Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Response in Equine Joints Studies on Proinflammatory Cytokines in Diseased Joints and Chondrocyte Cultures

Proinflammatory cytokines mediate inflammatory responses as well as regulate tissue metabolism. Thus, they may provide a link between inflammation and other pathologic findings seen in equine joint disease. The aims of this thesis were to gain a deeper understanding of the development of chondral pathology in equine osteoarthritis (OA) by obtaining increased knowledge of inflammatory processes in the joint, and to investigate proinflammatory cytokines as markers of joint pathology. Measurements of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) activities in synovial fluid from clinical cases of carpal joint disease revealed increased concentrations of bioactive IL-6 in joints with osteochondral fragments (OCF). Immunohistochemical staining for IL-6 and high mobility group box protein (HMGB)-1 in tissues from diseased carpal and fetlock joints identified both OCF and synovial membranes as cellular sources of IL-6 and extracellular/cytoplasmic HMBG-1. Histological assessment of synovial membrane biopsies from immunostained joints showed increased grade of synovitis in diseased compared to healthy joints. The effects of IL-6, IL-1β and HMGB-1 on chondrocyte metabolism was studied in vitro, and focused on gene expression analyses. A catabolic response to IL-1β was detected, whereas the response to IL-6 and HMGB-1 was varied but indicated promotion of cartilage formation. Analyses of the ultrastructural immunolocalisation of HMGB-1 in IL-1β and IL-6 treated pellets, showed a trend for decreased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, and increased extracellular matrix density of HMGB-1 after IL-6 treatment. Theses studies gained insight to presence of TNF, IL-6 and HMGB-1 in equine joints, and indicated an increased inflammatory response in joints with OCF. The difference in metabolic response of chondrocytes to IL-1β versus IL-6 or HMGB-1 in vitro, and differences in HMGB-1 translocation after IL-1β and IL-6 treatment suggest that the outcome of cartilage pathology in equine joint disease may relate to the individual contributions of cytokine activity and cytokine interactions.
A New Approach to Compose Load Devices in Electric Power Systems

This paper presents a new aggregate model for voltage and frequency dependent load components in power system studies. The model is built using a modular approach that allows the easy integration of dissimilar load data specification formats, such as exponential forms and polynomial representations. As opposed to conventional load models in which the exponents of the exponential or polynomial representations are constant, the proposed model dynamically ad- justs these exponents. The composite load components are represented by network equivalents connected to the transmission system maintaining the topological structure of the original power network. The proposed aggregate load model includes more information on the nature of the load devices than conventional models and is thus valid for a wider range of voltage and frequency variations. This paper presents the basic equations of the new proposed aggregate load model, as well as comparison with conventional models.
Stochastic Distributed Optimization for Machine Learning from Decentralized Features

Distributed machine learning has been widely studied in the literature to scale up machine learning model training in the presence of an ever-increasing amount of data. We study distributed machine learning from another perspective, where the information about the training same samples are inherently decentralized and located on different parities. We propose an asynchronous stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm for such a feature distributed machine learning (FDML) problem, to jointly learn from decentralized features, with theoretical convergence guarantees under bounded asynchrony. Our algorithm does not require sharing the original feature data or even local model parameters between parties, thus preserving a high level of data confidentiality. We implement our algorithm for FDML in a parameter server architecture. We compare our system with fully centralized training (which violates data locality requirements) and training only based on local features, through extensive experiments performed on a large amount of data from a real-world application, involving 5 million samples and $8700$ features in total. Experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed FDML system.
Determinants of Employee Commitment and Continuous Improvement in Animal Feed Companies

In Portugal, unemployment is high when we compare with other countries and companies do not develop strategies to retain the best employees inside. It is clear that employees are a key part of a company's success, so organizations should look for better ways to hire new talent for business, as well as seek ways to keep the best brains by identifying antecedent variables of commitment of employees. Thus, this study is a contribution to the investigation by the identification of key variables in the commitment of the worker and in the environment of continuous improvement in the companies. Through a study applied to 97 employees, the results show that leadership is the main antecedent of the continuous improvement environment in companies. In addition, this study identifies the worker's well-being and the work-life balance as the major antecedents of the workers' commitment.
Non-model based adaptive control of renewable energy systems

In some types of renewable energy systems such as wind turbines or solar power plants, the optimal operating conditions are influenced by the intermittent nature of these energies. This fact, along with the modeling difficulties of such systems, provides incentive to look for non-model based adaptive techniques to address the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) problem. In this thesis, a novel extremum seeking algorithm is proposed for systems where the optimal point and the optimal value of the cost function are allowed to be time varying. A sinusoidal perturbation based technique is used to estimate the gradient of the cost function. Afterwards, a robust optimization method is developed to drive the system to its optimal point. Since this method does not require any knowledge about the dynamic system or the structure of the input-to-output mapping, it is cosidered to be a non-model based adaptive technique. The proposed method is then employed for maximizing the energy capture from the wind in a variable speed wind turbine. It is shown that without any measurements of wind velocity or power, the proposed method can drive the wind turbine to the optimal operating point. The generated power is observed to be very close to the maximum possible values.
Effecte of NPK Fertigation Rate and Starter Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber Grown in Greenhouse

