bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study of Weaning Traits in Lori-Bakhtiari Sheep
Authors: Almasi Mohammad , Zamani Pouya , Mirhoseini Seyed Ziaeddin , Moradi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Weaning traits, including preweaning daily gain (PWDG) and weaning weight (WW) are important economic traits, especially for meat type mammals, with high impacts on growth performance and survival rate in higher ages. This study was conducted to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on weaning traits in a meat type breed of sheep. Body weight records of 7557 Lori-Bakhtiari sheep with PWDG and WW records were used to estimate breeding values (EBVs) using an animal mixed model. A total of 132 animals were selected by two-tailed selection strategy, based on EBVs for body weight and then were genotyped using Illumina 50k Ovine SNP chip. After quality control, a total of 130 animals and 41323 SNPs were remained for further analyses. De-regressed estimates of breeding values were used as a pseudo-phenotype in GWAS analysis. Based on Bonferroni-adjusted p-values, five SNPs, located on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 12 and 22 were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with weaning traits and accounted for 5.06% and 0.37% of total genetic variations of PWDG and WW, respectively. Two SNPs on chromosomes 2 and 3 were located near to previously reported QTLs for weaning traits. Three genes, including ANGPTL7, mTOR and WDR11, were found within 50 kbp distances from the significant SNPs and thus could be considered as candidate genes for weaning traits. The detected QTLs and candidate genes could be studied for construction of breeding programs for genetic improvement of growth performance in meat type sheep.
The Effects of Fish Feed Supplemented with Azolla Meal on the Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Health Condition of Genetically-Improved Farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Magouz Fawzy I. , Dawood Mahmoud A.O. , Salem Mahmoud F.I. , Mohamed Ayman A.I. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Azolla meal was included in fish feed at different levels (10%, 20%, and 30%) and was fed to genetically-improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) for 90 days. The obtained results demonstrated that the final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate decreased significantly in fish fed 30% Azolla (P<0.05), while tilapia fed 10% and 20% did not differ significantly from those of the control (P>0.05). However, the feed conversion ratio increased significantly in fish fed 30% Azolla (P<0.05), while tilapia fed 10% and 20% did not differ significantly from those of the control (P>0.05). The body proximate analysis, amylase, lipase, protease, blood phagocytic index, and phagocytic and lysozyme activity were not affected by the inclusion of Azolla in tilapia diets and remained similar to those of the control group (P>0.05). The villus length of the foregut was not significantly affected by Azolla inclusion in tilapia diets (P>0.05). In the midgut, the villus length significantly (P<0.05) increased in fish fed Azolla at 20% and 30% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 10% (P>0.05). The villus length significantly (P<0.05) increased in the hind gut in fish fed Azolla at 30 % compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 10% and 20% (P>0.05). The mucosal length of the tilapia foregut significantly (P<0.05) increased in fish fed Azolla at 10% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 20% and 30% (P>0.05). In the foregut and hindgut, the number of goblet cells significantly increased in fish fed Azolla at 3% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 10% and 20% (P>0.05), while in the midgut, the number of goblet cells significantly (P<0.05) increased in fish fed Azolla at 20% and 30% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 10% (P>0.05). Feeding tilapia with Azolla resulted in normal hematological and biochemical functions, with insignificant differences for the measured parameters except for the red blood cell count, which significantly (P<0.05) increased in fish fed Azolla at 20% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 20% and 30%.
Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment of Arable Crop Production Technologies Compared to Different Harvesting Work Systems in Short Rotation Energy Plantations
Authors: Polgár András , Kovács Zoltán , Fodor Veronika Elekné , Bidló András 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) was developed as a tool for sustainable, decision-supporting environmental management. Applying agricultural sector-LCA in order to achieve both internal (comparative) and external (efficiency enhancing) benefits is a priority. Since the life-cycle assessment of products and processes attracts great interest, applying the method in agriculture is relevant. Our study undertakes a comparative environmental life-cycle assessment (LCA) of local arable crop production technologies used for the main cultivated plants: maize, sunflower, lucerne, cereals, and canola (environmental data in the territorial approach calculated on a 1 ha unit and in the quantitative approach calculated on 1 t of produce). We prepared an environmental inventory of the arable crop production technologies, constructed the life-cycle models, and executed the impact assessment. We also compiled an environmental ranking of technologies. In the impact interpretation, we compared the results with the values of short rotation energy plantations in each impact category. We analysed carbon footprints closely. The obtained results help better assess environmental impacts, climate risks, and climate change as they pertain to arable crop production technologies, which advances the selection of appropriate technologies adjusted to environmental sensitivities.
