Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation of animal-based parameters with environment-based parameters in an on-farm welfare assessment of growing pigs

Abstract Nine pig farms were evaluated for the welfare quality in Korea using animal- and environment-based parameters (particularly air quality parameters) during the winter of 2013. The Welfare Quality® (WQ®) protocol consists of 12 criteria within four principles. The WQ® protocol classifies farms into four categories ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘not classified’. Each of these criteria has specific measures for calculating scores. Calculations for the welfare scores were conducted online using the calculation model in the WQ® protocol. Environment-based parameters like microclimate (i.e., temperature, relative humidity, air speed, and particulate matter), bacteria (total airborne bacteria, airborne total coliform, and airborne total Escherichia coli), concentration of gases (carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide) were measured to investigate the relationship between animal- and environment-based parameters. Correlations between the results of animal- and environment-based parameters were estimated using spearman correlation coefficient. The overall assessments found that five out of nine farms were ‘acceptable’, and four farms were ‘enhanced’; no farm was ‘not classified’. The average score for the four principles across the nine farms, in decreasing order, were ‘good feeding’ (63.13 points) > ‘good housing’ (59.26 points) > ‘good health’ (33.47 points) > ‘appropriate behaviors’ (25.48 points). In the result of the environment aspect, the relative humidity of farms 2 (93.4%), 3 (100%), and 9 (98%) was much higher than the recommended maximum relative humidity of 80%, and four out of the nine farms had ammonia concentrations greater than 40 ppm. Ammonia had negative correlations with ‘positive social behaviors’ and positive emotional states: content, enjoying, sociable, playful, lively, happy and it had positive correlations with negative emotional states: aimless, distressed. The concentration of carbon dioxide had negative correlations with positive emotional states; calm, sociable, playful, happy and it had a positive correlation with negative emotional state; aimless. Our results indicate that the control of the environment for growing pigs can help improve their welfare, particularly via good air quality (carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide).
Long-tailed macaques: an unfairness model for humans

ABSTRACT The current study was designed to predict why human primates often behave unfairly (equity aversion) by not exhibiting equity preference (the ability to equally distribute outcomes 1:1 among participants). Parallel to humans, besides inequity aversion, lab monkeys such as kin of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) also demonstrate equity aversion depending on their preference for the outcome (food) type. During the pre-experiment phase, a food-preference test was conducted to determine the most preferred income per individual monkey. Red grapes were the most preferred outcome (100%) when compared to vanilla wafers (0%). The first set of experiments used a 1:1 ratio (equity condition) of grape distribution among six kin-pairs of female long-tailed macaques, and we compared their aversion (Av) versus acceptance (Ac). In the second experiment, we assessed the response to the 0:2 and 1:3 ratio distribution of grapes (inequity condition). A total of 60 trials were conducted for each condition with N = 6 pairs. Our results show aversion to the inequity conditions (1:3 ratios) in long-tailed macaques was not significantly different from aversion to the equity conditions (1:1 ratios). We suggest that the aversion observed in this species was associated with the degree of preference for the outcome (food type) offered rather than the distribution ratio. The subjective preferences for outcome types could bring this species into irrationality; they failed to share foods with an equal ratio of 1:1.
Assessing ex situ genetic and ecogeographic conservation in a threatened but widespread oak after range‐wide collecting effort

Although the genetic diversity and structure of in situ populations has been investigated in thousands of studies, the genetic composition of ex situ plant populations has rarely been studied. A better understanding of how much genetic diversity is conserved ex situ, how it is distributed among locations (e.g., botanic gardens), and what minimum sample sizes are needed is necessary to improve conservation outcomes. Here we address these issues in a threatened desert oak species, Quercus havardii Rydb. We assess the genetic, geographic, and ecological representation of 290 plants from eight ex situ locations, relative to 667 wild individuals from 35 in situ locations. We also leverage a recent dataset of >3000 samples from 11 other threatened plants to directly compare the degree of genetic conservation for species that differ in geographic range size. We found that a majority of Q. havardii genetic diversity is conserved; one of its geographic regions is significantly better conserved than the other; genetic diversity conservation of this widespread species is lower than documented for the 11 rarer taxa; genetic diversity within each garden is strongly correlated to the number of plants and number of source populations; and measures of geographic and ecological conservation (i.e., percent area and percent of ecoregions represented) were typically lower than the direct assessment of genetic diversity (i.e., percent alleles). This information will inform future seed sampling expeditions to ensure that the intraspecific diversity of threatened plants can be effectively conserved.
A test of giant electrorheological valve in DC and square wave AC fields with different frequencies

