Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The protein and fiber content of tropical forages does not affect its preference by fattening rabbits

The objective of this research was to evaluate the preference for forages commonly used in animal feed in tropical areas of Mexico. Forages of Guasimo ( Guazuma ulmifolia ), Cocohite ( Gliricidia sepium ), Swirl grass or Bahiagrass ( Paspalum notatum ), Egypt grass ( Brachiaria mutica ), and Humidicola grass ( Brachiaria humidicola ) were offered simultaneously to 24 New Zealand rabbits for 14 days. In this investigation it was shown that Gliricidia sepium and Brachiaria mutica were preferred compared to Guazuma ulmifolia, Paspalum notatum and Brachiaria humidicola (P <0.05). The consumption of crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber were higher with Gliricidia sepium and Brachiaria mutica (P <0.05). In conclusion, fattening rabbits preferred Gliricidia septum , and Nutrient content was not related to consumption preference. Forage preference study and its relationship with nutritional content are necessary to include tropical resources in rabbit feeding.
Patents that Match your Standards: Firm-level Evidence on Competition and Innovation

Standardization is a prerequisite for an industry to adopt a technology among competing ones. When a technology becomes the new standard, the ﬁrms that are leaders in producing this technology have a competitive advantage. Matching the semantic content of patents to standards and exploiting the exogenous timing of standardization, we show that ﬁrms closer to the new technological frontier increase their market share and sales. In addition, if they operate in a very competitive market, these ﬁrms also increase their R&D expenses and investment to escape future competition.
Mutual Information Constraints for Monte-Carlo Objectives

A common failure mode of density models trained as variational autoencoders is to model the data without relying on their latent variables, rendering these variables useless. Two contributing factors, the underspecification of the model and the looseness of the variational lower bound, have been studied separately in the literature. We weave these two strands of research together, specifically the tighter bounds of Monte-Carlo objectives and constraints on the mutual information between the observable and the latent variables. Estimating the mutual information as the average Kullback-Leibler divergence between the easily available variational posterior $q(z|x)$ and the prior does not work with Monte-Carlo objectives because $q(z|x)$ is no longer a direct approximation to the model's true posterior $p(z|x)$. Hence, we construct estimators of the Kullback-Leibler divergence of the true posterior from the prior by recycling samples used in the objective, with which we train models of continuous and discrete latents at much improved rate-distortion and no posterior collapse. While alleviated, the tradeoff between modelling the data and using the latents still remains, and we urge for evaluating inference methods across a range of mutual information values.
Novel mechanisms of transcriptional repression by the paired- like homeodomain transcription factor Goosecoid.

Gastrulation is the process by which the three germ layers are generated during vertebrate development. Nodal ligands, which form a subgroup of the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, regulate the expression several transcription factors implicated in gastrulation. Among these are the paired-like homeodomain transcription factors Goosecoid (Gsc) and Mixl1. At the molecular level, Gsc has been described to function as a transcriptional repressor by directly binding to paired homedomain binding sites on target promoters. Here, I describe a novel mechanism of transcriptional repression by Gsc. Using a molecular and embryological approach, I demonstrate that the forkhead transcription factor Foxh1, a major transducer of Nodal signaling, associates with Gsc which in turn recruits histone deacetylases to negatively regulate Mixl1 expression during early mouse development. Post-translational modification of transcription factors by SUMO proteins represents an important mechanism through which their activity is controlled. Here, I also demonstrate that Gsc is sumoylated in mammalian cells by members of the PIAS family of proteins and this modification potentiates the repressive activity of Gsc on direct targets such as the Xbra and Gsc promoters, but not on indirect targets such as Mixl1. Taken together, work presented in this thesis describes two novel mechanisms of transcriptional repression by Gsc.
The Information System Support of Reverse Logistics Processes

The aim of the article is to open a discussion about information systems that support reverse logistics processes. The outcome of the article is a concept of reverse logistics information system and will serve as a bottom line for further research in this area. Reverse logistics has been occurring in academia discourses since 1974 and a positive trend of more frequent presence in logistics literature can be spotted. This article follows such a trend and tries to summarize and broaden the information technology topic in the reverse logistics field, as there are only a few works on the topic. This situation is in direct contradiction with the significance of information technology and information systems in the current economy. The aim of the article is to open a discussion about information systems that support reverse logistics processes. The outcome of the article is the concept of a reverse logistics information system and will serve as a bottom line for further research in this area. In order to gather knowledge about the current state of the art the, a literature review on the following topics was made: reverse logistics processes, information system support of reverse logistics processes, models of corporate information systems. The design is also a result of findings from the literature review and from research that was aimed at value creation in reverse logistics.
Low-magnitude loading of the spine, in vivo and in vitro studies

