Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sorghum -Barley Brewer’s Spent Grain as a Feed Ingredient on Broiler Performance and Carcass Characteristics

The objective of the study was to determine if the inclusion of Sorghum-Barley Brewer’s Spent Grain (SBBSG) in broiler diets will affect growth performance and carcass characteristics. A total of 380 Ross broiler chicks were brooded on a common diet without SBBSG for 28 days after which they were randomly assigned to five experimental diets, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 representing 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16% SBBSG inclusion respectively in a completely randomized design. There were 4 replicates per treatment and each replicate had 19 birds. The test period was 28 days and consisted of a grower phase (14 days) and a finisher phase (14 days). Water and feed were provided ad libitum. Production parameters measured included average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency. At the end of the trial 3 birds from each replicate were sacrificed and used for carcass analysis. Parameters measured included dressing percentage, intestinal weight, liver and gizzard weight and abdominal fat. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) among all diets for any of the production parameters measured. Similarly, except for abdominal fat where birds on T5 had significantly higher (P 0.05). There was no significant reduction in cost of feed per unit gain with increasing levels of SBBSG. However, the combined effect of an increasing trend in final body weight, similar feed intake and FCE could sum up to make SBBSG an attractive alternative, cost-wise to more conventional feed ingredients. The present study shows that beyond the brooding stage, SBBSG can be included in broiler diets up to 16% without adverse effects on performance, and up to 12% without a significant increase in abdominal fat. Keywords : Sorghum-Barley Brewer’s Spent Grain (SBBSG), Broilers, Weight gain, Feed Conversion efficiency, Carcass characteristics.
Tracking down a critical halo mass for killing galaxies through the growth of the red sequence

Red-sequence galaxies record the history of terminated star-formation in the Universe and can thus provide important clues to the mechanisms responsible for this termination. We construct composite samples of published cluster and field gala xy photometry in order to study the build-up of galaxies on the red-sequence, as parameterised by the dwarf-to-giant ratio (DGR). We find that the DGR in clusters is higher than that of th e field at all redshifts, implying that the faint end of the red-sequence was established first in clusters. We find that the DGR evolves with redshift for both samples, consistent with the “down-sizing” picture of star formation. We examine the predictions of semi-analytic models for the DGR and find that neither the magnitude of its environmental dependence nor its evolution is correctly predicted in the models. Red-sequence DGRs are consistently too high in the models, the most likely explanation being that the strangulation mechanism used to remove hot gas from satellite galaxies is too efficient. Finally we present a simple toy mod el including a threshold mass, below which galaxies are not strangled, and show that this can predict the observed evolution of the field DGR.
Asset Substitution, Debt Overhang, and Optimal Capital Structure

This article uses a contingent-claims valuation method to compare debt financing, investment, and risk choices of a firm adopting the second-best strategy with those of a firm adopting the first-best strategy. The former bears the agency costs, as conjectured by Jensen and Meckling (1976) and Myers (1977), because it chooses suboptimal investment timing and risk levels, while the latter is able to avoid them. For plausible parameter values, we find that the second-best firm that takes on more debt will under-invest and bear excessive risk. We also find that the agency costs of debt are 15.8% of the first-best firm value, which is higher than that found by Leland (1998) and Mauer and Sarkar (2005).
Individualizing instruction in a web-based hypermedia learning environment: nonlinearity, advance organizers, and self-regulated learners

This study attempted to determine what combination of nonlinearity and advance organizers worked best for learners with given levels of self-regulation. While the results of the study showed no significant main effects or interactions, there were two near significant interactions: between nonlinearity and selfregulated learning ( p = 0.054), and between nonlinearity and advance organizers ( p = 0.052). These results strongly suggest that highly self-regulating learners learn poorly in mostly linear webbased hypermedia learning environments, where they have very few choices, while medium self-regulating learners learn poorly in highly nonlinear environments where they are given too many choices. The results also strongly suggest that advance organizers are more effective in highly nonlinear web-based hypermedia learning environments than in mostly linear environments. While not conclusive, the results of this study support further research.
Comparison of clinical and serological parameters in female and male patients with systemic sclerosis

