Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dust levels and control methods in poultry houses.

This article summarizes information from the papers and posters presented at the international symposium on "Dust Control in Animal Production Facilities", held in Aarhus (Denmark) on 30 May-2 June 1999. Dust concentrations in poultry houses vary from 0.02 to 81.33 mg/m3 for inhalable dust and from 0.01 to 6.5 mg/m3 for respirable dust. Houses with caged laying hens showed the lowest dust concentrations, i.e., less than 2 mg/m3, while the dust concentrations in the other housing systems, e.g., perchery and aviary systems, were often four to five times higher. Other factors affecting the dust concentrations are animal category, animal activity, bedding materials and season. The most important sources of dust seem to be the animals and their excrements. Further studies on the effects of housing systems on dust sources and their compounds are desired for development of a healthier working environment in poultry production facilities. Adjustment of the relative humidity (RH) of the air in a broiler house to 75% will have an effect on inhalable dust, but not on respirable dust. A slight immediate effect on the respirable dust was observed after fogging with pure water or water with rapeseed oil. In an aviary system, a 50 to 65% reduction of the inhalable dust concentration was found after spraying water with 10% of oil and pure water, respectively. To obtain a higher dust reducing efficiency, improvement of techniques for application of droplets onto dust sources will be desired.
Medical Error and Human Factors Engineering: Where Are We Now?

The goal of human factors engineering is to optimize the relationship between humans and systems by studyinghuman behavior, abilities, and limitations and using this knowledge to design systems for safe and effective human use. With the assumption that the human component of any system will inevitably produce errors, human factors engineers design systems and human/machine interfaces that are robust enough to reduce error rates and the effect of the inevitable error within the system. In this article, we review the extent and nature of medical error and then discuss human factors engineering tools that have potential applicability. These tools include taxonomies of human and system error and error data collection and analysis methods. Finally, we describe studies that have examined medical error, and on the basis of these studies, present conclusions about how human factors engineering can significantly reduce medical errors and their effects.
B cells gone rogue: the intersection of diffuse large B cell lymphoma and autoimmune disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is characterized by genetic, genomic and clinical heterogeneity. Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) have recently been shown to represent significant risk factors for development of DLBCL. Areas covered: Studies that examined the relationships between AIDs and lymphoma in terms of pathogenesis, genetic lesions, and treatment were identified in the MEDLINE database using combinations of medical subject heading (MeSH) terms. Co-authors independently performed study selection for inclusion based on appropriateness of the study question and nature of the study design and sample size. Expert commentary: Identification of AID as a substantial risk factor for DLBCL raises new questions regarding how autoimmunity influences lymphomagenesis and disease behavior. It will be important to identify whether DLBCL cases arising in the setting of AID harbor inferior prognoses, and, if so, whether they also exhibit certain molecular abnormalities that may be targeted to overcome such a gap in clinical outcomes.
Contribution à la manipulation dextre dynamique pour les aspects conceptuels et de commande en ligne optimale

Nous nous interessons a la conception des mains mecaniques anthropomorphes destinees a manipuler des objets dans un environnement humain. Via l'analyse du mouvement de sujets humains lors d'une tâche de manipulation de reference, nous proposons une methode pour evaluer la capacite des mains robotiques a manipuler les objets. Nous montrons comment les rapports de couplage angulaires entre les articulations et les limites articulaires, influent sur l'aptitude a manipuler dynamiquement des objets. Nous montrons egalement l'impact du poignet sur les tâches de manipulation rapides. Nous proposons une strategie pour calculer les forces de manipulation en bout de doigts et dimensionner les moteurs d'un tel prehenseur. La methode proposee est dependante de la tâche visee et s'adapte a tout type de mouvement des lors qu'il peut etre capture et analyse. Dans une deuxieme partie, consacree aux robots manipulateurs, nous elaborons des algorithmes de commande optimale. En considerant l'energie cinetique du robot comme une metrique, le modele dynamique est formule sous forme tensorielle dans le cadre de la geometrie Riemannienne. La discretisation temporelle est basee sur les Elements Finis d'Hermite. Nous integrons les equations de Lagrange du mouvement par une methode de perturbation. Des exemples de simulation illustrent la superconvergence de la technique d'Hermite. Le critere de controle est choisi independant des parametres de configuration. Les equations de la commande associees aux equations du mouvement se revelent covariantes. La methode de commande optimale proposee consiste a minimiser la fonction objective correspondant au critere invariant selectionne.
Utilization, Spending, and Price Trends for Benzodiazepines in the US Medicaid Program: 1991-2009

