Linear Procedure Research Articles

Lifestyle and Health Behaviors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: As the prevalence of cardiovascular disease increases, the socioeconomic burden is expected to increase further. This study aimed to investigate lifestyle and health behaviors related to metabolic syndrome (MetS), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke prevalence in men and women 50-79 years of age to assess clustering of risk factors. Methods: This study used raw data from the eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) in 2021. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0 program. Complex Samples General Linear Model procedure and Complex Samples Logistic Regression procedure were performed. Results: Body mass index of more than 25.0 kg/m2, being a woman, having a middle school education or less, reporting a lower middle economic status, and performing exercise for less than 150 min a week were associated with MetS prevalence. Stress was associated with MI prevalence in men and women. Depression was associated with stroke prevalence in men. Conclusions: This study found that an education on obesity control in men and women is needed to reduce the prevalence of MetS. To reduce the prevalence of MI, stress management is required for men and women. To decrease stroke prevalence, depression management is needed for men.

Diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound and virtual CT navigational bronchoscopy for biopsy of pulmonary nodules, mediastinal lymph nodes, and thoracic tumors in children.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy and needle aspiration (EBUS-TBB/EBUS-TBNA) are first line investigative modalities for lung and mediastinal pathology in adults. We aimed to characterize and assess the diagnostic yield of EBUS and virtual CT navigation guided biopsies in children. This single center, retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent radial or linear EBUS procedures (+/- CT navigation) for biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes, tumors, and pulmonary nodules. Demographic, procedural, and outcome were collected. Sixty procedures were performed in 56 patients aged 2-22 years of age between January 2015 and May 2023. The most common indications for biopsy were pulmonary nodules (45%) and hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy (33%). For cases in which a final diagnosis was ascertained by any means, the diagnostic yield for linear EBUS (mediastinal pathology) was 76% and the diagnostic yield from radial EBUS (pulmonary nodules and lung masses) was 85%. The most common diagnoses were infection (45%), malignancy (17%), and sarcoidosis (11%). Among patients in whom infection was the final diagnosis, a total of 31 pathogens were identified. Eighteen were identified on bronchoalveolar lavage and an additional 14 pathogens identified on EBUS-TBB, representing an increase of 77% (p < .005). The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values for malignancy detection were 73%, 100%, 94%, and 100%, respectively. EBUS-TBB/TBNA is a safe and effective way to diagnose lung and mediastinal pathology in children. Pediatric interventional pulmonology is a growing field offering minimally-invasive diagnostic opportunities for children in whom more invasive procedures were previously the only option.

Linear listing order and hierarchical classification: history, conflict, and use

Taxonomic criteria alone are not sufficient to determine a linear sequence for the arrangement of collection specimens according to a preferred classification or the linear sequence according to which taxa are best discussed in articles or books. The choice of methodology to obtain a linear sequence of taxa in agreement with a hierarchical classification has been little studied and remains controversial. In this article, I offer an historical background, before examining properties, use and limits of possible listing criteria. The result of a linearization effort depends on arbitrary choices with respect to two aspects of the hierarchical classification we intend to linearize. One is the order to be followed in listing the immediately subordinate members of a given taxon, the other is the choice of the sets of taxa to be linearized according to tradition, alphabetic order or other criterion. The example presented here, related to the “orders” of Hexapoda, demonstrates the need to specify very clearly the extent and composition of the uncollapsed classification backbone retained in the linearization procedure.

Modeling and Control of a DC-DC Buck–Boost Converter with Non-Linear Power Inductor Operating in Saturation Region Considering Electrical Losses

The present work proposes a nonlinear model of a buck–boost DC-DC power converter considering the nonlinear magnetic characteristics of the power inductor and electrical losses of the system. The Euler–Lagrange formalism is used for formulating the proposed model. Previous research works have reported mathematical models to describe power inductor dynamics. However, a gap in the literature remains regarding modeling this kind of element when it operates within power converters. Also, a linear-based controller scheme is proposed to regulate a non-ideal buck–boost DC-DC power converter. A methodology for tuning the proposed controller is presented, which considers the nonlinear model structure of the power converter, the linearization procedure based on an identification process, and a frequency domain analysis based on the approximated linear model. Finally, the tuned control scheme is tested on the nonlinear model of the power converter under several operational conditions showing excellent performance by effectively regulating the output voltage. The results are compared with those derived from alternative control strategies, and a better performance is generally obtained.

