Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
omparison of metabolic substrates in alligators and everal birds of prey

On average, avian blood glucose concentrations are 1.5–2 times those of mammals of similar mass and high concentrations of insulin are required to lower blood glucose. Whereas considerable data exist for granivorous species, few data are available for plasma metabolic substrate and glucoregulatory hormone concentrations for carnivorous birds and alligators. Birds and mammals with carnivorous diets have higher metabolic rates than animals consuming diets with less protein whereas alligators have low metabolic rates. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare substrate and glucoregulatory hormone concentrations in several birds of prey and a phylogenetically close relative of birds, the alligator. The hypothesis was that the combination of carnivorous diets and high metabolic rates favored the evolution of greater protein and fatty acid utilization leading to insulin resistance and high plasma glucose concentrations in carnivorous birds. In contrast, it was hypothesized that alligators would have low substrate utilization attributable to a low metabolic rate. Fasting plasma substrate and glucoregulatory hormone concentrations were compared for bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), and American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Avian species had high circulating -hydroxybutyrate (10–21 mg/dl) compared to alligators (2.81 ± 0.16 mg/dl). In mammals high concentrations of this byproduct of fatty acid utilization are correlated with insulin resistance. Fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were positively correlated in eagles whereas no relationship was found between these variables for owls, hawks or alligators. Additionally, -hydroxybutyrate concentrations were low in alligators. Similar to carnivorous mammals, ingestion of a high protein diet may have favored the utilization of fatty acids and protein for energy thereby promoting the development of insulin resistance and gluconeogenesis-induced high plasma glucose concentrations during periods of fasting in birds of prey. © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Evidence of widespread movements from breeding to molting grounds by North American landbirds

ABSTRACT Precise locations for the complete feather molt of North American landbirds, relative to their breeding territories, remain undocumented for most species. We analyzed >760,000 records of 140 species at 936 bird-capture stations to assess probabilities of recording both molting landbirds at their breeding sites and breeding birds at molting sites, and to investigate latitudinal, longitudinal, and elevational shifts from breeding to molting grounds. We demonstrate widespread evidence for molt-migrations among a variety of North American landbirds, including many migratory species previously thought to molt on “breeding grounds. ” Geospatial differences between breeding and molting grounds were detected in all 4 compass directions as well as both upslope and downslope in elevation, while individuals of some species appeared to disperse to specific molting locations not discriminated by spatial direction or elevation from breeding territories. Although western North American species and populations are reported to undergo more molt-migration than eastern species, our molt-movement probabilities were similar in western and eastern North America and were greater in the east than in the west for several species. Combining our results with those of these previous studies, we suggest that many landbird species in western North America move longer distances to molt, whereas many landbirds in eastern North America may equally or more likely move shorter distances between breeding and molting habitats, while remaining within the overall breeding ranges of the species. Heterogeneous molt-movement responses are suggested for many species, which may relate to breeding success, resource availability on breeding territories, weather events, and other factors. Researchers using stable-isotopic, genetic, and geolocator techniques need to consider potential molt-movement strategies, and to incorporate molting habitat requirements into full-annual-cycle conservation efforts.
Chapter 1 Polarizable ContinuumModels for ( Bio ) Molecular Electrostatics : Basic Theory and Recent Developments for Macromolecules and Simulations

The topic of this chapter is the solution of a simple and well-defined model problem, namely, the molecular electrostatics problem for one or more molecules immersed in a homogeneous dielectric medium characterized by a dielectric constant, ε. The interface between the atomistic region (the solute) and the continuum solvent is defined by a molecule-shaped cavity such as the ones depicted in Figs. 1.1(a) and 1.1(b). In practice, this cavity is often constructed from atom-centered spheres, although more
Advance DDOS detection and mitigation technique for securing cloud

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks have become a serious attack on internet security and cloud computing. This kind of attacks is the most complex form of denial of service (DoS) attacks. This type of attack can simply duplicate its source address, such as spoofing attack, which disguises the real location of the attack. Therefore, DDoS attack is the most significant challenge for network security. In this paper, we present a model to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks in cloud computing. The proposed model requires very small storage and has the ability of fast detection. The experimental results show that the system is able to mitigate most of the attacks. Detection accuracy and processing time were the metrics used to evaluate the performance of proposed model. From the results, it is evident that the system achieved high detection accuracy (97%) with some minor false alarms.
Reducing the Service Deficit in M-Commerce: How Service-Technology Fit Can Support Digital Sales of Complex Products

