Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trends in skeletal muscle biology and the understanding of toughness in beef

This review focuses on recent developments in the field of muscle biology that reflect on the problem of toughness in beef. Meat science has shown that post-mortem processing can make a large contribution to beef tenderness. However live-animal factors such as growth path and genotype also influence the toughness of beef either directly or indirectly through interactions with processing technologies. This review sets out to integrate recent developments in the field of meat science into a mechanistic overview of toughness, while still highlighting the biology of some important contributors. These contributors are discussed at several levels of order between the molecular and the whole animal. The myofibrillar component of muscle is identified as the major contributor to initial toughness particularly through the effects of variation in sarcomere length. Muscle fibre-types whilst important to the growth and development of the animal are yet to be linked convincingly with toughness. Connective tissue is seen to play a dominant role in the sensation of toughness in muscles where its content is high. In muscles that are generally used for table beef, the contribution of connective tissue is less significant. In either case its contribution to measurable toughness cannot be easily separated from that of the myofibrillar component and the review discusses various levels of interaction between these 2 major components of beef. The review covers aspects of muscle ultrastructure as far as they are pertinent to the problem of beef toughness. In particular it deals with current knowledge of post-mortem metabolism of muscle and the degradation of costameric structures. Molecules are considered that are likely to propagate tensional forces from sarcomeres across the sarcolemma to the extracellular molecules of the endomysium. While much of the research around these molecules has not been performed by meat scientists, the insights developed are likely to be important to our understanding of beef toughness. Technological approaches to the objective measurement of toughness are discussed, as well as recent developments in the field. The review takes an integrative approach to features of the life of the bovine that might impact on the toughness of beef derived from its carcass. Features of the animal's pre-slaughter experience, including stress and physical activity, have been shown to influence markedly the toughness of beef through mechanisms that are described at the tissue level. Features of the growth path that the animal followed during its development have also recently been shown to significantly reduce the toughness of beef and properties of the connective tissue component have been implicated. Areas of strategic research are identified that, in the author's opinion, will facilitate commercial-scale improvements in the tenderness of beef.
An improvement of RGB color image watermarking technique using ISB stream bit and Hadamard matrix

In the past half century, the advancement of internet technology has been rapid and widespread. The innovation provides an efficient platform for human communication and other digital applications. Nowadays, everyone can easily access, copy, modify and distribute digital contents for personal or commercial gains. Therefore, a good copyright protection is required to discourage the illicit activities. On way is to watermark the assets by embedding an owner's identity which could later on be used for authentication. Thus far, many watermarking techniques have been proposed which focus on improving three standard measures, visual quality or imperceptibility, robustness and capacity. Although their performances are encouraging, there are still plenty of rooms for improvements. Thus, this study proposes a new watermarking technique using Least Significant Bit (LSB) insertion approach coupled with Hadamard matrix. The technique involves four main stages: Firstly, the cover image is decomposed into three separate channels, Red, Green and Blue. Secondly, the Blue channel is chosen and converted into an eight bit stream. Thirdly, the second least signification bit is selected from the bit stream for embedding. In order to increase the imperceptibility a Hadamard matrix is used to find the best pixels of the cover image for the embedding task. Experimental results on standard dataset have revealed that average PSNR value is greater than 58db, which indicates the watermarked image is visually identical to its original. However, the proposed technique suffers from Gaussian and Poisson noise attacks.
Peripapillary and macular choroidal thickness in both eyes of patients with acute unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with acute unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 19 patients with acute unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis were examined. A control group was matched with patients for sex and age. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography in macula and peripapillary areas in both eyes was performed for evaluation of CT. The CT was measured in subfoveal and other six points of macula and four points of peripapillary areas with a 3.4-mm scan circle centered on the optic nerve head. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal CT was 384.7 ± 101.6 μm, 380.5 ± 109 μm, and 401.2 ± 84.6 μm for affected eye, unaffected fellow eye, and healthy control, respectively. All measurements of macular CT were thinner in the patient group compared with healthy controls. Global peripapillary CT in affected eyes, unaffected fellow eyes, and healthy controls were 202 ± 43.3, 195.1 ± 42.9, and 234 ± 71.2, respectively. The difference between the three groups was statistically significant in the nasal point of peripapillary area (P = 0.023). No correlation was seen between CT and initial visual acuity or duration from symptom onset to medical survey in acute phase of retrobulbar optic neuritis. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute retrobulbar optic neuritis showed no significantly thinner macular and peripapillary CT in both eyes compared with healthy controls.
Interfaceschaltung für einen simultanen Sende- und Empfangsbetrieb mit einem einzelnen Ultraschallwandler