Some remarks on simplified double porosity model of immiscible incompressible two-phase flow

The paper is devoted to the derivation, by linearization, of simplified homogenized models of an immiscible incompressible two-phase flow in double porosity media in the case of thin fissures. In a simplified double porosity model derived previously by the authors the matrix-fracture source term is approximated by a convolution type source term. This approach enables to exclude the cell problem, in form of the imbibition equation, from the global double porosity model. In this paper we propose a new linear version of the imbibition equation which leads to a new simplified double porosity model. We also present numerical simulations which show that the matrix-fracture exchange term based on this new linearization procedure gives a better approximation of the exact one than the corresponding exchange term obtained earlier by the authors.

338 A Survey of Mycotoxin Occurrence in Us Corn and Corn By-Product Feed Ingredients from 2018 to 2022 Harvest Years

Abstract The aim of this survey was to compare the occurrence and contamination levels of six major mycotoxin categories found in corn and corn by-product feed ingredients harvested in the United States from 2018 through 2022. Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites that can negatively impact animal health and performance and have been routinely found in a variety of feedstuffs including, but not limited to, cereal grains, by-products, silages, dry hays and pasture grasses. Mycotoxin categories evaluated in this survey included: aflatoxins (AFLA), type A trichothecenes (A-Trich), type B trichothecenes (B-Trich), fumonisins (FUM), zearalenone (ZEN), and ochratoxin A (OTA). This study includes data from corn samples labeled as 2022 harvest and corn b-product feed ingredients submitted from October 2022 through March 2023 and were analyzed for 17 different metabolites via the Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Samples that tested above the limit of detection for each mycotoxin group were analyzed using the generalized linear mixed model procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC) using harvest year as a fixed effect. The effect of harvest year on average contamination level for each mycotoxin is presented in Table 1. For 2022 harvest year, 260 corn samples and 66 corn by-product samples have been evaluated to date. Mean B-Trich, ZEN, FUM and AFLA levels (parts per billion, ppb) for corn grain samples were similar in 2022 as previous years (P &amp;gt; 0.05). However, for corn grain samples, FUM prevalence and concentration were numerically greater in 2022 than in 2021 and 2020. In the 66 samples of corn by-products, FUM was found in all the samples (100%) and B-Trich were found in the majority of the samples (97%). Mean concentration of FUM in 2022 corn by-product samples was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) compared with 2021. Preliminary results of this survey suggest mycotoxin occurrence and contamination remains similar to previous harvest years except for greater mean FUM concentration levels in corn and corn by-products feed ingredients.

PSXIII-6 Effects of High Humidity Under High-Temperature Conditions on Growing Pigs

