bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Genotype by Environment Interaction Via Reaction Norms for Milk Yield in Holstein Cattle of Southern Brazil
Authors: Mulim Henrique Alberto , Pinto Luis Fernando Batista , Zampar Aline , Mourão Gerson Barreto , Valloto Altair Antônio , Pedrosa Victor Breno 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The experiments reported in this research paper were aimed at assessing the genetic responses of a Holstein cow population, as a response to the variations in environmental temperature, through the analysis of the effects resulting from the genotype by environment interaction (GEI), based on reaction norms. Therefore, milk production data was collected from the database of the Paraná Holstein Breeders Association in Brazil for 67,360 primiparous cows born between 1990 and 2015, with the purpose of evaluating the temperature effect, considered as an environmental variable, distinguished under six gradients (17 ºC to 19.5 ºC) over the region. A random regression model was adopted, utilizing the fourth order under the Legendre polynomials, applying the mixed models of analysis by the REML method, and using the WOMBAT software. Additionally, the breeding value of the 15 most representative bulls was assessed, in response to the changes in the temperature gradient. The total milk production on average was estimated at 8,412.83 ± 2,012.08 kg. The heritabilities estimates were found in the low to moderate range, from 0.18 to 0.23, displaying a decline with a rise in the temperature, highlighting the influence it exerted on the heritabilities. Variations in the genetic expression of some bulls were noted to show differences of up to 289 kg of milk in response to the increase in the temperature from 17 ºC to 19.5 ºC. However, all the genetic correlations between the gradients for milk yield were above 0.80, in the range of 0.873 to 0.998, revealing no remarkable interaction between the genotype and environment. This result indicates that the application of the temperature variable in the models of genetic analysis in southern Brazil is not required.
Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Young Bulls Fed Virginia Fanpetals Silage
Authors: Nogalski Zenon , Starczewski Maciej , Purwin Cezary , Pogorzelska-Przybyłek Paulina , Sobczuk-Szul Monika , Modzelewska-Kapituła Monika 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita) silage on carcass and beef quality characteristics. Forty Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls aged 16 months were assigned to 4 dietary treatments (n=10) and were fed different types of silage during a 7-month fattening period. The proportion (g/kg dry matter) of silage in the diets was as follows: (1) grass silage (GS) (600); (2) Sida silage (SS) (600); (3) SS (300) and GS (300); and (4) SS (300) and maize silage (MS) (300). Silage was supplemented with concentrate at 400 g/kg DM in each diet. The animals were slaughtered at the end of the fattening period. Silage type had no significant effect on BWG or feed to gain ratio. The carcasses of bulls fed Sida silage and maize silage received higher scores for conformation than the carcasses of bulls fed grass silage (P<0.05). The meat of bulls fed Sida silage had the lowest value of Warner-Bratzler shear force. Meat from SS+MS group bulls had the highest intramuscular fat (IMF) content and was lightest in color, whereas meat from bulls fed Sida silage and grass silage received the highest scores for color uniformity, aroma, taste and overall acceptability.
A New Concept in Minimally Invasive Embryo Transfer
Authors: Wieczorek Jarosław , Stodolak-Zych Ewa , Okoń Krzysztof , Koseniuk Jurij , Bryła Magdalena , Jura Jacek , Cegła Mirosław , Poniedziałek-Kempny Katarzyna , Rajska Iwona 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Considerable variation in embryo transfer (ET) catheter types, diverging opinions on their quality and functionality, complications following the insertion of catheters, low efficiency of the application of ET methods in humans, and their widely varying efficiency in animals demonstrate the need to improve ET methods and to look for new types of catheters. Such an opportunity is offered by the introduction of catheters made of new-generation biomaterials. This study was aimed to introduce a new generation of biomaterials into reproductive biotechnology. New-generation materials were compared with materials that have been used for many years, and the functionality of newly produced catheters was compared in vivo. Five types of biomaterials were tested: polycaprolactone (PCL), dibutyryl chitin (DBC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polylactide (PLA). The study was carried out in two stages. Firstly, the basic utility parameters such as geometric stability, surface structure and catheter resistance were evaluated. Subsequently, the biocompatibility of selected biomaterials in embryo cultures was examined, and the development potential of the obtained blastocysts was evaluated. In the second stage, in vivo with live animals, the biomaterials were tested for biocompatibility and the obtained catheters were examined for their ET functionality. Efficiency with the use of the newly produced catheters was determined, the quality of the blastocysts obtained after embryo culture in the uterus was assessed, and oviducts were subjected to histopathological examination after embryo transfer. Of the tested biomaterials, only polyethylene (PE) showed adequate biological and material properties and proved suitable for production of ET catheters.
