Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artificial Grass as an Alternative Laneway Surface for Dairy Cows Walking to Pasture

Simple Summary Comfortable walking surfaces are of great importance for dairy cow welfare, especially because many dairy cows are affected by lameness, which is associated with painful claws. Cows walk considerable distances to get from their pasture to the milking parlour and back (usually twice a day). Therefore, a more comfortable surface on the laneway between these places will improve their welfare. In this study, we showed that dairy cows walk faster when artificial grass is placed over a standard laneway (consisting of gravel covered with a layer of stone dust) than if this laneway is left bare. This suggests that artificial grass is a more comfortable surface type. In addition, when given the opportunity to choose between the two surface types, the cows more often chose the artificial grass than the standard surface, indicating that they preferred the artificial grass. Lame cows chose the artificial grass more often than sound cows, which is in line with the suggestion that more comfortable surface types are especially important for lame cows. In conclusion, artificial grass provides dairy cows with a more comfortable walking surface, which is likely to benefit their welfare. Abstract Softer surfaces can alleviate pressure on the claw during claw–surface contact, which is especially important for cows with painful claws. The benefits of softer barn floors are well known, but as cows often walk long distances twice daily between pasture and parlour, laneway surfaces are also important. In trial 1, we evaluated the gait of 69 cows on a standard (stone dust-over-gravel) laneway and an artificial grass laneway. Greater speed and longer strides were interpreted as indicators of a more suitable surface. Walking speed was greater on artificial grass than on the standard laneway (p = 0.001, median artificial grass: 1.46 m/s [interquartile range (IQR): 1.39–1.54], standard 1.40 m/s [IQR: 1.30–1.48]). No significant stride length increase was detected (p > 0.10, 158 cm [IQR:151–166] versus 155 cm [IQR:149–164]). In trial 2, we evaluated cow preference by giving 66 pairs of cows four consecutive choices between the standard laneway and artificial grass. Artificial grass was preferred overall (median stretches of artificial grass used out of a maximum of 4: 3 [IQR:2–4], p < 0.001). This preference was significantly (p = 0.001) stronger in lame cows (median: 3 [IQR:3–4]), than in sound ones (median: 2 [IQR:2–3]). Preference was also affected by the side of the laneway covered with artificial grass. Our results suggest that artificial grass improves the welfare of dairy cows walking to and from pasture, with lame cows benefiting to a greater extent.
Palaeoclimatic record from a loess–soil profile in northeastern Bulgaria—I. Rock magnetic properties

SUMMARY A detailed record of mineral magnetic properties of a loess‐palaeosol profile comprising seven loess horizons, six interbedded palaeosols and recent soil at the top in NE Bulgaria is analysed. A strong contrast between the soil and loess susceptibilities as well as other concentration-dependent hysteresis parameters is present, similar to the well-documented magnetic characteristics of the Chinese loess (Hus & Han 1992; Maher & Thompson 1992; Heller & Evans 1995; Hunt et al. 1995). The magnetic enhancement of the palaeosol units is caused by very fine-grained pedogenic magnetite with superparamagnetic behaviour. Thermomagnetic analyses on bulk material suggest magnetite and maghemite as the main ferrimagnetic carriers in both soil and loess horizons. Their relative proportions are shown to reflect diVerent palaeoclimatic conditions. Chernozem soils, which include recent soil S 0 and first and second palaeosols S 1 and S 2 developed under steppe vegetation, show a high degree of low-temperature oxidation of the pedogenic magnetite to maghemite. This material is characterized by coercive force H c showing even higher values than those of the parent loess material. The older palaeosols (S 4 to S 6 ) were formed during more humid climatic conditions and therefore probably developed as forest types. Rock magnetic data suggest the existence here of only partly oxidized magnetite grains. The behaviour of the thermomagnetic curves, characterized by a kink at 200°C, may be due to either a release of internal stress (built up as a result of partial low-temperature oxidation) or interactions between two phases.
Total Antioxidant Profile of some Common Medicinal Plants of West Bengal