Abstract Global warming and climate change have become major concerns. These changes have led to more frequent and prolonged heat waves, resulting in economic losses for livestock industry. Pigs are particularly vulnerable to heat stress under high temperatures due to their thick skin layers and limited sweat glands. Panting is a common behavior in pigs to dissipate heat through evaporation, but this process is less effective in high humidity environments. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of high humidity under high temperature conditions on rectal temperature, growth performance, blood profiles, and immune responses of growing pigs. A total of 48 growing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; initial body weight (BW): 23.21 ± 3.77 kg] were randomly assigned to two environmental treatments (2 pigs/pen; 12 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (block = initial BW): thermal neutral conditions (TN: 23.5℃, 35%) and heat stress conditions (HS: 32.5℃, 80%). Throughout two weeks of experiment, the pigs had ad libitum access to a basal grower diet based on corn and soybean meal. The rectal temperature of each pig was measured daily throughout the experimental period to monitor changes in body temperature. Blood samples were collected from 1 pig per pen at the beginning and end of the experiment. Measurements included growth performance [BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio], blood profiles [the number of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet] measured by an automated hematology analyzer calibrated for porcine blood, and immune responses (cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1beta, and transforming growth factor-beta1) by the ELISA kits. Statistical analysis was performed using the general linear model procedure of the SAS program. Experimental unit was a pen. The statistical model included environmental treatment as a main effect and BW as a covariate for rectal temperature, growth performance, blood profiles, and immune responses. During the entire experimental period, the mean rectal temperature was 39.9℃ for TN and 40.5℃ for HS. Pigs under HS had decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG and ADFI than those under TN. The WBC counts of pigs under HS were decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than those under TN. In contrast, serum cortisol concentrations of pigs under HS were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than those under TN. In conclusion, this study suggests that exposure to high humidity in combination with high temperatures has a negative impact on the growth performance and immune responses of growing pigs.

PSV-29 Plasma Citrulline Is Strongly Correlated with Jejunum and Ileum Citrulline Concentrations in Pigs at Weaning

Abstract Pigs at weaning are abruptly exposed to numerous stressors that negatively affect gut health. While the term gut health lacks a clear definition, it is best measured by its key functions, including nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism, mucosal immunity, and barrier function. The gut is the main endogenous source of citrulline, a potential biomarker of gut function. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma and intestinal concentrations of citrulline and citrulline precursors in pigs. Pigs (initial BW = 7,233 ± 683 g) were either weaned at 21 d age and euthanized at 23 d age (W; n = 9) or were not weaned, remained with the sow, and euthanized at 23 d age (NW; n = 9). At euthanasia, blood, jejunum, and ileum tissue was collected and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen; segments of mid jejunum and distal ileum were collected for morphological analysis. Plasma and tissue glutamine (Gln), glutamate (Glu), proline (Pro), ornithine (Orn), and citrulline (Cit) concentrations were determined by reverse-phase HPLC following pre-column derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate. Data were analyzed with the generalized linear mixed model and correlation procedures of SAS (version 9.4). Pearson correlation coefficients between 0.50 and 0.69 were considered as moderate, between 0.70 and 0.89 as strong, and between 0.90 to 1 as very strong. Jejunum villus height was reduced in W compared with NW pigs (370 versus 246 ± 18 µm; P &amp;lt; 0.001), whereas ileum villus height was not different between NW and W pigs (257 versus 215 ± 27 µm; P = 0.27). Among precursors for gut Cit synthesis, plasma Pro was strongly correlated with jejunum Pro (r = 0.83; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and very strongly correlated with ileum Pro (r = 0.91; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Plasma Glu was moderately correlated with ileum Glu (r = 0.58; P = 0.014), but not with jejunum Glu (r = 0.18, P = 0.48), whereas plasma Gln was moderately correlated with ileum Gln (r = 0.57; P = 0.016) and strongly correlated with jejunum Gln (r = 0.80; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Plasma Orn was strongly correlated with both jejunum Orn (r = 0.73; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and ileum Orn (r = 0.78; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Plasma Cit was strongly correlated with jejunum Cit (r = 0.77; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and very strongly correlated with ileum Cit (r = 0.95; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Plasma Cit can be used to estimate gut Cit content and may be predictive of gut function in nursery pigs undergoing weaning stress.

