Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RESPONSE TO ANTIOXIDANT OILS ON SEMEN QUALITY OF MANDARAH COCKS

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of olive oil or nigella sativa oil as antioxidant dilutants on semen quality and hatchability upon semen storage at 5C. A 3x4 factorial experimental designs was performed including three dilutant sources {semen diluted 1: 1 with lake diluent (LD) sered as a control, semen diluted at 1ml semen: 1ml with LD and supplemented with olive oil or with nigella sativa oil (1 ml/l00 ml of diluent), respectively} and four storage time (0, 24, 48 and 72 hours at5C). A total number of 60 cocks and 180 hens at 38-week-old were used to provide data on sperm assess and hatchability. The obtained results show significant (P<0.01) increased sperm motility (%), and decreased dead spermatozoa (%), abnormal spermatozoa (%) and acrosomal damage (%) of cocks consequently, better hatchability rate of hens treated with diluted semen with nigella sativa oil (NSO) followed by olive oil (OO) compared to the control during different storage time (0, 24, 48 and 72 hours at of 5 C). Percentage of sperm motility of cocks and hatchability rate of hens were decreased, while dead spermatozoa (%), spermatozoa abnormal (%) and acrosomal damage (%) of cocks were significantly (P<0.01) increased with the advancement of storage time. Therefore, Nigella sativa oil and olive oil could be used to improve the semen quality of cocks when stored at 5°C, up to72 hours, as well as hatchability rate of Mandarah laying hens.
Seasonal and bathymetric effects on macrofouling invertebrates’ primary succession in a mediterraenan non-indigenous species hotspot area

The present study investigates macrofouling development in the Mar Grande of Taranto (Central Mediterranean Sea), a wide confined area that has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to the establishment of numerous non-indigenous species (NIS). Different starting times of a yearly primary succession on artificial substrates were tracked so as to investigate the matching of the development pattern with contingency and/or convergence models, identifying NIS’s structural role in the community endpoint. Our results show that during the experiment all assemblages tended to converge towards multiple contingent communities according to starting times and depths. The differences are due to propagule availability which influence further species interactions. Thus the endpoint patterns are defined by a contingent community development determined by the seasonal species pool, their phenologies, pre- and post-settlement events, and species interactions. The most important structuring species was Mytilus galloprovincialis, which was present in almost all the endpoint assemblages, in particular when it recruits at early stages of the community development. Another abundant species at the endpoint was the alien Branchiomma boholense; which was a persistent structural component contributing to an alternative state in which Mytilus galloprovincialis loses its structural importance and where B. boholense becomes dominant, leading to an increase in fouling biodiversity of the endpoint assemblage.
Design and Practical Investigation of a Model Predictive Control for Power Grid Converter

Received: 20 March 2020 Accepted: 4 June 2020 This paper presents a Model Predictive Power Control (MPC) scheme for the control of three-phase grid-connected with two Level Voltage Source Converters (2 LVSCs). This work utilizes the discrete behavior of the converter to determine appropriate and optimal switching states that minimize the cost function. The proposed approach based predictive control scheme allows power transfer with instantaneous mode changing capability and fast dynamic response. For both operation modes, the simulation and experimental results confirm the good performance in terms of efficiency, low current THD and controlled output voltage.
IN-SILICO ASSESSMENT OF COMMON β-GLOBIN GENE MUTATIONS FOUND IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Background: β-thalassaemia manifests a spectrum of clinical phenotypes, ranging from mild subclinical disease to severe transfusion-dependent anaemia. This remarkable diversity of disease patterns is not completely explained, but various disease modifying factors have been identified and categorized in to primary, secondary and tertiary modifiers. Nearly 300 mutations in β-globin genes (HBB) have been reported so far. In our previous study we identified six mutations; (Cd 5 (-CT), FR 8-9(+G), FR 16(-C), FR 41-42(-TTCT), Cd 30(G>A) and Cd 15(G>A) to be the most frequent ones in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is aimed to observe if bioinformatics tools could be used to construct the structure of globin chains carrying these six common mutations. Methodology: Using a computational approach, the sequences of mutated HBB were hypothetically constructed, protein structures were formulated and analysed for homology, and post-translational modifications. In mutations where protein structure formation is halted in vivo, stop codons from the DNA sequence of each of the mutational variant were exclude to allow further analysis. Results: These mutants exhibited variable post-translational modification pattern with little effect on overallstructure. Mutations at critical sequences in HBB that do not allow further translation of HBB in vivo and did not stop computer modelling from developing protein structure in-silico. Conclusion: Computational analysis for constructing mutant proteins does not take into account some of the critical checkpoints present in the cell. Studies using computational analysis should be followed by rigorous in vivo validation. Pak J Physiol 2018;14(3):68–73
Wireless Sensor Network for pH and Dissolved Oxygen Measurement for Bioprocess Monitoring