A New Approach for Thermal Resistance Prediction of Different Composition Plain Socks in Wet State (Part 2)
Authors: Mansoor Tariq , Hes Lubos , Bajzik Vladimir 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Socks’ comfort has vast implications in our everyday living. This importance increased when we have undergone an effort of low or high activity. It causes the perspiration of our bodies at different rates. In this study, plain socks with different fiber composition were wetted to a saturated level. Then after successive intervals of conditioning, these socks are characterized by thermal resistance in wet state at different moisture levels. Theoretical thermal resistance is predicted using combined filling coefficients and thermal conductivity of wet polymers instead of dry polymer (fiber) in different models. By this modification, these mathematical models can predict thermal resistance at different moisture levels. Furthermore, predicted thermal resistance has reason able correlation with experimental results in both dry (laboratory conditions moisture) and wet states.
Experimental Study on Dyeing Performance and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticle-Immobilized Cotton Woven Fabric
Authors: Tania Imana Shahrin , Ali Mohammad , Bhuiyan Riyadh Hossen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe purposes of the current research were to deposit the silver nanoparticles on the surface of a textile woven fabric and evaluate their dyeing performance and antibacterial activity. The synthesis of silver nanoparticle (Ag°) is done by the in situ method. Strong alkali is used to improve functionality of cellulose before the application of silver nitrate salt (AgNO3). The silver nanoparticle is formed by reduction of ascorbic acid. Various instrumental analyses are done to prove the formation of nanoparticles on the fabric surface. The morphology of nanodeposited fabric is characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), elemental composition is done by energy dispersive spectroscopy, and crystallinity of nanoparticles is obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nanodeposited fabric is then dyed with direct dyestuff (Direct Red-89). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis is done to explore the bonding phenomena of un-dyed and dyed fabrics. The dyeing performance and antibacterial activity are examined on the colored fabric to investigate the dyed fabric quality after nanoparticle deposition. Results demonstrate the improvement of 54% of color strength and 11% of dye exhaustion with excellent antibacterial activity.
Experimental Investigation of the Properties of Laminated Nonwovens Used for Packaging of Powders in Mineral Warmers
Authors: Irzmańska E. , Jurczyk-Kowalska M. , Bil M. , Płocińska M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe study involved laminated nylon and viscose nonwovens, both perforated and non-perforated, with a view to using them for packaging of powders in mineral warmers. The nonwovens were examined in terms of morphology as well as tensile strength in dry and wet states. Thermal properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Dynamic mechanical analysis was carried out in a broad range of temperatures. Surface wettability and water vapor permeability were assessed. The findings were analyzed to determine the utility of the studied materials as mineral warmer packaging materials in cold work or living environments.
Women Survivors of the Armenian Genocide: Liberation and Relief at the Aleppo Rescue Home
Authors: Gzoyan Edita 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Genocide perpetrated against the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire was both gender-oriented and age-oriented. The Armenian male population was generally killed before or at the beginning of deportation, while women and children, as well as being massacred, were also subjected to different forms of physical and sexual violence during the death marches. Children were also forcibly transfered to the enemy group, while women were abducted or forcibly married. The experiences and fates of Armenian women and children offer a perspective on how complex and multi-faceted the phenomenon of genocide is. Based on the surveys of rescued Armenian women kept in the archives of the League of Nations, this article will present the fate of women during and after the Armenian Genocide.
Possible ameliorating effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) on the sperm parameters in rats under high fat diet
Authors: Ghorbanlou Mehrdad , Rostamkhani Somaye , Shokri Saeed , Mahmazi Sanaz , Fallah Ramazan , Moradi Fateme , Nejatbakhsh Reza 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objectives. Adverse effects of obesity, which is caused by an imbalance between the energy intake and expenditure, on the male reproductive system have been reported. Considering the anti-obesity effect of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (GC), we conducted this study to elucidate whether it can ameliorate the sperm parameters.

Methods. In this experimental study, male Wistar rats of 6–8 weeks old were divided into four groups: control, high fat diet (HFD), GC50 (HFD plus 50 mg/kg GC extract), and GC100 (HFD plus 100 mg/kg GC extract). During the 16 weeks of the study course, the rats consumed the extract through gavage, daily. Body mass index (BMI), body weight gain, serum lipid profile, leptin concentration, and sperm parameters were investigated. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (post hoc Tukey) to express the significance of mean differences of variables between groups, and linear regression test was used to express the correlation model of variables. Both tests were performed by SPSS software; p≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results. BMI was significantly decreased by the GC50 and GC100 groups compared to HFD group. GC50 group considerably decreased leptin level compared to HFD group. A significant positive correlation between leptin and triglyceride levels was evident. GC50 and GC100 extensively increased the total sperm motility and ameliorated the sperm abnormal morphology and count compared to HFD group.