The high price and less content of current Braille displays keep most of visually impaired persons from using them. The compact arrangement of Braille dots regulated by Braille standard presents a rigid limitation to develop a full-page Braille display. Electrorheological valve gives a possibility to meet these severe demands, and its pressure drop is a key parameter to design a full-page Braille display. A giant electrorheological valve in DC field and square waveform AC field with different frequencies was investigated. It was shown that the pressure drop of valve increases with the electric field strength, and decreases with increasing frequency of square waveform AC field. The pressure drop of the giant electrorheological valve is high enough for the purpose in application of a full-page Braille display. The results also show that only square waveform AC field with low frequency can provide higher pressure drops. A forcing flow of giant electrorheological fluids in channel of valve may be a solution of solving the aggregations of nanoparticles on the electrodes.
A Lateral Load Test on Seven Foot Diameter Caissons

Seven foot (2.1 m) diameter caissons (drilled shafts) were designed to support a mainline eastbound bridge and an off-ramp of Interstate Highway 70 in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. A lateral load test was proposed and completed during the construction phase of the project to evaluate the caisson construction method and the response of the caissons to the large lateral design loads. Soil parameters were back-calculated from load-deflection and inclinometer data using a p-y analysis. Based on the lateral load test results, the adjusted soil parameters permitted shortening of the caissons and an improved construction schedule.
Multi-year Prediction of Rice Yield under the Changing Climatic Scenarios in Nepal Central Terai Using DSSAT Crop Model

NASA-POWER derived weather data of Dumkauli in Nawalparasi (27.68˚ N, 84.13˚E) district in the Nepal central Terai for the past 33-years (1984/85-2017/18) were purposively downloaded and validated with recorded weather data of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). The trend analysis for grain yield of rice in Nawalparasi was drawn with the historical data of the maximum and minimum temperatures and rainfall. Positive correlations between grain yields and minimum temperature and rainfall each showed an acceptable coefficient of determination (R2). The CSM-CERES-Rice embedded in DSSAT ver 4.7 was used for multi-year prediction of rice yield using both historically recorded and simulated climatic scenarios. The model simulated results closely agreed with the observed rice yield recorded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) in Nepal. The correlation between precipitation and observed rice yield was 0.71 and the correlation between precipitation and observed and DSSAT simulated yield was 0.379. The multi-year predicted rice yield using historical weather data and the DSSAT rice model showed that rice yield could be sustained with the use of the current crop cultivars only for the upcoming few years. The climate index, mainly the rainfall index, was found to be more sensitive to rice production in the Nepal central Terai region. This study suggests for the development of new climate change ready rice cultivars to feed the increasingly growing Nepalese population.
Pole-Aware Analog Layout Synthesis Considering Monotonic Current Flows and Wire Crossings

This article presents a new paradigm for analog placement, which further incorporates poles in addition to the considerations of symmetry island and monotonic current flow while minimizing wire crossings. The nodes along the signal paths in an analog circuit contribute to the poles, and the parasitics on these dominant poles can significantly limit the circuit performance. Although the monotonic placement methods introduced in the previous works can generate simpler routing topologies, the unawareness of poles, especially the dominant and the first non-dominant poles and wire crossings among critical nets, may increase wire load and performance degradation. This article proposes a pole-aware analog layout synthesis methodology to minimize the total wire load and wire crossings while satisfying different symmetry and topological routing constraints. Using a strong-connectivity approach to the group Steiner problem, the presented method for automatic selection of port locations can help reduce total wirelength, increase routing flexibility, and minimize total wire crossings. Experimental results show that the proposed approach results in better solution quality in circuit performance compared with other recent works.
Nutrient Intake and Dietary Acid Load of Special Diets in the NHANES: A Descriptive Analysis (2009–2018)

Western diets are characterized by a high dietary acid load (DAL), which has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including type-2-diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Effective dietary strategies to lower DAL are urgently warranted. Plant-based diets (PBD), including vegetarian and vegan diets, are an effective measure to reduce DAL. Notably, not every individual wishes to adopt a PBD. Instead, many people rely on special diets promising comparable health benefits. The effects of those diets on DAL have rarely been investigated. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, we aimed to quantify DAL and nutrient intake in the most popular special diets in the United States, including weight-loss, low fat, low salt, low sugar, and diabetic diets. Our analysis included 3552 individuals on a special diet. The most popular diets were the weight-loss diet (n = 1886 individuals) and the diabetic diet (n = 728). Energy intake was below 2000 kcal/d for all diets; however, there were no statistically significant intergroup differences. DAL scores were positive for all special diets (>9 mEq/d), suggesting acidifying properties. Acid load scores of special diets did not differ significantly and were comparable to a standard Western diet. None of the examined diets was associated with alkaline properties.
Public Library Play-based Early Literacy Programs: What is the Parental Experience?