Background: Although it is well-known that drug costs in the US have risen precipitously over the last 25 years, what is much less appreciated is how this rise in cost has occurred across so many seemingly distinct drug markets. Objective: To describe trends in the utilization, spending, and average per-prescription cost of benzodiazepines individually, in subgroups, and overall, in the Medicaid program. Medicaid has been the primary public payer for benzodiazepines over the past 2 decades. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive analysis was performed for the years 1991-2009 using the publicly available national Summary Files from the Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Quarterly prescription counts and reimbursement amounts were calculated for all benzodiazepines reimbursed by Medicaid. Average per-prescription spending as a proxy for drug price was found by dividing reimbursement by the number of prescriptions. Results: Prescriptions for benzodiazepines among Medicaid beneficiaries increased from 8.0 million in 1991 to 17.1 million in 2009. Expenditures rose from $131.6 million to $171.1 million over the same time period. The average per-prescription price was a little over $10 in 2009. Whereas utilization of intermediate- and long-acting agents increased over time, prescriptions for short-acting drugs fell from 1.1 million to 0.3 million (1991-2009). The percentage rise in Medicaid spending on benzodiazepines since 1991 (30.0%) was less than the general rate of inflation (57.5%), as measured by the percentage change in the consumer price index over the same time period. Conclusions: Relative to the rise in the number of Medicaid beneficiaries (more than doubled over the study period), there is no evidence of an extraordinary rise in the utilization of benzodiazepines. Moreover, both nominal and real average prices of benzodiazepines have fallen, primarily because of generic entry over the last 2 decades.
On the interpretation of IETS spectra of a small organic molecule

We have investigated vibrational spectra of nitrobenzene molecules adsorbed on Cu(111) by low temperature inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy. This molecule, which should support 39 internal modes, only gives rise to seven peaks in the spectra. We outline a comparison with ensemble IR data and interpret the small number of vibrational peaks by the superposition of a multitude of almost isoenergetic vibrational modes. The non-detectability of further modes cannot be understood in terms of symmetry considerations. Additional modes in the spectra are attributed to external molecular–metal vibrations.
Approche hyperélastique pour la simulation des renforts fibreux en grandes transformations

Un modele de comportement hyperelastique est propose pour la simulation des renforts fibreux de composites en particulier tisses. Son objectif est de simuler a l’echelle macroscopique des operations de mise en forme. Il represente une alternative aux approches continues hypoelastiques existantes. Un potentiel energetique simple reproduisant les non linearites materielles connues des renforts tisses est propose. Classiquement, les modes de deformations se caracterisent par des deformations faibles dans la direction des meches et de grandes deformations de cisaillement plan. Le modele est implemente dans une routine utilisateur Vumat d’Abaqus/Explicit. La sensibilite de la solution a la densite de maillage et la pertinence des resultats ont ete analysees pour differents tests de reference en grandes transformations : cisaillement pur et simple, cisaillement pur - extension. Enfin, le modele est teste pour simuler une operation de formage par poincon hemispherique. Des resultats satisfaisants sont obtenus, notamment sur la prise en compte ou non de la rigidite associee au cisaillement plan entre les meches.
Thalamic origin of neuropeptide Y innervation of the accessory optic nucleus of the pigeon (Columba livia)

