Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED MAIZE, SORGHUM, MILLET AND THEIR COMBINATIONS IN THE SEMI ARID ZONE OF NIGERIA

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary replacement of maize with soghum and millet on the growth performance and carcass measurements of broilers chickens in a forty two (42) day feeding trial. Two hundred and seventy (270) unsexed broiler chicks weighing averagely 366.13 g were randomly allotted to six (6) experimental diets. The design of the experiment was Randomized Complete Block Design consisting of 45 birds replicated three (3) times with 15 b irds per replicate. The control (T1) contained 100% maize, T2 (100% Sorghum), T3 (100% millet), T4 (50% maize and 50% sorghum), T5 (50% maize and 50% millet) and T6 (50% sorghum and 50% millet). The maize sorghum and millet served as the major energy source for the broilers. The result shows that there were significant differences in the final weight and overall weight gain. Treatment 4 (50% maize and 50% sorghum) recorded the highest final liveweight (2472.10 g) and the lowest (2251.80 g) was observed in treatment 3 (100% millet). The same trend was observed for overall weight gain. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio among all the treatment groups. For carcass measurements, dressing percentage was highest (81.25%) in treatment 2 (100% sorghum) although they were not different from treatment 1 (100% maize) and 6 (50% sorghum and 50% millet). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences among treatments for breast and thigh weights . These results suggest that maize could be replaced by low tannin sorghum and millet in the diets of broilers without adverse effect on their performance.
Exercise Training Improves Mitochondrial Bioenergetics of Natural Killer Cells

ABSTRACT Introduction Mitochondrial bioenergetics is critical for immune function in natural killer (NK) cell. Physical exercise modulates NK cell functionality, depending on the intensity and type of exercise. This study elucidates how interval and continuous exercise regimens affect the phenotypes and mitochondrial bioenergetics of NK cells. Methods Sixty healthy sedentary males were randomly assigned to engage in either high-intensity interval training (HIIT, 3-min intervals at 80% and 40% maximal O2, n = 20; age, 22.2 yr; body mass index [BMI], 24.3 kg·m−2) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT, sustained 60% maximal O2, n = 20; age, 22.3 yr; BMI, 23.3 kg·m−2) for 30 min·d−1, 5 d·wk−1 for 6 wk or were assigned to a control group that did not receive exercise intervention (n = 20; age, 22.6 yr; BMI, 24.0 kg·m−2). Natural killer cell phenotypes, granule proteins, and mitochondrial oxidative stress/oxidative phosphorylation after graded exercise test (GXT) were measured before and after the various interventions. Results Before the intervention, the GXT increased the mobilization of CD57+NK cells into the blood and elevated mitochondrial matrix oxidant burden (MOB) in NK cells, Following the 6 wk of interventions, both HIIT and MICT (i) diminished mobilization of CD57+NK cells into the blood and depressed mitochondrial MOB level in NK cells immediately after GXT, (ii) increased mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular perforin and granzyme B levels in NK cells, and (iii) enhanced the maximal and reserve O2 consumption rates and heightened bioenergetic health index in NK cells. In addition, HIIT increased maximal work rate than those of MICT. Conclusions Either HIIT or MICT increases the expressions of cytotoxic granule proteins and depresses mitochondrial MOB elevated by GXT, along with improving mitochondrial bioenergetic functionality in NK cells. Moreover, HIIT is superior to MICT in improving aerobic capacity.
Bacteriological Profile of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producers in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction Diabetic foot infection is the most dreaded complication of diabetes mellitus and the commonest cause of hospitalization and limb amputation. Identification of the causative agent responsible for diabetic foot infection and the earliest initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy are vital for the control and prevention of the complication of diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the bacteriological profile of diabetic foot ulcers and to detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers in our institute. Methodology During the study period, samples were collected from the foot ulcers of 100 patients at the Diabetic Outpatient Department. The samples were processed according to the standard laboratory protocol, and bacterial isolates were identified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique, and results were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines (CLSI 2016). A phenotypic test for MRSA detection was performed using cefoxitin (30 μg) disk. Results The highest incidence of diabetic foot ulcers was observed in patients aged 41-50 years. There were 83 men and 17 women, with a male to female ratio of 4.882. Of the 100 collected samples, 73 were positive for microbial growth, and 27 samples showed no growth. Of the 73 positive cultures, monomicrobial infection was found in 48 patients, and polymicrobial infection was found in 25 patients. Gram-positive pathogens were isolated from 34 patients, and gram-negative microbes were isolated from 64 patients. Among all collected isolates (n=100), Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant organism and Acinetobacter species was the least common (only two isolates). Among the gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was predominant. All the isolated gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to vancomycin. Gram-negative bacteria were highly susceptible to colistin with the exception of Proteus species which is intrinsically resistant to colistin and it is not reported for Proteus species. ESBL producers were primarily found among Klebsiella species isolates (22.22%). Among 29 S. aureus isolates, 8 (27.5%) were found to be MRSA producers. Conclusion Based on the bacteriological profile of diabetic foot ulcers, S. aureus among the gram-positive isolates and P. aeruginosa among the gram-negative isolates were the predominant pathogens. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA and ESBL producers have been reported with increasing frequency. According to the antibiotic susceptibility pattern, treatment can be initiated, continued, or altered, thereby reducing morbidity in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
A hybrid life cycle assessment method for construction

