Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anpassung des Zinkstoffwechsels und des Zinkaustauschs im Ganzkörper 65Zn‐markierter Ratten an eine variierende Zinkaufnahme

Zusammenfassung Insgesamt 32 weibliche Sprague-Dawley Ratten (Anfangsgewicht 50 g) erhielten 9 Wochen lang eine semisynthetische Diat mit 23 ppm Zn und 8,5 Bq 65Zn/μg Zn. Anschliesend wurden funf der inzwischen ausgewachsenen Tiere als Referenzgruppe getotet. Die verbleibenden Tiere wurden in neun Gruppen eingeteilt (n = 3) und erhielten restriktiv eine 65Zn freie Diat mit eine Zinkgehalt von 19, 23, 29, 37, 46, 58, 73, 92 oder 114ppm. Die Kot- und Harnausscheidungen wurden quantitativ gesammelt und der Gehalt an Zn und 65Zn analysiert. Nach 23 Tagen wurden die Tiere getotet. Die unterschiedliche Zn-Versorgung hatte keinen Einflus auf die Lebendmasse (229 g) und die Aktivitat der alkalischen Phosphatase im Blutplasma (72 U/I). Die fakale Zn-Exkretion stieg parallel zur Zn-Aufnahme, so das die scheinbare Zn-Absorption unverandert blieb (15 μg/Tag). Die Zn-Versorgung hatte keinen Einflus auf die renale Zn-Exkretion (5 μg/Tag) und den Zn-Ansatz (0 μg/Tag). Die wahre Zn-Absorption stieg von 87 auf 160 μg/Tag. Die endogene fakale Zn-Exkretion nahm von 70 auf 149 μg/Tag zu. Die wahre Absorption und endogene fakale Exkretion strebte einem Grenzwert von 163 bzw. 151 μg/Tag zu. Die Grose des mobilen Zn-Pools betrug unabhangig von der Hohe der Zn-Versorgung 40% des Gesamtbestands an Zink. Die Halbwertszeit des Zn-Austauschs sank asymptotisch von 28 auf 16 Tage und naherte sich einem Grenzwert von 13,5 Tagen.
Potential uses of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in weed research

Summary Small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with cameras have not been adopted in weed research, but offer low-cost sensing with high flexibility in terms of spatial resolution. A small rotary-wing UAS was tested as part of a search for an inexpensive, user-friendly and reliable aircraft for practical applications in UAS imagery weed research. In two experiments with post-emergence weed harrowing in barley, the crop resistance parameter, which reflects the crop response to harrowing, was unaffected by image capture altitude in the range from 1 to 50 m. This corresponded to image spatial resolution in the range from 0.3 to 17.1 mm per pixel. This finding is important because spatial resolution is inversely related to sensing capacity. We captured 20 plots comprising a total of about 0.2 ha in one image at 50 m altitude without losing information about the cultivation impacts on vegetation compared with ground truth data. UAS imagery also gave excellent results in logarithmic sprayer experiments in oilseed rape, where we captured 37 m long plots in each image from an altitude of 35 m. Furthermore, perennial weeds could be mapped from UAS images. These first experiences with a small rotary-wing UAS show that it is relatively easy to integrate as a tool in weed research and offers great potential for site-specific weed management.
Public health nurses’ demographic factors and level of awareness as determinants to safe vaccine administration

Article history: Received 20 October 2019 Received in revised form 16 March 2020 Accepted 17 March 2020 It was reported that vaccine misconceptions, lack of knowledge, and inaccurate conceptions were relatively common to healthcare workers. The study aims to assess public health nurses’ level of awareness on safe vaccine administration. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in the 44 community health centers in the municipalities of Lanao Del Sur Province, Philippines. This includes 200 public health nurses who were selected using proportionate sampling. The self-made survey questionnaire was adopted from the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) about safe immunization practices. It utilized SPSS version 24 software to statistically compute for frequency and percentage distribution, mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square test. Most of the public health nurses as respondents of the study are females, Bachelor degree holders in Nursing, have 1-3 years of experience, and lastly have not attended any seminar/training regarding safe vaccine administration. Most of the public health nurses in Lanao Del Sur Province have a high level of awareness of safe vaccine administration (x ̅=2.86, SD±47.23). A significant relationship was found between a number of pieces of training and vaccine transportation (r2 6.065; p=0.005) and education and vaccine preparation (r2 7.407; p=0.025) among public health nurses. A regular staff training course is highly recommended to improve the public health nurses’ level of knowledge about immunization.
Asymmetry of Motor Behavior and Sensory Perception: Which Comes First?

