Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of sexual behaviours with different types of estrus synchronization protocols in Boer goats

Abstract There is still a lack of information on estrus synchronization in goats. Understanding the estrus synchronization protocols and the subsequent effects is important to improve the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and subsequently would improve the breeding procedures. This study will help in determining the most suitable estrus synchronization protocol and understand better the effect on the sexual behaviour and hormonal effects in goats. A total of 127 Boer does were used and divided into three groups with different duration of CIDR insertion intravaginally either for 14 (two groups) or 9 days (one group). Approximately 0.5 ml Estrumate® (PG) was administered intramuscularly to all groups at CIDR removal, and only groups PMSG14 and PMSG9 were administered with 200IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) intramuscularly. Estrus signs were observed at 4 h intervals and blood samples were collected for progesterone and luteinizing hormone determination. The percentage of does in estrus within 24 to 72 h post CIDR removal was significantly higher (P<0.05) in groups with PMSG compared to the group without the PMSG. The numbers of does display estrus signs within 24 to 28 h post CIDR removal were significantly higher (P<0.05) in group shorter period (9 days) compared to groups with 14 days CIDR. The P4 concentrations at 24 hours post CIDR removals and LH concentration was not significantly different (P>0.05) in all groups. The time of the LH peak in the group without the PMSG was significantly delayed (P<0.05) when compared to group 9 days CIDR and administered with PMSG. It is recommended to use the treatment for 9 days CIDR since the estrous cycle can be shortened.
Towards a Cognitive Architecture for Socially Adaptive Human-Robot Interaction

People have a natural predisposition to interact in an adaptive manner with others, by instinctively changing their actions, tones and speech according to the perceived needs of their peers. Moreover, we are not only capable of registering the affective and cognitive state of our partners, but over a prolonged period of interaction we also learn which behaviours are the most appropriate and well-suited for each one of them individually. This universal trait that we share regardless of our different personalities is referred to as social adaptation (adaptability). Humans are always capable of adapting to the others although our personalities may influence the speed and efficacy of the adaptation. This means that in our everyday lives we are accustomed to partake in complex and personalized interactions with our peers. Carrying this ability to personalize to human-robot interaction (HRI) is highly desirable since it would provide user-personalized interaction, a crucial element in many HRI scenarios interactions with older adults, assistive or rehabilitative robotics, child-robot interaction (CRI), and many others. For a social robot to be able to recreate this same kind of rich, human-like interaction, it should be aware of our needs and affective states and be capable of continuously adapting its behaviour to them. Equipping a robot with these functionalities however is not a straightforward task. A robust approach for solving this is implementing a framework for the robot supporting social awareness and adaptation. In other words, the robot needs to be equipped with the basic cognitive functionalities, which would allow the robot to learn how to select the behaviours that would maximize the pleasantness of the interaction for its peers, while being guided by an internal motivation system that would provide autonomy to its decision-making process. The goal of this research was threefold: attempt to design a cognitive architecture supporting social HRI and implement it on a robotic platform; study how an adaptive framework of this kind would function when tested in HRI studies with users; and
Er3+ and Er3+/Yb3+ Ions Embedded in Nano-Structure BaTi0.9Sn0.1O3: Structure, Morphology and Dielectric Properties

Barium titanate tin oxides BaTi 0.9 Sn 0.1 O 3 referred to as (BTSO) doped with 0.5Er 3+ and co-doped with (0.75 and 1) Yb 3+ ions, were prepared using a modified sol-gel method and calcinated at 1050˚C in the air for 4 h. The influence of the selected rare earth element on the structure morphology, dielectric properties behavior was investigated. From TEM micrographs, it has appeared that the particles have a spherical shape with a small size in nanoscale. The average particle size is determined both by TEM and XRD diffraction was found to be in agreement and within the range between 45.9 and 57.7 nm. The effects of Lanthanide incorporation on the evolution of these nano-crystalline structures were followed by XRD and (FTIR). The XRD patterns give rise to a single perovskite phase, while the tetragonality was found to decrease gradu-ally with Er 3+ and Er 3+ /Yb 3+ ions, respectively. FTIR results showed enhancement of the crystallinity and the absence of carbonates upon increasing Yb 3+ ions concentration from 0.75 up to 1 mol%. The dielectric and conductivity properties were found to be enhanced by the nature and the concentration of the lanthanide element (Er 3+ , Yb 3+ ) in the BTSO host lattice. The Curie temperature (T c ) shifted to a lower value from 117 for BTSO: 0.5Er to 93 for BTSO: 0.5Er/1Yb and the permittivity ε’ increased from 3972 to 6071, so BTSO: 0.5Er/1Yb good crystalline material candidate for capacitors application due to its higher permittivity.
Macroeconomic signs of an innovative economy by the case of Great Britain