In der Ultraschallmesstechnik (Abstandsmessung, NDT) ist es zur Detektion naheliegender Reflektoren bzw. zur Erfassung der Medienruckwirkung (Wirkung der akustischen Last) notwendig, die Empfangssignale auszuwerten, noch wahrend der Schallwandler mit dem Sendesignal angesteuert wird oder die Sendesignalenergie am Schallwandler noch nicht ausreichend abgeklungen ist. In diesem Beitrag wird eine Schaltung zur Kompensation des Sendesignals beschrieben, welche die unmittelbare Auswertung des Empfangssignals ermoglicht.
Modelling trust in human-like technologies

Trust is an important decision-making construct helping users to adopt and continually use a system. Despite its importance, past research has mainly focused on studying and researching it in technology mediated interactions. As nature of technical artifacts becomes increasingly intelligent and human-like, a theory for explaining and predicting trust in such artifacts also becomes important. However, studying trust relationship of a user with technical artifacts is still in its infancy. To address this, we build on prior work which empirically modelled trust in user technology interactions and evaluate a human computer trust model using partial-least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Our research results identify four factors: competence, benevolence, willingness & reciprocity which impact user trust. Suggestions for future applications of the model are also discussed. Our study contributes to the literature by advancing the discussion on (a) human-like technologies and (b) the role of trust in human-artifact relationship.
BMP signaling and EMT during and at the end of gastrulation

An integral component of gastrulation in all organisms is epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a fundamental morphogenetic event through which epithelial cells transform into mesenchymal cells. The mesenchymal cells that arise from epithelial cells during gastrulation contribute to various tissue rudiments during subsequent development, including the notochord, somites, heart, gut, kidney, body wall and lining of the coelom. The process of gastrulation has been the subject of several hundred scientific papers. Despite all that has been written, it is likely that what we currently know about gastrulation is still considerably less than what remains to be learned. One critical remaining question that we consider here is how does gastrulation cease at the right place along the body axis, and at the right time? In this commentary, we focus on the molecular mechanism for the cessation of gastrulation, using the chick embryo as a model system.
Analyses of undesirable clinical outcomes and supportive biomechanical data for a device are essential for the evolution of disruptive device technology in spine

Assumptions, inevitable part of engineering solution, lead to the disparities between positive biomechanical data and undesirable long- and short-term clinical outcomes for a given surgical procedure or device. Consequently, high-quality biomechanical data may not necessarily lead to desirable clinical outcomes. This review article discusses such issues for devices that provide ‘“stability/enhanced environment for fusion or restore motion”’ for the spinal segment (s) with goal of improving patient satisfaction.
Fault Analysis and Detection in Total Cross Tied Photovoltaic Arrays

The American National Electric Code (NEC) requires the presence of a series-arc-fault-detector in any Photovoltaic installation operating at a voltage greater than or equal to 80V. Therefore, the presence of an accurate series-arc-fault detector that can detect series-arc-faults and discriminate them from Partial Shading (PS) is required. The work in this paper proposes an algorithm that can detect series-arc-fault and discriminate them from PS in total cross tied arrays. This algorithm is based on instantaneous rows voltages measurements.
A Smart Helpline System for Crash Notification

In this booming technological era,Intelligent transport systems are increasing to facilitate all end-to-end solutions for transport. India being the second majorly populated country, the ever increasing growth in vehicular usage and the accidents are also increasing day-by-day. The major concern in this mobile world, every person is more bothered about their own needs and . % of people die in accidents which are not reported in time to the medical help line. This paper majorly deals with a smart system which sends an immediate notification automatically to the help line during an accident. This work is based on using sensors connected to cars, which senses any crash happens and transmits the signal. The algorithm uses Global Positioning System (GPS) to find the location of the crash and sends message using GSM to the helpline.
Saúde mental e trabalho: uma discussão a partir do estudo de trabalhadores da atividade de teleatendimento