By examining the development of lateralization in the sensory and motor systems of the human fetus and chick embryo, this paper debates which lateralized functions develop first and what interactions may occur between the different sensory and motor systems during development. It also discusses some known influences of inputs from the environment on the development of lateralization, particularly the effects of light exposure on the development of visual and motor lateralization in chicks. The effects of light on the human fetus are related in this context. Using the chick embryo as a model to elucidate the genetic and environmental factors involved in development of lateralization, some understanding has been gained about how these lateralized functions emerge. At the same time, the value of carrying out much more research on the development of the various types of lateralization has become apparent.
The Application of Short-Term Feed Restriction to Broiler Chicken Production: A Review

Abstract The application of feed restriction in the production of meat-type (broiler) chickens is controversial. Commercial broilers are invariably fed ad libitum. Fisher [1] noted that even a slight restriction of feed intake might affect the final body weight of broiler chickens adversely. Reece et al. [2] also observed that more adverse than favorable results have been achieved. However, recent research [3] shows that broiler performance may be improved by preventing chickens from feeding for short periods of time throughout the day. North [4] found that mature body weights of broiler chickens are not affected provided that feeding is not interrupted for more than 2 hours at a time. The demonstration of catch-up growth in broiler chickens [5, 6, 7, 8] has also raised new possibilities. This paper examines new developments in feed restriction of broilers and evaluates the potential application of short-term feed restriction to broiler chicken production. The mechanisms responsible for catch-up growth, and the factors which influence this phenomenon, are also discussed.
Prediction of wheat yield loss due to competition by wild oats (Avena spp.)

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of varying the density of wheat (cv. Gamut) and wild oats (Avena fatua and A. sterilis ssp. ludoviciana) on the grain yield of wheat. Wheat grain yields were reduced by wild oats through the reduction in number of tillers, and this competitive effect could be reduced by increasing the density of wheat. Increasing wheat plant density beyond the weed-free optimum was found to be unsatisfactory for wild oat control. The best model to describe the data comprised a parabolic wheat yield-density component and a hyperbolic yield loss component. Parameters in the yield-density component were calibrated using 36 data sets to account for variation in sowing date and available soil water. The parabolic model best described the effect of limiting soil water on the wheat yield-density relationship. The yield loss component, which included weed and crop density as variables, indicated that wheat and wild oats behaved as near-equal competitors.The predictive ability of the yield loss model varied when tested on several independent data sets collected from commercial wheat crops. This variation was caused by changes in the relative competitive ability of the crop and weed which resulted in significant variation in values of the yield loss parameters. Further refinement and generalization of the model will be possible if the yield loss parameters can be related to genetic and environmental variables.
Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on Zinc(II) and Benzene-1,3,5-Tricarboxylate Modified Graphite: Fabrication and Application as an Anode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries

This research was aimed at synthesizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on zinc(II) and a benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (BTC) linker in combination with graphite as anode material in lithium-ion batteries. The MOFs were prepared using sonochemical and solvothermal methods, which led to different materials: [Zn 3 (BTC) 2 ·12H 2 O] (MOF 1) and [Zn(BTC)·H 2 O·3DMF] (MOF 2). The produced materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and a battery analyzer. Refinement of the XRD data was performed using the Rietica and Le Bail method. Sharp and intense peaks indicated that the materials had a high degree of crystallinity. The morphology of the materials as analyzed by SEM was cubic, with an average crystal size of 8.377 ± 4.276 µm for MOF 1 and a larger size of 16.351 ± 3.683 µm for MOF 2. MOF 1 was thermally stable up to 378.7 °C while MOF 2 remained stable up to 341.8 °C, as demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis. The employment of the synthesized materials as anode in a lithium ion battery was proved to yield higher specific capacity and cycle stability compared to those using a graphite anode. The lithium-ion battery with 5 wt% MOF 1 exhibited the highest performance with an efficiency of 97.28%, and charge and discharge specific capacities of 123.792 and 120.421 mAh/g, respectively.
Hierarchical Identity-Based Signature in Polynomial Rings

Hierarchical identity-based signature (HIBS) plays a core role in a large community as it significantly reduces the workload of the root private key generator. To make HIBS still available and secure in post-quantum era, constructing lattice-based schemes is a promising option. In this paper, we present an efficient HIBS scheme in polynomial rings. Although there are many lattice-based signatures proposed in recent years, to the best of our knowledge, our HIBS scheme is the first ring-based construction. In the center of our construction are two new algorithms to extend lattice trapdoors to higher dimensions, which are non-trivial and of independent interest. With these techniques, the security of the new scheme can be proved, assuming the hardness of the Ring-SIS problem. Since operations in the ring setting are much faster than those over integers and the new construction is the first ring-base HIBS scheme, our scheme is more efficient and practical in terms of computation and storage cost when comparing to the previous constructions.
Biological Adaptability: The Statistical State Model