Abstract Mobile commerce still experiences high drop-out rates throughout the sales process. This is especially evident for complex products such as insurance, which consumers often initially explore online but complete the purchase offline to enjoy direct human assistance, helping them to better understand the product and reduce associated risks. To facilitate complex product purchases online, this article highlights the need for fit between the type of service and the type of technology used for the purchase, termed as service-technology fit (STF). In particular, the article proposes a comprehensive technological service (CTS); that is, the combination of a technology-mediated service (TMS) and a technology-generated service (TGS) as a central element of a face-to-screen service (FtoS). This experimental study found a significant superiority for CTS in terms of service quality and information quality as well as concerning consumers’ perceived financial risk, psychological risk, ease of use, and purchase intention. In contrast, relying solely on either TMS or TGS reduces the perceived service and information quality and reinforces the perception of several risks. These findings extend the theoretical knowledge on the mechanisms that are inherent to an FtoS service and give concrete practical implications for the future design of service in mobile commerce.
Improved results on synchronisation of delayed complex dynamical networks via sampled-data control

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the synchronisation problem of delayed complex dynamical networks via sampled-data control. A novel input-delay-dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) is constructed for the first time, which can make full use of the information on the input delay. To strengthen the combinations of the vectors in the resulting augmented vector, a new zero value equality is founded. Based on the input-delay-dependent LKF and zero value equality, synchronisation criteria are established. In comparison with some existing synchronisation criteria, the criteria in this paper are less conservative. The desired sampled-data controller is designed by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the superiorities of proposed results.
Why people participate in the sharing economy: an empirical investigation of Uber

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of inhibiting, motivating, and technological factors on users’ intention to participate in the sharing economy. Design/methodology/approach A self-reported online survey was conducted among Uber users in Hong Kong. A total of 295 valid responses were collected. The research model was empirically tested using the structural equation modeling technique. Findings The results suggested that perceived risks, perceived benefits, trust in the platform, and perceived platform qualities were significant predictors of users’ intention to participate in Uber. Research limitations/implications This study bridged the research gaps in the sharing economy literature by examining the effects of perceived risks, perceived benefits, and trust in the platform on users’ intention to participate in the sharing economy. Moreover, this study enriched the extended valence framework by incorporating perceived platform qualities into the research model, responding to the calls for the inclusion of technological variables in information systems research. Practical implications The findings provided practitioners with insights into enhancing users’ intention to participate in the sharing economy. Originality/value This study presented one of the first attempts to systematically examine the effects of inhibiting, motivating, and technological factors on users’ intention to participate in the sharing economy.
Egg laying and albumen gland composition of Archachatina marginata during growth phases

The egg laying pattern and albumen gland composition in three growth phases of Archacha- tina marginata: snailet, juvenile and adult were investigated in this study. The juvenile stage laid the highest number of snails (9.3) followed by the adult stage (4.7), while no egg was laid by the snailet phase. However, the eggs laid by the adult phase were significantly (p<0.05) heavier than those laid by the juvenile stage. The adult stage had the biggest albumen gland (7.30±0.1cm) and the highest lipase, proteinase, α-glucosidase, amylase and cellulase activities followed by the juvenile stage, while the snailet had the least values. However, results of organic composition of the albumen gland show that juvenile phase has a statistically higher protein, glucose and lipid composition than the other two growth phases. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between egg number and albumen gland glucose, protein and lipid composition It can thus be inferred that juvenile stage of A. marginata has the best reproductive capability and potential.
Satisfactory Analgesia with Minimal Emesis in Day Surgeries (SAME DayS): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial of morphine versus hydromorphone

Introduction There has been an exponential increase in the number of ambulatory surgeries (AS). Pain and postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV) affects the recovery, discharge and overall satisfaction of patients having AS. Opioids remain the primary modality for moderate to severe pain. Since there is no perfect opioid, physicians should ideally use the opioid that optimally balances benefits and risks. Present decisions on the choice between morphine (M) and hydromorphone (HM) are based on individual experience and observation. Our primary objective is to compare the proportion of patients having AS achieving satisfactory analgesia without significant PONV when using M compared with HM. Secondarily we will compare the proportion of patients with adverse events, analgesic used, patient satisfaction, time to discharge and postdischarge symptoms. Methods and analysis This is a two-arm, multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial of 400 patients having AS. Eligible patients undergoing AS of the abdominal and pelvic regions with a potential to cause moderate to severe pain will be recruited in the preoperative clinic. Using a computer-generated randomization, with a 1:1 allocation ratio, patients will be randomised to M or HM. Patients, healthcare providers and research personnel will be blinded. Study interventions will be administered in the recovery using equianalgesic doses of M or HM in concealed syringes. Patients will be followed in hospital and up to 3 months. Intention-to-treat approach will be used for analysis. Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the Hamilton integrated research ethics board. We plan to publish our trial findings and present our findings at scientific meetings. Trail registration number NCT02223377; Pre-results.
The effect of awareness and perceived risk on the technology acceptance model (TAM): mobile banking in Yemen

