Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The development of the gastrointestinal tract in broilers

The study was performed at the research facility of SLU outside Uppsala, where the gastrointestinal tract development and production performance was evaluated in broilers without contra with access to feed, water and probiotics in the hatcher. After hatch, 450 chickens of Ross 308 were divided into five treatments. One treatment was not provided feed and water at hatch, one was provided with feed and water and the three remaining had probiotic addition of different characters. At arrival to the research facility, chickens of the unfed treatment, chickens of the fed treatment and one treatment with probiotic addition were split in two subgroups, where one of the two groups where provided one of the probiotics the first three days at the research facility. The remaining two treatments were not split nor supplemented with probiotics. Throughout the study data was collected in weights of chickens, feed and gastrointestinal organs. The two treatments without feed and water at hatch had lower weights up to 18 days of age compared to the majority of treatments with feed and water, although unfed chickens at hatch without probiotic supplementation in the research facility had compensated in weight the last day of the study. Unfed chickens at hatch with probiotic supplementation at the research facility were not able to compensate in weight until the end of the study. Differences in organ weights, feed conversion ratio, feed intake and chicken weights (after 18 days of age) were not exclusively linked to chickens of unfed treatments at hatch. Moreover, probiotic supplementation did not result in improved growth but was rather contributing to the opposite in three treatments. Goblet cells in the duodenum were ocularly studied in a light microscope of intestinal incisions. It appeared as if chickens in treatments with probiotic addition had a higher cell density compared to treatments without probiotic addition in two-day-old chickens. In addition, goblet cell sizes in two-day-old chickens seemed to be linked to unfed chickens at hatch, with smaller goblet cells in the duodenum than chickens in fed treatments at hatch. Unfed chickens without probiotic supplementation appeared most profitable and least time consuming from this study, however, more studies are required.
Joint Computation Offloading and Scheduling Optimization of IoT Applications in Fog Networks

In recent times, fog computing becomes an emerging technology that can exhilarate the cloud services towards the network edge for increasing the speeds up of various Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. In this context, integrating priority-aware scheduling and data offloading allow the service providers to efficiently handle a large number of real-time IoT applications and enhance the capability of the fog networks. But the energy consumption has become skyrocketing, and it gravely affects the performance of the fog networks. To address this issue, in this paper, we introduce an Energy-Efficient Task Offloading (EETO) policy combined with a hierarchical fog network for handling energy-performance trade-off by jointly scheduling and offloading the real-time IoT applications. To achieve this objective, we formulate a heuristic technique for assigning a priority on each incoming task and formulate a stochastic-aware data offloading issue with an efficient virtual queue stability approach, namely the Lyapunov optimization technique. The proposed technique utilizes the current state information for minimizing the queue waiting time and overall energy consumption while meeting drift-plus-penalty. Furthermore, a constraint restricted progressive online task offloading policy is incurred to mitigate the backlog tasks of the queues. Extensive simulation with various Quality-of-Service (QoS) parameters signifies that the proposed EETO mechanism performs better and saves about 23.79% of the energy usage as compared to the existing ones.
Determining the Increase in a Building’s Appreciation Rate Due to a Reconstruction

The reconstruction of buildings generally prolongs their useful life, increases their utility value, and last but not least, leads to an increase in their value. These assumptions only apply if an independent third party reaches the same conclusion together with the owner. However, the undesirable effect of the reconstruction of a building may be a decrease in its value. The aim of this contribution is to determine the change in value of an older sample building assessed in the included case study as a result of its reconstruction. Valuation methods are applied, which, as it turns out, reveal the inaccuracy of the subjective view of the person who reconstructed the building. The resulting change in the value of the sample building is discussed from the point of view of the applied valuation methods and other value-creating aspects (subjective view of the owner on the value of the building, historical value of the building, etc.). The contribution concludes with recommendations for maximizing the increase in value of a property through its reconstruction so as to eliminate the risk of a decrease in its value.
Vitellogenin expression in the ovaries of adult honeybee workers provides insights into the evolution of reproductive and social traits

Social insects are notable for having two female castes that exhibit extreme differences in their reproductive capacity. The molecular basis of these differences is largely unknown. A protein that likely plays a key role in these differences is Vitellogenin (Vg), a powerful antioxidant and insulin-signalling regulator. Here we investigate how Royal Jelly (the major food of honeybee queens) and queen pheromone (a major regulator of worker fertility), affects the longevity and reproductive status of honey bee workers, the expression of Vg, its receptor VgR and associated regulatory proteins. We find that Vg is expressed in the ovaries of workers and that workers fed a queen diet of Royal Jelly have increased Vg expression in the ovaries. Surprisingly, we find that Vg expression is not associated with worker ovary activation. Our findings provide further support for the ‘reproductive ground plan hypothesis’ as Vg has acquired non-reproductive functions in honeybee workers.
Effects of basal fertilizer and perlite amendment on growth of zinnia and its remediation capacity in oil-contaminated soils.