Schistosome Infection in the Humanized Mouse Model of Sickle Cell Disease

Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hemoglobinopathy due to a single amino acid substitution in the β-chain of hemoglobin (Hb), in which glutamic acid is substituted by valine. The individuals carrying the substitution on both β-chains (HbSS) develop the disease, characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, systemic inflammatory state, and development of acute painful vaso-occlusive crises. Globally distributed, the disease has its highest incidence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where its superimposes with the distribution of infections by parasitic worms, including schistosomes. However, there is scarcity of the literature on the possible interactions between parasitic worm infections and SCD. Schistosomes are parasitic worms responsible for the disease named schistosomiasis which affects over 240 million people in the world, of which over 90 % are found in SSA. The worms live within the blood vessels of infected individuals where females lay eggs which are strongly immunogenic, causing a systemic type 2 inflammation. The disease is characterized by anemia and the formation of granulomas in the liver and intestines (for Schistosoma mansoni &amp; S. japonicum), leading to hepatic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and hepatosplenomegaly. The overlapping of the clinical features of schistosomiasis and SCD highlights the existence of possible interactions between them in areas where they are both present. Leveraging the humanized mouse model of SCD, the aim of this study is to demonstrate how schistosome infection could affect the pathophysiology of SCD or vice versa. Methods Twenty-five - 28 weeks old male and female Townes (HbAA, HbAS, HbSS) were infected with S. mansoni . Complete blood count was performed before and 8 weeks after infection. Liver and small intestines (ileum) were chemically digested with 4% KOH and eggs counted in the suspension under a microscope. Fecal pellets were also collected and dispersed in 2x PBS and eggs were counted in the suspension as for liver and intestines. Data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism 9.5.1 software by using paired t-test or Wilcoxon test. Genotypes were compared by one-way ANOVA or Kruskall-Wallis tests followed by two-stage linear step-up procedure of Benjamini-Krieger-Yekutieli for the control of false discovery rate. Results Compared to HbAA and HbAS, which did not differ between them, naïve HbSS mice had bigger livers and spleens. This pattern remained even after infection, with infected HbSS having bigger livers and spleens than infected HbAA and HbAS. After the infection, the spleen size increased only in HbAA and HbAS but not in HbSS while liver size increased in all 3 genotypes. Schistosome infection caused a significant increase in the numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. However, lymphocytes number significantly decreased in HbSS only. Red blood cells (RBCs) number decreased in HbAA and HbAS but not in HbSS. Accordingly, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) increased in HbAA and HbAS, but not in HbSS. The Hb rate was not affected by the infection while the hematocrit slightly decreased only in HbAS. However, while the platelets number decreased only in HbSS, the mean platelet volume (MPV) increased in all 3 genotypes. HbSS mice had fewer total S. mansoni egg number than HbAA and HbAS. This trend was corroborated by the number of eggs in intestinal tissues in which HbSS had fewer eggs than HbAA and HbAS. Although the number of eggs in the liver did not differ significantly between them, HbSS tended to have fewer liver eggs than HbAA and HbAS. All 3 mouse groups excreted similar number of eggs in the feces. Conclusions All 3 genotypes of Townes mice supported the development of S. mansoni worms as illustrated by the presence of eggs in their liver, intestines, and feces, making this model a good model for the study of parasitic worm infections in SCD. Schistosome infection has affected less the RBC components in HbSS as shown by no changes in RBC, Hb, MCV, and MCH values, and by no change in the spleen size. Further investigations are underway.

Mass appraisal: a statistical approach to determining the impact of a property’s attributes on its value

One of the problems occurring when estimating the value of a property is determining how the individual attributes of a property affect its value. Until now, this was estimated either on the basis of analyses of prices and market features of similar properties, or by analogy to other properties in terms of the type and area of markets, by examining or observing the preferences of potential buyers, or in other ways (Polska Federacja Stowarzyszeń Rzeczoznawców Majątkowych, 2008). This article refers to the last option and presents an alternative way of dealing with the aforementioned issue. An approach based on statistical methods, using dependency coefficients is introduced as an objective proposal to determine the impact of individual attributes on the value of real estate. The idea of including statistical methods (dependency coefficients) in the procedure of mass real estate valuation is the basis of the statistical approach of the Szczecin Mass Real Estate Valuation Algorithm (Pol. Szczeciński Algorytm Masowej Wyceny Nieruchomości – SAMWN). Considering the specificity of the features (attributes) describing real estate, which in most cases may be presented on an ordinal scale, four coefficients measuring the strength of the relationship between the features and the value of the property were proposed. Since previous studies, e.g. Dmytrów et al. (2020), indicated that the results obtained for partial coefficients reflect the relationships found on the market more efficiently, the analysis was extended to include partial variants of selected coefficients. Then, six procedures for calculating weights in SAMWN were proposed. The obtained results were subsequently ordered on the basis of linear ordering procedures, as described in the work by Strahl (1978) and Pawlukowicz (2010). The aim of the article was twofold. Firstly, to identify the coefficients of dependencies that can be used in property valuation based on SAMWN, and also in the analysis of those properties whose attributes are often described on an ordinal scale. The second aim was to identify a combination of methods describing the influence and weights of the attributes which under SAMWN procedure produces results closest to the property values determined by real estate appraisers.

