Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Concentrate Feeding Frequency versus Total Mixed Ration on Lactational Performance and Ruminal Characteristics of Holstein Cows

This study was conducted to determine a proper feeding regime for lactating Holstein cows during the warm season in Taiwan. In Feeding Trial, 21 lactating Holstein cows were randomly allotted into three feeding regimes in a Completely Randomized Design. The feeding regimes were roughage fed ad libitum along with concentrate fed either twice daily (2C) or four times daily (4C), and total mixed ration (TMR) for 8 weeks. No significant differences among the three feeding regimes were found in body weight changes, and intakes in terms of dry matter, crude protein and net energy. For milk yield and 4% FCM yield, 4C were higher than the other two feeding regimes (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in milk compositions or differences noted in the yields of the respective milk components. TMR was worse than 2C and 4C (p<0.05) in milk production efficiencies in terms of dry matter intake per kg milk yield, crude protein intake per kg milk protein yield, as well as dry matter intake, net energy intake and crude protein intake per kg 4% FCM yield. Three ruminally fistulated Holstein dry cows were randomly assigned into the same three feeding regimes in a 3×3 Latin Square Design. No significant differences were found among the feeding regimes in ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen, total VFA concentration, molar percentages of VFA, and acetic acid: propionic acid ratio (C2/C3). Taken all together, roughage fed ad libitum and concentrate fed four times daily was the better feeding regime for lactating cows during the warm season in Taiwan. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 5 : 658-664)
Comparison Study of Body Image Satisfaction between Beginning- and Advanced-Level Female Ballet Students

This mixed methods study compares the level of satisfaction with one's body image between beginning- and advanced-level female collegiate ballet students. Thirty-six beginning-level students were enrolled in two ballet classes, and a second group of 16 advanced-level students was enrolled in a third class. A mirror was used in the teaching of both groups. During the first and thirteenth week of a 14-week semester, students completed the Cash 69-item Body Self-Relations Questionnaire. In addition, five students from each group were randomly selected to participate in semi-structured interviews during the second and last week of the semester. Researchers asked students questions about their kinesthetic experience and the mirror's role in the studio. The quantitative results indicated that over the course of the semester the beginning dancers decreased in feeling physically fit, while the advanced dancers felt more in shape. For both beginning and advanced dancers there was a decrease in body image satisfaction. By semester's end, the advanced dancers were more preoccupied with weight and exercised more than the beginning dancers. The interviews revealed that four out of the five beginning ballet students discussed the use of the mirror in class and reported experiencing thoughts and sensations characteristic of the objective self-awareness state, such as heightened self-consciousness, comparison of self to others, or negative self-evaluation. The advanced dancers, on the other hand, focused on developing ways to avoid the mirror and preferred to “feel” movements muscularly before using the mirror for feedback. Even though the advanced dancers had more knowledge of how to use a mirror beneficially in class, their body image scores were equally as compromised as the beginning students'. These results suggest that both beginning-and advanced-level ballet students experience a decrease in body image satisfaction in a mirrored studio environment.
Finger Spelling Recognition from RGB-D Information Using Kernel Descriptor

Deaf people use systems of communication based on sign language and finger spelling. Manual spelling, or finger spelling, is a system where each letter of the alphabet is represented by an unique and discrete movement of the hand. RGB and depth images can be used to characterize hand shapes corresponding to letters of the alphabet. The advantage of depth cameras over color cameras for gesture recognition is more evident when performing hand segmentation. In this paper, we propose a hybrid system approach for finger spelling recognition using RGB-D information from Kinect sensor. In a first stage, the hand area is segmented from background using depth map and precise hand shape is extracted using both depth data and color data from Kinect sensor. Motivated by the performance of kernel based features, due to its simplicity and the ability to turn any type of pixel attribute into patch-level features, we decided to use the gradient kernel descriptor for feature extraction from depth images. The Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) is used for describing the content of the RGB image. Then, the Bag-of-Visual-Words approach is used to extract semantic information. Finally, these features are used as input of our Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. The performance of this approach is quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated on a dataset of real images of American Sign Language (ASL) hand shapes. Three experiments were performed, using a combination of RGB and depth information and also using only RGB or depth information separately. The database used is composed of 120,000 images. According to our experiments, our approach has an accuracy rate of 91.26% when RGB and depth information is used, outperforming other state-of-the-art methods.
Cerebellar target neurons provide a stop signal for afferent neurite extension in vitro

