Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Planter Pressure Information Acquisition System Based on STM32

This paper introduces a plantar pressure detection and analysis system based on flexible membrane pressure sensor. The system collects and analyzes the data through the wireless Bluetooth module, and transmits the data and results to the upper computer.The performance of the system was tested and analyzed through the upper computer platform written in C ++. The results showed no significant jumps and mutations.
Isolation and characterization of two dinucleotide and four tetranucleotide polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Iberian midwife toad Alytes cisternasii

The Iberian midwife toad Alytes cisternasii is an endemic species of the southwestern and central parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Allozyme analysis of Iberian midwife toads indicated no inter- or intrapopulation variation and a more sensitive method is required to quantify genetic differentiation and gene flow between populations of this species. We describe here the development of primers for the amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of six polymorphic microsatellite loci in A. cisternasii.
Relationship between body condition score, blood metabolites and oxidative stress in transition period and reproductive performance of dairy cows

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between prepartum body condition score (BCS), blood metabolites (Glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate; BHB), oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde; MDA, Glutathione peroxidase; GSH-Px) in transition period and some reproductive parameters in Holstein dairy cows. Fifty cows were divided into two groups [low-BCS = 2.75-3.0 (n=25); adequate-BCS = 3.25-3.75 (n=25)] according to BCS on the 21st day before expected calving. BCS was also recorded at 0 and +21 days after calving. Blood samples collected at -21, 0 and +21 days from calving for MDA and GSH-Px analysis as well as at -21, +14 and +21 days of postpartum for glucose and BHB. Data on reproductive parameters obtained from farm records were also collected. MDA concentrations were higher in group of low-BCS compared to group of adequate-BCS at -21 and 0 d related to calving (p<0.05). GSH-Px activity was lower in group of low-BCS than adequate one during the transition period (p<0.05). Low-BCS group also showed higher concentrations of BHB at +14 and +21 days after calving. During the transition period, low-BCS group had lower glucose concentrations compared to adequate one (p<0.05). Adequate-BCS group of cows showed shorter intervals of calving to first estrus (p<0.01) and calving to conception (p<0.01). In conclusion, cows with lower BCS at the prepartum period had worse metabolic and oxidative balance during the transition period. This situation also was associated with worse reproductive performance in cows.
Experiences of Health Care Workers Regarding Maintenance of Confidentiality Concerning Hearing Challenged People in Selected Public Health Facilities in eThekwini District, South Africa

Communication between a health care provider and a patient is a pre-requisite for any intervention to occur in the process of health care. Deaf patients depend on interpreters when seeking health care. Confidentiality is an issue since interpreters are involved in the Deaf community. Health care workers (HCWs) are tasked to ensure that the delivery of information to the patient is accurate and kept confidential. A descriptive exploratory qualitative design was used to explore the experiences of HCWs regarding the maintenance of confidentiality for hard of hearing patients. The study population comprised HCWs who worked with hearing challenged patients. Purposive sampling, which is a type of non-probability sampling, was utilized to select the study participants from the population. This research study was conducted at two hospitals in eThekwini District. Structured interviews, using an interview schedule, were used to collect data. The actual sample size was 10 participants. Data was analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of thematic analysis. Six major themes emerged from the data analysis namely training of health care workers, communication preferences for hard of hearing patients, communication challenges, health care worker-patient relationship, involvement of family members as interpreters and measures to maintain confidentiality. Majority of participants experienced communication challenges with patients who are hard of hearing since only few HCWs are trained in sign language. The findings of this study will contribute to addressing issues related to the maintenance of confidentiality of hard of hearing patients. This study does not claim to exhaust the subject but to raise awareness of new investigations in other realities. Further research in the larger representative population of HCWs and hard of hearing patients is necessary to make the health care system more accessible and communication with HCWs more satisfying and effective.
Study on the Heat and Pressure and Their Effect on the Surface Shape Precision of Optic in Continuous Polishing

In the process of ring polishing, the non-uniform temperature distribution in the element will make the shape of the element change greatly, which leads to the non-uniform pressure distribution between the element and the pad. According to Preston equation, uneven pressure distribution will produce uneven material removal rate and affect the surface morphology of optics. In this paper, the influence of temperature differenace on the deformation of the element is revealed, and then the relationship between the deformation and the contact pressure of the element is deduced. Combined with Preston equation, the temperature difference in the element and the surface accuracy of the element are finally connected, and verified by the surface shape measurement.
Satellite Tracking and Analysis Tool (STAT): an integrated system for archiving, analyzing and mapping animal tracking data

