Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal influences on the litter size at birth of pigs are more pronounced in the gilt than sow litters

SUMMARY The aim of the present study was to use data from herds to demonstrate the degree of seasonal influence on litter size at birth in gilts compared to sow parities 2, 3–5 and older (parities ⩾6) in a conventional, open-housing system for commercial pig herds in the northeastern part of Thailand. Data were obtained during a 3-year period from July 2005 to June 2008. The data analysed included observations on 25 835 litters from 8100 sows. Total number of piglets born per litter (TB), number of piglets born alive per litter (BA), proportion of stillborn piglets per litter (SB) and proportion of mummified fetuses per litter (MF) were analysed using a general linear mixed model procedure. The influence of temperature, relative humidity and temperature-humidity index (THI) on TB, BA, MF and SB were also analysed. The meteorological data were merged with the reproductive data and the means of temperature, relative humidity and THI during 115 days before farrowing were calculated and included in the statistical models. The results revealed that sows that farrowed in the hot season had a larger TB and BA than sows that farrowed in the rainy (P<0·001) and cool seasons (P<0·001). The difference of TB and BA among seasons was more pronounced in the gilt litters than the sow litters, insofar as the gilts that farrowed in the rainy season had 0·7 TB fewer than gilts that farrowed in the hot season (P<0·001). By contrast, sows of parities 2, 3–5 and ⩾6 that farrowed in the rainy season had 0·4 (P=0·01), 0·3 (P=0·003) and 0·3 (P=0·02) TB fewer than those that farrowed in the hot season. In the first parity, MF increased from 0·022 to 0·042 when the mean temperature during gestation increased from 26 to 29°C (P<0·001). On average, a reduction of 0·8 TB and 0·7 BA were found when the humidity during gestation increased from 50 to 80% (P<0·001). The influence of THI on TB, BA and SB differed among herds. When THI increased from 71/72 to ⩾81, a decrease of 0·4 TB were observed in herd A (P<0·001) and a decrease of 0·9 TB were observed in herd B (P<0·001), but not in herds C and D (P>0·05). In conclusion, inferior litter size at birth was observed in sows that farrowed in either rainy or cool seasons. High temperature, high relative humidity and/or high THI during gestation significantly reduced the number of total piglets born per litter. The influence of season, temperature, relative humidity and/or THI on litter size at birth was more evident in the gilts than the sows. These data indicated that various strategies to reduce temperature in the open-housing system for pregnant gilts and sows in Thailand are not adequate and the proper housing of pregnant gilts should be emphasized.
Rhombichthys intoccabilis, gen. et sp. nov. (Ellimmichthyiformes, Clupeomorpha, Teleostei), from the Cenomanian (Upper Cretaceous) of Ein Yabrud, Middle East: Anatomical Description and Phylogenetic Implications

ABSTRACT A new double-armored member of the Ellimmichthyiformes (Clupeomorpha, Teleostei) is described from the Cenomanian (Upper Cretaceous) of Ein Yabrud, near Ramallah, Middle East. The anatomical description of Rhombichthys intoccabilis, gen. et sp. nov., is based on 13 subcomplete or incomplete acid-prepared specimens. This taxon shows several remarkable characters such as an important dorsoventral elongation of the lateral wings of the ventral scutes that give an apex-shaped ventral profile in the biggest specimens. Some dorsal fin rays are very extended and branched, and the dorsal fin extends along the major part of the dorsal margin of the body. Rhombichthys intoccabilis, gen. et sp. nov., shares the synapormorphies of the family Paraclupeidae and the subfamily Paraclupeinae. It appears closely related to the genera Triplomystus and Ezkutuberezi, mainly in the basis of the shape of dorsal and ventral scutes and the absence of a hypural diastema.
A Comparison of Energy Reserves during Autumnal and Vernal Migratory Periods in the White‐Crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii

Although the physiology of autumnal migration has received substantially less attention than that of vernal migration, it is obvious that it also becomes possible calorically because of the development of a positive energy balance. During the premigratory and intramigratory periods this positive energy balance may be reflected in the accumulation of fat reserves. Such deposition of fat in autumn has been observed in a considerable number of species (see, for example, Wachs 1926; Zedlitz 1926; Groebbels 1930; Merkel 1938, 1958; Wallgren 1954; Rautenberg 1957; Odum 1960; Blyumyental 1960; Dolnik 1960). The most extensive data are from a series of birds killed at a television tower in Georgia near the Gulf of Mexico (Odum 1960; Odum et al. 1961); in these, the fat varied from about 6% of total body weight for Zonotrichia albicollis, which does not migrate farther south, to 33-52% for Dolichonyx ory ivorus, Piranga olivacea, and Piranga rubra, which migrate on into South America. The fat reserve of a migrant at a given time is a function of many variables. Among these must be the rate of energy expenditure during migratory flight, the length and duration of single uninterrupted migratory flights, the time of day at which the bird is taken, the time elapsed after the latest migratory flight, and the rate of replenishment of metabolized fat. For several years we have accumulated data on the body weight and fat content of the whitecrowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, during fall migration. These data suggest that the energy reserves of fall migrants are generally smaller than those of the vernal premigratory and intramigratory periods (McGreal and Farner 1956; King and Farner 1959; Farner et al. 1961), and that these smaller reserves are consistent with the more leisurely progress of fall migration. An additional difference between spring and fall migration lies in the control of changes in metabolism and energy intake which result in fattening. In spring, the positive energy balance in this species is primarily the result of a
CHANGES IN SURVIVAL RATES OF LESSER SNOW GEESE WITH AGE AND BREEDING STATUS

Survival rates of Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) were ex- amined based on recoveries and recaptures of about 350,000 geese banded at breeding colonies in northern Canada, at migration stopover points in the Dakotas and Missouri, and on the wintering grounds in Louisiana and Texas. First-year survival rates for goslings banded on the breeding grounds varied from 10 to 70% of adult survival rates. Much of the juvenile mortality occurred on the breeding grounds or early on the first migration. Young geese that reached migration stopovers or the wintering grounds were more vulnerable to hunters than adults, but had only slightly lower survival rates than adults. Greater vulnerability and lower survival continued through the second year of life, even though yearlings do not breed. In contrast, older birds that did not breed, or failed early in a nesting attempt, were much less vulnerable to hunters in the following hunting season than successful breeding adults, but did not appear to have higher survival as a result. Geese captured for the first time as breeding adults had slightly lower survival rates than geese that had been recaptured at the colony at least once, suggesting experienced breeders have higher survival. Although there was some evidence that older birds were slightly more vulnerable to hunters, there were no signs of any changes in survival rate with age in older geese, indicating that senescence, if it affects survival, does not do so for at least the first 10 to 15 years of age. With current hunting levels, less than 5% of Lesser Snow Geese are likely to live beyond this age. Our study demonstrates a variety of statistical methods for testing hypotheses about age-specific survival using both recovery and recapture data, even when the data do not permit estimation of the exact survival rates. Received 13 May 1991, accepted 13 January 1992.
Effect of Body Mass Index on Adherence to Physical Activity in Females

Background &objectives: Exercise and physical activity are very important for physical fitness. Exercise could be particularly important for students as the old proverb stated that "Normal brain exists in normal body". This study was conducted to evaluate effect of body mass index (BMI) on adherence to exercise in females. Subjects &Methods: Assessment of BMI was done for 3 groups of participants, after taking their informed consent then a questionnaire was self administered to all participants. Questions were to inquire about demographic, social and behavioral factors that could affect exercise adherence. Other questions were to demonstrate the extent of adherence to exercise. Data were collected then analyzed using graph pad prism software (version, 5; Italy). Results: Our study revealed that BMI had a great influence on adherence to exercise, other factors include availability of sports tools, time, social support and exercise trainer. Recommendations: We recommended inclusion of exercise in timetables of college students and staff members. Furthermore, we suggest engagement of sport's trainer at the college to increase student's and staff's awareness toward the importance of physical exercise.
Analyzing the time-to-detection – generation time relationship of Escherichia coli Análisis de la relación entre el tiempo de detección y el tiempo de generación de Escherichia coli