The contributions of cell-cell interactions to the establishment of specific patterns of innervation within target brain regions are not known. To provide an experimental analysis of the regulation of afferent axonal growth, we have developed an in vitro assay system, based on the developing mouse cerebellum, in which afferent axons from a brainstem source of mossy fiber afferents, the basilar pontine nuclei, were cocultured with astroglia or granule neurons purified from the cerebellum. In the absence of cells from the cerebellum, pontine explants produced axons that fasciculated and extended rapidly on a culture surface treated with poly-lysine or laminin. When pontine neurites grew onto cerebellar astroglial cells, outgrowth was more abundant than on substrates alone, suggesting that glial cells provide a positive signal for axon extension. Time-lapse video microscopy indicated that the rate of neurite extension increased from less than 50 microns/hr to more than 100 microns/hr when axonal growth cones moved from the culture substratum onto an astroglial-cell surface. Acceleration of neurite extension was also observed as pontine neurites grew onto other pontine neurites. By contrast, when pontine neurites grew on granule neurons, the appropriate targets of mossy fibers, the length of pontine neurites was greatly reduced. As growing axons terminated on granule neurons, the target cells appeared to provide a “stop-growing signal” for axon extension. The length of pontine neurites decreased with increasing granule neuron density. Two lines of evidence suggested that the stop signal was contact mediated. First, video microscopy showed that pontine growth cones stopped extending after contacting a granule neuron. Second, the length of afferent axons was not reduced when pontine neurites grew at a distance from granule neurons. Competition experiments where both astroglia and granule neurons were plated together suggested that the growth arrest signal provided by granule neurons could override the growth-promoting signal provided by astroglial cells. These results suggest that specific cell- cell interactions regulate the growth of pontine afferent axons within their cerebellar target, with axoaxonal and axoglial interactions promoting axon extension and axon-target cell interactions interrupting axon extension.
Pre-service Students' Self-perceptions of Confidence in Teaching Music and Liking Music in Relation to Formal and Informal Musical Experiences

The purpose of the study was to investigate pre-service students' self-perceptions of confidence in teaching music and their relations to liking music and formal and informal musical experiences. Participants were 49 first year, pre-service students enrolled in Bachelor of Education programs in Faculty of Education at a university in Sydney, Australia. A Musical Background Survey (MBS), devised by the investigator, was administered to the students at the beginning of the semester. The MBS asked about their confidence in teaching music and liking music using 5-point rating scales and about their formal and informal musical experiences. The results showed the following: 1) Formal and informal musical experiences contributed significantly to pre-service students' self-perceptions of confidence in teaching music and their liking music. 2) 51% of the pre-service students said they were not confident in teaching music and only 18% of them said they were confident in it, although 80% of the students liked music. 3) Informal composing music was the most favoured informal musical activity by the pre-service students. 4) Pre-service students' self-perceptions of confidence in teaching music were significantly correlated with liking music. Implications for teacher education: 1) Encourage students to participate in musical activities, such as singing, playing instruments, and/or listening, both formally and informally and to build confidence through participating in musical activities. 2) Music teacher educators' encouragement, positive reinforcement, and giving constructive comments are essential in helping pre-service students build confidence in teaching music.
A test of the directed mutation hypothesis in Escherichia coli MCS2 using replica plating

Excision of phage Mu from Escherichia coli MCS2 was originally put forth as a clear example of directed mutation. This claim was considerably weakened, however, by subsequent evidence that Mu excision occurs during starvation regardless of fitness consequences. Here, I use the classical replica-plating technique to examine Mu excision during starvation of MCS2. The results support the conclusion that Mu excision is not directed but is, instead, nonspecifically induced by starvation.
BOUNDED GENERATION OF SL(n, A)

We present unpublished work of D. Carter, G. Keller, and E. Paige on bounded generation in special linear groups. Let n be a positive integer, and let A = O be the ring of integers of an algebraic number field K (or, more generally, let A be a localization OS −1 .) If n = 2, assume that A has infinitely many units. We show there is a finite-index subgroup H of SL(n, A), such that every matrix in H is a product of a bounded number of elementary matrices. We also show that if T ∈ SL(n, A), and T is not a scalar matrix, then there is a finite-index, normal subgroup N of SL(n, A), such that every element of N is a product of a bounded number of conjugates of T. For n ≥ 3, these results remain valid when SL(n, A) is replaced by any of its subgroups of finite index.
A wearable low-cost device based upon Force-Sensing Resistors to detect single-finger forces

In rehabilitation robotics it is highly desirable to find novel human-machine interfaces for the disabled, in particular to substitute or augment surface electromyography (sEMG), trying to keep at the same time its easiness of use, precision and non-invasiveness. In this paper we design and demonstrate one such device, based upon Force-Sensing Resistors (FSRs). An array of 10 FSRs was wrapped around the proximal section of the forearm of ten intact subjects engaged in pressing on an accurate force sensor with their fingers (this includes the rotation of the thumb). The FSRs would detect the forearm surface deformations induced by muscle activity; the signals provided by the FSRs were then matched to the recorded forces. The experimental results show that finger forces can be predicted using this device with the same accuracy obtained in literature using sEMG. The device, even as an academic prototype, weighs about 65 grams and costs around 50 EUR. Thus, it is remarkably light and cheap in comparison to standard sEMG electrode arrays.
Application of wide-bandgap hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide layers to heterojunction solar cells for high quality passivation