Abstract Immunohistochemical and tracing techniques were used in combination to reveal the source of a neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive (NPY-LI) plexus in the nucleus of the basal optic root (nBOR) of the pigeon accessory optic system. Injections of rhodamine-labeled latex microspheres into nBOR produced retrograde labeling of a population of neurons interposed between the principal optic nucleus of the dorsolateral thalamus (equivalent to the mammalian dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus) and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus. The retrogradely labeled neurons were distributed mainly in the immediate vicinity of the lateral, dorsal, and ventral aspects of the nucleus rotundus. Immunohistochemical methods revealed many NPY-containing somata within the same intergeniculate thalamic area. Double-labeling immunohistochemical and retrograde tracing experiments evidenced that many NPY-LI neurons in the intergeniculate area contained rhodamine microspheres that had been previously injected into the ipsilateral nBOR. The projection of that general thalamic area to the nBOR was then confirmed by means of anterograde transport of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin. In these experiments, the intergeniculate region was demonstrated to project to all divisions of the nBOR and to every other retino-recipient structure, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Finally, electrolytic lesions of the intergeniculate area produced a dramatic reduction in the number of NPY-LI axons and terminals within the ipsilateral nBOR and also within other retino-recipient structures. These data indicate the existence of a thalamic NPY-LI projection to the pigeon nBOR of the accessory optic system. This chemically specific projection originates from the intergeniculate area, which was shown in this study to project to all other retino-recipient structures. Thus, NPY may have a role in the functional organization of the accessory optic system and also of the avian visual system as a whole.
The Genesis of Neural Crest and Epidermal Placodes: A Reinterpretation of Vertebrate Origins

Vertebrate body organization differs from that of other chordates in a large number of derived features that involve all organ systems. Most of these features arise embryonically from epidermal placodes, neural crest, and a muscularized hypomere. The developmental modifications were associated with a shift from filter-feeding to more active predation, which established advantages for improved gas exchange and distribution. Active predation involved more efficient patterns of locomotion and led to a major reorganization of the pharynx, to elaboration of the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems, and to special sense organs. Most of the organs that derive from epidermal placodes and neural crest may have arisen phylogenetically from the epidermal nerve plexus of earlier chordates. Supportive tissues such as cartilage, bone, dentine, and enamel-like tissues probably arose in association with several of the new vertebrate sense organs and only secondarily provided mechanical support. The development of armor appears to have occurred later in vertebrate evolution. Finally, the origin of a postotic skull and axial vertebrate appears to be associated with the origin of the gnathostomes.
MIWI-independent small RNAs (MSY-RNAs) bind to the RNA-binding protein, MSY2, in male germ cells

The germ cell-specific DNA/RNA-binding protein MSY2 binds small RNAs (MSY-RNAs) that are ≈25–31 nt in length, often initiate with a 5′ adenine, and are expressed in both germ cells and somatic cells. MSY-RNA levels do not decrease in Miwi or Msy2 null mice. Most MSY-RNAs map within annotated genes, but some are PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA)-like and map to piRNA clusters. MSY-RNAs are in both nuclei and cytoplasm. In nuclei, MSY-RNAs are enriched in chromatin, and in the cytoplasm they are detected in both ribonucleoproteins and polysomes.
Work/Life Balance: A Cadre/Gender-Wise Assessment of Commercial Bank Employees

In Pakistan, where the competition is intense in almost all industries, professionals spend more time at work than official duty hours in order to survive the rapidly changing environment. This has resulted in numerous compromises on other important fronts like cutting off from family and friends. It is assumed that work/life imbalance prevails more in developing nations with immense work pressures. To keep up pace with the growing demands of organizations and increasing responsibilities, one often neglects any or all strands of socializing. This gives rise to an imbalance which erupts as work/life conflicts for an individual and affects one’s satisfaction in work and other activities. The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of work/life balance on employees of a commercial bank (in different branches) in Pakistan where men and women focus more on professional life and compromise on other dimensions of life which are: personal, family, and social. The survey included professionals working in public, private and foreign commercial bank branches. Five-point Likert scale was used to measure the three underlying constructs: ‘work/life balance’, ‘organizational support’ and ‘support from others’. Data was analyzed using basic and descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation and t-test. The results indicate that majority of professionals are not satisfied with the balance between their work and life since greater number of hours are spent at work than the official duty timings. Moreover, females reported to have greater ‘work/life balance’, ‘organizational support’ and ‘support from others’ as compared to males. Males showed a higher tendency of developing stress-related diseases which were a consequence of increasing workplace demands and responsibilities.
THE EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON THE VASCULAR BED OF SKELETAL MUSCLE.