The relationship between the time-to-detection (TTD) and the generation time (GT) of Escherichia coli was studied under different pH values (4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.4) and temperatures (30°C, 35°C, 37°C or 42°C). An adequate linear relationship was found between both parameters (R 2 = 0.899). The regression of the ratio ln(TTD/GT) only introduced the pH in the model. The validation of the model was carried out with a new dataset. Differences were observed at 30°C, and they increased with pH 5.5. The relative rate to detection (RRT) and the relative GT (RGT) were calculated. The results suggest that both are equivalent measures, so the GT could be obtained from the TTD and the RRD under optimal pH values. This conclusion would reinforce the initial statement, i.e. the relationship between the TTD and the GT. Se ha estudiado la relación entre el tiempo de detección (TTD) y el tiempo de generación (GT) de Escherichia coli bajo distintas condiciones de pH (4,5, 5,5, 6,7, y 7,4) y de temperatura (30, 35, 37 y 42°C). Se encontró una relación lineal entre ambos parámetros (R2 = 0,899). La regresión de la relación ln(TTD/GT) sólo introdujo el pH en el modelo. La validación se realizó con un nuevo grupo de datos. Se observaron diferencias a 30°C, que aumentaron con un pH 5,5. Se calcularon la tasa de detección relativa y el GT relativo. Los resultados sugieren que ambos son equivalentes, por lo que el GT podría obtenerse a partir del TTD y de la tasa de detección relativa bajo valores de pH óptimos. Esta conclusión refuerza la idea inicial: la relación entre el TTD y el GT.
Social Media Utilization among Dental Practitioner in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

To assess the dental practitioners' use of social media, concerning demographic and social variables and the impact of social media use on dental practice.The study was a cross-sectional analytical study of dental practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered 30-items questionnaire was distributed to 438 dentists, which included eight questions related to background and demographic information and 22 questions related to the use of social media within the dental practice. Data were entered and analyzed usingSPSSsoftware. Data analysis included frequency distributions and chi-square tests to assess the association of social media use with demographic and social variables and its impact on dental practice. Significant level was considered ifpwas less than 0.05. Of participating, 338 dentists, 52% were using social media in their practice. Twitter was the most commonly used (35%). Education was the primary purpose of using social media (43%), while entertainment was the least (8%). Approximately 62% and 68% are using social media for marketing of their dental practice and broadcasting treatment outcome, respectively. Social media was observed to be used significantly higher among Non-Saudi, general and private dentists. Participating dentists who used social media in their practice significantly recommended using social media to other dentists.In general, non-Saudis, general practitioners and dentists practicing in private clinics are significantly using more social media during their practice. The majority of dental practitioners indicated that social media has improved their dental practice and become an indicator of successful practice.
Seasonal variation of fixed and volatile oil percentage of four Eucalyptus spp. related to lamina anatomy

This experiment was conducted during the four seasons: Spring, summer, autumn and winter of two successive annual cycles; 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 (starting from May 2008). Four Eucalyptus species were under investigation; Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. , Eucalyptus cinerea F. Muell. ex Bentham, Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Seasonal variations in the amount of fixed and volatile oils in Eucalyptus spp. matured leaves were investigated. It was determined that the amount of total lipids and essential oils significantly varied by the seasons (P < 0.01). The amount of total lipids in Eucalyptus spp. reached its peak mostly in spring. But the amounts of essential oils in different species were determined to be higher in summer, autumn and spring seasons, than in winter. Furthermore, the amount of total lipids and essential oils was higher in E. camaldulensis and E. cinerea than in other species. The anatomical investigation in the four studied Eucalyptus species, in relation to lipids percentage indicated that, the best lipids percentage amounts in this study were exhibited in E. cinerea and E. camaldulensis, for spring and winter; and were in agreement with these species highest lamina thickness. In general, fluctuation in lipids percentage is more correlated to the internal structure of lamina (duct average diameter, ducts total numbers, and open ducts numbers) in the same season; whereas, among seasons, it is thought that metabolism contributed more greatly. Cuticle thickness is true correspondence to seasonal environmental fluctuation, since it increases in all species, by shifting up from spring to summer then decrease to winter. Essential oils secretion which coincided with lipids percentage may be due to environmental stress influence over metabolism rather than structural adaptation.
Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDS) Containing Rice Bran Oil for Enhanced Fenofibrate Oral Delivery: In Vitro Digestion, Ex Vivo Permeability, and In Vivo Bioavailability Studies