Erratum: High-Throughput Identification of Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato in Tomato using Seedling Flood Assay.

Erratum: High-Throughput Identification of Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato in Tomato using Seedling Flood Assay.

Toward smallholder bamboo-integrated agro-silvopastoral systems in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing the impact of bamboo leaves on consumption pattern, growth performance and manure characteristics of West African dwarf goats

IntroductionThe selection of appropriate plant species, particularly those tailored to supplement ruminants raised under agrosilvopastoral systems, remains a persistent challenge.ObjectiveIn a 30-day study, the feed intake, growth performance, and manure characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed bamboo leaf supplement were evaluated. Materials and methodsA total of 30 animals with an average weight of 9.9 ± 0.21 kg were divided into a control group, and four bamboo-supplemented groups, following a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design. Each group had six animal replicates and received the following dietary treatments: T1 (control) – 400g of basal diet composed of 60% Megathyrsus maximus and 40% Bridelia ferruginea leaves per day; T2—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 400 g of Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro leaves per day; T3—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 400 g of Bambusa balcooa (Beema) leaves per day; T4—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 600 g of O. abyssinica (A. Rich.) leaves per day; and T5—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 600 g of B. balcooa leaves per day. The data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures in Minitab Statistical Software at a 5% significance level. ResultsThe results showed varied (p &amp;lt; 0.05) dry matter compositions spanning from 894.3 to 910 g/kg with the highest contents of crude protein (194 g/kg), nitrogen (31 g/kg), crude fibre (302 g/kg), ash (156 g/kg), acid detergent fibre (429 g/kg), and acid detergent lignin (3.6 g/kg) recorded for B. ferruginea. The leaves of Bambusa balcooa contained the highest neutral detergent fibre (481 g/kg) while M. maximus had the highest organic matter content (911 g/kg). Significant interaction effect (p &amp;lt; 0.05) was observed between the supplement type and the supplementation level, impacting various parameters including feed intake ranging from 398 g (T1) to 469 g (T3) per day, weight gain from 27 g (T1) to 72 g (T2) per day, feed conversion efficiency from 6% (T1) to 15% (T2), manure output from 241 g (T2) to 260 g (T5) per day, carbon- nitrogen (C: N) ratio from 9 (T2) to 20 (T5), faecal acidity levels from 4 (T1) to 5 (T4). Comparatively, higher daily dry matter intake was recorded for the animal groups fed the B. balcooa supplement than their counterparts fed the O. abyssinica supplement. However, the O. abyssinica supplemented groups were more efficient in converting feed to body weight, with feed conversion efficiency approximately 9% higher than the B. balcooa-supplemented groups. Furthermore, in general, the animal groups that received a daily supplement of 400 g gave higher feed efficiency, with performance approximately 3.2% higher compared to the groups receiving 600 g. Likewise, these groups displayed higher faecal N output while concurrently achieving a reduced C: N ratio, indicative of enhanced nutrient utilization and potential environmental benefits. ConclusionTo conclude, integrating 400 grams of bamboo leaves into animal diet can enhance basal diet consumption, accelerate animal growth, and yield manure akin to chemical fertilizers, making it a valuable strategy for bamboo-integrated agro-silvopastoral systems practitioners.