LOW MAGNITUDE LOADING OF THE SPINE: IN-VIVO AND IN-VITRO STUDIES Low magnitude loading on the body has become an important issue with the occurrence of injuries that have been attributed to repetitive loading of tissue at magnitudes of forces and motions that are below the known maximum strength of the tissues in question. The general purpose of this thesis was to explore the in vivo low Level static and dynamic loading on the spine and determine if these loading parameters could generate injuries when similar low magnitude parameters were tested in vitro. In vivo activities (walking, sitting, standing, and back extensor exercises) were examined to quantify the magnitude of low back joint loads, motions, and muscular activations levels required. In vitro highly repetitive loading was performed at modest flexiodextension moments or angular rotations combined with low magnitude axial compressive forces. Waking was found to be a highly dynamic/cyclic activity with moderate spine loads and small lumbar spine angular motions. The back extensor exercises produced a range of joint loads fkom low loads for exercises such as single leg extension to loads exceeding spinal compression limits for contraindicated aunk extension exercises. Sitting and standing both resulted in low magnitude joint forces and muscular activity levels. Standing exhibited very small and static ranges of spine postures whereas sitting resulted in a range of postures from 30% to 80% of the lumbar spines flexion range of motion. The in vitro highly repetitive testing of porcine cervical spine motion segments at low magnitude compressive loads and modest flexiodextension motions and moments resulted in
Levodopa effects on [ 11 C]raclopride binding in the resting human brain [version 1; peer review: 3 approved]

Rationale: Synaptic dopamine (DA) release induced by amphetamine or other experimental manipulations can displace [ 11 C]raclopride (RAC*) from dopamine D2-like receptors. We hypothesized that exogenous levodopa might increase dopamine release at striatal synapses under some conditions but not others, allowing a more naturalistic assessment of presynaptic dopaminergic function. Presynaptic dopaminergic abnormalities have been reported in Tourette syndrome (TS). Objective: Test whether levodopa induces measurable synaptic DA release in healthy people at rest, and gather pilot
Ditching Numerical Simulations: Recent Steps in Industrial Applications

Ditching is an aircraft emergency condition that ends with planned impact of the aircraft on water. The high forward velocity in fixed-wing aircraft ditching affects the aircraft dynamics and its structural response due to complex hydrodynamic effects. Therefore, analysis of ditching impact is particularly relevant to satisfy the airworthiness regulations for modern aircraft. Numerical methods for simulating ditching take advantage of the computational capacity allowing industry to deal with complex models representing the physical phenomena which play a role in ditching. The work performed within this field by means of explicit Finite Element (FE) analysis coupled with Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is presented. The paper focuses on the analysis of forces acting on the aircraft during ditching: hydrodynamic forces (overpressure and suction forces on the fuselage) and aerodynamic forces. Hydrodynamic loads are the most important forces acting on aircraft during the impact phase because they may affect the airplane’s structural integrity. The numerical models proposed take into account all these aspects to provide a suitable design tool for aircraft manufacturers. Two types of aircraft configurations are presented: a military configuration according to the Airbus Military CN235 aircraft and a civil transport aircraft based on a generic standard body transport aircraft model by the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Effects of age and sex on some hematological and biochemical parameters in Hair goats

This study was performed to determine the blood reference values of hematological and biochemical parameters in Hair goats at different ages. For this aim, clinically healthy Hair goats (n = 180, ages of six month and 1-3 years male and female) were used to collect blood samples. In whole blood, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)and red cell distribution width (RDW) were evaluated. The levels of, albumin, total protein, globulin, glucose, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and iron levels were investigated in sera. Age and sex had no effect on the cell structures of blood. In the either sex (male or female), age had no effect. However, sex had a significant effect on the blood cell structures except for WBC, HGB, and HCT. Albumin, protein, calcium, AST, ALT, ALP and magnesium values were not different among groups. Both the age and sex of the goats had significant effects on blood levels of glucose, phosphorus, urea, cholesterol, creatinine, GGT, CK and total bilirubin. In conclusion, this was the first study reporting the hematologic and biochemical parameters in blood of the Hair goats. The results indicated that these parameters could show variations under physiological conditions due to age and gender.
Instant inactivation of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 by dielectric filter discharge