By the case of the economic development of Great Britain, the hypothesis was verified that innovations at the macroeconomic level should accelerate economic growth and at the same time reduce development risks, stabilizing this growth, reducing its fluctuations under the influence of market factors. The economic development of Great Britain is investigated in 25 economic cycles for the period from 1830-2020. Economic development was investigated according to the parameters of economic growth and development risk in each of the considered cycles. Four types of economic development policy are theoretically described in terms of the dynamics of changes in growth and risk between the previous and subsequent cycles including progressive, regressive, aggressive and conservative. In relation to the identified periods of progressive development policy in Great Britain, the institutional innovations that led to this type of development were investigated. Among them was the great economic reform of the early Victorian era, the course of social or new liberalism and the popular budget before the First World War, the activities of the first Labor government immediately after this war, economic recovery after World War II in combination with the Marshall plan and nationalization, the era of the Conservatives and the politics of New Labor at the end of the 20th century. The study showed that the implementation of authentic national culture and institutions complementary to the existing authentic culture institutions of institutional innovations leads to a simultaneous decrease in the risk of development and acceleration of economic growth, which can be considered the most favorable policy of macroeconomic management of entrepreneurial activity in order to accelerate the application of technical and commercial innovations.
Sub-Transient Response of the DSC Controlled Inverter under Fault

The most important element of the new active distribution system concept is the grid connected converter that needs to offer fault ride through capabilities. The new system topologies require new tools for fault state calculation that would consider different control methodologies. In that regard, this paper investigates the initial response of the grid connected inverter under fault that operates using new control methodology based on the integration of the delay signal cancellation. Using modern laboratory setup for testing of renewable energy sources and their integration in the power system the technique is weighed against the classical technique that does not provide the adequate control under unbalanced faults. Furthermore, through a set of specific experiments the paper demonstrates the behavior of the converter under fault, preparing the outline for the fault response modeling of distributed energy resources. Experimental results present the sub-transient period and the transient period of the response, giving the attention to the inrush current (initial peak current) of the converter. It has been shown that the new technique has similar behavior as the classical control for the balanced faults (symmetrical voltage states), while the values of the peak current for different type of unbalanced faults (asymmetrical voltages where classical technique can be proven to be ineffective) has also been demonstrated.
Gallium-68 citrate PET/CT findings in an experimental model of acute appendicitis in rabbits

Objective Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Several infection and inflammation imaging methods have been used in a limited number of cases. Gallium-68 ( 68 Ga) has recently been investigated as an infection and inflammation imaging agent. The aim of our study was to produce 68 Ga-citrate in an automated synthesis unit and perform 68 Ga-citrate PET/CT imaging in rabbits with experimentally induced AA. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate and correlate PET/CT findings with those of histopathological and biochemical examinations. Methods 68 Ga-citrate was synthesized using the cationic method in an automatic synthesis unit. Twelve rabbits of the New Zealand strain ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) were divided into two groups. In the AA group (n = 6), the appendices of the rabbits were surgically ligated. In the sham group (n = 6), the abdomen was surgically opened and closed. All rabbits were imaged using 68 Ga-citrate PET/CT at 12, 24 and 36 h following the establishment of the experimental models, and at 36 h, all rabbits were appendectomised. Appendices were examined histopathologically and blood samples were drawn from all rabbits at the beginning and end of the experimental process. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin (Pct) levels were measured. PET/CT results were compared statistically with histopathological and biochemical references. Results The labelling efficiency of 68 Ga-citrate was more than 98%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 68 Ga-citrate PET/CT in AA were 100%, 83.3% and 81.7%, respectively. IL-6 and Pct levels at 36 h in the AA group were significantly higher than those in the sham group and at baseline (p < 0.05). Conclusions 68 Ga-citrate was synthesized in an automatic synthesis unit for the first time, and 68 Ga-citrate uptake was shown using PET/CT in a histopathologically and biochemically confirmed experimental AA rabbit model.
What Motivates the Adoption Intention of e-banking Services: The Moderating Role of Age and Gender

Despite the benefits of using e-banking services, the adoption intention of e-banking in Sri Lanka is still under-researched. This paper integrates awareness, convenience, and website usability with moderators' effects to test customer acceptance of e-banking services. Hence, this paper extends the technology acceptance model (TAM). Data were collected through a primary survey of 186 banking customers and used the structured equation modeling for data analysis. The results show that perceived usefulness, convenience, and website usability influence customers' intention to e-banking adoption. In contrast, perceived ease of use and awareness failed to show a significant relationship. Age and gender did not have substantial moderating effects but explain the impact on the exogenous variable relationship. This study integrates moderators into a broader model to investigate the users' acceptance of ebanking services, and particularly, the country-specific research could be more viable ground for other countries similar in context.
Sagittal Balance After Posterior Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Versus Congenital Scoliosis