Determination of the Efficacy of Thymol, Eucalyptus and Oxalic Acid in the Control of Varroosis in Honey Bees

Objective: The subject of our study is to determine the efficacy and safety of non-chemical compounds thyme, eucalyptus, and oxalic acid against Varroa destructor ectoparasite, which is widely observed in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies both in our country and in the world. Materials and Methods: The study was designed of five groups and these groups were designed as group 1 (oxalic acid), group 2 (thymol), group 3 (eucalyptus), group 4 (positive control), group 5 (negative control). Seven honey bee colonies were included in each group. The first, second, and third groups were designed to form the treatment groups, and the last two groups to form the positive and negative control groups. Each group consisted of 7 hives. In the treatment groups, oxalic acid was dissolved in glycerin, thyme and eucalyptus were dissolved in ethyl alcohol, and they were absorbed into special towels. Two pieces per beehive were placed on the frames in the beehives. The treatments were applied weekly for 3 wk during the September. Treatment efficiencies were calculated with the Henderson-Tilton formula and the statistical difference between the oxalic acid, thyme, and eucalyptus treatment groups was determined by the General Linear Model procedure. Results: Treatment efficiencies were determined as 91.74%, 82.25%, and 79.2% in oxalic acid, thyme, and eucalyptus treatment groups, respectively. Conclusion: The findings revealed that completely natural herbal extracts and organic acids can be used instead of chemical drugs against Varroosis. Toxication and unnatural deaths were not observed in honey bees throughout the trials. &#x0D; Keywords: Varroosis, Oxalic acid, Thyme, Eucalyptus.

Graphomotor Dysfluency as a Predictor of Disease Progression in Premanifest Huntington's Disease.

Prior studies have relied on conventional observer-based severity ratings such as the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) to identify early motor markers of decline in Huntington's disease (HD). The present study examined the predictive utility of graphomotor measures handwriting and drawing movements. Seventeen gene-positive premanifest HD subjects underwent comprehensive clinical, cognitive, motor, and graphomotor assessments at baseline and at follow-up intervals ranging from 9-36 months. Baseline graphomotor assessments were subjected to linear multiple regression procedures to identify factors associated with change on the comprehensive UHDRS index. Subjects were followed for an average of 21.2 months. Three multivariate regression models based on graphomotor variables derived from a complex loop task, a maximum speed circle drawing task and a combined task returned adjusted R2 coefficients of 0.76, 0.71, and 0.80 respectively accounting for a significant portion of the variability in cUHDRS change score. The best-fit model based on the combined tasks indicated that greater decline on the cUHDRS was associated with increased pen movement dysfluency and stroke-stroke variability at baseline. Performance on multiple measures of graphomotor dysfluency assessed during the premanifest or prodromal stage in at-risk HD individuals was associated with decline on a multidimensional index on HD morbidity preceding an HD diagnosis.

Description length guided nonlinear unified Granger causality analysis.

Most Granger causality analysis (GCA) methods still remain a two-stage scheme guided by different mathematical theories; both can actually be viewed as the same generalized model selection issues. Adhering to Occam's razor, we present a unified GCA (uGCA) based on the minimum description length principle. In this research, considering the common existence of nonlinearity in functional brain networks, we incorporated the nonlinear modeling procedure into the proposed uGCA method, in which an approximate representation of Taylor's expansion was adopted. Through synthetic data experiments, we revealed that nonlinear uGCA was obviously superior to its linear representation and the conventional GCA. Meanwhile, the nonlinear characteristics of high-order terms and cross-terms would be successively drowned out as noise levels increased. Then, in real fMRI data involving mental arithmetic tasks, we further illustrated that these nonlinear characteristics in fMRI data may indeed be drowned out at a high noise level, and hence a linear causal analysis procedure may be sufficient. Next, involving autism spectrum disorder patients data, compared with conventional GCA, the network property of causal connections obtained by uGCA methods appeared to be more consistent with clinical symptoms.