Mobile banking has the potential to outperform the internet banking, since, the usage of internet in Yemen is very limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of perceived risk and awareness as external variables on the technology acceptance model (TAM) for a comprehensive understanding of intention to use mobile banking. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and 482 valid responses were received. The model explained 78% of the variance in intention. Results revealed that awareness reduces the perception of risk. In addition, perceived risk is a major attenuator for the perceived ease of use (PEOU), and perceived usefulness (PU). Awareness also had a significant impact on PU and PEOU. In addition, PU was found as a major predictor of the intention. The results of the current study will give additional insights into productive strategies to extend mobile banking in countries such as Yemen.
Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improve Functional and Radiographic Outcomes Over Nonoperative Management 5 Years After Injury?

Background: Current practice patterns for the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury favor surgical reconstruction. However, long-term outcomes may not differ between patients completing operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injury. Differences in outcomes between operative and nonoperative treatment of patients in the United States is largely unknown, as are outcomes in long-term strength and performance measures. Purpose: To determine if differences exist in 5-year functional and radiographic outcomes between patients completing operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injury when both groups complete a progressive criterion-based rehabilitation protocol. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: From an original group of 144 athletes, 105 participants (mean ± SD age, 34.3 ± 11.4 years) with an acute ACL rupture completed functional testing (quadriceps strength, single-legged hop, and knee joint effusion testing; patient-reported outcomes) and knee radiographs 5 years after ACL reconstruction or completion of nonoperative rehabilitation. Results: At 5 years, patients treated with ACL reconstruction versus rehabilitation alone did not differ in quadriceps strength (P = .817); performance on single-legged hop tests (P = .234-.955); activity level (P = .349-.400); subjective reports of pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, and knee-related quality of life (P = .090-.941); or presence of knee osteoarthritis (P = .102-.978). When compared with patients treated nonoperatively, patients treated operatively did report greater global ratings of knee function (P = .001), and lower fear (P = .035) at 5 years but were more likely to possess knee joint effusion (P = .016). Conclusion: The current findings indicate that favorable outcomes can occur after both operative and nonoperative management approaches with the use of progressive criterion-based rehabilitation. Further study is needed to determine clinical algorithms for identifying the best candidates for surgical versus nonoperative care after ACL injury. These findings provide an opportunity to improve the educational process between patients and clinicians regarding the expected clinical course and long-term outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injuries.
Nutritional composition of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) from forest fields in Norway - Effects of geographic origin, climate, fertilization and soil properties

Effects of different environmental factors (origin, climate, fertilization and soil properties) on berry nutritional quality were studied in eight forest fields of bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ) in Northern-, Mid- and Southern Norway. No clear trend between locations could be found, however untargeted multivariate analysis of metabolite profiles revealed clear segregation patterns between locations. Anthocyanin, and phenolics content, and titratable acidity were significantly affected by mineral fertilization (Mid-Norway), while organic fertilization did not show any significant effects (Northern Norway). Bilberry chemical composition was affected by harvest time point, as indicated by a potentially higher nutritional quality regarding the content of phytochemicals when harvesting at mid or towards the end of the production season (Southern Norway). Regional and annual climate had strongest impact on the nutritious content of bilberries. Significant differences were found between locations, however previous findings on increasing anthocyanin content with latitude were not confirmed due to environmental impacts confounding the population effects.
Changes in FGM / C in Somaliland: Medical narrative driving shift in types of cutting.

