Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MATE GUARDING AND MATE CHOICE IN TWO COPEPODS, LERNAEOCERA BRANCHIALIS (L.) (PENNELLIDAE) AND LEPEOPHTHEIRUS PECTORALIS (MÜLLER) (CALIGIDAE), PARASITIC ON FLOUNDER

ABSTRACT Males of Lernaeocera branchialis (L.) establish precopula with conspecific mates of all parasitic developmental stages, but seem to prefer mature females or females close to maturation. However, male L. branchialis discriminate against females already inseminated once. They also prefer copepodites as mates to chalimus IV females already occupied by other males. In L. branchialis, sex-specific signals seem to develop during the copepodite and chalimus I stage, and the sexual signals seem to increase in strength or quality as the female larvae develop. In males, however, sexual signals probably remain unchanged after the chalimus I stage. This may account for the typical gregarious behavior of adult males. In contrast to males of L. branchialis, males of Lepeophtheirus pectoralis (Muller) establish precopula with postchalimus larvae only. Males of both species are, however, probably selected to minimize the time invested in each female. Thus, males of L. pectoralis preferentially choose recently matured females. Males of L. pectoralis seem to be reluctant to recopulate with a female if other categories of mates are present on the host, and the males also discriminate against older virgin females with an expanded genital complex. This suggests that the size (or shape) of the genital complex in L. pectoralis is important for recognizing the female state, whereas the size (or shape) of the cephalothorax seems to be of less importance, since males do not discriminate between preadult I and preadult II females.
Innovative applications of waste cooking oil as raw material

The consideration towards waste cooking oils is changing from hazardous waste to valuable raw material for industrial application. During the last 5 years, some innovative processes based on the employment of recycled waste cooking oil have appeared in the literature. In this review article, the most recent and innovative applications of recycled waste cooking oil are reported and discussed. These include the production of bioplasticizers, the application of chemicals derived from waste cooking oils as energy vectors and the use of waste cooking oils as a solvent for pollutant agents.
Stochastic Petri Net Model for Performance Analysis of Client-Server Systems

An aggregate approach of extended stochastic Petri net (ESPN) model and Markov renewal process with some non-regeneration points is applied to conduct performance analysis of an Ethernet-based client-server system. Petri net is used because of its highly visual nature that c如 giveinsight into the nature of the modeled system. Markov renewal process is introduced to increase the analytical power of the ESPN model . Modeling and analytical approach used in this paper is different from prevalent methods because of its potential advantage to disting山shthe system states between regeneration points and non-regeneration points as well出 toinco叩oratearbitrary time distributions to the ESPN model . The proposed approach may improve efficiency of performance analysis for most practical parallel/dis仕ibutedsystems.
Fast Coding Unit Partition Decision for HEVC Using Support Vector Machines

Despite the several speedup methods proposed in the literature, the computational complexity of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) video encoding is still a problem. This paper proposes a fast coding unit (CU) partition decision for use in HEVC encoders based on support vector machine (SVM)-trained offline. The SVM classifiers, features, and training procedures are described in detail, and a justification for the use of SVMs is provided. The trained classifiers are incorporated into a modified reference encoder in the form of a fast CU partition decision algorithm, which decides if the exhaustive search for the best partition is continued or terminated prematurely. Using the proposed method, an average complexity reduction of 48% is achieved with a 0.48% Bjontegaard-Delta bitrate (BD-BR) loss using the random access coding configuration, 44% reduction with a 0.62% BD-BR loss for the Low Delay B, and a 41% reduction with a 0.6% BD-BR loss for the Low Delay P configuration. We also tested our approach under constant bitrate conditions, achieving a 47% reduction in encoding time with a 1.11% loss in the BD-BR. In addition, a decision threshold adaptation is also proposed to allow adjusting the rate-distortion/complexity trade-off of our solution. With this approach, the computational complexity reduction can be varied from 34.9% (with a 0.13% loss in the BD-BR) up to 52.4% (with a 1.11% BD-BR loss) using the random access configuration. Compared with the state-of-the-art solutions, our decision scheme outperforms the related works in terms of combined rate distortion and complexity.
Desenvolvimento de protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em vacas da raça localmente adaptada Curraleiro Pé-Duro