Background: Nature provides several phyto constituents since thousands of years and many of them are used as an alternative drug in Ayurvedic and folk medicine.The medicinal value greatly depends on their antioxidant property. So, these herbal extracts are essentially important for the remediation of reactive oxygen species. Aim: Determination of total antioxidant property of twelve common Indian plant extract used in our daily life for several ways. Method: The crude aqueous extract was prepared and then phospo-molybdenum method was adopted for the study of total antioxidant property. Result: Among twelve common plant extracts bramhi stands first for its antioxidant property and rest of them are depicted in their decreasing order – green tea, sajne, laal sag, basaka, coffee, black tea, pineapple, turmeric, licorice, betel leaf. Conclusion: A number of common plants, known to have medicinal values were assayed for their antioxidant property. Bramhi shows maximum efficacy in this respect, whereas all other medicinal plants assayed showed antioxidant property to some extent.
On Oscillation of a Certain Class of Third-Order Nonlinear Functional Dynamic Equations on Time Scales

In this paper, we establish some new sufficient conditions for oscillati on of the third order nonlinear functional dynamic equation h p(t) h (r(t)x ¢ (t)) ¢ i ° i¢ + q(t)f(x(? (t))) = 0, for t ∈ [t0, ∞)T, on a time scale T, where ° > 0 is the quotient of odd positive integers, p, q, r and ? are positive rd-continuous functions defined on T and f ∈ C(R, R), uf(u) > 0 and f(u)/u ° > K > 0, for u 6 0. The results provided substantial improvement over those obtained by Yu and Wang [J. Comp. Appl. Math. 225 (2009), 531-540] and Hassan [Oscillation of third order nonlinear delay dynamic equations on time scales, Math. Comp. Modelling 49 (2009), 1573-1586], in the sense that our results can be applied when 0 < ° < 1, (? ◦ ¾)(t) 6 (¾ ◦ ? )(t), and do not require that R 1 t0 q(t)¢t = ∞. Some examples illustrating the main results are given.
Automatic classification of dental artifact status for efficient image veracity checks: effects of image resolution and convolutional neural network depth

Enabling automated pipelines, image analysis and big data methodology in cancer clinics requires thorough understanding of the data. Automated quality assurance steps could improve the efficiency and robustness of these methods by verifying possible data biases. In particular, in head and neck (H&N) computed-tomography (CT) images, dental artifacts (DA) obscure visualization of structures and the accuracy of Hounsfield units; a challenge for image analysis tasks, including radiomics, where poor image quality can lead to systemic biases. In this work we analyze the performance of three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (CNN) trained to classify DA statuses. 1538 patient images were scored by a single observer as DA positive or negative. Stratified five-fold cross validation was performed to train and test CNNs using various isotropic resampling grids (643, 1283 and 2563), with CNN depths designed to produce 323, 163, and 83 machine generated features. These parameters were selected to determine if more computationally efficient CNNs could be utilized to achieve the same performance. The area under the precision recall curve (PR-AUC) was used to assess CNN performance. The highest PR-AUC (0.92 ± 0.03) was achieved with a CNN depth = 5, resampling grid = 256. The CNN performance with 2563 resampling grid size is not significantly better than 643 and 1283 after 20 epochs, which had PR-AUC = 0.89 ± 0.03 (p -value = 0.28) and 0.91 ± 0.02 (p -value = 0.93) at depths of 3 and 4, respectively. Our experiments demonstrate the potential to automate specific quality assurance tasks required for unbiased and robust automated pipeline and image analysis research. Additionally, we determined that there is an opportunity to simplify CNNs with smaller resampling grids to make the process more amenable to very large datasets that will be available in the future.
Optimized Nutrients Diet Formulation of Broiler Poultry Rations in NigeriaUsing Linear Programming