The latest developments in monitoring and control technology systems have benefited the biological and chemical industries and improved their associated processes. However, there are still some issues that are to be overcome in order to further optimize these methods of sensing, computing, and communication leading to better and more effective monitoring and control. Various bioprocesses occur within cell cultures that can be supervised by observing and overseeing the changes in a number of parameters. Two of these are pH and dissolved oxygen, which are measured using different types of sensors like glass electrodes or optrodes (optical electrode). One of the issues related to this type of monitoring is the possibility of the growing cells infiltrating the sensors, therefore invalidating the results. Also, some types of sensors, if invasive, can compromise sterility. In a wired sensor network, the presence of carbon dioxide in incubators containing the cell cultures can also compromise the measurements. This thesis is concerned with solving the problems mentioned above by developing a wireless sensor network to communicate with the sensors inside the incubator, thus, preventing compromising the measurements. The network consists of three levels. One that is aimed for operation purposes, which is achieved by a sensor board. The second level joins one base station and a personal computer. This level is responsible for requesting and acquiring data to and from the sensor board. Finally, a visual interface was designed to support the user when interacting with the network.
Methodologies for Allozyme Analysis Using Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis A Practical Handbook

A transformer differential relay monitors the current flowing through the primary and secondary windings of a power transformer and disconnects the transformer from a power source feeding the transformer whenever the magnitudes of these currents indicate a fault condition in the transformer. First and second current transformer generate primary and secondary winding voltage signals representative of the magnitude of the current flowing through the power transformer primary and secondary windings, respectively. A solid state restraint signal generator is responsive to the primary and secondary winding voltage signals and generates a restraint signal representative of the magnitude of the larger of the primary and secondary winding currents, respectively, at each measurement instant. An operate signal generator is responsive to the primary and secondary winding voltage signals and generates an operate signal representative of the magnitude of the vector sum of the currents flowing through the power transformer primary and secondary windings. Finally, means are provided for disconnecting the power transformer from the power source when the magnitude of the operate signal operates above a predetermined percentage of the restraint signal.
The complete chloroplast genome of Melanosciadium pimpinelloideum (Apiaceae), an endemic species of China

Abstract Melanosciadium pimpinelloideum de Boiss. is an endemic species of China. Here, the complete chloroplast genome of M. pimpinelloideum is determined. The whole genome size is 164,431 bp in length, composed of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 35,211 bp, a large single-copy region (LSC) of 76,444 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 17,565 bp. The genome contains 136 genes, including 91 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with the reported chloroplast genomes showed that M. pimpinelloideum and P. rhomboidea var. tenuiloba formed a well-supported clade, which nested in Angelica species. Logically, the result corroborated the previous treatment of P. rhomboidea var. tenuiloba.
A thermal method for quantitative determination of potassium nitrate in wall paintings

A new method for the quantitative determination of potssium nitrate in the field of wall painting conservation was set up based on thermal analysis (DTA). Submitting plaster samples containing different amounts of potassium nitrate to thermal anlysis, it is possible to quantitatively determine the weight percent of KNO3, even in the presence of other degradation products, as other nitrates and/or gypsum or calcium oxalate. The DTA study was also done on mixtures of the nitrate with plaster samples containing calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and gypsum, and the results showed that the quantitative determination could be performed even in the presence of these degradation products.
Treasure Chess: Worthy Contributions of the Game in the Lives of Student Champions

This study explored the holistic benefits assimilated by former chess university varsities who became regional champions. Using basic qualitative research design, the researcher uncovered and described the experiences of 15 purposively sampled participants in their years of playing the game. Five major themes emerged in the thematic analysis. The first theme "the kickoff" pertains to the participants' acquisition of chess skills. The second theme "sharp as a tack" refers to the developed thinking skills, and the third theme "mathemathchess" (mathematics utilized by the participants while playing chess), which they have found useful in their studies and in taking government examinations. The fourth theme "feather in the cap" makes public of the merits and achievements of the participants as recognized chess players. Lastly, "the treasures within" discloses good virtues developed among the participants in their years of continuous training, playing and studying chess. The findings of the study have valuable implications for policy regarding chess and education.
An information model‐based interface design method: A case study of cross‐channel platform interfaces