ORGANOLEPTIC PARAMETERS, TIBIA BONE GROWTH AND MINERAL RETENTION OF BROILER CHICKEN FED MORINGA OLEIFERA AND ALLIUM SATIVUM

Two hundred and forty (240) one-day-old, unsexed cobb 500 broiler chickens were used to determine the organoleptic attributes, tibia bone growth and mineral retention of broiler chicken fed Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) and Allium sativum bulb powder (ABP) inclusive diets. The birds were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments with 4 replicates of 12 birds each in a completely randomized design. The treatments were: T1- control diet, T2 − MLP replaced with soya bean meal at 1 %, T3 − MLP replaced with soya bean meal at 3 %, T4 − MLP replaced with soya bean meal at 1 %, added with 0.1 % ABP and T5 − MLP replaced with soya bean meal at 3 %, added with 0.3 % ABP. The feeding trial lasted for a 28-day starter phase and another 28-day finisher phase. Data were collected on organoleptic parameters, tibia bone growth and mineral retention. Data collected were subjected to General Linear Model Procedure of SAS v9.2. Significant means were separated using Tukey's Procedure tested at a 5 % level of significance. At the 4th week, the colour, taste and juiciness of broiler meat in dietary treatments (T2, T3, T4 and T5) were similar (P &gt; 0.05) to T1, while other parameters were not influenced by the dietary treatments. At the 8th week, the taste of broiler meat in T1 was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than in T4. The aroma in T1 was similar (P &gt; 0.05) to T3 and T5, while tenderness in T1 was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower than in T3. At week 4, the bone's weight in T2 was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower than in T1. The diameter and ash weight in T2, T3, T4 and T5 were similar (P &gt; 0.05) to those in T1. The calcium content in the dietary treatment (T2, T3, T4 and T5) was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than in T1. At the 8th week, the bone's weights in (T2, T3, T4 and T5) were similar (P &gt; 0.05) to those in T1. The length was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in T3 and T5 than in T1 and T4. The diameter in T1 was lower (P &lt; 0.05) than that in T2. Calcium was progressively increased among the dietary treatments from T2 to T5. Therefore, T3 and T5 are, hereby, recommended for use in the livestock industry.

Estimation of crossbreeding and genetic parameters for reproductive traits of Boer x Central Highland goats in Ethiopia.

Additive genetic and non-additive parameters for reproductive traits of Boer x Central Highland goats were estimated. Pedigree and performance records comprised of Central Highland and their crosses with Boer goats were collected from 2009 to 2018 in the Sirinka Agricultural Research Center sheep and goat breeding station. Least-squares means for genotypes were obtained using a general linear model procedure in SAS. To estimate crossbreeding parameters, breed additive, heterotic, and recombination effects were fitted as fixed covariates instead of genotypes. Variance, heritability, and repeatability estimates were estimated through the AI-REML algorithm using WOMBAT software. Genotype did not significantly (P>0.05) influence most of the reproductive traits studied except for gestation length. The additive effect for litter size at birth (LSB), total litter birth weight (LBW), total litter weaning weight (LWW), litter size at weaning (LSW), and gestation length (GL) was estimated to be -0.004 kid, 0.08 kg, -3.18 kg, -0.54 kid, and 3.69 days, respectively. The contribution of heterosis to LSB, LWW, and GL of crossbred goats was negative, while the estimates for LBW and LSW were positive. However, Boer goats' heterosis effect and direct additive contribution to reproductive traits were insignificant (P>0.05) except for LSW. The recombination effect was negligible and not significant (P>0.05) for all traits examined. The direct heritability estimate for LSB, LWB, LWW, LSW, and GL were 0.050, 0.098, 0.086, 0.018, and 0.00, respectively. The repeatability estimates for LSB, LWB, LWW, LSW, and GL were 0.149, 0.116, 0.099, 0.086, and 0.061, respectively. The result indicates that improvement in reproductive traits would not be expected by crossing Boer with Central Highland goats. In addition, heritability estimates indicate that the improvement of reproductive traits through selection will be small, and the repeatability estimates indicate that multiple records have to be used to make a decision of culling or selection.