This study aimed to evaluate the instant inactivation effect of dielectric filter discharge (DFD) on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) aerosols. The filter consisted of one layer of ZrO2 beads covered by aluminum mesh electrodes; this porous structure of DFD part generates filter-type surface discharge and reactive oxygen species. In a closed cylindrical chamber, DFD treated air flow containing SARS-CoV-2 aerosols, primarily composed of particle diameters of ≤ 1 μm. A polypropylene melt-blown filter collected the treated bioaerosols for inactivation analysis. Plaque and polymerase chain reaction assays showed that the aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 that passed through the filter were more than 99.84% inactivated with degradation of SARS-CoV-2 genes (ORF1ab and E). However, ozone exposure without DFD passage was not found to be effective for bioaerosol inactivation in plaque assay.
Ecological divergence of wild birds drives avian influenza spillover and global spread

The diversity of influenza A viruses (IAV) is primarily hosted by two highly divergent avian orders: Anseriformes (ducks, swans and geese) and Charadriiformes (gulls, terns and shorebirds). Studies of IAV have historically focused on Anseriformes, specifically dabbling ducks, overlooking the diversity of hosts in nature, including gull and goose species that have successfully adapted to human habitats. This study sought to address this imbalance by characterizing spillover dynamics and global transmission patterns of IAV over 10 years at greater taxonomic resolution than previously considered. Furthermore, the circulation of viral subtypes in birds that are either host-adapted (low pathogenic H13, H16) or host-generalist (highly pathogenic avian influenza—HPAI H5) provided a unique opportunity to test and extend models of viral evolution. Using Bayesian phylodynamic modelling we uncovered a complex transmission network that relied on ecologically divergent bird hosts. The generalist subtype, HPAI H5 was driven largely by wild geese and swans that acted as a source for wild ducks, gulls, land birds, and domestic geese. Gulls were responsible for moving HPAI H5 more rapidly than any other host, a finding that may reflect their long-distance, pelagic movements and their immuno-naïve status against this subtype. Wild ducks, long viewed as primary hosts for spillover, occupied an optimal space for viral transmission, contributing to geographic expansion and rapid dispersal of HPAI H5. Evidence of inter-hemispheric dispersal via both the Pacific and Atlantic Rims was detected, supporting surveillance at high latitudes along continental margins to achieve early detection. Both neutral (geographic expansion) and non-neutral (antigenic selection) evolutionary processes were found to shape subtype evolution which manifested as unique geographic hotspots for each subtype at the global scale. This study reveals how a diversity of avian hosts contribute to viral spread and spillover with the potential to improve surveillance in an era of rapid global change.
The relationship between illness perception and medication adherence in patients with diabetes mellitus type II: illness perception and medication adherence

Summary Introduction One of the most well-known chronic diseases in the world is diabetes. Disease perception is the patient’s organized cognitive representation of his or her illness and can affect treatment adherence. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between illness perception and adherence to the medical regimen in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This cross-sectional study was performed among 260 patients with type II diabetes referred to Gonabad Diabetes Clinic by systematic random sampling in 2019. Data collection tools were demographic questionnaire, Morisky medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and Brief illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ). Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software. And using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The results showed that the mean score of illness perception of type II diabetes was 46.39 ± 9.45 (range 0-70) and the mean score of medication Adherence was 2.93 ± 1.9 (range 0-8). The results of Pearson correlation test showed a significant relationship between illness perception and medication Adherence (P < 0.001, r = 0.199). Also, the regression model showed that the dimensions of disease comprehension and personal control from illness perception were significantly related to medication Adherence of type II diabetic patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion Based on the results of this study on the relationship between illness perception and medical adherence in diabetic patients, it is suggested that in order to understand the increase in adherence to therapy, the perception of the disease should be increased through education to patients. Patients’ illness beliefs are candidates for a psycho-educational intervention that should be targeted at improved disease management practices and better adherence to recommended healthy behaviors.
A Multifaceted Evaluation of a COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program in King County, Washington