Two greenhouse experiments were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Hada-Alsham, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. To study the effects of the four NPK fertigation rates (50%, 75%, 100% and 125% of recommended; 220, 150, 150kg N, P 2 O 5 , K 2 O /ha, respectively) and three starter fertilizers (SF); SF 0 (control), SF 2 : 7-14-7 and SF 3 : 7-28-7 kg N- P 2 O 5 , K 2 O /ha, on the growth, yield, and minerals contents of cucumber plants, cv. Alrased 92 F 1 . The results indicated that application of NPK fertigation up rate 125% of recommended, achieved significant increases in the plant height and number of leaves at (30, 50 and 70 DAS), number of branches at 30 DAS only, as well as leaf minerals (N, P and K) contents, fruit setting percentage, fruit weight, number of fruits and fruits yield. Cucumber plants receiving starter fertilizers achieved an increase in the plant height, number of leaves and branches, especially at early growth stages (30 and 50 DAS). Likewise, SF 2 (7-28-7 kg N-P 2 O 5 -K 2 O/ha) recorded significant maximum increment in the all tested fruit yield characters. Moreover, soil application of SF 2 was accompanied by significantly reduction in fruit setting percentage. The interaction effect between NPK fertigation rate and starter fertilizer showed that NPK fertigation rate of 125% + SF had the highest mean values of plant height at all growth stages and number of leaf and branches at 30 DAS. Application of SF 1 or SF 2 combined with 125% of recommended NPK resulted in the highest significant mean values for the fruit setting % and number fruits per plant, fruit yield and leaf's P and K contents.
Fabrication and Characterization of Magnetic Nanostructures

Magnetic permalloy nanostructures were fabricated onto a silicon wafer using electron beam lithography and a liftoff process. The lithography was performed with a Hitachi SU-70 SEM retrofitted with a Nabity NPGS lithography conversion kit. PMMA of 950kDa molecular weight was used as the photoresist. Features were either nanowires, nanodots, or elliptical or rectangular nanostructures. The nanowires had dimensions of 15μm x 200nm x 40nm, the nanodots had diameters of 145nm and thickness of 12nm, and the ellipses and rectangles had dimensions of 110nm x 50nm x 13nm. Characterization of the nanostructures was performed using the same Hitachi SEM as well as a Digital Instruments DI 3100 Nanoscope IIIa AFM used in magnetic force imaging mode. The SEM was used to measure lateral dimensions of the features and to capture images of features for proper documentation and for external simulation studies. The MFM was used to capture magnetic images of the samples to determine the magnetic state of the nanowires or arrays.
ARTHROPOD MANAGEMENT & APPLIED ECOLOGY A Multiyear Study on Seasonal Flight Activity Based on Captures of Southern Green Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Blacklight Traps in Central Texas

The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is cosmopolitan in distribution and feeds on many cultivated plants. On cotton, it reduces yield and transmits fungal and bacterial pathogens that result in necrosis of the locule and boll rotting. Objectives of this study were to determine the seasonal flight activity and to assess numerical changes in the season-long captures of N. viridula in blacklight traps. Traps were established in a commercial farmscape where cotton and corn were the predominant crops. Minor crops grown in the area were milo, soybean, pecan, and watermelon. Study areas included four to five locations during each year from 2003 to 2011 in Burleson County of Central Texas. Frequency distribution of seasonal counts of N. viridula conformed to a clumped dispersion pattern when analyzed by Taylor’s Power Law and negative binomial distribution as probability models. Counts transformed by a power law function, x 0.165 , adequately uncoupled the mean and the variance of the data better than those transformed by log transformation. Significantly and consistently, more females than males were captured in traps. Peak captures of N. viridula in traps generally occurred in August. August counts of the insect declined precipitously from a monthly mean of 177 in 2003 to near zero in 2011. Results of this study demonstrate that blacklight traps are a useful sampling tool for determining N. viridula population numbers and to assess their seasonal flight activity in production agriculture.
The Case Studies of Mid-low Temperature Geothermal Power Plant in China

Geothermal energy has the potential to play an important role in the future energy supply of China. Based on mid-low-temperature geothermal resource and waste heat resource, the paper introduces the energy efficiency of single-flash and binary cycle geothermal power plant. The result shows that binary cycle plant is favorable for power generation when water temperature is below 130℃, otherwise, flash steam power plant is a better choice. Furthermore, two project cases were analyzed in the end, focusing on the operating parameters and thermal efficiency. The two types could be improved energy efficiency of low-grade resources and both widely utilized in China.
STUDY ON CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF COLOSTRUM IN ROMANIAN BLACK AND WHITE COWS