The diet problem is a classic problem, one among the earliest problems formulated as a linear programming. The goal of the diet problem is to select a set of nutrients that will satisfy a set of daily nutritional requirement at minimum cost. Poultry being simple stomached species, cannot synthesize most of the nutrients required for them and so the nutrients become dietary essentials. Chicken has to be fed adequate quantities of balanced diet for its growth, livability and to exhibit its genetic potential to the full extent. Maximizing live bird profitability is similar to minimizing feed cost per kg live weight. The nutrient diet model formulation is a combination of different feed ingredients needed for a balance diet of the bird. The generic mathematical model which is applicable to each type of ration nine decision variables and ten parameters is constructed as subject to a set of twelve obtained constraints from a local farm. The model was solved using an excel solver package for easy accessibility. Model solution and post-optimality test results were obtained and compared with existing practice of the case study farm. The proposed optimal formulation of the linear programming model gives about 7.48% and 9.96% reduction in feed formulation costs compared to the existing formulation in case of broiler starter and finisher respectively on the farm. The model also reduced the amount of fat contained in the existing ration but adding more flesh by significantly increased the metabolisable energy needed for physiological structure. Post-optimality test or Sensitivity analysis also gave useful insight into the impact of changes in costs of feed inputs.
Toward the Exact Exchange-Correlation Potential: a 3D Convolutional Neural Network Construct.

A deep neural network is constructed to yield in-principle exact exchange-correlation potential. It requires merely the electron densities of small molecules and ions, and yet, can determine the exchange-correlation potentials of large molecules. We train and validate the neural network based on the data for H2 and HeH+, and subsequently determine the ground state electron density of stretched HeH+, linear H3+ and H-He-He-H2+. Moreover, the deep neural network is proven to model the van der Waals interaction by being trained and validated on dataset containing He2. Comparisons to B3LYP are given to illustrate the accuracy and transferability of the neural network.
The serine transporter SdaC prevents cell lysis upon glucose depletion in Escherichia coli

The amino acid serine plays diverse metabolic roles, yet bacteria actively degrade exogenously provided serine via deamination to pyruvate. Serine deamination is thought to be a detoxification mechanism due to the ability of serine to inhibit several biosynthetic reactions, but this pathway remains highly active even in nutrient‐replete conditions. While investigating the physiological roles of serine deamination in different growth conditions, we discovered that Escherichia coli cells lacking the sdaCB operon, which encodes the serine transporter SdaC and the serine deaminase SdaB, lyse upon glucose depletion in a medium containing no exogenous serine but all other amino acids and nucleobases. Unexpectedly, this lysis phenotype can be recapitulated by deleting sdaC alone and can be rescued by heterologous expression of SdaC. Lysis of ΔsdaC cells can be prevented by omitting glycine from the medium, inhibiting the glycine cleavage system, or by increasing alanine availability. Together, our results reveal that the serine transporter SdaC plays a critical role in maintaining amino acid homeostasis during shifts in nutrient availability in E. coli.
Excitation, but not inhibition, of the fastigial nucleus provides powerful control over temporal lobe seizures

On‐demand optogenetic inhibition of glutamatergic neurons in the fastigial nucleus of the cerebellum does not alter hippocampal seizures in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. In contrast, on‐demand optogenetic excitation of glutamatergic neurons in the fastigial nucleus successfully inhibits hippocampal seizures. With this approach, even a single 50 ms pulse of light is able to significantly inhibit seizures. On‐demand optogenetic excitation of glutamatergic fastigial neurons either ipsilateral or contralateral to the seizure focus is able to inhibit seizures. Selective excitation of glutamatergic nuclear neurons provides greater seizure inhibition than broadly exciting nuclear neurons without cell‐type specificity.
Impact of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in the Orchestration of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Resistance to Plant Parasitic Nematodes: A Metabolomic Approach to Evaluate Defense Responses Under Field Conditions