Objectives The course of systemic sclerosis (SSc) can differ in female and male patients. According to the literature the incidence rates of diffuse cutaneous SSc, scleroderma renal crisis and digital ulceration are higher in male patients. The aim of the study was to compare selected clinical and serological parameters in male and female patients with SSc. Material and methods The study encompassed 101 European Caucasian patients with SSc, including 23 men, hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology. Patients fulfilled the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) classification criteria for SSc. The study groups of men and women were assessed according to the SSc subtype, incidence of internal organ involvement and presence of antinuclear antibodies considered SSc markers. Results Diffuse cutaneous (dc) SSc was observed more commonly in men than in women (13/23 vs. 25/78; p = 0.03). The time from the development of Raynaud's phenomenon to the diagnosis was significantly shorter in male compared to female patients (3.2 ±4.7 vs. 7.5 ±7.1; p = 0.01). The incidence of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) was significantly higher (3/23 vs. 2/78; p = 0.04) and of other calcifications significantly lower in the male group compared to the female group (1/23 vs. 20/78; p = 0.02). Conclusions We concluded that the incidence of dcSSc is higher in men compared to women. The time from the development of Raynaud's phenomenon to the diagnosis is shorter in the male compare to female group. The incidence of SRC is higher, whereas that of calcifications is lower in SSc men. The serological profiles of female and male patients with SSc are comparable.
A Human-Specific De Novo Protein-Coding Gene Associated with Human Brain Functions

To understand whether any human-specific new genes may be associated with human brain functions, we computationally screened the genetic vulnerable factors identified through Genome-Wide Association Studies and linkage analyses of nicotine addiction and found one human-specific de novo protein-coding gene, FLJ33706 (alternative gene symbol C20orf203). Cross-species analysis revealed interesting evolutionary paths of how this gene had originated from noncoding DNA sequences: insertion of repeat elements especially Alu contributed to the formation of the first coding exon and six standard splice junctions on the branch leading to humans and chimpanzees, and two subsequent substitutions in the human lineage escaped two stop codons and created an open reading frame of 194 amino acids. We experimentally verified FLJ33706's mRNA and protein expression in the brain. Real-Time PCR in multiple tissues demonstrated that FLJ33706 was most abundantly expressed in brain. Human polymorphism data suggested that FLJ33706 encodes a protein under purifying selection. A specifically designed antibody detected its protein expression across human cortex, cerebellum and midbrain. Immunohistochemistry study in normal human brain cortex revealed the localization of FLJ33706 protein in neurons. Elevated expressions of FLJ33706 were detected in Alzheimer's brain samples, suggesting the role of this novel gene in human-specific pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. FLJ33706 provided the strongest evidence so far that human-specific de novo genes can have protein-coding potential and differential protein expression, and be involved in human brain functions.
Drag models for Simulation Gas-Solid Flow in the Bubbling Fluidized Bed of FCC Particles

— In the current work, a numerical parametric study was performed in order to model the fluid mechanics in the riser of a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB). The gas-solid flow was simulated by mean of a multi-fluid Eulerian model incorporating the kinetic theory for solid particles. The bubbling fluidized bed was simulated two dimensionally by mean of a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) commercial software package, Fluent. The effects of using different inter-phase drag function (the drag model of Gidaspow, Syamlal and O’Brien and the EMMS drag model) on the model predictions were evaluated and compared. The results showed that the drag models of Gidaspow and Syamlal and O’Brien overestimated the drag force for the FCC particles and predicted a greater bed expansion in comparison to the EMMS drag model.
Exploring migration as part of a same-sex relationship in Scotland: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract Migration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) individuals in a relationship is understudied. As motivation can influence the way migration is experienced, the commitment to a partner adds a further component to the equation. Three females were recruited via purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three themes were identified: “Identity redefinition and sense of agency”; “Emotional response and social support”; and “Coping, meaning-making, and self-realization. ” Results are discussed within the aforementioned themes. Limitations are considered for methodology and sample characteristics. Future research warrants to expand its focus on LGBTQ migration across Europe to tailor migration policies to individuals’ needs.
Time to wean after tracheotomy differs among subgroups of critically ill patients: retrospective analysis in a mixed medical/surgical intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE To determine the time to wean from mechanical ventilation and time spent off the ventilator per day after tracheotomy in critically ill patients in a 28-bed mixed medical and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in Amsterdam, Netherlands. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients during the 14-month period from November 1, 2003, through January 1, 2005. Included were translaryngeally intubated mechanically ventilated patients who received a tracheotomy during their ICU stay. RESULTS Of all the patients admitted to the ICU, 129 (7%) received a tracheotomy. Significantly more tracheotomies were performed in neurosurgery/neurology patients and in those admitted for acute conditions (16% and 12%, respectively). Tracheotomy was performed a median 8 days (interquartile range 4-13 d) after ICU admission. For all the patients, the median time to wean after tracheotomy was 5 days (interquartile range 2-11 d). Neurosurgery/neurology patients and patients in the cardiology subgroup needed significantly less time to wean from mechanical ventilation than did patients in other subgroups (3 d, interquartile range 2-7 d, and 3 d, interquartile range 2-5 d, respectively, p < 0.05). There was a significant association between admission group and neurological status at the time of tracheotomy. A low Glasgow coma scale score was associated with shorter time to wean. Within 1 week after tracheotomy, the probability of the patient having breathed spontaneously, without ventilator assistance, for > 4 h/d was 89%, 78% for > 8 h/d, and 72% for > 12 h/d. By day 28, the probability of the patient having breathed spontaneously for > 4 h/d was 98%, 97% for > 8 h/d, and 94% for > 12 h/d. CONCLUSION Time to wean from after tracheotomy differed among the subgroups in our ICU. After tracheotomy, the majority of patients were quickly able to breathe spontaneously without assistance of the mechanical ventilator for several hours per day. Patients who require tracheotomy only for airway protection wean sooner than other patients.
Modulation of Immunoregulatory Properties of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells by Toll-Like Receptors: Potential Applications on GVHD