Background Data: Although long-segment spinal fusion is well-established in achieving coronal balance in scoliotic deformities, its ability to achieve sagittal balance is variable. In some patients, the fusion needs to be extended to the sacrum/pelvis, which could be challenging. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the sagittal balance of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and congenital scoliosis (CS) patients after posterior spinal fusion and to assess the effect of extending the fusion to the sacrum/pelvis on sagittal balance. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Patients and Methods: The study protocol was approved by our institution review board. All available AIS and CS patients who underwent long-segment posterior spinal fusion were included in this study. Whole spine radiographs were taken at three time points: preoperative, 2-months postoperative, and at 2-year follow-up. The spinopelvic parameters were measured in lateral views. The fusion to the sacrum/pelvis was also recorded. Comparison of the radiological parameters at the three time points between the AIS and CS patients and those with and without fusion to the sacrum/pelvis was performed. Results: The sagittal vertical axis was significantly higher in CS patients with fusion to the sacrum/pelvis (53.4 mm postoperatively and 54.4 mm at follow-up) than in those without fusion (14.8 mm postoperatively and 11.9 mm at follow-up) and AIS patients with or without fusion to the sacrum/pelvis. In CS patients who needed fusion to the sacrum/pelvis, lumbar lordosis (LL) decreased significantly to 31° postoperatively and 34.1° at follow-up. Conclusion: AIS patients have a better chance to achieve a normal sagittal alignment than CS patients, especially if the fusion was extended to the sacrum. Patients with CS at the lumbar region have a retroverted pelvis, which is difficult to correct by posterior spinal fusion alone, and an additional posterior osteotomy may be needed to create an adequate LL matching their pelvic incidence. Saving a distal mobile segment preserves a compensatory mechanism and decreases the incidence of postoperative sagittal malalignment. (2020ESJ219)
Occurrence of Total Aflatoxin and Zearalenone in Dairy Cattle Concentrate Feeds in Malawi

Background The study was conducted to determine occurrence and levels of total aflatoxin and zearalenone in concentrate feedstuffs for dairy animals from selected farms in Malawi. Methods A total of 130 concentrate feedstuff samples were collected in paper bags from 113 randomly selected farms in the three agroecological zones (representing high, mid and low (lakeshore) altitudes) from October and December 2019. Each feed sample was ground and analyzed for total aflatoxin and zearalenone using VICAM Fluorometer Method procedures. Results About 85% of samples comprised of corn (maize) bran (CB), 8% for pigeon pea (PP), 2% for dairy mash, 1% for soybean and <1% for sunflower, rice bran (RB) and rice bran mixed with maize bran respectively. 75% of corn bran and 100% of dairy mash and rice bran samples were positive for zearalenone (i.e. above 100 μg/kg) while other concentrates tested negative. Incidences of total aflatoxin were 32%, 67% and 9% in CB, DM and PP bran samples respectively and negligible in other concentrates. Overall, 32% and 23% of feedstuffs had total aflatoxin concentrations above regulatory limits set by Malawi’s neighboring countries (Tanzania and Mozambique) and US respectively whereas only 6% of all the concentrate feedstuffs had zearalenone concentrations above the regulatory limit enforced by EU. Levels of total aflatoxin and zearalenone in CB were not affected by agroecological zones (P=0.17 and P=0.87) respectively. Mean total aflatoxin concentration was 35.4, 28.1 and 38.2 μg/kg in High, Lakeshore and Mid agroecologies respectively whereas zearalenone concentration was 249.7, 226.8 and 243.9 μg/kg respectively. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report prevalence of various mycotoxins in dairy concentrate feedstuffs in Malawi. Aflatoxin and zearalenone contamination in dairy concentrates exist but mostly in levels within tolerable limits at least from the limited timeframe of this study. However, presence of total aflatoxin above regulatory limits in 26 - 34% of corn bran, a major concentrate feedstuff, points to the need for deliberate efforts to ensure levels are kept low in dairy animal feeds for both safety of dairy animals and consumers in Malawi.
Spatial-Temporal Chebyshev Graph Neural Network for Traffic Flow Prediction in IoT-Based ITS