Lipid-based drug delivery systems (LbDDS), such as self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS), constitute a prominent formulation approach for enhancing the aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds. Utilization of biorefinery wastes, such as oil from rice bran, may prove advantageous to both improving drug solubilization and absorption and to achieving sustainable agri-food waste valorization. Here, we assessed the effect of four SNEDDS compositions differing in the oil (rice bran oil and corn oil) and surfactant type (Kolliphor RH40 and EL) on the oral bioavailability of fenofibrate, a BCS class II compound. Prior to the in vivo oral administration of the SNEDDS in rats, drug solubilization was tested in vitro using the static digestion model, followed by the ex vivo permeability study of the predigested SNEDDS using the non-everted gut sac model. No significant variation was observed in the solubilization capacity within the different SNEDDS formulations. On the other hand, the ex vivo permeability data of the predigested SNEDDS correlated well with the in vivo bioavailability data designating the superiority of rice bran oil with Kolliphor EL as the surfactant, to enhance the oral absorption of fenofibrate. Results indicated that valorization of agro-industrial waste such as rice bran oil may prove useful in enhancing the oral performance of LbDDS in the case of fenofibrate, while at the same time maximizing the use of agricultural by-products via the creation of new sustainable value chains in the pharmaceutical field.
Effect of crocin on cardiac antioxidants, and hemodynamic parameters after injuries induced by hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Objective(s): This research aimed to test the impact of liver ischemia/reperfusion (IR) insult on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, functional enzymes, histological, and hemodynamic parameters of heart, as well as protective function of crocin on these variables in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty two rats were randomly assigned into 4 experimental groups (8 rats in each). I: sham-operated, II: IR induction, III: Crocin alone, and IV: Crocin+IR induction. Groups I and III received normal saline at 2 ml per day and crocin at 200 mg per kg on a daily basis for a week via intraperitoneally injection. Afterwards, laparotomy was performed. Groups II and IV was also received normal saline and crocin and then experienced a 45 min ischemia followed by 1 hr reperfusion. Tissue samples of heart and blood were taken to use for further microscopic and laboratories analysis. Hemodynamic parameters were measured by tail cuff method. Results: Findings indicated that crocin dramatically elevated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and attenuated serum concentrations of hepatic and cardiac enzymes. Crocin also inhibited histopathological disarrangements, and modulated hemodynamic parameters beyond IR-induced hepatic insult. Conclusion: Current experiment indicated that crocin has potential cardioprotective action following hepatic I/R-induced damage. Therefore, it can be administered before elective hepatic surgeries.
Genetic variation in red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.; rosaceae) from sites differing in organic pollutants compared with synthetic tandem repeat DNA probes