Two experiments were conducted aiming to evaluate the effects of two ovulatory inducers (Exp.1) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; Exp.2) on follicular and luteal dynamics in a fixed-time AI (FTAI) protocol in locally adapted Curraleiro Pe-Duro cows. In Exp. 1 multiparous cows (n=12) received an intravaginal device containing 1g of progesterone (P4) for 8 days and 2mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (IM) at device insertion (Day 0). At device removal (Day 8) 0.150mg of Sodium D-Cloprostenol was administered IM and the cows were randomly assigned to receive 1mg of EB (EB8) or 1mg of estradiol cypionate (EC8) IM, or to not receive any ovulatory inducer (Control). All the animals participated in all treatments (crossover). The interval from P4 removal to ovulation was shorter and less variable in the EB8 treatment group (P≤0.05). In Exp. 2 (crossover), multiparous cows (n=12) received the same hormonal treatment as the EB8 group in Exp.1. At device removal (Day 8) cows were randomly assigned to receive 300UI of eCG IM or to not receive eCG (Control). No difference was ascertained on follicular and luteal parameters in Exp. 2 (P>0.05). We concluded that EB can be used as the ovulatory inducer (Exp. 1) in a FTAI protocol in Curraleiro Pe-Duro cows. However, eCG (Exp. 2) was not able to stimulate follicular and luteal development. This result is probably due to the adaptive capacity of Curraleiro Pe-Duro cows that maintained a satisfactory body condition score even in dry and hot environments.
Influence of physical connectivity on the number of wavelengths in dense wavelength-routed optical networks

Summary form only given. Wavelength-routed optical networks (WRONs) without wavelength conversion offer a huge potential in simplifying routing and bandwidth management for future core transport networks. Their feasibility depends on the number of wavelengths necessary to satisfy a given network logical connectivity and traffic demand. We investigate the wavelength requirements in networks with variable physical connectivity, because such a quantitative relationship is vital in optimizing the WRON design with reference to existing or planned optical networks that are neither full nor regular.
The bacteriology of oil sardine (sardinella longiceps) and mackerel (rastrelliger kanagurta) caught from tropical waters off Cochin - I - quantitative aspects

80% of the flora of skin, gills and intestines of oil sardine and mackerel at isolation temperature 28 ± 2°C consisted of Gram negative asporogenous rods or cocci, belonging to the genera Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Moraxella, Acinetobacter and Flavobacteria/Cytophaga. Nearly 10% of the flora was constituted by Gram positives, Micrococcus and Arthrobacter. Incubation temperature of 36 ± 1°C recovered more Vibrio spp. and Gram positives, while at lower temperatures of 8 ± 1°C and 1 ± 1°C, more Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Moraxella spp. were recovered. Significant changes with respect to season were observed in the relative distribution of different genera.
A coprological view of ancestral pueblo cannibalism

As the object of my scientific study, I've hosen coprolites. It's not a common choice, but to a paleonutri tionist and archaeoparasitologist, a coprolite? a sample of ancient feces preserved by mineralization or simple drying? is a scientific bonanza. Analy sis of coprolites can shed light on both the nutrition of and parasites found in prehistoric cultures. Dietary reconstruc tions from the analysis of coprolites can inform us about, for example, the ori gins of modern Native American diabe tes. With regard to parasitology, copro lites hold information about the ancient
Sensitivity of breeding values of meat quail as a result of tryptophan: lysine ratios in the diet

