression of these behaviors (2.9 ± 0.05 min [n = 358]) was independent of air temperature and insolation. Proportion of larvae moving under the leaflet increased logistically with both air temperature and insolation. A 1 W·m−2 change in insolation (P) evoked the same effect on this proportion as a 0.0838 °C change in air temperature (Ta), so the two quantities were combined as T* = Ta + P · 0.0838 °C/(W·m−2), which has units of °C. The proportion of larvae moving under the leaflet increased logistically with T*.
Labia Elongation under African Customary Law: A Violation of Women's Rights?

ABSTRACT This paper examines whether or not the practice of labia elongation violates the rights of women in African cultures that subscribe to such practices. The validity test of African customary law – that is, a custom is only valid if it does not offend public policy, or any laws of a concerned country, or natural justice, good conscience and equity – is seen as the determining factor as to whether labia elongation violates the rights of women. To that extent, the paper highlights the difference between labia elongation and other forms of cultural practices that negatively affect, or even violate, the rights of women. Unlike situations of female circumcision involving partial or complete removal of the external genitalia, or removal of the prepuce (hood) of the clitoris, or full excision of the clitoris, labia minora and labia majora, the case of labia elongation does not involve offensive physical violence against women. The paper argues, therefore, that the practice of labia elongation per se, as customary in many parts of Africa, does not violate the rights of women. Such a practice can, however, offend African customary law and violate the rights of women where a woman is coerced into labia elongation or where she is misled fraudulently or negligently into the practice. Also, the practice of labia elongation can offend African customary law and the rights of women where legal norms of a particular society show that labia elongation is contrary to either public policy, other laws of that jurisdiction, or natural justice, good conscience and equity.
Transplantation of organ cultured fetal pig pancreas in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice and primates (Macaca fascicularis)

Abstract: Xenografts of organ cultured fetal pig pancreas in prediabetic NOD mice can survive for prolonged periods (>20 weeks) in recipients treated with anti‐T cell monoclonal antibodies (MAb) directed against host CD4 and CD3 cell surface molecules. Anti‐CD4 MAb treatment alone is only partly effective and xenograft rejection occurs over a period of many weeks. In diabetic recipients, by contrast, recurrence of autoimmune disease in isografts is rapid (<28 days) despite similar depletion of CD4+ve T cells. In spontaneously diabetic NOD mice immunosuppressed with anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD4 MAbs xenograft function occurs and the recipient's blood glucose levels fall into the pig range. Organ cultured fetal pig pancreas transplanted into cynomolgus monkeys is rapidly but not hyperacutely rejected when azathioprine‐cyclosporin A‐prednisolone immunosuppression is used. Anti‐T‐cell MAb treatment is now being studied in this primate model.
Leaf rust-resistance genes Lr41, Lr42, and Lr43 transferred from triticum tauschii to common wheat

In order to diversify the genetic base of resistance in hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to leaf rust (caused by Puccinia recondita Rob. ex Desm.), five genes for resistance were transferred from the diploid goatgrass T. tauschii (Coss.) Schmal. to hexaploid wheat lines. One of the derived lines, KS90WGRC10, had a very low infection type when inoculated with 23 cultures of P. recondita. The others, KS91WGRC11, KS92WGRC16, U1865, and U1866, had low to intermediate infection types with three cultures
Global staffing

Research on international human resource management (IHRM) has been dominated by the topic of expatriation for many years. Much of this research has focused on parent country nationals (PCNs) as expatriates and particular aspects of the expatriate cycle such as recruitment, pre-departure training, repatriation and the like. Indeed topics surrounding the management of PCN expatriates remain central to research in international human resource management. We however conceptualise the topic of global staffing more broadly than solely concerning issues around PCN expatriates and define the field as: ‘the critical issues faced by multinational corporations with regard to the employment of home, host and third country nationals to fill key positions in their headquarter and subsidiary operations’ (Scullion and Collings 2006, p. 3). Thus, this special issue will explore issues surrounding a wide range of topics in global staffing. Strategic and operational aspects of global staffing are considered in the contributions to the special issue and a common theme of the papers is the recognition that global staffing is a key aspect of the management of human resource management in the MNE. Similarly it is recognised that global staffing is one of the primary HR practices used by MNCs to control and coordinate their spatially dispersed global operations, as managers increasingly realise the importance of HR practices in ensuring the profitability and viability of their international business operations (Dowling and Welch 1988; Dowling, Festing and Engle 2008). The leading edge contributions in this special issue provide both a comprehensive overview of the area and consider emerging topics which will shape the area of global staffing research over the next decade. Therefore the special issue aims to provide a platform for how we develop our understanding and knowledge of important issues in global staffing in the future. The area of global staffing has grown considerably in the last decade reflecting the rapid transformation in the field of international HRM research more generally (Scullion, Collings and Gunnigle 2007; Dowling et al. 2008). While growing in size the topic of global staffing has also expanded in scope shifting from an early focus on the topic areas of top management attitudes and staffing decisions in MNEs (Perlmutter 1969; Heenan and Perlmutter 1979; Edstrom and Galbraith 1977) and expatriate performance to a much wider range of issues where staffing issues are increasingly linked to the organisational strategy of the MNE (Taylor, Beechler and Napier 1996). Drawing on the emerging body of strategic international HRM literature which builds on developments in strategy and organisational research (e.g. Schuler, Dowling and De Cieri 1993) scholars have recently developed comprehensive models of factors influencing the staffing policies and practices in MNEs (e.g. Tarique, Schuler and Gong 2006; Gong 2003).
Residual Effects of Long-Term Nitrogen Fertilization on Nitrogen Availability to Corn