Many public libraries offer early literacy storytime programs to child patrons and their parents. Based on current research and best-practice periodicals, more children’s librarians are incorporating and modeling play-based activities in their storytime programs at the public library to emphasize the importance of parent-child interaction in guiding early literacy learning. Play as a method of learning is often underutilized and misunderstood by parents. This literature review aims to investigate the role of public libraries (and librarians) in informal early literacy education, the shift towards play-based practices in early literacy programs at the public library, the importance and significance of quality parent-child interaction in early literacy experiences, and the documentation of the experiences and perceptions of parents attending early literacy programs at the public library with their children. As previous studies correlate the benefits of parent-child interaction in play-based activities with early literacy learning, it is evident that further qualitative research into the actual experiences of parents attending play-based early literacy public library programs is needed in order to identify moreareas for improvement of public library services and storytime programs for child patrons and their parents.
Solving multiobjective optimisation problems using genetic algorithms and solutions concepts of cooperative games

A new methodology is proposed in this paper to solve multiobjective optimisation problems (MOPs) by invoking genetic algorithms and solutions concepts of cooperative games. The weighting problems that are formulated by assigning some suitable weights to the multiple objective functions are usually solved to obtain the Pareto optimal solutions of MOPs. In this paper, the suitable weights will be taken from the core values of a cooperative game that is formulated from the original MOP by regarding the objective functions as players. Under these settings, we shall obtain a large set of all so-called Core-Pareto optimal solutions. In order to choose the best Core-Pareto optimal solution from this set, we shall invoke the genetic algorithms by setting a reasonable fitness function.
Convergence in Homicide Rates Across the European Union Countries: Toward an Effective and Genuine Security Union

This paper investigates whether homicide rates among the European Union (EU) member countries tend to converge over the period 1990 to 2018. We use the concept of β-convergence proposed by Barro and Sala-i-Martin (1992) and employ the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM, hereafter) methodology for 2-years span panel data of 26 EU member countries. The results provide strong evidence for both absolute and conditional convergence of homicide rates across EU countries. Moreover, speed of homicide convergence is increased by the control variables, namely GDP per capita and unemployment rate. Hence, we conclude that the economic integration contributes to the process of convergence in homicide rates in the EU. JEL classification: O47; C23; K42
Using Innovation Diffusion Theory and the Technolgy Acceptance Model to Evaluate the Security of Wireless Mobile Devices at a Post Secondary Institution.

The purpose of this quantitative, descriptive non experimental study was to investigate the use of wireless mobile network devices at a post-secondary institution using the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and technology acceptance model (TAM) as background theories. The researcher intended to explore how students and personnel of the institution use these devices and the possible risks such use involves. The use of mobile devices is a disruptive force capable of compromising student and personnel’s sensitive information in an organization. Target population of this study consisted of 34% of students, 37% of faculty, and 29% of administrative personnel. The study was conducted using the instrument Adding Innovation Diffusion Theory to the Technology Acceptance Model: Supporting Employees' Intentions to use E-Learning Systems created by Lee, Hsieh, and Hsu (2011). The variables used in the study were compatibility, complexity, relative advantages, observability, trialability, perceived usefulness, perceived ease-of-use, and behavioral intention. Findings of the study are intended to provide insight when analyzing users’ acceptance and adoption of mobile devices in wireless systems in an educational setting. Results showed that students, faculty, and administrative personnel perceived the use of mobile devices as appropriate for their learning and working styles, enhancing students’ effectiveness in learning and personnel’s jobs. Therefore, institutions of higher education should take measures in securing corporate data, with safety and productivity in mind. With the incorporation of well-supported mobility and security programs, organizations can strike the right balance between security and usability, and leverage the next generation of consumer technology.
Evaluation of layout and atmospheric stability effects in wind farms using large‐eddy simulation

Large-eddy simulation (LES) has been used previously to study the effect of either configuration or atmospheric stability on the power generated by large wind farms. This is the first study to consider both stability and wind farm configuration simultaneously and methodically with LES. Two prevailing wind directions, two layouts (turbines aligned versus staggered with respect to the wind) and three stabilities (neutral and moderately unstable and stable) were evaluated. Compared with neutral conditions, unstable conditions led to reduced wake losses in one configuration, to enhanced wake losses in two and to unchanged wake losses in one configuration. Conversely, stable conditions led to increased wake losses in one, decreased wake losses in two and unchanged wake losses in one configuration. Three competing effects, namely, rates of wake recovery due to vertical mixing, horizontal spread of wakes and localized regions of acceleration caused by multiple upstream wakes, were identified as being responsible for the observed trends in wake losses. The detailed flow features responsible for these non-linear interactions could only be resolved by the LES. Existing analytical models ignore stability and non-linear configuration effects, which therefore need to be incorporated. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence, Intensity, and Risk Factors for Helminth Infections in Pigs in Menoua, Western Highlands of Cameroon, with Some Data on Protozoa