In the last decade, the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted a lot of attention, due to their potential applicability in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a condition frequently associated with opportunistic infections. The present review addresses how Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPS) modulate the immunosuppressive phenotype of human MSCs by signaling through Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Overall, we observed that regardless of the source tissue, human MSCs express TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR9. Stimulation of distinct TLRs on MSCs elicits distinct inflammatory signaling pathways, differentially influencing the expression of inflammatory factors and the ability of MSCs to suppress the proliferation of immune system cells. The capacity to enhance the immunosuppressive phenotype of MSCs through TLRs stimulation might be properly elucidated in order to improve the MSC-based immunotherapy against GVHD.
Fine-Tuning an Auditory Synapse for Speed and Fidelity: Developmental Changes in Presynaptic Waveform, EPSC Kinetics, and Synaptic Plasticity

Fast, precise, and sustained synaptic transmission at high frequency is thought to be crucial for the task of sound localization in the auditory brainstem. However, recordings from the calyx of Held synapse have revealed severe frequency-dependent synaptic depression, which tends to degrade the exact timing of postsynaptic spikes. Here we investigate the functional changes occurring throughout the critical period of synapse refinement from immature calyx terminal [postnatal day 5 (P5)] to after the onset of hearing (P12–P14). Surprisingly, for recordings near physiological temperature (35°C), we find that P14 synapses are already able to follow extremely high input rates of up to 800 Hz. This ability stems in part from a remarkable shortening of presynaptic action potentials, which may lead to a lowering of release probability and decrease in synaptic delays during development. In addition, AMPA receptor-mediated EPSCs as well as quantal synaptic currents acquired progressively faster kinetics, although their mean amplitudes did not change significantly. NMDA receptor-mediated EPSCs, however, diminished with age, as indicated by a 50% reduction in mean amplitude and faster decay kinetics. Finally, the degree of synaptic depression was greatly attenuated with age, presumably because of a 2.5-fold or larger increase in the releasable pool of vesicles, which together with a decreasing release probability produces a fairly constant EPSC amplitude. This finely tuned orchestra of developmental changes thus simultaneously promotes speed while preventing premature vesicle pool depletion during prolonged bouts of firing. A few critical days in postnatal development can thus have a large impact on synaptic function.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, CULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

In this paper we analyze the relationships between certain knowledge management (KM) practices, organizational culture and the tech nological results of companies. In the last few years, KM literature has highlighted the i mportant role of cultural values on the way KM processes are developed and applied in organizations. From this viewpoint, and focusing on a set of knowledge storage and tran sfer practices, we try to empirically analyse the existence of a multiplier effect of the knowledge-centred organizational culture on the relationship between these kinds of knowledge practices and the technological performance of firms. The results of the empirical study show the existence of a significant moderating effect, altho ugh the consequences on the innovative performance in terms of product or proce ss technologies are found to be different, depending on the practice (storage or tr ansfer) which is considered.
Virtual pull-backs

We propose a generalization of Gysin maps for DM-type morphisms of stacks $F\to G$ that admit a perfect relative obstruction theory $E_{F/G}^{\bullet}$, which we call a "virtual pull-back". We prove functoriality properties of virtual pull-backs. As applications, we analyze Gromov-Witten invariants of blow-ups and projective bundles.
Towards Development of Environmentally Safe, Insect Resistant Maize Varieties for Food Security in Kenya