Context: Despite the massive scale of COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing (CI/CT) programs operating worldwide, the evidence supporting the intervention's public health impact is limited. Objective: To evaluate the Public Health—Seattle & King County (PHSKC) CI/CT program, including its reach, timeliness, effect on isolation and quarantine (I&Q) adherence, and potential to mitigate pandemic-related hardships. Design: This program evaluation used descriptive statistics to analyze surveillance records, case and contact interviews, referral records, and survey data provided by a sample of cases who had recently ended isolation. Setting: The PHSKC is one of the largest governmental local health departments in the United States. It serves more than 2.2 million people who reside in Seattle and 38 other municipalities. Participants: King County residents who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between July 2020 and June 2021. Intervention: The PHSKC integrated COVID-19 CI/CT with prevention education and service provision. Results: The PHSKC CI/CT team interviewed 42 900 cases (82% of cases eligible for CI/CT), a mean of 6.1 days after symptom onset and 3.4 days after SARS-CoV-2 testing. Cases disclosed the names and addresses of 10 817 unique worksites (mean = 0.8/interview) and 11 432 other recently visited locations (mean = 0.5/interview) and provided contact information for 62 987 household members (mean = 2.7/interview) and 14 398 nonhousehold contacts (mean = 0.3/interview). The CI/CT team helped arrange COVID-19 testing for 5650 contacts, facilitated grocery delivery for 7253 households, and referred 9127 households for financial assistance. End of I&Q Survey participants (n = 304, 54% of sampled) reported self-notifying an average of 4 nonhousehold contacts and 69% agreed that the information and referrals provided by the CI/CT team helped them stay in isolation. Conclusions: In the 12-month evaluation period, CI/CT reached 42 611 households and identified thousands of exposure venues. The timing of CI/CT relative to infectiousness and difficulty eliciting nonhousehold contacts may have attenuated the intervention's effect. Through promotion of I&Q guidance and services, CI/CT can help mitigate pandemic-related hardships.
Relationship of neighborhood and individual socioeconomic status on mortality among older adults: Evidence from cross-level interaction analyses

Background The influence of community context and individual socioeconomic status on health is widely recognized. However, the dynamics of how the relationship of neighborhood context on health varies by individual socioeconomic status is less well understood. Objective To examine the relationship between neighborhood context and mortality among older adults and examine how the influence of neighborhood context on mortality differs by individual socioeconomic status, using two measures of income-level and homeownership. Research design and subjects A retrospective study of 362,609 Medicare Advantage respondents to the 2014–2015 Medicare Health Outcomes Survey aged 65 and older. Measures Neighborhood context was defined using the deciles of the Area Deprivation Index. Logistic regression was used to analyze mortality with interaction terms between income/homeownership and neighborhood deciles to examine cross-level relationships, controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, number of chronic conditions, obese/underweight, difficulties in activities of daily living, smoking status, and survey year. Predicted mortality rates by group were calculated from the logistic model results. Results Low-income individuals (8.9%) and nonhomeowners (9.1%) had higher mortality rates compared to higher-income individuals (5.3%) and homeowners (5.3%), respectively, and the differences were significant across all neighborhoods even after adjustment. With regression adjustment, older adults residing in less disadvantaged neighborhoods showed lower predicted 2-year mortality among high-income (4.86% in the least disadvantaged neighborhood; 6.06% in the most disadvantaged neighborhood; difference p-value<0.001) or homeowning individuals (4.73% in the least disadvantaged neighborhood; 6.25% in the most disadvantaged neighborhood; difference p-value<0.001). However, this study did not observe a significant difference in predicted mortality rates among low-income individuals by neighborhood (8.7% in the least disadvantaged neighborhood; 8.61% in the most disadvantaged neighborhood; difference p-value = 0.825). Conclusions Low-income or non-homeowning older adults had a higher risk of mortality regardless of neighborhood socioeconomic status. While living in a less disadvantaged neighborhood provided a protective association for higher-income or homeowning older adults, low-income older adults did not experience an observable benefit.
Extreme-temperature lab on a chip for optogalvanic spectroscopy of ultra small samples - key components and a first integration attempt

This is a short summary of the authors’ recent R&D on valves, combustors, plasma sources, and pressure and temperature sensors, realized in high-temperature co-fired ceramics, and an account for the first attempt to monolithically integrate them to form a lab on a chip for sample administration, preparation and analysis, as a stage in optogalvanic spectroscopy.