Helminthes affect satisfactory pig farming by causing poor growth rate and infertility. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of helminthes in pig production, as well as factors influencing their prevalence in Menoua, Western Highlands of Cameroon. Thus, 597 fecal samples from 100 farms of three production types (farrower, grower, and farrow-to-finish) were collected together with data on farmer and management characteristics. Samples were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Eggs of eight helminthes were identified: Hyostrongylus rubidus (81.10%, 50-550 epg), Strongyloides ransomi (34.5%, 50-150 epg), Trichostrongylus sp. (28.1%, 50-650 epg), Ascaris suum (11.6%, 50-200 epg), Metastrongylus sp. (10.4%, 50-250 epg), Oesophagostomum dentatum (5.7%, 50-150 epg), Trichuris suis (4.0%, 50-150 epg), and Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (0.2%, 50-50 epg). The overall prevalence was 89.3% (533 out of 597). Single infestations were 30.2%, while mixed infestations were 59.1%. A. suum, S. ransomi, and strongyles (H. rubidus, Trichostrongylus sp., Metastrongylus sp., and O. dentatum) were found in almost all age groups but the prevalence of A. suum increased with the growing age to drop in older animals. H. rubidus was found in all farm types followed by S. ransomi in farrower and farrow-to-finish farms. The other parasites were present only in farrow-to-finish farms. Coccidia parasites were also found including Isospora suis (26.30%, 50-12500 oocysts per gram of feces (opg)) and Eimeria spp. (1.40%, 100-100 opg). The risk of infestation for some parasites was lower with increasing herd size, high education level of farmers, and in wooden piggeries and semipermanent structures. The infestation risk was higher for all the investigated parasites for pigs escaping the pens. The overall significance of these parasites on growth and reproduction of the naturally infested pigs deserve assessment. Necropsy studies to confirm the worm burden are needed. Risk factors were identified, thus paving the way to design successful helminth control in pig production enterprises.
Triglyceride-Glucose Index for Early Prediction of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis of 121,975 Individuals

Insulin resistance (IR) is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has recently gained popularity for the assessment of IR and NAFLD due to its ease of acquisition and calculation. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the existing studies in the literature and provide a quantitative assessment of the significance of the TyG index in predicting the incidence of NAFLD. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception until 25 March 2022 was conducted. Published observational studies that evaluated the association between TyG index and NAFLD among the adult population and reported the hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) for this association after multivariate analysis were included. The random-effects model was used as the primary statistical analysis model in the estimation of pooled ORs and HRs with the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 17 observational studies, including 121,975 participants, were included. For studies analyzing the TyG index as a categorical variable, both pooled OR (6.00, CI 4.12–8.74) and HR (1.70, CI 1.28–2.27) were significant for the association between TyG index and incident NAFLD. For studies analyzing the TyG index as a continuous variable, pooled OR (2.25, CI 1.66–3.04) showed similar results. Consistent results were obtained in subgroup analyses according to the study design, sample size, ethnicity, and diabetic status. In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that a higher TyG index is associated with higher odds of NAFLD. TyG index may serve as an independent predictive tool to screen patients at high risk of NAFLD in clinical practice, especially in primary care settings. Patients with a high TyG index should be referred for a liver ultrasound and start intense lifestyle modifications. However, further large-scale prospective cohort studies are necessary to validate our findings.
COUP-TFII in Kidneys, from Embryos to Sick Adults

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) is an orphan nuclear hormone receptor of unknown ligands. This molecule has two interesting features: (1) it is a developmental gene, and (2) it is a potential hormone receptor. Here, we describe the possible roles of COUP-TFII in the organogenesis of the kidneys and protection from adult renal diseases, primarily in mouse models. COUP-TFII is highly expressed in embryos, including primordial kidneys, and is essential for the formation of metanephric mesenchyme and the survival of renal precursor cells. Although the expression levels of COUP-TFII are low and its functions are unknown in healthy adults, it serves as a reno-protectant molecule against acute kidney injury. These are good examples of how developmental genes exhibit novel functions in the etiology of adult diseases. We also discuss the ongoing research on the roles of COUP-TFII in podocyte development and diabetic kidney disease. In addition, the identification of potential ligands suggests that COUP-TFII might be a novel therapeutic target for renal diseases in the future.