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the colostrum quality and changes in composition during the first seven days postpartum. Researches were carried out on five Romanian Black and White multiparous cows. Sam ples of colostrum and transition milk were collected at calving and at 6hour interval for seven days. Samples were analyzed for chemical composition usin g an infrared spectrometer (fat, protein, lactose and solids non-fat), for som atic cell count using a viscosimeter, for density using a desimeter, for total bacteria c ount using the classic incubation on Petri dish, and for immunoglobulin concentration us ing a colostrometer. For study the evolution of the colostrum composition Wood inc omplete gamma function was employed (y=ab e). Results showed a dramatic change in colostrum yi eld and composition from the first milking right after calv ing until the next milking occurred at 6-hour interval. Yield was very low in the first milking (0.9 kg) and increased rapidly with each milking, reaching 11.2 kg in the s venth day postpartum. In the first colostrum the concentrations of milk fat, pro tein and total solids were high (11.56%, 17.73% and 32.08%, respectively) and were almost half in the second milking, after 6 hours. Lactose concentration was l ow at the beginning (1.89%) and increased slowly until the seventh day postpartum t o 4.39%. Density was as high as 1.74 kg/liter in the first colostrum and decreased rapidly at 1.49 kg/liter. In the seventh day the density was 1.029 kg/liter. Immunog lobulin content had an atypical evolution. It was low in the first colostrum (34.48 mg/ml) and the highest in the second milking (43.66 mg/ml). After that it was dec reasing until the end of experiment. Somatic cell count and total bacteria c ount were high in the first milking (1,575,488 cells/ml and 46,834 cfu/ml, respectively ) and decreased after that.
Chemical Compositions and Nutritional Properties of Popcorn-Based Complementary Foods Supplemented With Moringa oleifera Leaves Flour

Cereal gruel is the common complementary foods in developing countries, and it is usually low in energy and protein; hence, responsible for increase in protein-energy malnutrition among underprivileged weaning aged children. Several locally available food materials have been tested in combination for infant food formulations however; popcorn and Moringa oleifera leaves combination have not been used. After blanching and fermentation processing, popcorn and moringa leaves were milled into flour and blended to obtain, blanched popcorn-moringa leaves (BPM) (65% popcorn and 35% moringa leaves flour) and fermented popcorn-moringa leaves (FPM) (65% popcorn and 35% moringa leaves flour). Products were analyzed for chemical composition, functional properties and bioassay using standard methods. Protein content of FPM (21.27 ± 0.20 g/100 g) and BPM (15.99 ± 0.14 g/100 g) were higher than Cerelac (15.75 ± 0.01 g/100 g) and ‘Ogi’ (6.52 ± 0.31 g/100 g); while energy values of FPM (393.94 ± 0.39 kcal) and BPM (389.69 ± 1.40 Kcal) were lower than ‘Ogi’ (418.08 ± 0.47 kcal) and Cerelac (431.58 ± 0.01 kcal). Mineral contents of BPM were higher in zinc, iron, potassium, sodium and phosphorous, while FPM sample was higher in copper, calcium and magnesium, and were lower than Cerelac . Oxalate, phytate and trypsin inhibitor in FPM were lower than BPM. Biological value and protein efficiency ratio of FPM were higher than BPM and ‘Ogi’, but lower than Cerelac . The albino rats fed with the FPM had higher growth rate when compared with those rats fed with BPM sample and ‘Ogi’, but lower than those fed with Cerelac . Nutrient composition and nutritional profile of popcorn-moringa leaves based complementary foods could be used as substitutes for local complementary foods, which are low in protein and energy.
Bacteria Isolated from the Oral and Cloaca Swabs of Lizards Cohabitating with Poultry in Some Poultry Farms in Ibadan , Oyo State , Nigeria

Reptiles like lizards can carry bacteria agents in their digestive tract without manifesting any associated symptom other than serving as sources of contaminating the environment and of infections to human and animal. In this study a total of 20 species of bacteria including Salmonella enterica, Esherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa among some other Enterobacteria were isolated and identified from 193 mouth swabs, and 193 cloaca swabs sampled from 193 Agama agama lizards co habituating with poultry from 8 commercial poultry farms in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The bacteria were isolated and identified based on standard cultural, morphological, biochemical methods and the use of MICOBACT identification kit. Based on the free access and close contacts of Agama agama lizards to the poultry environment, feed and water supply in many poultry houses in Nigeria and particularly in the studied area, they could be sources of contaminating the environment, poultry feed and water with the potential pathogenic bacteria identified from the mouth and cloaca swab sampled.
Research on the Management Mechanism of Multidimensional Data Organization for ZY-1 02C Satellite