The adaptability of biological matter is one of its most striking and important properties. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that it has been the subject of diverse theoretical discussions, including discussions based on the theory of games (Lewontin 1961, Waddington 1957), on fitness sets (Levins 1968), and on extensions of the general idea of homeostasis (cf. Lerner 1954, Lewontin 1957, Slobodkin 1964). I would like to add another treatment, based on the idea that adaptability can be measured by calculating the maximum tolerable uncertainty of the environment. The key consideration is that adaptability is adaptation to the uncertainty of the environment; it should, therefore, be characterizable in very general statistical terms, at least insofar as the environment is characterizable in statis-
Tolerance of human approaches by Common Mynas along an urban-rural gradient

Abstract Successful urban colonisation by birds requires tolerance of many disturbances and avoidance of chronic stress and major disruption to critical activities. Habituation may be involved in acquiring tolerance of human proximity, in which case tolerance should vary with the degree of opportunity to learn that most humans do not present a threat and should therefore vary with human population density. We studied Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis) in the urban, suburban, peri-urban and surrounding rural zones of Melbourne, Australia, to determine whether flight-initiation distance (FID) and time allocated to anti-predator vigilance increased along this gradient from the urban to the rural zone. This gradient encompassed a 143-fold variation in average human population density during daylight hours. Urban and suburban Mynas had a 2.3-5.7 times shorter FID, were 1.6-2.5 times less likely to retreat by flying and were 1.9-3.1 times more likely to flee >5 m than their peri-urban and rural conspecifics. Fleeing behaviour was not strongly correlated with estimated human population density, but exhibited an apparent ‘step’ in response at the suburban-peri-urban divide. Vigilance effort did not vary significantly between zones. This suggested that habituation did not occur with respect to surveillance for people, although surveillance presumably encompassed other predators too. Similar foraging effort and rates of food acquisition among zones could suggest that food abundance per individual was similar in urban and rural environments for Common Mynas, although this requires direct measurement.
Optimization‐based workload distribution in geographically distributed data centers: A survey

Energy efficiency is a contemporary and challenging issue in geographically distributed data centers. These data centers consume significantly high energy and cast a negative impact on the energy resources and environment. To minimize the energy cost and the environmental impacts, Internet service providers use different approaches such as geographical load balancing (GLB). GLB refers to the placement of data centers in diverse geolocations to exploit variations in electricity prices with the objective to minimize the total energy cost. GLB helps to minimize the overall energy cost, achieve quality of service, and maximize resource utilization in geo‐distributed data centers by employing optimal workload distribution and resource utilization in the real time. In this paper, we summarize various optimization‐based workload distribution strategies and optimization techniques proposed in recent research works based on commonly used optimization factors such as workload type, load balancer, availability of renewable energy, energy storage, and data center server specification in geographically distributed data centers. The survey presents a systemized and a novel taxonomy of workload distribution in data centers. Moreover, we also debate various challenges and open research issues along with their possible solutions.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation, Part 1: Introduction to Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation

Introduction: When working with pathogens in laboratories, animal or production facilities, and even hospitals, the potential need for room fumigation for decontamination purposes must be taken into consideration. Questions regarding the choice of fumigant, technical aspects of the room, its ventilation, the fumigation system to be used, and other issues will arise and will have to be addressed. Methods: This article is based on literature searches and was compiled using the authors’ long-time personal experience in room and filter fumigation using various fumigation systems. Results: The article can be used as a guide to establish an effective fumigation system in a laboratory or an animal facility setting and may be adapted for use in hospitals. Different systems for hydrogen peroxide fumigation on the market are presented. Also, technical aspects are discussed. Discussion: Hydrogen peroxide is used in various forms for fumigation of rooms, equipment, and filters. Regardless of the individual limitations of these forms, hydrogen peroxide is a versatile fumigation method. However, it is important to consider numerous technical requirements when planning to implement hydrogen peroxide fumigation at an institution. Conclusions: Subsequent to the present overview of different fumigation systems based on hydrogen peroxide on the market and their technical requirements, part 2 of this article will focus on validation and verification of hydrogen peroxide fumigation while considering the entire fumigation process. The two parts together will serve users as a guide to establishing hydrogen peroxide fumigations at their facilities.
Finite element-based reliability assessment of quay walls