Wide-gap (highly transparent), hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide (a-SiOx:H) layers are investigated for heterojunction solar cell applications: Intrinsic a-SiOx:H(i) films are formed in order to prove their applicability for surface passivating buffer layers sandwiched between the crystalline silicon (c-Si) and the doped amorphous layer used for the formation of the emitter and the back-surface-field in heterojunction cells. The a-SiOx:H films are processed by high frequency (70 MHz) plasma decomposition using silane (SiH4), hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) at the low deposition temperature of 155 °C. Quasi-steady-state photoconductance and transient photoconductance lifetime measurements have been carried out to determine the passivation quality of the intrinsic a-SiOx:H deposited on c-Si of different doping types and levels. A variation of the applied thickness of the grown a-SiOx:H films determines the impact on the performance of heterojunction solar cells. It will be demonstrated that excellent effective lifetimes as high as 4.7 ms on 1 Ωcm n-type float-zone (FZ) material (corresponding to a surface recombination velocity of 2.3 cm/s) and 14.2 ms on 130 Ωcm p-type FZ material (corresponding to a surface recombination velocity of 0.52 cm/s) can be achieved by surface passivation using our a-SiOx:H films. To validate the capability of the intrinsic and doped a-SiOx:H films separately, heterojunction solar cells consisting of (front to back) a-Si:H(p+)/a-Si:H(i)/c-Si(n)/a-Si:H(i)/a-Si:H(n+), a-Si:H(p+)/a-SiOx:H(i)/c-Si(n)/a-SiOx:H(i)/a-Si:H(n+), and the reversed doping sequence have been analyzed. By incorporating a-SiOx:H(i) to the a-Si:H(p)/c-Si structure we find a drastic increase of the open circuit voltage (up to 655 mV for p-type substrates and 695 mV for n-type substrates) and accordingly, a higher conversion efficiency than obtained with standard a-Si(i).
Arrah, like, you know: The dynamics of discourse marking in ICE-Ireland.

For over 400 years, dramatists, novelists, and other writers seeking to depict Irish characters have relied in part on words and phrases taken to be indexical of Irishness when representing the conversational functions now associated with the term 'discourse marker'. In keeping with the general trend in the lexical development of Irish English, many of the terms which are commonly cited are etymologically derived from Irish and carry over similar discourse functions. These terms include introductory particles as in
Combining physiological threshold knowledge to species distribution models is key to improving forecasts of the future niche for macroalgae

Species distribution models (SDM) are a useful tool for predicting species range shifts in response to global warming. However, they do not explore the mechanisms underlying biological processes, making it difficult to predict shifts outside the environmental gradient where the model was trained. In this study, we combine correlative SDMs and knowledge on physiological limits to provide more robust predictions. The thermal thresholds obtained in growth and survival experiments were used as proxies of the fundamental niches of two foundational marine macrophytes. The geographic projections of these species’ distributions obtained using these thresholds and existing SDMs were similar in areas where the species are either absent‐rare or frequent and where their potential and realized niches match, reaching consensus predictions. The cold‐temperate foundational seaweed Himanthalia elongata was predicted to become extinct at its southern limit in northern Spain in response to global warming, whereas the occupancy of southern‐lusitanic Bifurcaria bifurcata was expected to increase. Combined approaches such as this one may also highlight geographic areas where models disagree potentially due to biotic factors. Physiological thresholds alone tended to over‐predict species prevalence, as they cannot identify absences in climatic conditions within the species’ range of physiological tolerance or at the optima. Although SDMs tended to have higher sensitivity than threshold models, they may include regressions that do not reflect causal mechanisms, constraining their predictive power. We present a simple example of how combining correlative and mechanistic knowledge provides a rapid way to gain insight into a species’ niche resulting in consistent predictions and highlighting potential sources of uncertainty in forecasted responses to climate change.
Intensity and Duration of Intermittent Exercise and Recovery During a Soccer Match