Long-term use of N fertilizer in continuous corn (Zea mays L.) is a common practice in the Corn Belt of the USA, but little information is available on the residual effects of this pratice. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of long-term N fertilizer use on subsequent N response and the implications of these effects on N availability and management recommendations. Three long-term N fertilizer treatments (LTN1, LTN2, and LTN3) were applied to a continuous corn study from 1958 to 1983 on a Plano silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudoll) in Wisconsin (.)
Effective Condition for Purification of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes by Nitric Acid

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized on Fe-Ni bimetallic catalysts supported by MgO using thermal chemical vapor deposition. A comparative study on the effect of nitric acid molarity and time duration of acid treatment on purification of multi-walled nanotubes was done. The studies revealed that for finding a suitable condition for purification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, it is necessary to determine suitable molarity of acid and immersion time of the carbon nanotubes. It was found that 5 M of boiling nitric acid at 3 h leads to the highest removal of the impurities with the least destructive effect. Various analytical techniques such as: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transition electron microscopy (HRTEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy techniques were employed to investigate the morphology, graphitization and quality of the carbon nanotubes.
Growth hormone secretagogues

Growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) are synthetically produced peptides and non-peptides that stimulate growth hormone (GH) release by acting on one or more specific receptors. Treatment with GH itself is established in GH deficient children and adults and may also be useful in frail, elderly adults, in abdominally/viscerally obese subjects, in patients with congestive heart failure and in patients suffering from nitrogen-wasting catabolic disease. In these conditions, the newly developed class of orally-active GHSs may be attractive alternatives to sc. GH injections. This review focuses on recently patented GHSs and their claimed indications, however, other GHSs and their possible uses have also been included.
Some Observations on the Relationship between Cell Division and Cell Determination in the Epidermis of the Developing Leaf of Corn (Zea mays)

The relationship of cell division and cell elongation in the epidermis of leaves of Zea mays at increasing plastochron index (PI) has been followed. There is a correlation of elongation and cell division in epidermal cells of leaves with PI < 6. Above this PI, the processes of division and elongation are increasingly separated in time. Stomatal complexes develop between PI 3.5 and PI 5.6 in all the varieties observed. The pattern of differentiation is similar to that described in other monocotyledons. Sensitive staining for potassium shows that one of the earliest events in the differentiation of presumptive stomatal guard mother cells is the development of the potassium pump associated with stomatal movement. This is found at PIs as low as 3.2
The study of HRM in Spain: the Americanization of Spanish research and the politics of denial?

The study of HRM in Spain is flourishing. We have seen the major international journals begin to reflect the work of Spanish academics in this area. The standard is high and the international network of Spanish scholars is increasingly developed. This paper attempts to review the work that is published in English and to see how Spanish HRM systems are represented externally. It tries to locate the discussion of the HRM research in Spain within its academic and social context. The authors argue that there are some characteristics marking this debate and development, which suggest that the study of HRM in Spain is hugely Americanized in terms of methods and content. The lack of synergies with sociology and political economy are evident. Moreover, the shortage of rigorous qualitative research, apart from that on employment relations and the sociology of work, raise some serious issues. The manner in which a discourse of HRM in Spain has evolved leaves many questions and issues unaddressed. While evaluating what we believe to be a relevant selection from HRM publications on Spain in English by Spanish authors in the last 15 years we do not attempt to present them all here. Instead, we try to isolate some representative articles. In sum, the paper aims to fill a gap in the Spanish HRM literature by studying the main debates, the research issues that are given priority and the methodological options. As a conclusion, we can say that it is necessary to encourage academic discussions regarding the features of the management of HR in Spain. In this sense it should be noted that the mainstream HRM approaches formulated in American Business Schools do not necessarily fit within the Spanish context.
Behavioural responses to predator chemical cues and local variation in antipredator performance in Rana temporaria tadpoles

Antipredator behaviour is an important factor influencing survival probability of prey animals, and it may evolve rapidly as a response to changes in predator regime. I studied antipredator behaviour of common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles from three populations that differ in predator regimes. In the first experiment, tadpoles obtained from four natural matings in each population were subjected to chemical cues from either European perch (Perca fluviatilis) or from larvae of the dragonfly Aeshna juncea. Tadpoles decreased their activity in response to both predators, but the spatial behaviour of tadpoles differed between the two predator treatments. In general, there were no differences in behaviours among the populations, but in three out of four studied behaviours there were differences between parentages within the populations suggesting that these behaviours may be genetically determined. The lack of a significant Predator×Population interaction suggests no differences in plastic antipredator behaviour among the populations, while the lack of significant Predator×Parentage interaction suggests no genetic variance within the populations for plastic antipredator behaviour. In the second experiment, tadpoles from the three populations were exposed to predation by a free-ranging A. juncea. In line with the first experiment, there were no differences in survival rate between the populations. R. temporaria tadpoles seem to rely heavily on plastic antipredator behaviour as their main response to predator chemical cues. There was very little indication of local behavioural differentiation and the possible reasons for the lack of divergence among populations are discussed.