The development of China-made satellites has begun to take shape. It will form an earth observation data system, combined with optics and microwave, with high, medium and low resolution at the same time. Particularly, the application of ZY-1 02C satellite, with strong dynamic observation capabilities, leads the way, providing a new platform for our land management work. Reasonable data classification in terms of data attributes and effective organization of data in free state is the primary task to solve the problem of how to use land resources data efficiently for service. Therefore, the establishment of multidimensional data coordinated organization management is the foundation for data services and data collaboration. It can strengthen supervision by technical means, standardize management and operation, and also enhance the most stringent farmland protection and intensive land use, by studying the management mechanism of multidimensional data organization for ZY-1 02C satellite, which reflects the spirits of active service and tracking service from land departments, providing theoretical support for the construction of land Integrated monitoring platform.
Investigation into the Perceived Neglect of the Volta Region, Ghana, under Millennium Development Goal 7

The Volta Region of Ghana appears to be neglected under the national commitment to the Millennium Development Goals # 7. This impression was informed by the results of a rapid diagnosis of a select group of communities in the region, hence this study. We assessed general government compliance with MDG #7 with specific regard to the Volta Region. We aimed to also help to define the nature and extent of the challenges under MDG #7 facing the region, and propose solutions to implementation difficulties applicable to other regions similarly situated. This assessment was conducted on the legal principle of ‘res ipsa loquitur’, the thing speaks for itself without a comparator regional analysis. This approach was to avoid detracting the focus on the issues specific to the Volta Region to the convenience of comparative analysis. The result shows that many households in the region at both rural and urban places and spaces have no built-in toilet facilities. Waste management at the municipal and household level is a challenge. Open defecation and reckless discharge of domestic waste are twin threats to the public health in the region. This study has validated the earlier suspicion that the Volta Region is being neglected in terms of the provision of basic social and communal amenities. The MDG goal #7 would not be attainable with respect to the Volta Region by 2015 or anytime soon due to the perceived and real neglect of the region.
A new energy recovery double winding cage-rotor induction machine

This paper proposes a new double winding induction machine and its speed control methods. The machine consists of two stator windings and one cage rotor. One stator acts as a motor and the other as a generator. By controlling the voltage supplied to the secondary or the generator winding, the rotor speed can be adjusted. The machine has a similar speed control characteristic to that of a slip-ring induction motor equipped with the rotor energy recovery scheme. The construction, principle, equivalent circuit, and speed control schemes of the new machine are presented. The performance characteristics of the machine are analyzed using the equivalent circuit and verified by experimental results.
“Glocalization” and decentralization. The role of local governments in the new international context

Globalization, technological changes and the information revolution are phenomena that affect the ways in which different levels of government allocate their public resources and expenditures. This paper examines one aspect of the problem: the decentralization of the subnational public sector and its relation to economic integration. The study focuses on Argentina and Brazil with a panel data for each country separately, for the period 1985-2005. The results show no relationship between the vertical structure of the subnational public sector and economic openness. There may be two explanations for this: factors working in opposite directions compensate their effects; or interferences from higher levels of government prevent modifications. The control variables have the signs suggested by the theory of fiscal federalism.
Efficacy of materials used by resource limited farmers in ethno-veterinary control of fleas in free-range chickens in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Fleas are commonly controlled using commercial insecticides which are however expensive and inaccessible to resource-limited farmers. This has resulted in farmers resorting to the use of alternative remedies that are cheap and socially acceptable. However, information on the efficacy of these materials on fleas is lacking. The objectives of this study were to determine potential dermal irritation and efficacy of selected materials used in the control fleas in free-range chickens. The materials tested included used engine oil, Jeyes fluid (carbolic acid 13%), and plant material from Clutia pulchella and Calpurnia aurea. Distilled water and Karbadust (carbaryl 5%) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. A complete randomized design was used where sixty free-range chickens were allocated to twelve treatment groups with five chickens each. The chickens were artificially infested with fleas, which were counted and recorded daily every morning for seven days. The results show that used engine oil, Jeyes fluid at (76.8%) and C. pulchella (100%) caused flea reduction in the order of 100, 99.8 and 85.5% three days post application of test materials. These reduction was similar to those of Karbadust (carbaryl 5%), a commercial insecticide that had a flea reduction of 100%. C. aurea (100%) and C. pulchella (75%) showed an efficacy of 75.5 and 60%, respectively. The different materials tested exhibited variable efficacy on fleas, where in certain cases it compared well with Karbadust used by farmers. The test materials did not cause any visible signs of irritation on chickens. Despite the efficacy of used engine oil and Jeyes fluid, they are environmental contaminants.