Conclusion.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra extract may exert its ameliorating effects on the sperm parameters through its anti-obesity impact. Both doses of the extract were effective, however, the GC100 was more effective in improving the sperm parameters.
Silencing of NAMPT leads to up-regulation of insulin receptor substrate 1 gene expression in U87 glioma cells
Authors: Tsymbal Daria O. , Minchenko Dmytro O. , Luzina Olena Y. , Riabovol Olena O. , Danilovskyi Serhiy V. , Minchenko Oleksandr H. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of adipokine NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) silencing on the expression of genes encoding IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate 1) and some other proliferation related proteins in U87 glioma cells for evaluation of the possible significance of this adipokine in intergenic interactions.

Methods. The silencing of NAMPT mRNA was introduced by NAMPT specific siRNA. The expression level of NAMPT, IGFBP3, IRS1, HK2, PER2, CLU, BNIP3, TPD52, GADD45A, and MKI67 genes was studied in U87 glioma cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Anti-visfatin antibody was used for detection of NAMPT protein by Western-blot analysis.

Results. It was shown that the silencing of NAMPT mRNA led to a strong down-regulation of NAMPT protein and significant modification of the expression of IRS1, IGFBP3, CLU, HK2, BNIP3, and MKI67 genes in glioma cells and a strong up-regulation of IGFBP3 and IRS1 and down-regulation of CLU, BNIP3, HK2, and MKI67 gene expressions. At the same time, no significant changes were detected in the expression of GADD45A, PER2, and TPD52 genes in glioma cells treated by siRNA specific to NAMPT. Furthermore, the silencing of NAMPT mRNA suppressed the glioma cell proliferation.

Conclusions. Results of this investigation demonstrated that silencing of NAMPT mRNA with corresponding down-regulation of NAMPT protein and suppression of the glioma cell proliferation affected the expression of IRS1 gene as well as many other genes encoding the proliferation related proteins. It is possible that dysregulation of most of the studied genes in glioma cells after silencing of NAMPT is reflected by a complex of intergenic interactions and that NAMPT is an important factor for genome stability and regulatory mechanisms contributing to the control of glioma cell metabolism and proliferation.
The structure of forest stands in the Tatra National Park: The results of 2016–2017 inventory
Authors: Bodziarczyk Jan , Szwagrzyk Jerzy , Zwijacz-Kozica Tomasz , Zięba Antoni , Szewczyk Janusz , Gazda Anna 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The composition and structure of forest stands in the Tatra National Park were examined using data gathered in 2016 and 2017 from 617 circular sample plots (0.05 ha each). The diameter at breast height of all living trees, standing dead trees, snags, and wind throws was measured along with diameters and lengths of fallen logs within the plot boundaries. Tree height was measured for all living trees within the core (0.01 ha) of the sample plots. Using the obtained data, height-diameter curves were calculated for all major tree species and in the case of spruce, the height-diameter relationships were also calculated separately for each of the three elevation zones (up to 1200 m, between 1200 and 1400 m, above 1400 m). For each elevation zone and park protection zone, we also determined the volumes of live and dead trees. The volume of living trees in the Tatra National Park amounted to 259 m3/ha, which was higher than the volume of dead trees (176 m3/ha). Snags constituted the largest part of the dead wood whilst over 97% of the standing dead trees were spruce Picea abies. Among living trees, the share of spruce ranged from 81% in the low elevation zone to 98% in the middle zone. Other significant species in the lower zone were Abies alba (11%) and Fagus sylvatica (4.5%), while in the middle and upper elevation zones only Sorbus aucuparia occurred in significant numbers. Furthermore, in the lower elevation zone, Fagus sylvatica was the only species displaying significantly higher volumes in the ‘strict protection’ zone compared to the other park areas. In the ‘landscape protection’ zone, Picea abies was the most dominant species and the share of other species in the lowest elevation zones calculated based on tree density was smaller than calculated based on tree volume, indicating problems with stand conversion from spruce monoculture to mixed forest.