Life cycle assessments (LCAs) are used to evaluate the environmental impacts attributable to products and processes. For construction projects, LCAs can be used to assess the pollution associated with the manufacture of building materials for the construction process. Despite the reliability of traditional LCA data, many upstream processes are excluded, which adversely affects overall reliability. Input-output analysis is systemically complete, but is subject to inherent errors when applied to the LCA of specific products. Analysis of an input-output LCA model provides a basis for more informed decision making regarding processes which can be ignored during the collection of traditional LCA data. This paper proposes a hybrid LCA method for construction in which national input-output data fill those ‘gaps’ not accounted for by traditional LCA data. Regardless of the level of detail at which data are collected, LCAs can now be performed at similar overall levels of framework completeness.
Infertility as a lonely struggle? Coping stories of previously infertile women

Abstract In this narrative study, we explored the meaning infertile women attribute to social support in coping with their infertility-related challenges. Written accounts and episodic interviews with 26 previously infertile Finnish women were used as data. Two different coping story types emerged: coping alone and coping with support. In the coping alone type women neither sought nor received support. Their coping appeared as a lonely struggle. In the coping with stories, women turned to their spouses, peers, or professionals, but still emphasized that they would have needed more support. Based on our findings, we underline the need for individually tailored support.
Thermoregulatory responses of day-old chickens submitted to simulated transport condition: effect of thermal environment and box placement

The objective of this work was to assess the thermoregulation of one day-old chickens exposed to different dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity ranges and box placements, under simulated thermal conditions of transport. For this study, Cobb 500 1-day-old chicks (n = 360), were exposed to a thermoneutral, cold stress and heat stress treatments for 1 hour each, in a climatic chamber. Those animals were obtained from a commercial hatchery, from selected eggs which were stored and incubated in the same conditions. The animals were placed in boxes for day-old chicks transport, divided in 40 chicks per box (20 males and 20 females), with 3 boxes stacked vertically, for each treatment. Body weight, respiratory rate, body surface temperature and cloacal temperature were monitored in a sample of 20 animals per box after 1 hour of exposition to the following thermal treatment. The thermal profile inside the climatic chamber was monitored through temperature, relative humidity and specific enthalpy. A completely randomized design was adopted and the treatment structure was a 3 x3 factorial design (3 thermal ranges and 3 box placements). Data were analysed by ANOVA and means differing significantly were separated by the Tukey’s test procedure. These results suggest that the 3-box placement do not affect the thermal comfort of day-old chickens during transportation. Regarding the environment condition during transport, the cold stress affects the thermoregulation of neonatal chickens. However, as temperature increases, the welfare of these animals is depleted, due to increased heat load inside the transport boxes.
Green servitization as a means of sustainable performance: Evidence of listed manufacturing firms

Abstract This study assessed green-servitization (GS) as a means of sustainable performance (SP) for publicly listed manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Manufacturing firms in recent times have faced serious challenges due to huge cost paid for environmental clean-up resulting from traditional operating system. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire. Ten (10) manufacturing companies were randomly selected, and three management staffs of the selected companies were purposely selected based on their designation to be the respondents. A simple linear regression was used to analyse the relationship between green-servitization (GS) and sustainable performance (SP). The regression result showed that the coefficient of green servitization GS is −0.040 and p = 0.247. The correlation coefficient, R = 0.218, indicates a very weak correlation between green servitization (GS) and sustainable performance (SP). The R2 = 0.048 shows that the variation in SP is only accounted for by 4.8% of the GS. The F-test for the hypothesis testing showed that F = 1.400, p > 0.001, which implies that there is no positive significant relationship between green servitization (GS) and sustainable performance (SP). The implication of this research will be useful for policymakers to design suitable policies and industrial practitioners to improve their operations in terms of firms’ sustainable performance.
Developing Guideline for Risk Management of Tunnel Construction in Ethiopia