In a previous study we demonstrated that Zinnia hybrida 'Profusion White' can be effective in the remediation of oil-contaminated soil. However, the rates of removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were greatest in soils containing 9000 mg/kg TPH and less in soils with higher concentrations of TPH. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of basal fertilizer rates and perlite amendments on the growth of zinnia and its remediation capacity in soils with TPH concentrations of 26,000 mg/kg. METHODOLOGY Soils were prepared with or without TPH at an initial concentration of 26,194 mg/kg, and then each of these soils was amended with either a basal fertilizer rate with or without 20% perlite, or twice the basal fertilizer rate with or without 20% perlite. Pots were prepared with the following treatments in these soils: contaminated soil planted with zinnia (planted-contaminated), uncontaminated soil planted with zinnia (planted-uncontaminated), and contaminated soil not planted with zinnia (unplanted-contaminated). Plant growth, soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and TPH concentrations were analyzed at 30 and 60 days after sowing. RESULTS Plant growth in oil-contaminated and uncontaminated soils was superior in pots with twice the basal fertilizer and with perlite. The DHA values in the planted-uncontaminated treatments were significantly lower than those in the planted-contaminated and unplanted-contaminated treatments. However, the effects of basal fertilizer amount and perlite on the DHA values of the soils were small. The TPH concentrations in the planted-contaminated soils were significantly lower than those in the unplanted-contaminated soils after 30 and 60 days. Furthermore, the TPH concentrations in the planted-contaminated soils were lowest in pots with twice the basal fertilizer and with perlite. CONCLUSIONS These results show how phytoremediation of soils with high levels of oil contamination by Z. hybrida 'Profusion White' can be practically enhanced by amending the soil with perlite and higher basal fertilizer rates.
Asymmetric Information and Corporate Lending: Evidence from SME Bond Markets

Using a comprehensive dataset of Italian SMEs, we find that differences between private and public information on firm creditworthiness affect the decision to issue bonds. Our evidence supports favorable (rather than adverse) selection in corporate bond markets. Specifically, holding public information constant, firms with better private fundamentals are more likely to access bond markets. These effects are weaker for opaque firms and stronger for firms with worse publicly observable risk. Additionally, credit conditions improve for issuers following the bond placement, compared with a matched sample of non-issuers. This is consistent with a model where banks offer more flexibility than markets during financial distress and firms use market lending to signal credit quality to outside stakeholders.
Effectiveness of perineural and intravenous dexamethasone added to bupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block in post-cesarean delivery pain control: a prospective cohort study, 2019

Background Caesarean delivery (CD) has been one of the most frequently performed major surgical interventions, and causes severe postoperative pain. Abdominal field blocks like TAP block are mostly preferred as post-operative analgesia for this operation. Using different adjuvants like dexamethasone by different routes increases the quality and duration of block and maximizes patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness between perineural and intravenous dexamethasone as an adjuvant on bilateral transversus abdominis plane block for post cesarean delivery pain control. Methodology An institutional based prospective cohort study was conducted on 87 patients. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data collection methods include preoperative chart review, intraoperative observation and postoperative patient interview at 4 th , 6 th , 8 th , 12 th and 24 th hours. Sociodemographic variable were analyzed by ANOVA and chi square test. Kruskal Wallis with post hoc analysis was used to compare post-operative severity of pain score and cumulative analgesic consumption. Time to first analgesic request was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis with log rank. Categorical variable were analyzed by chi square. Result Time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in TAP-IVD and TAP-PD compared to TAP alone (p < 0.05). The postoperative NRS score at rest and on coughing were significantly lowered in TAP-PD and TAP-IVD group compared to TAP alone group (p <0.05). The total analgesic consumption in the first 24h was significantly lower in TAP-IVD and TAP-PD group compared to TAP alone group (p < 0.05). Conclusion and recommendation dexamethasone 8mg both intravenously and perineurally is effective adjuvant to bupivacaine on bilateral TAP block with prolonged and potent analgesia and reduced analgesic consumption. Based on our finding we recommend use of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine on bilateral transversus abdominis plane block.
Identification of wastewater dissolved organic carbon characteristics in reclaimed wastewater and recharged groundwater