Despite the obvious power and advan- tages of the Argos system to track animals by satellite, the data generated are difficult for many biologists to exploit. A broad range of skills is required to efficiently download, collate, filter and interpret Argos data. Inte- gration of animal movements with other physical (e.g. remote sensing imagery) and anthropogenic (e.g. fish- ery distributions) datasets presents additional technical and computing challenges. The Satellite Tracking and Analysis Tool (STAT) is a freely available system de- signed for biologists who work on animal tracking; it includes a set of standardized tools and techniques for data management, analysis, and integration with envi- ronmental data. STAT logs in to the Argos computer network each day and downloads all available loca- tions and associated data for each user. These data are parsed and stored in a relational database and auto- matically backed up to an offsite location. A number of data filtering options are available, including setting maximum speed, time or distance between consecutive points, Argos location class, and turning angle. A vari- ety of environmental data layers, including bathymetry, sea surface temperature, sea surface height, ocean cur- rents and chlorophyll, can be sampled for all locations in the STAT database and can be downloaded and incorporated into tracking maps and animations. STAT also facilitates collaboration and the sharing of animal tracking information with the wider public and funding organizations. We hope that STAT will act as a catalytic foundation, fostering collaboration among users of satellite telemetry, and ensuring maximum value from these studies.
Effect of composting on extractability and relative availability of heavy metals present in Calcutta municipal solid waste

How composting affects heavy metal content is largely unknown. Accordingly, we investigate the total content of six heavy metals, Cd/Zn ratio and the Zn-equiv, the relative availability and fractionation study to assess the suitability of compost derived out of those for environmental concerns. During composting, total metal content increased but their RA decreased. As a result of composting bioavailable form of metals also decreased. High significant correlations between different forms of heavy metals content and degree of humification were found for all the elements. Composting increases humic acid content than fulvic acid. This transformation is mainly responsible to serve as binding agent for metal thereby moderating the rapid metal mobilization.
Variation in brown rat cranial shape shows directional selection over 120 years in New York City

Abstract Urbanization exposes species to novel environments and selection pressures that may change morphological traits within a population. We investigated how the shape and size of crania and mandibles changed over time within a population of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) living in Manhattan, New York, USA, a highly urbanized environment. We measured 3D landmarks on the cranium and mandible of 62 adult individuals sampled in the 1890s and 2010s. Static allometry explained approximately 22% of shape variation in crania and mandible datasets, while time accounted for approximately 14% of variation. We did not observe significant changes in skull size through time or between the sexes. Estimating the P‐matrix revealed that directional selection explained temporal change of the crania but not the mandible. Specifically, rats from the 2010s had longer noses and shorter upper molar tooth rows, traits identified as adaptive to colder environments and higher quality or softer diets, respectively. Our results highlight the continual evolution to selection pressures. We acknowledge that urban selection pressures impacting cranial shape likely began in Europe prior to the introduction of rats to Manhattan. Yet, our study period spanned changes in intensity of artificial lighting, human population density, and human diet, thereby altering various aspects of rat ecology and hence pressures on the skull.
Perspectives: Measure proliferation in advertising research: are standard measures the solution?

Abstract Recent research has found considerable measure proliferation (i.e., the same construct is measured in multiple different ways) in advertising research. Measure proliferation increases the risk of using invalid measures, may render research results incommensurable across studies, opens up for ‘p-hacking’, and causes practical problems for researchers. Standard measures of advertising constructs would solve many of these issues but raises other issues such as what criteria to rely on when developing and evaluating measures. This paper discusses problems associated with measurement proliferation, challenges when introducing standard measures, and outlines a way forward for advertising research. It is suggested that advertising research can progress towards standard measures by gradually introducing three new journal publication requirements over an extended period of time: 1) full disclosure of measurement information, 2) all measures should be formally validated, and 3) standard measures should be used in all studies (with justifiable exceptions). In addition, the paper discusses further research that would support the introduction of the new publication requirements.
Practical and Theoretical Benefits of an Alternative to the Penman‐Monteith Evapotranspiration Equation