Breeding avifauna of the forest interior and forest edge in the Borki Forest
Authors: Rąkowski Grzegorz , Czarnocki Krzysztof 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe composition and structure of breeding bird communities in the Borki Forest in North-Eastern Poland were investigated separately in the forest interior (years 2012–2014) and at the forest edge (years 2016–2018). In both areas, bird censuses were carried out on three plots located in mature oak-hornbeam, ash-alder and mixed coniferous forest stands. Plots were selected to cover similar forest types, encompass stands of similar age and to have similar acreage, both, in the forest interior and at the forest edge. A standard combined mapping technique for estimating the number of breeding birds was applied and a total of 97 bird species were found to have bred at least once within any plot. Regardless of the forest type, both the number of breeding bird species and the population densities were higher on plots situated at the forest edge than in the forest interior. The mean number of breeding species was over 20% higher and the mean total density of breeding pairs was higher by over 30%. Total population densities on the plots located at the forest edge were higher as a result of an increase in population densities of some individual bird species combined with an increase in the number of breeding species, including non-forest and non-typical forest interior species. The number of nesting species in the edge zone was higher than in the forest interior with common species and generalists clearly dominating. Specialist species typical of natural forests as well as rare and endangered species, such as three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) and red-breasted flycatcher (Ficedula parva), for whom the Borki Forest is an important breeding site in Poland were less numerous. Despite the observed differences and a clear edge effect, bird assemblages inhabiting research plots in the forest interior and at the edge were not fundamentally different. We conclude that the edge zone is inhabited by a poorer-quality variant of bird assemblage typical of forest interior, enriched quantitatively by non-forest species associated with open and/or semi-open areas as well as by synanthropic species.
Harvester efficiency in trunk utilisation and log quality of early thinning pine trees
Authors: Mederski Piotr S. , Werk Konrad , Bembenek Mariusz , Karaszewski Zbigniew , Brunka Mariusz , Naparty Kwiryn 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObtaining high harvester efficiency in young pine stands during early thinning is achallenging management practice. One of the difficulties lies in achieving the optimal use of the tree trunk for assortments and obtaining satisfactory timber quality. The objective of this research was to find out 1) how much of the tree trunk can be processed by a harvester to produce logs, and 2) the quality of the assortments in terms of log length accuracy and delimbing quality. The work was carried out in a 31-year-old pine stand in northern Poland with the Vimek 404 5T harvester with the Keto Forst Silver head for early thinning. Eighty sample plots were set up within the stand for detailed tree analysis after harvesting. The total length of the assortments from each tree was measured as well as the minimal top diameter (under bark). Additionally, the lengths of the bottom, middle and top logs were measured as well as the height of the knots after delimbing. On average, 70% of the total tree height was used for assortments and logs were processed up to a mean top diameter of 5.3 cm under bark. The length accuracy was very high: 90% of the logs had the expected length, more than 9% had a commercially acceptable length, while only 0.7% of the logs were too long. After delimbing, the knots were of a maximum height of 2 cm. Using the Vimek 404 5T harvester in the 31-year-old pine stand was an effective solution for trunk processing and obtaining quality assortments.
The use of non-wood forest products and forest tourism in Belarus
Authors: Marozau Aleh , Kowbasa Nikolaj 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The aim of the research was to review the legal and regulatory framework that controls the use of non-wood forest products and tourism in forests in Belarus and to analyze current information on harvesting of non-wood forest products such as berries, mushrooms, birch sap, honey, medicinal plants, and minor forest resources as well as to study the state of ecotourism in the territory of the forest fund. We demonstrated that the legal base needs to be improved. In particular, the taxes should be redistributed from economic entities involved in collateral forest use to the Ministry of Forestry that manages the forests. Despite the increased anthropogenic impact on understory layers and the adverse global climatic changes of recent decades, the productive capacity of non-wood forest resources in Belarus remains significant. Nevertheless, the resources are not exploited appropriately, although the demand for products in the domestic and foreign markets is consistently high. In this regard, it is necessary to create suitable conditions for stakeholders, including those possessing foreign capital, to participate in economic activity, whilst preserving the coordinating and controlling functions of the Ministry of Forestry as it is the main forest fund holder in the country. Efforts are also being made to develop infrastructure for ecotourism in forests. However, the level of marketing activities aimed at promoting and providing consumers with available tourist products and services does not meet modern requirements.
The Forest Market – Income Methods for Determining the Value of Forest Resources
Authors: Klocek Andrzej , Zając Stanisław 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article describes the methods for estimating the value of a forest, the accuracy of which is critical for purchases and sales, credit security, determining the shares in the division of forest real estate, as well as in determining the amount of compensation for losses in forest property. Compensation for property losses also includes past events that occurred before the Second World War, such as nationalization or loss of the forests in the eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic due to border changes. An equally important objective of forest valuation, which has recently gained in importance, is the inclusion of its value in a forest holding balance sheet. However, due to the lack of fully objective market prices for forest property, this work focused on the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the forest market and the methods of calculating the income (rent) value of the forest. Examples of commercial transactions from the forest market in the USA, Austria and Germany are included.The study presents a historical outline of forest valuation with particular emphasis on methods based on the income value, including forest rents. Furthermore, we discuss the formula of the perpetual capitalization of annuity and periodic annuity, including the impact of various net income calculations, that is, in arrears or in advance