Non volatile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in reclaimed wastewaters and groundwater was characterized and indicators of wastewater origin were identified. Over 50% of the DOC in activated carbon and reverse osmosis effluents was classified as hydrophilic, and no humic acid was isolated. In groundwater partially recharged by the reclaimed wastewaters, only 16% of the DOC was hydrophilic, 50% of the DOC was fulvic acid, and humic acid was recovered. The H:C ratios of the isolated fulvic acids were higher in the wastewaters and recharged groundwater than in a deep well water not affected by recharge. N:C ratios in the wastewater and recharged groundwater fulvic and humic acid fractions were also higher than in the deep well water. The 'H NMR spectra of the effluent and recharged groundwater fulvic acid fractions exhibited a characteristic fingerprint pattern, indicating a correlation between origin and spectral appearance. Gas chromatographymass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of specific trace organic compounds, including EDTA and alkylphenol polyethoxylate residues, in the wastewaters and recharged groundwater. Water Environ. Res., 68, 867 (1996).
Risk factors associated with dystocia in Romanian spotted cows.

The aim of the current research was to determine the risk factors associated to dystocia in 400 Romanian Spotted cows. Calf sex, season of calving, dam’s parity, productive level and the type of birth were related to the incidence of dystocia. Calf sex was not associated to the incidence of dystocia, with no significant effect (25.25 vs . 22.25% for males and females, respectively, P>0.52). Season of calving had no significant effect on dystocia, comparable incidences of dystocia in the summer and winter seasons (26 vs . 20.5%, P>0.2) being recorded. A comparable incidence of dystocia was obtained according to cow's parity (27 vs . 23.5%, P>0.475) in primiparous and multiparous animals. High producing cows experienced a higher incidence of dystocia compared to lower producing cows (37.75 vs . 22.25%, P≤0.018). The twin pregnancies were the major factor related to dystocia in cows, causing a higher prevalence of dystocia compared to single (39.25 vs. 19.5%, P≤0.001). Concluding, the production level and type of birth were the main risk factors for dystocia. The sex of calves, the season of birth and the parity had no influence on dystocia incidence, conversely to other studies. In this respect, additional studies should be performed in order to include other factors and validate their influential level.
TESTING RANDOM ASSIGNMENT TO PEER GROUPS

Identification of peer effects is complicated by the fact that the individuals under study may self-select their peers. Random assignment to peer groups has proven useful to sidestep such a concern. In the absence of a formal randomization mechanism it needs to be argued that assignment is `as good as' random. This paper introduces a simple yet powerful test to do so. We provide theoretical results for this test and explain why it dominates existing alternatives. Asymptotic power calculations and an analysis of the assignment mechanism of players to playing partners in tournaments of the Professional Golfer's Association is used to illustrate these claims. Our approach can equally be used to test for the presence of peer effects. To illustrate this we test for the presence of peer effects in the classroom using kindergarten data collected within Project STAR. We find no evidence of peer effects once we control for classroom fixed effects and a set of student characteristics.
Teacher Implementation of a Technology-Based Intervention for Writing.

Various technology-based interventions exist to support writing for students with learning disabilities (LD). However, it is not enough to simply provide access to technology. How it is implemented by teachers may affect student outcomes. In this study, three special education teachers used a technology-based graphic organizer (TBGO) with embedded self-regulated strategies and technology supports to improve the persuasive paragraph writing of 43 6 th -8 th grade students with LD. Teachers followed scripted lesson plans when delivering instruction. Quality of their instruction or process fidelity while implementing a technology-based intervention was determined. Students wrote a paragraph in response to a persuasive prompt using a Microsoft Word document at pretest, using TBGO at posttest with TBGO, and using a Microsoft Word document at posttest without TBGO. There were significant differences in the number of words, transition words, and essay parts measures between pretest and posttest with TBGO as well as between pretest and posttest without TBGO. Gain scores on the essay parts measure showed no correlation with the students’ typing rate. However, there was a significant correlation found between those gain scores and teachers’ process fidelity scores. Differences between teachers’ implementation along with practical implications for the integration of technology tools in writing instruction are discussed.
A Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Height-to-Diameter Ratio Model for Several Tree Species Based on Czech National Forest Inventory Data