This paper is concerned with the current tunnel practices in Ethiopia, the main challenges and risks which were associated with tunneling, risk assessment and controlling measures. In this paper the qualitative risk analysis is performed based on the surveyed data from the tunnel experts and other professionals participated on the tunneling work. The qualitative risk analysis has been conducted as an input for the risk matrix analysis method. The qualitative analysis incorporates risk identification, risk classification, risk ranking, risk responding and risk monitoring mechanism. So, based on the qualitative analysis made and the result, those risks which occurred in the tunneling phase are ranked and controlling mechanism is developed. Accordingly, a guideline of risk management for tunneling work has been developed by referring different standards and based on the current tunnel practices in Ethiopia. The study helps to easily understand the most risks which are associated with tunneling and the risk controlling mechanism. This gives guidance to those who will be participated in the tunnel project for tunneling risk management throughout the entire project implementation.
Impact of climatic conditions projected at the World Cup in Qatar 2022 on repeated maximal efforts in soccer players

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the climatic conditions predicted for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the capacity for repeated maximum effort (RSA), of soccer players. Twenty-four semi-professional soccer players participated in the study. The exercise test consisted of ten 6-second maximal efforts on a cycloergometer. A 90-second passive rest interval was used. Mechanical parameters were recorded in each repetition, and biochemical parameters at rest and even repetitions. The test was performed in a Weiss Technik WK-26 climate chamber under two different conditions: (1) thermoneutral (TNC - 20.5 °C; 58.7% humidity); (2) predicted for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (QSC - 28.5 ± 1.92 °C; 58.7 ± 8.64% humidity). Significantly higher mean maximum power values were recorded in the second repetition under QSC conditions (1731,8 ± 214,4 W) (p = 0.025). A significantly longer time to reach maximum power was also recorded under TNC conditions compared to QSC conditions in repetition 2 (1,32 ± 0,33 s), (1,05 ± 0,29 s) (p = 0.016) and 6 (1,41 ± 0,48 s), (1,17 ± 0,25) (p = 0.036). There was a significantly higher rate of power loss, between repetition 2 (p = 0.023) and 4 (p = 0.043) under QSC conditions, compared to TNC. Considering the biochemical parameters, a significantly higher pO2 concentration was registered under QSC conditions in the 10th repetition (p = 0.006). The ambient temperature during exercise should be taken into account to determine the anaerobic exercise capacity of the athletes. At higher temperatures, there is a greater capacity for maximal effort, in terms of maximal power achieved, but with a greater decrease in performance.
Wavelet-Based Optimal Control of a Wind Turbine System: A Computational Approach

This paper deals with a computational optimization approach to the problem of state-feedback control design for a wind turbine system. The first step of the study is to develop a reduced order model for the system by considering the most important physical phenomena of aerodynamics and structural dynamics. Moreover, the behavior of the system can be influenced by the coupled dynamics between the tower motions and the blade pitch and turbine speed which can cause instabilities in the control loops in the worst case. By using a suitable wavelet funcation, called Haar functions, a recursive computational procedure is established for finding the system dynamics approximately by solving only algebraic equations instead of solving the Riccati differential. Simulation results are given to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed control methodology.
Crustaceans (Malacostraca and Thecostraca) from the International Minho River, Iberian Peninsula

Crustaceans (Arthropoda) are a diverse and abundant group with chitinous exoskeleton, living on coastal/estuarine environments, at community invertebrate fauna. A survey on the species of some crustacean groups found on the Minho River estuary (international section) in the Iberian Peninsula, is presented with specimens collected through glass eel fishing bycatch, grab sampler, trammel net, beam trawl and fyke net sampling methods. A total of 98 specimens were examined belonging to 7 orders, 21 genera and 23 species (17 new records from Minho River, including one for Portugal). Brief diagnosis, ecological notes, species distributions and figures are provided intending to present taxonomic support on future projects in this region.
Development and mechanical performance of a new kind of bridge seismic isolator for low seismic regions

The concept of fibre-reinforced plate elastomeric isolator (FRPEI) is introduced firstly in this paper. Three FRPEI specimens have been constructed to evaluate the mechanical performance of the isolators by performing vertical and horizontal tests. The research focuses on the compression stiffness, the shear stiffness, the hysteretic characteristic and the vertical bearing capacity of the isolators. The experimental results show that the mechanical performance of FRPEIs can meet the requirements of bridge rubber bearings and the energy dissipation capacity is better than that of general laminated rubber bearings. Therefore, it is feasible to use FRPEIs in seismic isolation of short span bridges in low seismic regions. Theoretical and finite element methods have also been employed and the deformation assumptions applied in the theoretical method are also verified by FEM. By comparing the differences of the results of different methods, the effectivenesses of the theoretical and finite element methods are evaluated and some considerations on isolator design are proposed.
Knowledge mapping of seafarers’ health research: a bibliometric analysis