Transcript Abundances of the Prolactin Receptor, the Leptin Receptor and their Major Suppressor in the Sheep Mammary Gland During Pregnancy and Lactation
Authors: Szczesna Malgorzata , Kirsz Katarzyna , Nowakowski Michal , Zieba Dorota A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to expand the knowledge of the interactions between prolactin (PRL) and leptin in the ovine mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation; we examined the mRNA expression of prolactin receptor (PRLR), the long form of the leptin receptor (LRb) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 in mammary gland biopsies collected on days 60, 90 and 120 of pregnancy and on days 30, 60 and 90 of lactation (n = 6 for each time point), along with the plasma PRL and leptin concentrations. The PRL concentrations were stable throughout pregnancy and increased during lactation. The plasma leptin concentrations were comparable among nonpregnant, early-pregnant, late-pregnant and lactating ewes, but this metric peaked during mid-pregnancy. Expression of PRLR and SOCS-3 in the mammary gland fluctuated during the transition from pregnancy to lactation, and differences in LRb expression occurred during the late stages of lactation. The LRb transcript abundance was approximately 31 times higher in ewes on day 60 of lactation than in early-lactating ewes. Expression of SOCS-3 mRNA in biopsies gradually decreased over the course of pregnancy and reached a minimum value during late pregnancy. After lambing, the transcript level of SOCS-3 increased and peaked on day 60 of lactation. During pregnancy, the plasma PRL concentration positively correlated with the abundances of PRLR (r = 0.971, P<0.01) and SOCS-3 (r = 0.818, P<0.05). Positive correlations were also observed between the transcript abundances of SOCS-3 and LRb (r = 0.854, P<0.05). The variations observed in the plasma PRL and leptin concentrations and the changes in expression of key leptin and PRL signal transduction pathway components, such as PRLR, LRb and SOCS-3, indicate that the efficacies of both hormone actions are modulated in a multilevel manner throughout pregnancy and lactation. These interactions may regulate the ability of the mammary gland to respond to current energy requirements and challenges, thus affecting milk yield and lactation duration.
Comparison of Results Obtained by Two Methods of Surface Mapping
Authors: Melcer Jozef , Merčiaková Eva , Pisca Peter 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Considering that the unevenness of the road surface is the primary source of the kinematic excitation of the vehicle, it is necessary to map the unevenness, and then to describe it mathematically. The data sets thus obtained represent an important input for numerical simulations of the motion of vehicles on the road. This paper deals with the analysis and comparison of results from two methods of mapping the surface of the road - exact levelling and spatial scanning. The obtained results are evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively by methods of mathematical statistics and probability theory.
Modeling Factors Affecting the Choice of Telework and its Impact on Demand in Transportation Networks
Authors: Vakilian Rambod , Edrisi Ali 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This research estimates the extent of using teleworking to mean the feasibility and appropriateness of this method of work for employees and professors according to their characteristics and features of career. The study population included university staff and professors in Tehran, and data collection was carried out through 447 questionnaires. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the transport demand caused by teleworking. The results showed that various factors, including history and percentage of telework, and after that, the time delay of home-to-work and travel distance, affected the model of transportation demand of professor’s members. For the staffing community, it had the most significant impact on teleworking, history and percentage of telework, followed by travel distances, latency from work to home, and latency from home to work.