Height-to-diameter at breast height (DBH) ratio (HDR) is an important tree and stand stability measure. Several factors such as stand dynamics, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and silvicultural tending significantly affect HDR, and, therefore, in-depth investigation of HDR is essential for better understanding of ecological processes in a forest. A nonlinear mixed-effects HDR model applicable to several tree species was developed using the Czech national forest inventory data comprising 13,875 sample plots and 348,980 trees. The predictive performance of this model was evaluated using the independent dataset which was originated from 25,146 trees on 220 research sample plots. Among various tree- and stand-level variables describing tree size, site quality, stand development stage, stand density, inter-tree spacing, and competition evaluated, dominant height (HDOM), dominant diameter (DDOM), relative spacing index (RS), and DBH-to-quadratic mean DBH ratio (dq) were identified as the most important predictors of HDR variations. A random component describing sample plot-specific HDR variations was included through mixed-effects modelling, and dummy variables describing species-specific HDR variations and canopy layer-specific HDR variations were also included into the HDR model through dummy variable modelling. The mixed-effects HDR model explained 79% of HDR variations without any significant trends in the residuals. Simulation results showed that HDR for each canopy layer increased with increasing site quality and stand development stage (increased HDOM) and increasing competition (increased RS, decreased DDOM and dq). Testing the HDR model on the independent data revealed that more than 85% of HDR variations were described for each individual species (Norway spruce, Scots pine, European larch, and European beech) and group of species (fir species, oak species, birch and alder species) without significant trends in the prediction errors. The HDR can be predicted with a higher accuracy using the calibrated mixed-effects HDR model from measurements of its predictors that can be obtained from routine forest inventories. To improve the prediction accuracy, a model needs to be calibrated with the random effects estimated using one to four randomly selected trees of a particular species or group of species depending on the availability of their numbers per sample plot. The HDR model can be applied for stand stability assessment and stand density regulation. The HDR information is also useful for designing a stand density management diagram. Brief implications of the HDR model for designing silviculture strategies and forest management planning are presented in the article.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-G) Expression and Soluble HLA-G Levels in Women with Breast Cancer from Basrah Province in Iraq

HLA-G is one of the non-classical HLA class I molecules and it is known to be implicated in a tumor-driven immune escape mechanism in malignancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) and HLA-G expression in breast cancer. sHLA-G was determined by enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from plasma samples of 70 breast cancer patients and 35 healthy controls. HLA-G expression in breast cancer lesions was also analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining. The presence of HLA-G expression were analyzed and found to be involved in breast carcinogenesis. Levels of sHLA-G were higher in the breast cancer group compared to the control group and sHLA-G concentration could be used as a diagnostic marker for detecting breast cancer.
Effect of isolated bacteria and their supernatant from American cockroach’s ootheca on its hatching as a safety method for control in Jeddah governorate

Periplaneta americana is one of the hygienic pests and is considered a vector of several human diseases. They transfer pathogens biologically by vertical transmission from the mother to embryos through egg cases (ootheca). Forty types of bacteria were isolated from different parts of P. americana ootheca to study their effects on ootheca hatching. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathogenicity of isolated Bacillus subtills and their free cells to demonstrate their mechanism of action. Positive effects of bacterial cells and their free-cells on ootheca hatching were observed. Bacterial cells and their free cells were given to the ootheca by sparing method for 1, 2, 3 and 4 times in a month with different concentrations. The results showed that treatments of high concentrations of bacterial cells and their free cells had a significant effect on the mortality of all treated ootheca for four times as compared to the control. Also, high concentrations of each treatment were exhibit high shrinkage, dehydrated and rigid. The present study reveals that the toxicity of bacterial cell of B. subtilis has great potential more than free-cells for biological control against P. americana ootheca.
Virtually Everywhere? Digitalisation and the Euro Area and EU Economies

Digitalisation can be viewed as a major supply/technology shock affecting macroeconomic aggregates that are important for monetary policy, such as output, productivity, investment, employment and prices. This paper takes stock of developments in the digital economy and their possible impacts across the euro area and European Union (EU) economies. It also compares how these economies fare relative to other major economies such as that of the United States. The paper concludes that: (i) there is significant country heterogeneity across the EU in terms of the adoption of digital technologies, and most EU countries are falling behind competitors, particularly the United States; (ii) digitalisation is affecting the economy through a number of channels, including productivity, employment, competition and prices; (iii) digitalisation raises productivity and lowers prices, similarly to other supply/technology shocks; (iv) this has implications for monetary policy and its transmission; and (v) structural and other policies may need to be adapted for the euro area and EU countries to fully reap the potential gains from digitalisation, while maintaining inclusiveness. JEL Classification: E22, E24, E31, E32, O33, O52