Objetivo: Estudar a relação e a influência do processo produtivo e da organização do trabalho de uma empresa de teleatendimento na saúde mental dos seus teleatendentes. Métodos: Estudo analítico e qualitativo realizado em um uma central de teleatendimento com 1.840 atendentes. Aplicou-se um questionário com as oito categorias conceituais de qualidade de vida no trabalho (QVT) e respostas do tipo bipolar de concordância e discordância dos itens avaliados. Foram selecionados aleatoriamente dois grupos de 12 atendentes para as entrevistas, utilizando-se, como roteiro, o conteúdo do QVT. Resultados: Dos 72% dos atendentes que responderam ao questionário, as categorias que revelaram satisfação foram o relacionamento com os colegas de trabalho e com os supervisores. A maior insatisfação foi o item relacionado à “compensação justa e adequada”. Entre as causas de sofrimento psíquico, destacaram-se a falta de autonomia e a desvalorização do trabalho por parte dos clientes e dos próprios familiares. Também contribuíram com o desgaste mental no trabalho as dificuldades encontradas pelos trabalhadores na resolução das demandas recebidas dos clientes e as relacionadas aos critérios e à forma de avaliação de desempenho adotada pela empresa. Conclusão: O tipo de organização do trabalho nas atividades de telemarketing contribui para o desgaste mental dos trabalhadores.
Encrypted secure polar coding scheme for general two-way wiretap channel

The authors consider the problems of key exchange for one-time pad along with the problem of rate sacrifice for secure polar coding over the two-way wiretap channel under the strong security criterion. Based on existing techniques, they present a new hash chaining structure to solve the good bits sacrificing problem for achieving the strong security and constructed encryption embedded secure polar coding scheme for two-way wiretap channel. To implement a one-time pad without any key pre-sharing, they design a secure and reliable transmission for both key and ciphertext coupling with the cooperative jamming strategy, which can also increase the secrecy rate for communication. As proved, extended upper bounds for both achievable secrecy rate pair and effective secrecy rate pair can be achieved under the strong security and reliability criterions.
Patchy distribution fields: survey design and adequacy of reconstruction

A mathematical model (Kriging) was used to examine the eVects of acoustic survey design on the adequacy of reconstruction of patchy distribution fields. The model simulatesfish (or plankton) patches of diVerent shapes and spatial orientations, and an acoustic survey by parallel transects. For a series of mathematical experiments, the patchy fields were reconstructed using simulated survey data. Conformity of the reconstructed fields to those originally generated was evaluated by calculating their correlations. The experiments indicate that a survey in the direction of patch elongation gives best results. The optimal ratio of the distance between transects to the autocorrelation radius for the field in the direction of surveying has been determined. Lack of a priori information on patch orientation may considerably reduce the quality of survey design.A posterioridetermination of patch orientation allows reconstruction of the best field, attainable on the basis of the data from the survey conducted. In addition, surveys of moving patches are considered. 1997 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
Mycoplasma Mycoides Subsp. Mycoides Small Colony Variant and Mycoplasma Agalactiae Antibodies in Ruminants in Poland

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony variant (MmmSC) and Mycoplasma agalactiae antibodies in ruminants from different provinces/regions of Poland. Eight hundred and ten bovine serum samples were examined for MmmSC antibodies by the use of competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) and complement fixation test (CFT). ELISA was also used for M. agalactiae antibody detection in 951 serum samples of sheep and goats. The first screening serological examination of MmmSC antibodies using c-ELISA revealed two (0.25%) positive and 135 (16.92%) doubtful results. The second examination revealed only 52 doubtful results, whereas the rest samples were negative. To compare, the final confirmatory examination by CFT gave 100% of seronegative results. The examination performed in small ruminants demonstrated only one doubtful result, which was finally defined as negative following the second ELISA, whereas the remaining samples were negative. To conclude, the present serological study showed the lack of infections in Polish domestic ruminant caused by two mycoplasmas.
University Students’ Perceptions of MALL in EFL Classes

Mobile technologies are rapidly attracting new users, providing increasing capacity, and allowing more sophisticated use such as accessing the Internet for searching information, emailing and reading e-books. As the mobile technology has been more powerful and inclusive in people’s daily lives, the issue of mobile assisted language learning (MALL) has also been widely studied. Many researchers of MALL consider the emerging mobile technologies to have potential for the effective language learning. The majority of MALL activities appear to make use of mobile phones, and nowadays, smartphones replace feature phones. This study focuses on the investigation of students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges associated with the use of smartphones for learning.
Patient Perceptions of Iliac Crest Bone Grafting in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine patients’ perception of iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) harvesting and donor site pain following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF). Summary of Background Data: The incidence of donor site pain has been debated in the literature because of the varying techniques associated with its harvest. Methods: Patients undergoing primary, single-level MIS TLIF with ICBG were retrospectively identified. ICBG harvesting was performed using a percutaneous technique with a tubular retractor. A survey was administered to assess if patients could accurately describe which side of their iliac crest they believed was harvested, and if they were experiencing any pain perceived to be originating from the donor site. Patient characteristics were compared using χ2 analysis and independent t test. Results: In total, 82 patients were included. The majority of patients had the ICBG harvested from the left iliac crest (97.5%). Approximately half of the patients correctly identified the side of harvest (50.6%). 48.1% of patients reported they were not confident or had guessed on their response. Patients that reported pain from the ICBG were more likely to feel confident or somewhat confident in their harvest site identification (57.9% vs. 46.3%) but less likely to be correct (36.8% vs. 63.4%) than patients without pain. 22 patients (27.8%) correctly identified the side of harvest without guessing. Of these, 11 (13.9%) reported pain. Conclusions: Approximately half of patients undergoing MIS TLIF with ICBG are able to correctly identify which side of their iliac crest was harvested. However, the majority of patients reporting pain were unable to correctly identify the side of harvest. This suggests that most patients are likely attributing other sources of pain to their ICBG. Therefore, rates of donor site pain may be over-reported in the current literature with contemporary harvesting techniques.
Indigenous Archaeologies : A Reader on Decolonization