As one of the most widely used applications of the Internet of Things (IoT), intelligent transportation system (ITS) is of great significance for urban traffic planning, traffic control, and traffic guidance. However, widespread traffic congestion occurs with the increased number of vehicles. The traffic flow prediction is a good idea for traffic congestion. Therefore, many schemes have been proposed for accurate and real-time traffic flow prediction, but there still exist many issues, including low accuracy, weak adaptability and inferior real-time. Meanwhile, the complex spatial and temporal dependencies in traffic flow are still challenging. To address the above issues, we propose a novel spatial-temporal Chebyshev graph neural network model (ST-ChebNet) for traffic flow prediction to capture the spatial-temporal features, which can ensure accurate traffic flow prediction. Concretely, we first add a fully connected layer to fuse the features of traffic data into a new feature to generate a matrix, and then the long short-term memory (LSTM) model is adopted to learn traffic state changes for capturing the temporal dependencies. Then, we use the Chebyshev graph neural network (ChebNet) to learn the complex topological structures in the traffic network for capturing the spatial dependencies. Eventually, the spatial features and the temporal features are fused to guarantee the traffic flow prediction. The experiments show that ST-ChebNet can make accurate and real-time traffic flow prediction compared with other eight baseline methods on real-world traffic data sets PeMS.
User-Centered Design to Enhance mHealth Systems for Individuals With Dexterity Impairments: Accessibility and Usability Study

Background Mobile health systems have been shown to be useful in supporting self-management by promoting adherence to schedules and longitudinal health interventions, especially in people with disabilities. The Interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) system was developed to empower people with disabilities and those with chronic conditions with supports needed for self-management and independent living. Since the first iteration of the iMHere 1.0 app, several studies have evaluated the accessibility and usability of the system. Potential opportunities to improve and simplify the user interface were identified, and the iMHere modules were redesigned accordingly. Objective In this study, we aim to evaluate the usability of the redesigned modules within the iMHere 1.0 app. Methods We evaluated the original and redesigned iMHere modules—MyMeds and SkinCare. The Purdue Pegboard Test was administered to assess the participants’ dexterity levels. Participants were then asked to perform a set of tasks using both the original and redesigned MyMeds and SkinCare modules to assess their efficiency and effectiveness. Usability was measured using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire to evaluate 10 new accessibility features that were added to the redesigned app. Participants were also asked which version they preferred. Results In total, 24 participants with disabilities and varying degrees of dexterity impairments completed the entire study protocol. Participants displayed improved efficiency and effectiveness when using the redesigned modules compared with the original modules. The participants also reported improved usability and preferred the redesigned modules. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the iMHere system became more efficient, effective, and usable for individuals with dexterity impairments after redesigning it according to user-centered principles.
Late Holocene Sedimentation Dynamics in the Lake Ulaan Basin, Southern Mongolia: A History of a Playa Lake 

Sedimentation dynamics in the Lake Ulaan basin located in the northern margin of the Govi region, southern Mongolia show high sedimentation rates of 11.8–22.7 cm/ka in the eastern part of the basin and low rates of 3.3–5.8 cm/ka in the western part during the late Holocene. The eastern and western parts of the lake have been strongly influenced by fluvial and aeolian activities since the arid late Holocene. However, fluvial sediment input was more significantly recorded in the eastern part. Aeolian deflation has been prevailing throughout the lake bank recently. Lake Ulaan reached its maximum extent before the early Holocene (Sternberg and Paillou, 2015; Holguin and Sternberg, 2016) with a water depth of ~43 m (Lehmkuhl et al., 2018a). After the early Holocene, Lake Ulaan started to decrease its area, and the drop of the lake level intensified since the middle Holocene. In the late Holocene, the лйоупы western and eastern parts were initially exposed to wind deflation at 2.7–3.2 cal. ka BP and the aerial exposition continued at 0.6–1.3 cal. ka BP. In the Anthropocene, Lake Ulaan has rapidly shifted into a playa lake condition during the last five to six decades, and it has become an open-source area of dust generation blown out by the westerly winds.
Characteristic Mode Theory of Wavetraps for Antenna Decoupling

This paper introduces a systematic design method for decoupling elements, which can significantly improve the isolation between two co-located antennas, e.g. between transmit and receive antennas of an in-band full-duplex system. The design method applies the theory of characteristic modes for controlling the phase and amplitude of the scattered fields of the decoupling element, in order to optimally cancel the original incident fields which couple to the receiving antenna. We describe concisely the effects that characteristic angle, modal near-field, and modal excitation of the decoupling element have on the antenna isolation. For validating the proposed method, a planar wavetrap is designed and the isolation improvement verified with full-wave simulations. When we use the proposed method to optimize a wavetrap that is placed between two co-located patch antennas, we obtain an improvement of the isolation between the antennas by 33 dB at the centre frequency of their operational frequency band, and at least 12-dB improvement across the whole 142-MHz operational bandwidth of the two antennas. As a benchmark, the wavetrap is replaced by an absorber occupying 10 times the volume of the wavetrap. The absorber gives only 6 dB of isolation improvement, substantiating the effectiveness of the proposed wavetrap method.