While the majority of affected countries have adopted legal frameworks prohibiting female genital mutilation / cutting (FGM / C) these measures have been varyingly effective in preventing the practice or significantly accelerating its total abandonment. One possible reason is the inadequacy of the theoretical paradigms framing FGM / C interventions that neglect the collectively held social norms underpinning the practice’s continuation. Social norms theory contends the perpetuation of harmful practices (such as FGM / C) and the creation of beneficial new ones may be attributable to social motivations involving an entire community’s beliefs and actions rather than simply those of individuals and their families. In Africa where focus is growing on social norms as a theoretical underpinning for preventative interventions FGM / C is most common in the western eastern and northeastern countries. In Somalia FGM / C prevalence is nearly universal at 98 percent. Despite calls for rigorous research on FGM / C abandonment for the Sustainable Development Goals there is limited peer-reviewed literature with primary data on FGM / C for Somalia and Somaliland. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore: 1. Views and experiences of married and unmarried men and women on FGM / C and potential changes in its practice (in terms of age cut severity and medicalisation); 2. Individual family and societal factors contributing to any changes or continuation of FGM / C; 3. The knowledge views and experiences of health care workers who offer FGM / C services (including corrective services as well as potentially medicalised versions) and their role as change agents rather than providers and; 4. How health care systems’ capacities can be strengthened for management and prevention. (Excerpt)
Effect of Supplementing Bypass Fat with Rat with Rumen Protected Choline Chloride on Milk Yield, Milk Composition and Metabolic Profile in Crossbred Cows

Animal Nutrition Group, National Dairy Development Board, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat, India Crossbred cows (n=24), yielding 8-14 kg milk/animal/day were divided into three groups of eight each, based on milk yield, fat per cent and stage of lactation. All animals were fed similar basal ration, comprising 14-15 kg oat green, 5-6 kg lucerne green and 4-5 kg wheat straw. Concentrate mixture was given according to the level of milk production, to meet the maintenance and milk production requirements. In addition to basal ration, cows in group II were fed 100 g bypass fat supplement, whereas, cows in group III were fed 100 g bypass fat and 10 g rumen protected choline (RPC) supplement per animal per day. Average increase in daily milk yield and fat in groups II and III over a 90 days experimental period were 1.48 kg (P<0.01) and 0.54% (P<0.05) and 1.77 kg (P<0.01) and 0.61% (P<0.05), as compared to group I. There was improvement (P<0.01) in poly-unsaturated fatty acids in milk of groups II and III. Total unsaturated fatty acids also increased by 15.29 and 15.71% in groups II and III, respectively. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in blood serum were reduced by 16.12 and 24.19% (P<0.01) in groups II and III, respectively. There was reduction (P<0.01) in cholesterol levels in blood serum in animals of groups II and III, as compared to group I. Blood glucose and urea nitrogen were not affected by the dietary treatments. On the basis of present study, it can be inferred that supplementing bypass fat helps improving milk and fat yield in crossbred cows, which can further be enhanced by fortification with rumen protected choline chloride.
Relating Phage Genomes to Helicobacter pylori Population Structure: General Steps Using Whole-Genome Sequencing Data

The review uses the Helicobacter pylori, the gastric bacterium that colonizes the human stomach, to address how to obtain information from bacterial genomes about prophage biology. In a time of continuous growing number of genomes available, this review provides tools to explore genomes for prophage presence, or other mobile genetic elements and virulence factors. The review starts by covering the genetic diversity of H. pylori and then moves to the biologic basis and the bioinformatics approaches used for studding the H. pylori phage biology from their genomes and how this is related with the bacterial population structure. Aspects concerning H. pylori prophage biology, evolution and phylogeography are discussed.
Structural and diffusion effects in the Dutch fertility transition, 1870-1940

Background: Ever since the Princeton European Fertility Project, structural and diffusion effects on fertility behavior have been juxtaposed. However, we still hardly know what the relative effects were of shifting socio-economic conditions and shifts in sociability in explaining the historical fertility decline. Objective: To what extent and how did structural and diffusion effects play a role in the adoption of fertility control in the Dutch historical fertility transition? Methods: A national data set was used with more than 3,000 maternity histories of married Dutch women aged 15-50, whose reproductive careers took place between 1870 and 1940. Apart from husbands' occupations, characteristics of the set of couples' marriage witnesses were included to measure their social networks. Cox regression analyses of age at last birth and negative binomial regressions of net family size were conducted. Results: Results indicate that unskilled laborers and farm laborers were laggards in the practice of fertility control during the Dutch fertility transition. Besides SES differentials, differences in couples' social networks were important in explaining fertility behavior. Those who had networks consisting of lateral kin, age peers, and people of urban background stopped childbearing earlier and had smaller families than other couples did. Particularly the presence of lateral kin of the bride and of female witnesses was strongly associated with smaller family size. Conclusions: The evidence lends support for so-called "blended diffusion models" and suggests that the fertility transition must be understood as much from the viewpoint of changed cost-benefit calculations related to structural changes, as from shifting patterns of sociability associated with the decline of patriarchy and the increasing lateralization and age homophily of people's social networks.