Material Damping in Dynamic Analysis of Structures (With LIRA-SAPR Program)
Authors: Barabash Mariia , Pisarevskyi Bogdan , Bashynskyi Yaroslav 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to justify that it is necessary to take account of physical and mechanical properties of soil and different materials of erected structure for damping vibrations in dynamic loads; to suggest tools for modelling the damping effect (natural or engineering induced) between foundation and soil. Certain technique is suggested for modelling behaviour of structure in time history analysis with account of material damping. In the software, the damping effect is modelled in two variants: Rayleigh damping (for structure) and finite element of viscous damping. When solving this problem, the following results were obtained: physical meaning of material damping is described; Rayleigh damping coefficients were computed through modal damping coefficients. Numerical analysis is carried out for the structure together with soil in earthquake load using developed FE of viscous damping. Time history analysis was carried out for the problem. Peak values of displacement, speed and acceleration at the floor levels were compared. Analysis results are compared (with and without account of material damping). Significant influence of damping on the stress-strain state of the structure is confirmed. Scientific novelty of the paper is in the following: the damping effect is proved to happen regardless of the presence of installed structural damping equipment; technique for account of damping with Rayleigh damping coefficients is developed; new damping element is developed – FE of viscous damping (FE 62), its behaviour is described as linear mathematical model. Practical implications of the paper: developed technique and new FE enables the user to carry out numerical analysis properly and work out a set of measures on seismic safety for buildings and structures.
Evolution of the Mechanical Properties and Cracking Pattern of Cementitious Composites Reinforced with Hooked Steel Fibers
Authors: Ranjbar Hamid , Jadidi Ali , Amerei Hosein 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Degradation and disintegration of concrete depend on the formation of cracks and micro cracks intensively. With increase loading, micro cracks are linked together and form cracks. To solve the problem and to provide the homogenous condition, a series of thin fibers having been spread through the volume of concrete are used in the several last decades and they are called as fibers. In the study, the steel fibers integrated in the different percentages of weight have been investigated. The performance of fibers has been studied how to increase compressive strength, tensile strength, and bending strength. To survey compressive strength, tensile strength, and bending strength in the produced concrete, three plans of mixtures including the different percentages of the steel fibers have been examined. The results show that compressive strength in the concrete reinforced with steel fibers relies mainly on the quality of mortar. The added steel fibers cause the inconsiderable changes in the compressive strength of concrete. The results demonstrate that the concrete reinforced with steel fibers increase tensile strength considerably. The more the volume of steel fibers is, the more tensile strength is. Pozzolanic materials used in the specimens reinforced in steel fibers improve tensile strength. To investigate bending strength of the specimens reinforced with steel fibers, the study has used 4-point loading system. Generally, steel fibers used in the concrete increase bending strength of the concrete. The results indicate the increased steel fibers enhance bending strength in three plans of mixtures. Among the specimen reinforced with steel fibres, the most mechanical properties are related to the plans including 1, 1.5, and 2 percentages of dramix hooked steel fibers in the study. To examine crack pattern of the matrix tensile specimen reinforced with the different percentages of fibers, parameters such as the number of cracks, width of cracks, and distance between them are investigated.
Surface and Groundwater Pollution: the Invisible, Creeping Threat to Human Health
Authors: Shah Hammad Ahmed , Sheraz Muhammad , Khan Afed Ullah , Khan Fayaz Ahmad , Shah Liaqat Ali , Khan Jehanzeb , Khan Ashfaq , Khan Zahoor 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This study reports pollution source apportionment of surface waters and human health risk assessment based on 18 physicochemical and traces elements from 24 water quality monitoring sites for surface and groundwater around the two trans-boundary rivers of Pakistan: The Ravi and Sutlej. The principal component analysis identified 6 principal components (76.98 % cumulative variance) which are mainly caused by untreated industrial effluents, intense agricultural activities, and irrigation tailwater discharges. For all dissolved trace elements in surface waters, health hazard indices (HI) and hazard quotients (HQ) through ingestion and dermal contact are < 1 except As and Cr through ingestion only (for both adults and children). For adults and children, the HQingestion and HI values for As, Mn, Cu (for children only) and As, Fe, Mn (for children only) are > 1, indicating that As, Mn, Fe, and Cu are the most important pollutants causing chronic risks among the selected trace elements in both shallow and deep groundwater respectively. HQingestion, HQdermal, and HI values are higher for children than that of adults which shows the high susceptibility of children to these dissolved trace elements. The carcinogenic indices for the entire surface water elements exceed 10−6 through dermal and ingestion pathways suggesting carcinogenic health risk to the surrounding community. Hence, to protect human health, wastewater treatment plants and best management practices should be practiced to control point source and nonpoint source pollution respectively in the understudied area.