ABSTRACT While reliability methods have already been widely adopted in civil engineering, the efficiency and robustness of finite element-based reliability assessments of quay walls are still fairly low. In this paper, the reliability indices of structural and geotechnical failure modes of two real-life quay walls are determined by coupling probabilistic methods with finite element models, taking into account a large number of stochastic variables. The reliability indices found are within the range of the targets suggested in the design codes presently in use. Nevertheless, neglecting model uncertainty and correlations between stochastic variables leads to an underestimation of the probability of failure. In addition, low sensitivity factors are found for time-independent variables, such as material properties and model uncertainty. Furthermore, the results are used to reflect on the partial factors used in the original design. Important variables, such as the angle of internal friction, are subjected to a sensitivity analysis in order to illuminate their influence on the reliability index. Port authorities and terminal operators might be able to use the findings of this paper to derive more insight into the reliability of their structures and to optimise their service life and functionality, for example by deepening berths or increasing operational loads.
The Fatty Acid Composition of Breast, Thigh, and Skin Tissues of Chicken Broilers as Influenced by Dietary Fats

Abstract RESEARCH in the past three decades in the field of fatty acid and lipid metabolism in chickens has been extensive. Most of the research on the deposition of fatty acids in tissues has been done with laying hens or very young chicks, while less attention has been directed toward chickens of broiler age. The work of Cruickshank (1934) on the lipid metabolism of chickens showed that only small differences existed in the iodine number of fats from different tissues of laying hens. More recently it has been shown in young chicks (Machlin and Gordon, 1961) and in mature hens (Marion and Edwards, 1963) that different fatty acid patterns exist in adipose and non-adipose (heart and liver) tissue. The majority of fatty acids found in the whole body of 3-week-old chicks are in the 16- and 18-carbon series although fatty acids of the 20- and 22-carbon series are deposited when the…
Mycobiota Associated with Superficial Blemishes of Potato Tubers

As an organ for reserve and propagation, the tuber grows underground and is in contact with soil-borne microorganisms, making it potentially exposed to blemishes. Therefore, the objective of this study was the possibility of using some modern methods of molecular diagnostics and detection of the presence of fungal contaminants in potato blemishes in Al-Qasim (Saudi Arabia). Polygonal lesions were the most observed blemish type in the collected samples. One hundred and sixty isolates were recovered from different types of blemishes obtained in this study. Fusarium, Penicillium, Ilyonectria, Alternaria, and Rhizoctonia were the most common genera collected from different blemish types. Using ITS region sequencing, all collected fungi were identified at the species level. All Fusarium strains collected during this study were used to detect their pathogenicity against potato tubers. This is the first comprehensive report on identification of major pathogenic fungi isolated from potato tuber blemishes in Saudi Arabia.
Increased oxidative stress in dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in the rat: Effect of N-acetylcysteine and interferon-α

Abstract Oxidative stress may represent a common link between chronic liver damage and hepatic fibrosis. Antioxidants and interferon seem to protect against hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis. This study evaluated (1) the effect of the profibrotic agent dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) on the hepatic oxidative balance in the rat; (2) the role played by the antioxidant agent N -acetylcysteine (NAC); and (3) the antifibrotic effects of two different types of interferon-α: recombinant alpha-2b (rIFN-α) and leukocyte alpha (LeIFN-α). Five groups of rats received: (1) saline; (2) DMN; (3) DMN + NAC; (4) DMN + rIFN-α; and (5) DMN + LeIFN-α. Oxidative balance was evaluated by hepatic glutathione, TBARs, protein carbonyl, and sulfhydryl determination. Fibrosis was determined by hepatic hydroxyproline content and fibronectin (FN) staining (immunohistochemistry). DMN rats showed a diffuse FN deposition, an impaired oxidative balance, and higher hepatic hydroxyproline levels compared to that of controls. NAC administration significantly reduced FN deposition, increased hepatic glutathione, and decreased TBARs and protein carbonyls. Administration of IFN-α exerted different effects according to the type used. Both IFNs decreased FN deposition; however, LeIFN-α significantly improved histology and oxidative parameters compared to those of untreated DMN and rats treated with rIFN-α. This study shows the role of free radicals in this model of hepatic fibrosis; the protective effect of NAC against liver fibrosis; and the antifibrotic effect exerted by IFN-α (particularly LeIFN-α) independent of its antiviral activity.