The Penman‐Monteith equation is used widely to estimate evapotranspiration (E) and to understand its governing physics. I present an alternative to the Penman‐Monteith equation that has both practical and theoretical advantages, at no appreciable cost. In particular, the new equation requires no additional assumptions, empiricism, or computational cost compared with the Penman‐Monteith equation. Practically, the new equation is consistently more accurate over a wide range of conditions when compared with eddy covariance observations: The new equation has lower errors compared with Penman‐Monteith estimates of ET at all of the 79 eddy covariance sites available for the analysis. Using the new equation reduces errors, on average, by 67%, from 8.55 to 2.81 [W m−2]. At night, the improvement is even greater (92% reduction in error; from 1.26 to 0.097 [W m−2]). This improvement is achieved without calibration. Theoretically, the new equation corrects a conceptual error in the Penman‐Monteith equation, in which the Penman‐Monteith equation incorrectly implies that E from a saturated surface into a saturated, turbulent atmosphere (“equilibrium” E) is exactly equivalent to E from an unsaturated surface into an unsaturated, laminar atmosphere. The conceptual error is traced back to the failure of the Penman‐Monteith equation in important limiting cases; these errors are eliminated by the new equation. I use the new equation to revise an existing theory of land‐atmosphere coupling affected by the conceptual error in the Penman‐Monteith equation and to reassess several common but incorrect definitions of equilibrium E.
Song Rates, Mating Status, and Territory Size of Cerulean Warblers in Missouri Ozark Riparian Forest

Abstract We assessed song rates among male Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica cerulea) in Ozark riparian forest in southeastern Missouri to characterize song rate variation and estimate how many males may be missed during censuses. Average (± SD) songs per 5-min intervals for continuous 4-hr observation periods varied from 3.1 ± 4.8 (mated males) to 36.0 ± 18.7 (unmated males; n = 24 males). Unmated males averaged twice the number of songs per 5-min periods than mated males. Considerable song rate variation existed even among mated males. Song rates slightly declined over the 4-hr observation period. Song rate differences between Cerulean Warblers in Ontario and southeastern Missouri suggest caution when making assumptions about breeding status based on auditory surveys. Average male Cerulean Warbler territory size (n = 20) was 0.9 ± 0.1 ha with 27 of 31 males having at least one abutting conspecific territory. All males (n = 24) were silent for 32.7 ± 21.5 and 21.8 ± 17.4% of the 5-min and 10-min periods, respectively. Unpaired males (n = 5) were silent for 2.9 ± 3.15 and 1.2 ± 1.86% and mated males (n = 19) were silent for 37.9 ± 18.8 and 25.4 ± 16.2% of the 5-min and 10-min periods, respectively. These data demonstrate that when auditory clues are used for detection, not incorporating song rate will result in significant underestimates of density.
Assessing the Causal Impact of Delayed Oral Health Care on Emergency Department Utilization

This study examines the causal effect of delayed oral health care on increased emergency department visits in the United States. We extend prior research by estimating the effect of delayed or forgone preventive and necessary dental care on emergency department utilization using a longitudinal, nationally representative data set. We incorporate the temporal structure of the data into a two-part model with a predictive component and an inferential component. The first part predicts propensity scores for delayed oral health care and the second stage incorporates the inverse weighted propensity scores in a logistic regression that assesses nationally representative estimates of any emergency department visits. We find a positive causal relationship between delaying oral health care and subsequent emergency department utilization. Our results have implications for actuaries, policymakers, and consumers, because unnecessary use of emergency department services for preventable conditions is a growing public health concern in the United States.
Effects of four Bacillus spp. of soil origin on the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Four species of Bacillus were isolated from soil in an effort to find safe, effective and alternative biological control agents against plant pests. These bacteria were identified as Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus cereus on the basis of fatty acid methyl ester analysis and carbon utilization profiles by using Microbial Identification and Biolog Microplate Systems. Laboratory experiments carried out to determine the insecticidal activities of these isolates showed that B. pumilus caused 95.7 and 26.7% mortality and B. sphaericus caused 74.5 and 23.3% mortality of Leptinotarsa decemlineata larvae and adults, respectively. B. cereus and B. megaterium showed 51.1 and 29.7%, respectively, of L. decemlineata larvae. This study presents at least two Turkish isolates from the genus Bacillus showing high insecticidal activity against L. decemlineata.
Genetic variation of PRLR gene and association with milk performance traits in dairy cattle