This comprehensive reader on indigenous archaeology shows that collaboration has become a key part of archaeology and heritage practice worldwide. Collaborative projects and projects directed and conducted by indigenous peoples independently have become standard, community concerns are routinely addressed, and oral histories are commonly incorporated into research. This volume begins with a substantial section on theoretical and philosophical underpinnings, then presents key articles from around the globe in sections on Oceania, North America, Mesoamerica and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Editorial introductions to each piece con-textualize them in the intersection of archaeology and indigenous studies. This major collection is an ideal text for courses in indigenous studies, archaeology, heritage management, and related fields.
Process Mining in Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review

Performance analysis and continuous process improvement efforts are often supported by the construction of process models representing the interactions of the partners in the supply chain. This study was conducted to determine the state of the art in the process mining field, specifically in the context of cross-organizational process. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method is used to review a collection of twenty-one papers that are classified according to the Artifact framework of Hevner, et al. and within the Process Mining framework of Van der Aalst. In the reviewed papers, the authors conducted a variety of techniques to establish the event log, which is then used to perform the process mining analysis. Eight of the reviewed papers focus on the definition of concepts or measures. Five of the papers describe models and other abstractions that are used as a theoretical basis for process mining in the context of supply chains. The majority twenty of papers describe some kind of informal method or formal algorithm to perform process mining analysis. Nine of the papers that propose a formal algorithm also present an accompanying software implementation. Eight papers discuss the data preparation challenges and twelve papers discuss process discovery techniques.
Substrate control of litter decomposition in four Rocky Mountain coniferous forests

The influence of chemical and physical quality of litter on its rate of decomposition was examined by measuring mass loss from 19 diverse litter types, including leaves, needles, forbs, wood, and roots in the Kananaskis Valley of Alberta, Canada. Litter samples drawn from three adjacent forests of lodgepole pine, white spruce, and Engelmann spruce – subalpine fir, and from a small clearcut area, were allowed to decompose for 3 years at their sites of origin. The best predictors of mass loss were the initial concentrations of lignin and labile material in the litter. Adding N or P contents as a second term, rather than as a lignin to nutrient ratio, significantly improved mass loss predictions. There were abrupt limits for the influence of lignin (above 28%) and N (below C:N of 30:1); similar limits were observed for all predictors except labile content. None of these chemical parameters, nor a physical measure, particle diameter, were useful in predicting rates of decomposition of high-lignin, woody subst.
Machine milking management and milk nitrogen fractions in primiparous ewes

Abstract Little work has been carried out on management techniques to reduce stress of first machine milking in ewes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of milking parlour training before weaning on sheep milk yield and milk protein fractions. One week before weaning, an experimental group (EG) was introduced into the machine milking parlour and hand-milked once a day, to adapt them to the new environment and noise of the milking machine, while a control group (CG) was hand-milked once a day in a traditional fold parlour until weaning. After weaning, both groups were machine milked, separately, twice a day in the milking parlour. Milk yield and nitrogen fractions were recorded for the first 10 days of machine milking. Differences between samplings within group were observed for all parameters considered. Only on the first day of machine milking, differences between groups occurred for total nitrogen, total protein and casein. Higher content of nitrogen fractions in the milk of EG was due to its lower milk production. In fact, daily production of nitrogen fractions was higher in CG than in EG. High variability for most parameters was observed during the first 5 days of machine milking in both groups. A week of training to machine milking parlour was not enough to reduce the negative effects of weaning and machine milking stresses on primiparous ewes. (interaction? )