Interface design involves large amounts of information and many complex processes. However, existing interface design methods have not addressed the potential to allocate information volume reasonably and effectively. In addition, current usability testing methods do not customize the weights of usability criteria for different displays. This study addresses the problem of too much information in the early stages of interface design and introduces the use of weighted usability criteria for developing different types of the user interface (UI) displays. An information model that can reasonably distribute information to varied interfaces to improve usability is presented. Using the analytic hierarchy process to weight usability criteria according to UI type, the proposed method generates convincing and objective usability test results. It handles the overall processing and effectively distributes information within a reasonable range, allowing designers to improve UI usability levels. Our findings compare the performance of an original interface and an improved interface, resulting in significant differences for both websites and mobile phone apps. This study provides a systematic interface design method enabling developers to use a core set of directions for developing more engaging interfaces and customizing usability criteria according to display type, resulting in more sophisticated and rewarding UI designs.
Effect of intermittent drought on phenotypic traits of F5 RIL Andean intra-gene cross population (BRB 191 X SEQ 1027) of common bean

Drought is a major constraint to common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in East Africa, where irrigation for the crop is very uncommon. The objective of this study was to identify drought tolerant lines and phenotypic traits underlying drought tolerance among 128 F5 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from intra gene pool population, between drought tolerant BRB 191 (source of bc-3) and SEQ 1027. The population was evaluated with eight experimental checks that included BAT 477, CAL 96, DAB 441, DAB 494, and Diacol Calima, NABE 4, SCR 9 and SEQ 1003. A total of 20 phenological, morphological and physiological shoot traits were evaluated, under drought and non-stress conditions, in the field for 2 years (2014 and 2015) at Kawanda in Uganda. New sources of drought tolerance, and previously identified sources of drought tolerance in common bean (BAT 477, DAB 441 and DAB 494), were confirmed based on their superior geometric means and low drought susceptibility. Drought stress in the field significantly affected all measured traits, except harvest index and stem dry weight reduction (P<0.001). Drought significantly reduced yield, yield components and pod harvest index (P<0.01). However, chlorophyll content, canopy temperature, stem dry mass reduction, and 100 seed weight remained stable under season by genotype by water regime treatment interactions (S x G x T). The stability of these traits highlighted their usefulness in selecting for drought tolerance across different environments. Furthermore, pod partitioning index (PPI), harvest index (HI), chlorophyll content and stem dry weight reduction also remained stable under G x T effects. Significant correlations (P<0.001) were maintained between HI and PPI with seed yield under drought stress in field conditions, indicating that photosynthate remobilisation increases yield under drought stress conditions. Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris , photosynthate remobilisation
Fractal and Topological Analyses and Antioxidant Defense Systems of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Root System under Drought and Rehydration Regimes

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a nutritious forage plant in dryland regions with strong drought tolerance and broad adaptability. To understand the architectural characters and physiological functions of the root systems in response to different drought stress and rehydration, two experiments were conducted in a glasshouse. Experiment 1 used three alfalfa cultivars and four soil moisture treatments in a split-plot design with four replicates to investigate the response of root systems of different alfalfa cultivars to drought stress and subsequent rehydration. Experiment 2 used one alfalfa cultivar and four soil moisture treatments in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replicates to measure reactive oxidant species and antioxidant defense systems of alfalfa root. The soil moisture treatments included (1) 75–80% of the water-holding capacity (CK); (2) 60–65% of the water-holding capacity and subsequent rehydration to 75–80% of the water-holding capacity; (3) 45–50% of the water-holding capacity and subsequent rehydration to 60–65% and 75–80% of the water-holding capacity; and (4) 30–35% of the water-holding capacity and subsequent rehydration to 45–50%, 60–65% and 75–80% of the water-holding capacity. Our results demonstrated that plants had higher root biomasses (mean = 0.77 g), fractal dimensions (1.47), fractal abundances (3.84), and branching ratios (0.39) under severe water deficit and rehydration than under less stressful soil moisture conditions. Plant root systems tended to exhibit herringbone branching (Topological Index = 0.63) when soil moisture was at 60–65% water-holding capacity with the soil being then rehydrated, whereas they tended to have a smaller lateral root length, root surface area, root volume, and branching ratio and larger root diameter under more favorable soil moisture conditions for less stressful soil moisture treatments. Severe water stress and subsequent considerably improved superoxide (O2−) generation rate, the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Malondialdehyde (MDA), and non-enzyme antioxidant glutathione (GSH), and reduced the content of ascorbate (AsA) and activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). It is concluded that Medicago sativa L. cv Zhaodong (ZD) and cv Aohan (AH) exhibited higher drought resistances than cv Golden empress (GE) using topological and fractal analyses. This could be a key contributor to altering optimum soil moisture conditions and screening alfalfa cultivars based on root system architecture and antioxidant defense systems. The molecular functions warrant further investigation which could help explain the observed root phenotypes after drought conditions and rehydration.
Developing consensus description of group music therapy characteristics for persons with dementia