SUMMARY We aimed to evaluate the random regression models that promote the best fit of residual variance predicting the breeding values of quail body weights and the sensitivity of its breeding values to the variations of different tryptophan:lysine ratios in the diets via reaction norms. A total of 1112 meat quails from LF1 and LF2 lines with 35 days of age were evaluated. During the period of 1 to 21 days of age, birds were fed with different tryptophan:lysine ratios (0.17, 0.20, 0.23, 0.26 and 0.29%) containing 2900 kcal ME/kg and 26.10% crude protein, followed by basal diet provided up to 35 days. The best model fit for residual variance was evaluated comparing heterogeneity (2, 3 and 4 classes) and homogeneity (1 class), including sex as fixed effect and the additive genetic effect as random. The second order Legendre polynomial was used to analyze the genotype x environment interaction using reaction norms. The model considering two classes of residual variance was the one that promoted the best fit of the data, being adopted to predict the breeding values. Thus, we observed changes in the sensitivity of the breeding values, characterized by the rearrangement of the breeding values, according to the different ratios of amino acids, suggesting the genotype x environment interaction.
A mixed-species brood of wild Australian parrots (Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius and Crimson Rosella P. elegans )— accident or brood-parasitism?

We report a novel case of a mixed-species brood in wild Australian parrots. Two Eastern Rosellas Platycercus eximius and one Crimson Rosella P. elegans were raised by a pair of Eastern Rosellas in the same nest-box in southern Victoria, Australia, in late 2016.
Uso de rações à base de aminoácidos digestíveis para poedeiras

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the laying hens performance fed diets with different levels of lysine and sulfur amino acids digestible. A total of hundred and forty-four 24-week-old hens was allotted to a complete randomized design with three treatments, each with eight replicates of six hens. A corn-soybean positive control diet with high amino acids digestibility (HD) was compared to another diet using various by-products to partially replace corn and soybean meal. The second diet was formulated with low digestibility (LD) of lysine and sulfur amino acids as HD diet. The third diet (LD+AA) was similar to LD diet, but supplemented with L-Lysine·HCL and DL-methionine added to obtain levels of true digestible amino acids equal to HD diet. The evaluations were carried out in three periods of 28 days. There were no differences on feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass and feed:egg mass ratio. The egg quality estimated by Haugh unit and by yolk and albumen index were not affected. The use of digestible amino acids based diet for layers hens was not confirmed in this research from digestible amino acids information obtained with cecectomized roosters.
A methodology for estimating canopy disturbance frequency and intensity in dense temperate forests

Analysis of the frequency of past moderate and high-intensity disturbances has been hindered in forests of complex age structure by methodological problems. A methodology is proposed for developing a disturbance chronology in such stands by identifying the probable date of canopy accession for each sample tree. Canopy accession dates are based on an evaluation of radial growth pattern and early growth rates of existing canopy trees. Canopy disturbance intensity is defined as the percentage of sample trees with canopy accession events in each decade. Rotation periods for disturbances of various intensities are calculated from the chronology. The method was evaluated using 893 increment cores from 70 plots in northern hardwood stands of western Upper Michigan. The estimated average disturbance rate for all plots and decades was 5.7–6.9% of land area per decade, with an implied average canopy tree residence time of 145–175 years. These estimates are similar to those obtained by on-site estimates of canopy tr.
Exploring social presence within an online course using Twitter

This study examined the use of Twitter for online discussions in one asynchronous online, journalism class. A content analysis of the transcripts of the tweets from 25 undergraduate students was performed, coding for social presence using the social presence density measurement tool, one of the three aspects of the community of inquiry framework. Participants generated 1096 unique tweets over a 12-week course. Additionally, the community of inquiry survey was administered at the end of the course. Internal consistency measures and correlation analysis were used to identify the relationships between the social presence density scores and the community of inquiry survey results, which showed significant positive relationships exist between teaching, cognitive, and social presence, and the nature of the tweets. Results also underscored that social presence could be established on a micro-blogging platform, making it a potentially useful tool in an online learning environment.
Les cellules souches mésenchymateuses et la médecine régénérative en ophtamologie