The present study deals with biological control of Meloidogyne incognita in 45-days old Lycopersicon esculentum, inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa(M1) and Burkholderia gladioli (M2). The improved plant growth and biomass of nematode infested Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculated plants was observed. Remarkable reduction in the numbers of second stage juvenile (J2s), root galls was recorded after treatment of microbes relative to experimental controls. Moreover, the lowered activities of oxidative stress markers (H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), O2− (superoxide anion), malondialdehyde (MDA)) was estimated in plants after rhizobacterial supplementation. Higher activities of enzymatic (SOD (Superoxide dismutase), POD (Guaiacol peroxidase), CAT (Catalase), GPOX (Glutathione peroxidase), APOX (Ascorbate peroxidase), GST (Glutathione-S-transferase), GR (Glutathione reductase), DHAR (Dehydroascorbate reductase), PPO (Polyphenol oxidase)) and non-enzymatic (glutathione, ascorbic acid, tocopherol) antioxidants were further determined in nematode infected plants following the addition of bacterial strains. The upregulation of photosynthetic activities were depicted by evaluating plant pigments and gas exchange attributes. An increase in the levels of phenolic compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins), osmoprotectants (total osmolytes, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, trehalose, proline, glycine betaine, free amino acids) and organic acids (fumaric, succinic, citric, malic acid) were reflected in infected plants, showing further enhancement after application of biocontrol agents. The study revealed the understanding of plant metabolism, along with the initiative to commercially exploit the biocontrol agents as an alternative to chemical nematicides in infected fields for sustainable agriculture.
Molecular and pomological diversity among pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars in Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important fruit species for Turkey where many cultivars are being cultivated. In this study, we determined the fruit characteristics and RAPD band patterns of six local cultivars from Hatay, Turkey. Our results demonstrated that there is a great level of morphological variation. The principle component analysis of 18 quantitative fruit characteristics revealed that fruit weight, aril number/fruit, peel color and soluble solids/acidity ratio are important traits for discriminating the cultivars tested. The UPGMA cluster of fruit characteristics indicated that ‘Katýrbaý’ and ‘Kan narý’ were similar to each other and they were separated from rest of the cultivars. Twenty-two RAPD primers generated total of 106 reproducible bands 22% of which were polymorphic. The UPGMA dendrogram of RAPD data showed that ‘Tatlý nar’ and ‘erife’ were very closely related while ‘ncekabuk’ is distinct from the other cultivars. As a result, discrepancies were detected between morphological and molecular data. Therefore, we confirmed that diversity among the fruit characteristics were not good indication of genetic relatedness while molecular tools are valuable to study such similarities.
Shifting and transforming gender-inequitable beliefs, behaviours and norms in intimate partnerships: the Indashyikirwa couples programme in Rwanda

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between changes in individual beliefs and behaviours, couple relationship dynamics and gender norms – and how interventions can influence these. It draws on longitudinal qualitative research with heterosexual couples who participated in the Indashyikirwa programme in Rwanda. The couples followed a curriculum designed to improve relationship skills and reduce the gender-inequitable beliefs, behaviours and norms that underpin intimate partner violence. Qualitative findings show that the programme resulted in moderate, but significant, positive ‘shifts’ in individual beliefs and behaviours, couple relationship dynamics and levels of inequality - increasing men’s engagement in domestic duties, women’s participation in household decision making, and women’s access to economic resources. They also suggest which parts of the couples’ curriculum were most effective in catalysing these changes. However, the data also show that these ‘shifts’ occurred without fully transforming deeply-entrenched beliefs and norms around gender roles and male authority over economic resources. The paper suggests that the persistence of these beliefs and norms constrained the extent of changes among couples – and could potentially constrain their longevity and act as an obstacle to longer-term, larger-scale changes in gender inequalities and violence.
Interacting String M ulti-versesand HolographicInstabilitiesofM assiveGravity