ABSTRACT Introduction Group music therapy (GMT) represents a promising person-centered approach facilitating emotional and social interaction and alleviating behavioral and psychological symptoms in people with dementia. The aim of this study is to produce a consensus statement that can inform provision of and research on person-centered group music therapy (GMT) for persons with dementia. Method We used a Delphi consensus procedure of two iterations in which music therapists rated their agreement with predefined statements about descriptions of GMT in structured questionnaires. Music therapists from eight countries (Austria, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and UK) participated in the Delphi iterations. Results In the first iteration 57 music therapists participated and 34 in the second iteration. Consensus was reached on 75 out of 91 statements covering five themes: (1) People who can benefit from GMT, (2) Short and long-term goals, (3) Therapy frame & Assessment (4) Therapeutic approaches within GMT and (5) Therapists’ qualities and attitudes. Discussion This consensus statement provides therapists and researchers with practical information to which music therapists agree on an international level. It may serve as a foundation for developing more extensive and in-depth guidelines and fidelity measures. The statements underlinethat the music therapist must adapt therapy to the needs and wishes of persons with dementia, which can be seen in the consensus statements about group size, group dynamics, distractions and interruptions during the therapy.
Mixed‐integer quadratic programming for automatic walking footstep placement, duration, and rotation

This paper presents a mixed‐integer model predictive controller for walking. In the proposed scheme, mixed‐integer quadratic programs (MIQP) are solved online to simultaneously decide center of mass jerks, footsteps positions, durations, and rotations while respecting actuation, geometry, and contact constraints. Most walking controllers require preplanned footstep rotations to avoid dealing with the nonlinearity introduced by foot rotation decision. The main contribution of this work is an optimization formulation where feet rotations are automatically planned to attain a reference speed rotation. Finally, simulation results are shown to present and discuss the capabilities of the proposed formulation.
Does the heart forget? Modulation of cardiac activity induced by inhibitory control over emotional memories

The subjective construction surrounding the perception of negative experience is partly build upon bodily afferent information, comprising heart, gut or respiratory signals. While this bottom-up influence has been extensively described, the opposite pathway, the putative influence of cognitive processes over autonomic response, is still debatable. However, emotion regulation and the ability to control maladjusted physiological response associated with thoughts and memories is a recurrent concern for most psychiatric disorders and mental health as a whole. Memory suppression (i.e. exerting inhibitory control toward unwanted memories) has been proposed as a possible solution to perform such regulation. However, this method also holds debates as it could putatively worsen distressing reactions when unsuccessful, or simply be ineffective on the physiological roots of emotions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that memory suppression can influence the physiological marker of emotions in two studies using the “Think/No-Think” paradigm. We measured in healthy participants the aftereffect of suppressing negative memories on their cardiac reaction toward the excluded memories. Results of Study 1 revealed that an efficient control of memories was associated with a longterm inhibition of the cardiac deceleration normally induced by disgusting stimuli. Study 2 replicated this finding and critically showed that it was linked to the decrease of the 5-9 Hz frequency band, a prominent electrophysiological marker of memory suppression. These results support the notion that cognitive control over unwanted emotional memories can influence in parallel autonomic processes to achieve emotional regulation, and open new avenues for possible interventions focused on training this suppression mechanism to reduce the impact of distressing intrusive memories on mental health.