La cornée, première lentille transparente localisée à la surface de l’œil, a été l’un des tissus précurseurs dans le domaine de la thérapie cellulaire. Les opacités cornéennes associées aux insuffisances en cellules souches épithéliales limbiques (ICSL)3 ont fait l’objet d’études chez l’homme dès la fin des années 1990 [1, 2]. Si les formes strictement unilatérales d’ICSL sont généralement traitées par une autogreffe de limbe provenant de l’œil sain, les formes bilatérales ont longtemps été des impasses thérapeutiques. S’il persiste des cellules prélevables sur au moins l’un des deux yeux, les cellules épithéliales cornéennes peuvent être amplifiées au laboratoire, puis les feuillets épithéliaux cultivés greffés, avec des résultats satisfaisants. Dans le cas d’atteintes bilatérales, des cellules épithéliales de muqueuse buccale ont été utilisées, amplifiées puis greffées sur les cornées lésées, ce qui a permis de restaurer une transparence cornéenne compatible avec l’autonomie des patients traités [3]. Cependant, ces techniques ne sont pas réalisées en routine et le pronostic de ce type de thérapie cellulaire se heurte à de nombreux échecs, notamment en cas de pathologies inflammatoires chroniques de la surface oculaire. Les CSM sont particulièrement étudiées in vitro et in vivo pour leurs propriétés anti-inflammatoires et antifibrotiques ainsi que pour leur rôle de soutien de la croissance des cellules souches épithéliales [4, 27] (➜). Des cellules souches mésenchymateuses ayant de nombreuses homologies avec les CSM issues de la moelle osseuse ont d’ailleurs été identifiées au niveau de la périphérie cornéenne où elles pourraient participer au microenvironnement à la « niche » des cellules sou-
Deposição de tecidos e componentes químicos corporais em bovinos Nelore de diferentes classes sexuais

The objective on this study was to assess the effects of gender and concentrate allowance level (0.6 and 1.2 % body weight) on body composition and deposition of the main body tissues and chemical components of the empty body weight in Nellore cattle of different gender (bulls, steers and heifers). Thirty five animals were used, fed individually for 112 days, and then slaughtered. A reference group was slaughtered at the beginning of the trial, with average body weight of 338 kg (bulls), 308 kg (steer) and 287.5 kg (heifers). The initial body weight and final slaughter weight of the animals were, respectively, 345.3 and 435.0 kg for the bulls, 328.3 and 396.0 kg for the steer and 303.9 and 372.0 kg for the heifers. The percentage of visceral and subcutaneous fat in the empty body weight was greater in the heifers, although the fat deposition rates were not influenced by gender. The concentrate allowance level did not affect the body composition of Nellore cattle. Bulls had greater and lower protein and fat content, respectively, in the empty body and in the empty body gain than the steers and heifers. The protein deposition rate in the empty body was greater for the bulls compared to the heifers and steers, while the fat deposition rate did not differ among the genders. Gender affects the deposition of carcass and empty body constituents of Nellore cattle.
Quantifying Cochlear Implant Users' Ability for Speaker Identification using CI Auditory Stimuli

Speaker recognition is a biometric modality that uses underlying speech information to determine the identity of the speaker. Speaker Identification (SID) under noisy conditions is one of the challenging topics in the field of speech processing, specifically when it comes to individuals with cochlear implants (CI). This study analyzes and quantifies the ability of CI-users to perform speaker identification based on direct electric auditory stimuli. CI users employ a limited number of frequency bands (8 ∼ 22) and use electrodes to directly stimulate the Basilar Membrane/Cochlear in order to recognize the speech signal. The sparsity of electric stimulation within the CI frequency range is a prime reason for loss in human speech recognition, as well as SID performance. Therefore, it is assumed that CI-users might be unable to recognize and distinguish a speaker given dependent information such as formant frequencies, pitch etc. which are lost to un-simulated electrodes. To quantify this assumption, the input speech signal is processed using a CI Advanced Combined Encoder (ACE) signal processing strategy to construct the CI auditory electrodogram. The proposed study uses 50 speakers from each of three different databases for training the system using two different classifiers under quiet, and tested under both quiet and noisy conditions. The objective result shows that, the CI users can effectively identify a limited number of speakers. However, their performance decreases when more speakers are added in the system, as well as when noisy conditions are introduced. This information could therefore be used for improving CI-user signal processing techniques to improve human SID.
Domain-Independent Cost-Optimal Planning in ASP