Products of large-N conformal field theories coupled by multi-trace interactions in diverse dimensions are used to define quantum multi-gravity (multi-string theory) on a union of (asymptotically) AdS spaces. One-loop effects generate a small O(1=N) mass for some of the gravitons. The boundary gauge theory and the AdS/CFT correspondence are used as guiding principles to study and draw conclusions on some of the well known problems of massive gravity – classical instabilities and strong coupling effects. We find examples of stable multi-graviton theories where the usual strong coupling effects of the scalar mode of the graviton are suppressed. Our examples require a fine tuning of the boundary conditions in AdS. Without it, the spacetime background backreacts in order to erase the effects of the graviton mass.
The electron acceleration at shock waves in the solar corona

Context. In the solar corona, shock waves are generated by flares and/or coronal mass ejections. They are able to accelerate electrons up to high energies and can thus be observed as type II bursts in the nonthermal solar radio radiation. In-situ measurements of shock waves in interplanetary space have shown that shock waves attached by whistler waves are preferably accompanied by the production of energetic electrons. Aims. Motivated by these observations, we study the interaction of electrons with such whistlers, which are excited by the protons accelerated by the shock. Methods. We start with a resonant whistler wave-proton interaction that accounts for the initial whistler wave generation. Then, we consider resonant whistler wave-electron interaction, treated with a relativistic approach that is responsible for the electron energization in the whistler wave field. Results. As a result, we show that electrons can be accelerated by a resonant wave particle (i.e., whistler-electron) interaction. This mechanism acts in the case of quasi-perpendicular shock waves. After acceleration, the energetic electrons are reflected by the associated shock wave back into the upstream region. The theoretical results are compared with observations, e.g., solar type II radio bursts.
Japanese Sentiment Classification Using Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Recurrent Neural Network

1 Abstract Conventional sentiment classification techniques often require polarity dictionaries to train the classification model. Those approaches however, require high labor cost for the dictionary creation process. Given the current neural network learning advancements, we try to generalize and simplify these labors. We propose a sentiment classification model based on the Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network over the distributed word representation. Investigating the effectiveness of feature and dictionaries, we also append the network hidden layer with the Part of Speech tag (POStag) feature and Japanese polarity dictionary information. During our preliminary experiments, we found interesting relationship between those given features. These findings lead our model to achieve the state-of-the-art performance in Japanese sentiment classification task.
A deadly thorn prick

Infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among haemodialysis patients. Some of the risk factors specific to this population include repeated access to the blood stream through venous cannulation for dialysis as well as a higher prevalent usage of prosthetic materials like haemodialysis catheters and arteriovenous grafts. In addition, defects in immunity and phagocytosis also contribute to the increased risk of infection. Both iron overload [1] and its treatment, desferrioxamine (DFO), predispose haemodialysis patients to infections [2, 3]. We describe here a fatal case of Cunninghamella bertholletiae infection in a haemodialysis patient with transfusional iron overload while receiving DFO.
Nanocrystalline Porous Nickel Ferrite Ceramics for Humidity Sensing Applications

Over the last two decade, considerable interest has been received to synthesize novel ceramic nanomaterials with high humidity sensitivity characteristics for the fabrication of low-cost, fast and stable humidity sensors. This paper reports the preliminary results of humidity sensing properties of the nanocrystalline porous nickel ferrite ceramics fabricated by a conventional sintering of ultrafine nanopowders, which were successfully synthesized by soft mechanochemical processing. By using SEM and X-ray diffraction analyzes, the structural characteristics (average size of crystallites, density and porosity) of prepared NiFe2O4 ceramics were determined. At room temperature, this sensing material showed a linear response of impedance change within the wide relative humidity range from 15% to 85% at frequency of 2.5 kHz. Furthermore, the response time (adsorption process) of 26 s and the recovery time (desorption process) of 43 s have been obtained for this porous ceramic sensing material. Also, relatively small hysteresis, good repeatability and stability were also observed.