Analysis of Measuring the Deformation Resistance of the Subgrade Surface of a Modernised Line Považská Teplá - Žilina
Authors: Ižvolt Libor , Dobeš Peter 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Most of the railway lines in Slovakia were built in the second half of the 19th century, or until 1918 (the establishment of Czechoslovakia). Except for the post-World War II period, when approximately 71 % of the Slovak lines had to be renewed, limited funds have been spent on repair and reconstruction works on the lines located in the Slovak territory. As some trans-European corridors cross the Slovak territory and the Slovak Republic assumed obligations arising from the AGC and AGTC agreements, the line modernization is more than desirable. The primary objective of the modernisation of railway lines in the territory of Slovakia is to ensure a high-quality and safe railway, which by its qualitative parameters corresponds to the standards of developed European countries. In this context, the paper deals with a section of the modernised corridor no. Va, specifically the section Považská Teplá - Žilina. During the period 2014-2017, quality diagnostics of the performed work was carried out on the sub-ballast layers of the above-mentioned line. Consequently, we carried out an analysis of the obtained values of the deformation resistance of the subgrade surface, as the weakest element in the construction of the sub-ballast layers.
A micro-analysis of Irish firm deaths during the financial crisis (2006–2010)
Authors: Power Bernadette , Ryan Geraldine , Doran Justin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This paper examines differences in the hazard rates of young, established and mature firms during the financial crisis, using microdata from more than 300,000 Irish firms. The findings confirm that firm size at the time of the crisis had the largest impact on the probability of exit. The liability of smallness was pronounced in mature cohorts. Industry conditions had a considerable effect on the hazard rate of young cohorts, as opposed to mature counterparts. Interestingly, agglomeration raised the hazard rates of younger cohorts only. By contrast, attributes of the labour force of the region largely influenced the hazard rates of more established firms. Firms founded before the crisis were significantly less likely to exit in the aftermath of the crisis, in comparison with firms founded just before or during the crisis, whereas more mature firms seem to be more sensitive to the economic cycle.
Gaussian Recursive Filter for Nonlinear Systems with Finite-step Correlated Noises and Packet Dropout Compensations
Authors: Tan Li-Guo , Xu Cheng , Wang Yu-Fei , Wei Hao-Nan , Zhao Kai , Song Shen-Min 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This paper is focused on the nonlinear state estimation problem with finite-step correlated noises and packet loss. Firstly, by using the projection theorem repeatedly, the mean and covariance of process noise and measurement noise in the condition of measurements before the current epoch are calculated. Then, based on the Gaussian approximation recursive filter (GASF) and the prediction compensation mechanism, one-step predictor and filter with packet dropouts are derived, respectively. Based on these, a nonlinear Gaussian recursive filter is proposed. Subsequently, the numerical implementation is derived based on the cubature Kalman filter (CKF), which is suitable for general nonlinear system and with higher accuracy compared to the algorithm expanded from linear system to nonlinear system through Taylor series expansion. Finally, the strong nonlinearity model is used to show the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Endangered Municipalities ? Case Study of Three Small and Critically Indebted Czech Municipalities
Authors: Hornek Jakub , Jüptner Petr 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of Czech small critically indebted municipalities, which has been neglected in the European discourse after successful European consolidation reforms. The Czech Republic is one of the Central European countries where there is no relevant debate on the mandatory amalgamation of small municipalities that are often faced with a combination of multiple risk factors.
This paper aims to analyze a sample of the Czech municipalities that are threatened by a combination of their small size and critical indebtedness. A research of the sample focuses on a) the identification of the reasons for critical indebtedness, b) the impact of critical indebtedness on the delivery of services and local democracy and c) the options and strategies to overcome the issues related to critical indebtedness.
Methodologically, the paper is a multiple-case study of three small critically indebted municipalities of the Karlovy Vary region, which was considered the worst region in 2012 in terms of the share of critically indebted municipalities, with several long-term critically indebted municipalities on its territory. Based on the media monitoring and economic criteria, the municipalities of Prameny, Bublava and Nebanice have been chosen.
The main finding of our research is the identification of so-called endangered chains: 1) small municipalities with low revenues resulting in 2) limited administrative and expert capacity that contributes to 3) a mistake in a large investment project resulting in 4) the economic collapse of the municipality that endangers the provision of services, and in the case of 5) insufficient social capital this can lead to agony of local self-government and the collapse of the municipality. According to the findings, the examined municipalities of Nebanice and Bublava correspond to the chain link 4, and in the case of Prameny it is possible to speak about the chain link 5.