Lepidopteran stem borers are major insect pests of maize, the main staple food crop in Kenya. Bt maize offers farmers an effective and practical option for controlling stem borers. The Insect Resistant Maize for Africa (IRMA) project aims at increasing maize production and food security through the development and deployment of insect resistant maize, including conventional stem borer resistance and Bt maize. Suitable Bt genes have been acquired or synthesized and backcrossed into elite maize germplasm at CIMMYT-Mexico. ‘Clean’ Bt gene events, containing only the gene of interest and no antibiotic or herbicide resistance markers, have been developed. Bt maize leaves have been introduced from CIMMYT-Mexico into Kenya, insect bioassays conducted, and the effective Cry-proteins against the major maize stem borers in Kenya identified. Insect resistant maize varieties are being developed through conventional breeding, using locally adapted and exotic germplasm. For safe and effective deployment of Bt maize, studies on its impacts on target and nontarget arthropods, mainly through their characterization and quantification have been done. Studies on the effects of Bt maize on key nontarget arthropods are underway. Insect resistance management strategies are being developed and studies on gene flow are underway. Socioeconomic impact studies have revealed factors in the society that may influence the adoption of Bt maize in Kenya. Also, baseline data, essential for the monitoring and evaluation of the Bt maize technology in Kenya, has been established. Technology transfer and capacity building, creating awareness and communications are important activities of the IRMA project. This paper provides a general overview of the IRMA project, presents brief results from various activities, and shows how the various concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are addressed by the IRMA project.
Radial variations in anatomical properties of Melia dubia cav. at five different ages

The differences in anatomical characteristics viz., vessel length, vessel diameter, vessel arrangement, vessel frequency, ray height, ray width, ray frequency, fibre length, fibre diameter, fibre wall thickness and fibre lumen width of one, two, three, four and five year old Melia dubia cav. respectively were investigated. The wood samples were systematically collected from the pith, middle and periphery wood sections of the radial positions. The mean values of vessel length (235.68, 250.72, 272.76, 292.01 and 329.57 μm), vessel diameter (192.57, 207.11, 231.10, 247.54 and 276.96 μm), vessel frequency (4.00, 4.00, 4.00, 5.00 and 5.00 mm 2 ), ray height (336.65, 356.56, 377.82, 399.15 and 438.23 μm), ray width (71.73, 77.00, 84.53, 91.73 and 98.66 μm), ray frequency (7.00, 8.00, 8.00, 10.00 and 11.00), fibre length (647.00, 825.00, 892.78, 1093.92 and 1159.30 μm), fibre diameter (24.00, 24.90, 26.01, 26.75 and 27.52 μm), fibre wall thickness (4.07, 5.29, 6.49, 7.62 and 9.08 μm) and fibre lumen width (15.87, 14.32, 13.03, 11.52 and 9.35 μm) for one, two, three, four and five year old M. dubia wood respectively. All parameters showed significant increment with respect to increase in age and also all the anatomical characteristics examined in this study increased significantly from pith to periphery except lumen width. The effects of age and radial positions contributed significantly to variations in anatomical characteristics of M. dubia wood.
Linguistics : five points of debate on current theory and methodology

Within cognitive linguistics, there is an increasing awareness that the study of linguistic phenomena needs to be grounded in usage. Ideally, research in cognitive linguistics should be based on authentic language use, its results should be replicable, and its claims falsifiable. Consequently, more and more studies now turn to corpora as a source of data. While corpus-based methodologies have increased in sophistication, the use of corpus data is also associated with a number of unresolved problems. The study of cognition through off-line linguistic data is, arguably, indirect, even if such data fulfils desirable qualities such as being natural, representative and plentiful. Several topics in this context stand out as particularly pressing issues. This discussion note addresses (1) converging evidence from corpora and experimentation, (2) whether corpora mirror psychological reality, (3) the theoretical value of corpus linguistic studies of ‘alternations’, (4) the relation of corpus linguistics and grammaticality judgments, and, lastly, (5) the nature of explanations in cognitive corpus linguistics. We do not claim to resolve these issues nor to cover all possible angles; instead, we strongly encourage reactions and further discussion. 1 Department of General Linguistics, P.O. Box 24 (Unioninkatu 40), 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. 2 Centre for English Corpus Linguistics, Collège Erasme, Place Blaise Pascal 1, B–1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. 3 Språkoch litteraturcentrum, Helgonabacken 12, Box 201, 221 00 Lund, Sweden. 4 Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), Albertstrasse 19, 79104 Freiburg,
Building an Effective Representation for Dynamic Networks

A dynamic network is a special type of network composed of connected transactors which have repeated evolving interaction. Data on large dynamic networks such as telecommunications networks and the Internet are pervasive. However, representing dynamic networks in a manner that is conducive to efficient large-scale analysis is a challenge. In this article, we represent dynamic graphs using a data structure introduced in an earlier article. We advocate their representation because it accounts for the evolution of relationships between transactors through time, mitigates noise at the local transactor level, and allows for the removal of stale relationships. Our work improves on their heuristic arguments by formalizing the representation with three tunable parameters. In doing this, we develop a generic framework for evaluating and tuning any dynamic graph. We show that the storage saving approximations involved in the representation do not affect predictive performance, and typically improve it. We motivate our approach using a fraud detection example from the telecommunications industry, and demonstrate that we can outperform published results on the fraud detection task. In addition, we present a preliminary analysis on Web logs and e-mail networks.