ABSTRACT Since 1997, researchers have increasingly studied different aspects of seafarers’ health. However, no comprehensive review of the literature has been conducted. This study maps seafarers’ health research published from 1997 to 2020. A total of 120 publications were collected for bibliometric analysis. We find that three relatively large research teams have formed, which have mainly conducted cohort studies, questionnaire surveys, and maritime field studies. The primary research hotspots are comparison of differences in occupational health; disease causes and prevention; health risk factors and their interventions; and work health and safety. Changes in research hotspots can be summarised as a shift from seafarers’ physical health to physical and mental health, and, subsequently, a shift from health to work health and safety. Future research is likely to focus on the influence mechanism of seafarers’ stress on their health; the influence mechanism of the shift-work crisis on seafarers’ health and its interventions; whether seafarers’ health affects their retention; an overall framework for seafarers’ work safety and health; and the impact of natural gas emissions on seafarers’ health as well as related interventions. The results can be used to increase the understanding of seafarers’ health research and support further work in this field.
Visibility under night driving conditions

Field and laboratory data have been re-analyzed from a number of studies relevant to night driving visibility. For unlit, open road conditions it has been shown that the visibilities of tail lights, disc objects and pedestrian dummies can be related by a single luminance-visual area characteristic. A set of luminance increment-visual area (ΔL,A) night driving characteristics has been established for predicting visibility under varying conditions of background and glare veiling luminances. For small angles of glare (<100') it was found necessary to use a modified form of the Hartmann-Moser veiling luminance formula L EV = KEθ-3.5. Predictions have been made of the required reflective performance of road studs located under road lighting. A number of topics are discussed with regard to the derivation and application of the proposed (ΔL,A) night driving characteristics.
Measurements and modeling of MOSFET I-V characteristics with polysilicon depletion effect

The authors study the degradation of MOSFET current-voltage (V-I) characteristics as a function of polysilicon gate concentration (N/sub p/), oxide thickness (t/sub ox/) and substrate impurity concentration (N/sub D/) using measured and modeled results. Experimentally it is found that for MOSFETs with thin gate oxide (t/sub ox/ approximately=70 AA) and high substrate concentration (N/sub D/ approximately=1.6*10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/) the reduction in the drain current I/sub DS/ can be as large as 10% to 20% for devices with insufficiently doped polysilicon gate (5*10/sup 18/ >
Multi-instrument STIX microflare study

Context. During its commissioning phase in 2020, the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) on board the Solar Orbiter spacecraft observed 69 microflares. The two largest events from this set (of GOES class B2 and B6), both of which were observed on-disk from the spacecraft as well as from Earth, are analysed in terms of the spatial, temporal and spectral characteristics. Aims. We complement observations from the STIX instrument with EUV imagery from SDO/AIA and GOES soft X-ray data to add imaging and plasma diagnostics over different temperature ranges for a detailed microflare case study in terms of energy release and transport. Methods. We use data from GOES for SXR plasma diagnostics and SDO/AIA for high cadence EUV imaging and the reconstruction of differential emission measure (DEM) maps of the thermal flare plasma. The reconstructed DEM profiles are used to study the temporal evolution of thermal flare plasma in the kernels and loops independently. We derive the time evolution of the flare plasma parameters (EM, T) and thermal energy from STIX, GOES and AIA observations, and study STIX spectra to determine the nonthermal emission from accelerated electrons. Results. Spectral fitting of the STIX data shows clear nonthermal emission for both microflares under study. For both events the plasma temperature and EM derived from STIX, GOES as well as the reconstructed DEM maps differ in absolute values and timing with AIA (sensitive to lower plasma temperatures) lagging behind. The deduced plasma parameters from either method roughly agree with values in the literature for microflares as do the nonthermal fit parameters from STIX. This finding is corroborated by the Neupert effect exhibited between the time derivative of the GOES SXR emission and the STIX HXR profiles. For the B6 event where such an analysis was possible, the nonthermal energy deduced from STIX roughly coincides with the lower estimates of the thermal energy requirement deduced from the SXR and EUV emissions. Conclusions. The observed Neupert effects and impulsive/ gradual phases indicate that both events under study are consistent with the standard chromospheric evaporation flare scenario. For the B6 event on June 7th, 2020, this interpretation is further supported by the temporal evolution seen in the DEM profiles of the flare ribbons and loops. For this event we further find that accelerated electrons can roughly account for the required thermal energy. The June 6th, 2020 event demonstrates that STIX can detect nonthermal emission for GOES class B2 events albeit smaller than the background rate level. We demonstrate for the first time how detailed multi-instrument studies of solar flares can be performed with STIX.