Two synthetic tandem repetitive DNA probes were used to compare genetic variation at variable‐number‐tandem‐repeat (VNTR) loci among Rubus idaeus L. var. strigosus (Michx.) Maxim. (Rosaceae) individuals sampled at eight sites contaminated by pollutants (N = 39) and eight adjacent uncontaminated sites (N = 38; distances separating sites ranged from 5 to 350 m). For the 77 plants analyzed, the mean number of bands scored per individual was 16.5 (SD = 3.5). Mean genetic similarity (0.51) and heterozygosity (0.62) across all plants from contaminated sites did not differ significantly from that among all plants from uncontaminated sites (mean similarity = 0.52; mean heterozygosity = 0.63). Nor did similarity and heterozygosity differ between contaminated and uncontaminated sites when estimates of these values within each of the 16 sites were compared. Estimates ofFst (0.01‐0.04) indicated little genetic differentiation between plants from contaminated and uncontaminated sites. However, relative to plants from uncontaminated sites, plants from contaminated sites possessed significantly fewer private alleles (1 vs 18; p < 0.001) and alleles per individual (mean = 15.2 vs 17.9; p = 0.0002). Considering the 16 sites individually, uncontaminated sites possess significantly more population bands (p = 0.015), private alleles (p = 0.01), and alleles per individual (p = 0.027). These differences were distributed across sites rather than resulting from large, idiosyncratic differences attributable to one or a few outlier sites. The findings of this study suggest that a loss of genetic variation among R. idaeus individuals growing in impacted areas has occurred at all eight sites, and that VNTR markers may be useful biological indicators of plant populations under stress from human perturbations. In addition, extensive clonal spread of this species, previously documented for other species of Rubus, was not detected.
ULTRASTRUCTURE AND EARLY EMBRYONIC SHELL FORMATION IN THE TERRESTRIAL PULMONATE SNAIL, EUHADRA HICKONIS

The distribution of calcium ion (Ca-ion) was demonstrated in the mantle epithelial cells by means of two-step chemical precipitation of Ca-ion in the pulmonate snail, Euhadra hickonis. K-oxalate/ K-antimonate chemical replacement was done using a simultaneous computerized microwavestimulated fixation method. These precipitates in the mantle epithelial cells were studied by electronprobe X-ray microanalysis (EDX) and electron energy-filtered imaging (EFI). The calculated values of the essential-elemental X-ray pulse ratios, which were obtained by computerized EDX analysis, agreed with those of the standard samples and theoretical values of Ca-antimonate. Typical EFI images and spectra energy of Ca and Sb were obtained from the surface mantle epithelial cells in the same tissue block as that used for EDX analysis where the elemental distribution of Ca and Sb was the same. The Ca-antimonate precipitates were formed in the intercellular space, vesicles and microvilli of mantle cells. In day 13 embryos, the columella and peripheral area were almost calcified, but in the dorsal area, Ca was still in the ionic state; the binding ratio of the former case was Ca:Sb = 1:0, that of the latter was Ca:Sb = 1:2, and that of the small intermediate area was Ca:Sb = 1:1.4. After day 17, the embryonal periostracum was almost calcified. Between days 15 and 20, strong Ca 2+ -ATPase and carbonic anhydrase (CAHase) enzymatic activities were observed at the sites where Ca-ion was observed; intercellular spaces, vacuoles in the mantle cells, periostracum and homogeneous layer between the periostracum and mantle cell, and in the mitochondria. Ca 2+ -ATPase may play important roles in the transportation of Ca-ion from the basal cell layer to the surface layer of the mantle cells and CAHase may play important roles in the chemical binding of Ca-ion and carbonate ion to produce calcium carbonate crystals in the newly developing embryonal shell.
Process-based Review of Post-Prognostics Decision-Making

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) and prognostics and health management (PHM) are established paradigms that evidently offer a competitive advantage to a company. However, to make a business case, it must be examined where PHM and a remaining useful life (RUL) estimation can lead to substantial benefits. These benefits are strongly tied to the decision-making that succeeds prognostics. While the prognostics component of PHM is well examined, research on post-prognostics decision-making (PDM) is still in its infancy. It is generally assumed that PHM can lead to benefits for business processes beyond 'traditional' maintenance management. Unfortunately, there is no overview for which processes (such as production scheduling or route planning) PDM can be applicable and how exactly specific optimizations and their corresponding benefits can be achieved. This work provides a structured literature review on PDM and identifies studies that exploit the RUL prediction for optimizing business processes. The review synthesizes the following aspects within a PDM framework: a) which processes are improved through post-prognostics decision-making, b) what decisions must be made, and c) what novel benefits are achieved and which challenges arise. This review enables scholars to identify how current prognostics research can be extended to the decision stage of CBM and PHM and aids practitioners in pinpointing how operations can be optimized through PDM.