Abstract We investigate the problem of cost-optimal planning in ASP. Current ASP planners can be trivially extended to a cost-optimal one by adding weak constraints, but only for a given makespan (number of steps). It is desirable to have a planner that guarantees global optimality. In this paper, we present two approaches to addressing this problem. First, we show how to engineer a cost-optimal planner composed of two ASP programs running in parallel. Using lessons learned from this, we then develop an entirely new approach to cost-optimal planning, stepless planning, which is completely free of makespan. Experiments to compare the two approaches with the only known cost-optimal planner in SAT reveal good potentials for stepless planning in ASP.
Adaptive Conditional Bias-Penalized Kalman Filter for Improved Estimation of Extremes and Its Approximation for Reduced Computation

Kalman filter (KF) and its variants and extensions are wildly used for hydrologic prediction in environmental science and engineering. In many data assimilation applications of Kalman filter (KF) and its variants and extensions, accurate estimation of extreme states is often of great importance. When the observations used are uncertain, however, KF suffers from conditional bias (CB) which results in consistent under- and overestimation of extremes in the right and left tails, respectively. Recently, CB-penalized KF, or CBPKF, has been developed to address CB. In this paper, we present an alternative formulation based on variance-inflated KF to reduce computation and algorithmic complexity, and describe adaptive implementation to improve unconditional performance. For theoretical basis and context, we also provide a complete self-contained description of CB-penalized Fisher-like estimation and CBPKF. The results from one-dimensional synthetic experiments for a linear system with varying degrees of nonstationarity show that adaptive CBPKF reduces the root-mean-square error at the extreme tail ends by 20 to 30% over KF while performing comparably to KF in the unconditional sense. The alternative formulation is found to approximate the original formulation very closely while reducing computing time to 1.5 to 3.5 times of that for KF depending on the dimensionality of the problem. Hence, adaptive CBPKF offers a significant addition to the dynamic filtering methods for general application in data assimilation when the accurate estimation of extremes is of importance.
Automatic pre-grasps generation for unknown 3D objects

In this paper, the problem of automating the pre-grasps generation for novel 3d objects has been discussed. The objects represented as cloud of 3D points are split into parts and organized in a tree structure, where parts are approximated by simple box primitives. Applying grasping only on the individual object parts may miss a good grasp which involves a combination of parts. The problem has been addressed by traversing the decomposition tree and checking each node of the tree for possible pre-grasps against a set of conditions. Further, a face mask has been introduced to encode the free and blocked faces of the box primitives. Pre-grasps are generated only for the free faces. Finally, the proposed method implemented on a set twenty-four household objects and toys, where a grasp planner based on object slicing method has been used to compute the contact-level grasp plan.
Aggregate Power Control of Heterogeneous TCL Populations Governed by Fokker–Planck Equations

This article addresses the modeling and control of heterogeneous populations of thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) operated by model predictive control (MPC) schemes at the level of each TCL. It is shown that the dynamics of such TCLs populations can be described by a pair of Fokker–Planck equations coupled via the actions in the domain. The technique of input–output feedback linearization is used in the design of aggregate power control, which leads to a nonlinear system in a closed loop. Well-posedness analysis is carried out to validate the developed control scheme. The closed-loop stability of the system is assessed by rigorous analysis. A simulation study is contacted, and the obtained results confirm the validity and effectiveness of the proposed approach.