Prolactin plays an important regulatory function in mammary gland development, milk secretion, and expression of milk protein genes. Prolactin exerts diverse functions in its several target tissues through specific membrane receptors. Hence, prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene is a potential quantitative trait locus and genetic marker of milk performance traits in dairy cattle. In this study, the genetic polymorphisms of part of the PRLR gene were detected in a population of 385 cows of Chinese Holstein dairy cattle to determine the association between PRLR gene and milk performance traits. Using polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing, two alleles in exon 3 and three alleles in exon 7 of PRLR gene were identified. Four of the detected SNPs lead to the amino acid substitution. Statistical results indicated that PRLRE3 and PRLRE7 loci were significantly associated with milk yield (P < 0.01), and fat percentage (P < 0.05). The cows with genotypes AB had signifi.
Expression of VINV1, SCB1 and SCS1 genes in the seed coats of contrasting soybean seeds

The seed coat is vital for the proper development of soybean seeds and also, after their physiological maturity, for providing protection against various biotic and abiotic factors. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relative expression of three candidate genes, VINV1, SCB1 and SCS1, which are possibly involved in seed quality, in the contrasting seed coats of four soybean genotypes. Two yellow seed coat genotypes, BMX Potencia RR and CD 202, and two black seed coat genotypes, TP and IAC, were used. Relative gene expression was evaluated by the qPCR technique for seven phases of seed coat development in the four genotypes, at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 days after anthesis. The design was completely randomised, with three replications. Data were subjected to variance analysis and the means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. The VINV1 and SCS1 genes exhibit greater expression in the early stages of seed coat development in the cultivar BMX Potencia RR. The SCB1 gene displays greater expression in the cultivar CD 202, also in the early stages of seed coat development. The three genes under study show greater expression in yellow seed coat genotypes.
Modeling and analysis of soft robotic fingers using the fin ray effect

Soft grasping of random objects in unstructured environments has been a research topic of predilection both in academia and in industry because of its complexity but great practical relevance. However, accurate modeling of soft hands and fingers has proven a difficult challenge to tackle. Focusing on this issue, this article presents a detailed mathematical modeling and performance analysis of parallel grippers equipped with soft fingers taking advantage of the fin ray effect (FRE). The FRE, based on biomimetic principles, is most commonly found in the design of grasping soft fingers, but despite their popularity, finding a convenient model to assess the grasp capabilities of these fingers is challenging. This article aims at solving this issue by providing an analytic tool to better understand and ultimately design this type of soft fingers. First, a kinetostatic model of a general multi-crossbeam finger is established. This model will allow for a fast yet accurate estimation of the contact forces generated when the fingers grasp an arbitrarily shaped object. The obtained mathematical model will be subsequently validated by numerically to ensure the estimations of the overall grasp strength and individual contact forces are indeed accurate. Physical experiments conducted with 3D-printed fingers of the most common architecture of FRE fingers will also be presented and shown to support the proposed model. Finally, the impact of the relative stiffness between different areas of the fingers will be evaluated to provide insight into further refinement and optimization of these fingers.
Design, implementation, and control of a deformable manipulator robot based on a compliant spine

This article presents the conception, the numerical modeling, and the control of a dexterous, deformable manipulator bio-inspired by the skeletal spine found in vertebrate animals. Through the implementation of this new manipulator, we show a methodology based on numerical models and simulations, that goes from design to control of continuum and soft robots. The manipulator is modeled using a finite element method (FEM), using a set of beam elements that reproduce the lattice structure of the robot. The model is computed and inverted in real-time using optimization methods. A closed-loop control strategy is implemented to account for the disparities between the model and the robot. This control strategy allows for accurate positioning, not only of the tip of the manipulator, but also the positioning of selected middle points along its backbone. In a scenario where the robot is piloted by a human operator, the command of the robot is enhanced by a haptic loop that renders the boundaries of its task space as well as the contact with its environment. The experimental validation of the model and control strategies is also presented in the form of an inspection task use case.
Influence of isoelectric precipitation on the solubility of soya bean proteins

The factors controlling the solubility characteristics of soya bean proteins consequent upon acid precipitation were investigated. Two processes of protein insolubilisation, fundamentally different in their effects, were identified. One, termed ‚pH sensitivity’, involved principally haemagglutinin and low molecular weight (2S) proteins, and was affected by exposure to low pH (4.5) in the presence of reducing agents; resolubilisation could be achieved by adjusting the pH to 7.6, but only at low ionic strength. The second process concerned a precipitation-induced aggregation of the globulins which was produced in the absence of, and largely eliminated in the presence of, reducing agent. In this case, complete resolubilisation was afforded by readjustment of the pH to 7.6, either by back titration or dialysis against a phosphate buffer, but was not dependent upon the presence of reducing agent. The mechanisms underlying these insolubilisation processes were concluded to be mainly of an electrostatic nature, rather than ones involving disulphide exchange reactions.