Orendurff, MS, Walker, JD, Jovanovic, M, Tulchin, KL, Levy, M, and Hoffmann, DK. Intensity and duration of intermittent exercise and recovery during a soccer match. J Strength Cond Res 24(10): 2683-2692, 2010-Soccer is a sport consisting of high-intensity intermittent exercise, with players making forays across their anaerobic threshold for tactical advantage followed by periods of recovery. The intensity and duration of these work and recovery bouts were defined during a men's soccer match using StepWatch Activity Monitors recording step rate for each 3-second period. The data were coded by custom software to separate work bouts (step rate ≥ 4) from recovery bouts (step rate < 4), and a square wave of the pattern of bouts was plotted for 5 players: center forward, central midfielder, wing midfielder, central defender, and wing defender. Four values were calculated for each work and recovery bout identified: duration, and mean, maximum, and minimum step rate (intensity). This novel technique provided detailed graphical information on the duration and exercise intensity of each position throughout the match. The center midfielder was able to sustain work and recovery bout characteristics throughout the match and appeared to recover at higher intensity levels than other players. The forward showed the consequence of accumulated fatigue late in the match and was unable to sustain the duration of high-intensity work bouts observed earlier in the match. The central defender attenuated the intensity of his work and recovery bouts late in the match staying closer to a more moderate work rate with fewer high- or low-intensity bouts. Having objective data qualifying players' work and recovery bout characteristics might prove valuable for tactical decision making, substitution timing, and for planning future training sessions.
Measurement of the percentage of root filling in oval-shaped canals obturated with Thermafil Obturators and Beefill 2in1: In vitro study

Background The aim of the study was to measure the percentage of root canal fillings in long oval canals obturated with thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques, Beefill 2in1® and Thermafil Obturators®. Material and Methods Fifty four mandibular incisors were selected after bucco-lingual and mesio-distal radiographs showed at 5 mm from apex an internal long:short diameter ≥2. Teeth were instrumented with Protaper Universal and divided in two groups of 27. Group 1 was obturated with Thermafil Obturators® and group 2 with Beefill 2in1®. Two horizontal sections were cut at 5 and 7 mm from the apex and photographed in a stereo-microscope. The total area of the canal and filled canal in cross-sections were measured with AutoCad and the percentages of gutta-percha-sealer and voids in the canal were obtained. Results Both systems achieved high percentage of filled canal, Thermafil 96.8% and Beefill 2in1 98.9%. The percentages of voids in both groups were very low. No significant differences were found between the two groups . The percentage obtained at 5 and 7 mm from the apex in both groups showed no significant difference. Conclusions The percentages of filled canal (gutta-percha-sealer) were high and these two thermoplasticized techniques are suitable for long oval canals obturation. Key words:Long oval canal, oval canal, thermoplasticized obturation.
EFFECTS OF COMBINED APPLICATION OF POULTRY MANURE AND NPK FERTILIZER ON THE BIOMASS AND CROP GROWTH RATE OF UPLAND RICE

Department of Crop Science, University of Uyo Email: ofsamaus@yahoo.com Phone: 08037285698 Field experiments were conducted in 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo located at Use Offot, Uyo, to assess the effects of combined application of poultry manure (PM) and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizers on upland rice cultivars’ biomass and crop growth rate (CGR). Treatments consisted of six fertilizer combinations (4.5 t ha PM + 100 kg ha NPK, 3.0 t ha PM + 200 kg ha NPK, 1.5 t ha PM + 300 kg ha NPK, 6.0 t ha PM, 400 kg ha NPK and control) and five cultivars of rice (FARO 43, FARO 46, FARO 55, FARO 56 and a local checkOtokongtian) in a factorial arrangement laid on a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Destructive samples were collected at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks after sowing (WAS), oven-dried at 80 C to constant weight and the biomass and CGR determined. Results showed that significantly greater biomass was obtained from combined application of poultry manure and NPK fertilizers mostly at the 4.5 t ha + 100 kg ha and 3.0 t ha + 200 kg ha NPK in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The FARO 46 and Otokongtian performed best. The interaction effects showed increased rice biomass with combined application of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer. Rice biomass increased with increase in sampling time while crop growth rate increased gradually from 3 to 9 WAS but, showed accelerated growth rate from 9 to 12 WAS and declined between 12 and 15 WAS.
Future of neuroprotection for acute stroke: In the aftermath of the SAINT trials

The concept of neuroprotective therapy for acute ischemic stroke to salvage tissue at risk and improve functional outcome is based on sound scientific principles and extensive preclinical animal studies demonstrating efficacy. The failure of most neuroprotective drugs in clinical trials has been due to inadequate preclinical testing and flawed clinical development programs. The Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) group has outlined rational approaches to preclinical and clinical studies. The positive results from the first Stroke‐Acute‐Ischaemic‐NXY‐Treatment (SAINT‐I) trial of the free‐radical spin‐trap drug, NXY‐059, which followed many of the STAIR guidelines, reinvigorated enthusiasm in neuroprotection, but the SAINT‐II trial did not replicate the positive effect on the same primary prespecified outcome measure. This has led to concerns about the future of neuroprotection as a therapeutic strategy for acute ischemic stroke. We discuss new suggestions to bridge the chasm between preclinical animal modeling and acute human stroke trials to potentially enhance the future assessment of novel neuroprotective drugs. Ann Neurol 2007