Estradiol Concentrations During Estrous in Dairy Cattle and Its Association with Pregnancy and Genotype Diversity

This study determined estradiol concentrations during estrous in dairy cattle and its association with pregnancy and genotype diversity. A total of fifteen female dairy cows that had been identified with their genotype type using the PCR-RFLP method on follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and prolactin (PRL) genes were used in this study. The parameters measured were serum estrogen concentrations during estrous, estrous intensity, and pregnancy. Estradiol concentrations were analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The data were analyzed using a general linear model procedure in the SAS program. The results showed that the average estradiol concentrations in dairy cows during estrous were 60.06±33.25 pg/ml. There was no difference (P&gt;0.05) in estradiol concentrations in different classifications of age, body condition score (BCS), and estrous intensity. Estradiol concentrations in the group that showed success in post-insemination pregnancy were higher and significantly different (P&lt;0.05) from the non-pregnant group. Differences in genotype variations of the FSHR and PRL genes had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on the estradiol concentrations. In conclusion, estradiol concentrations during estrous were not associated with age, BCS, estrous intensity, and genotype diversity of FSHR and prolactin genes but were associated with pregnancy.

Speed selection for reaction diffusion equations in heterogeneous environments

Reaction-advection-diffusion equations, in periodic settings and with general type nonlinearities, admit a threshold known as the minimal speed of propagation. The minimal speed does not have an accessible formula when the nonlinearity is not of KPP type, for instance. The question becomes whether the minimal speed can be obtained through a linearization procedure or not. In this paper, we derive selection criteria for the minimal speed: a key feature of the nonlinear selection is unveiled. Moreover, we use upper/lower solution techniques in order to derive practical criteria determining the minimal speed in the presence of advection and a general type nonlinearity.

Evaluation of breeding objectives, breeding practices and reproductive performance of indigenous dairy cows in selected districts of Kaffa Zone, South West Ethiopia.

Breeding objectives are designed to achieve targeted dairy cow production goals, which can be affected by production type, farmer preferences, environmental factors and genetic factors individually or in combination. Breeding practices, such as both controlled and uncontrolled, and artificial insemination (AI) are the tools used to obtain the desired breeding objectives. The lower reproductive performance of indigenous dairy cows affects the total milk production and calf crops that are produced during their lifetime. Designing appropriate breeding objectives and breeding practices can improve the reproductive performance of dairy cows and their overall production performance. The current study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the breeding, practices and performance of indigenous dairy cattle in the south western part of Ethiopia. The districts of Gesha and Chena were purposefully chosen. The study design for the 384 household surveys was a cross-sectional survey with a simple random sample approach. Data analysis was carried out by MS-Excel (2010) and the general linear model procedure of SAS of 2008. The current study revealed that methods of breeding were predominantly natural-controlled mating, followed by natural-uncontrolled mating and AI in descending order. Breeding objectives were input function, output function, sociocultural and economic functions and assets and security functions in decreasing order of rank. Reproduction performance indexes of indigenous dairy cows age at first service (3.72±0.05 years), age at first calving (AFC) (4.71±0.07 years), calving interval (CI) (1.58±0.03 years), days open (DO) (4.26±0.11 months), services per conception in natural mating (1.4±0.08) and AI (2.73±0.14), age of bull at maturity (4.17±0.74 years), interoestrus interval (23.18±0.61 days), calves crop (7.53±0.22) and the life span of indigenous dairy cow (11.94±0.26 years) were significant (p<0.01) between two districts, whereas the values of age of bull at maturity and number of services per conception in natural mating were significant (p<0.05) between districts. Using AI and major reproduction performances, such as AFC, CI and DO of indigenous dairy cows in the study area, were very low. Therefore, concerned bodies should intervene to improve reproduction performance through the utilization of AI techniques, with the integration of forage development activities and improvements in livestock health care.