A plethysmographic method is described which has been used for continuous recording of volumetric changes in the isolated calf muscles of cats. Venous outflow, arterial and venous pressures were measured simultaneously. Steady state exercise was mimicked by stimulation of the motor nerve. Changes occurring in the resistance vessels, in the capacitance vessels and in the capillary filtration coefficients were recorded. Exercise provoked a dilatation of the resistance vessels, an increase of the capillary filtration coefficient (dilatation of the precapillary sphincters) and a distension of the capacitance vessels. The degree of dilatation in all three vessel sections was related to the severity of exercise. It was shown that the increase in regional blood volume (dilatation of the capacitance vessels) is caused mainly by an increased pressure head reaching the capacitance vessels and not by an active venous dilatation. During exercise there was a net outward capillary filtration due to an elevated capillary hydrostatic pressure and augmented by an increased capillary surface area available to blood flow. The elevation of capillary pressure was caused by a dilatation, which affected the precapillary resistance vessels relatively more than the postcapillary.
A Distributed Approach to Efficient Model Predictive Control of Building HVAC Systems

Model based predictive control (MPC) is increasingl y being seen as an attractive approach in controlli ng building HVAC systems. One advantage of the MPC approach is the ability to integrate weather forecast, occupanc y information and utility price variations in determi ning the optimal HVAC operation. However, application to largescale building HVAC systems is limited by the large number of controllable variables to be optimized a t every time instance. This paper explores techniques to reduce the computational complexity arising in applying MPC to the control of large-scale buildings. We formulate the task of optimal control as a distributed optimizati on problem within the MPC framework. A distributed optimization approach alleviates computational costs by simult aneously solving reduced dimensional optimization problems at the subsystem level and integrating the resulting solutions to obtain a global control law. Additional computation al efficiency can be achieved by utilizing the occu pancy and utility price profiles to restrict the control laws to a piecewise constant function. Alternatively, u nder certain assumptions, the optimal control laws can be found analytically using a dynamic programming based approach without resorting to numerical optimization routine s leading to massive computational savings. Initial results of simulations on case studies are presented to compar e the proposed algorithms.
Effect of sorghum grain variety and reconstitution on site and extent of starch and protein digestion in steers.

Hetero-yellow (HY), red (RED) and brown (BR, high tannin) sorghums were fed dry-rolled or reconstituted (RED and BR only) to evaluate the effect of variety and reconstitution on the site and extent of starch and protein digestion in steers fitted with ruminal, duodenal and ileal cannulae. Processed grains were incorporated into 88% sorghum (DM basis) diets fed at 2% of body weight in a 5 X 5 Latin square. Ruminal fermentation of organic matter, starch and protein tended to be lower for the dry-rolled RED than for either the dry-rolled HY or BR sorghum. Digestion of organic matter (OM) and starch in the small intestine was very low for dry-rolled sorghums. Total tract starch digestibility was lower for the dry-rolled RED sorghum (86.9%) than the BR (90.8%) and HY (91.4%). Nitrogen (N) digestibility ranged from 53.1% for the dry-rolled BR to 64.5% for the HY. Tannins were extensively (95.2%) degraded in the rumen, which may have enhanced fermentation of the BR sorghum. Reconstitution increased (P less than .05) total-tract starch digestion of the RED and tended to increase starch digestion of the BR as well. Total N flow to the duodenum tended to increase with reconstitution, with most of the increase being due to greater (P less than .05) microbial-N. Reconstitution also increased (P less than .05) total-tract N digestibility of the RED. The response to reconstitution for the RED sorghum appeared to be due primarily to an increase (P less than .10) in the extent of fermentation of organic matter and starch in the rumen. Reconstitution of BR, however, enhanced disappearance of starch from the small intestine. In both cases, most (97.3%) of the digestible starch of the reconstituted sorghums had disappeared before the terminal ileum. In contrast, 14.5% (621 g) of the digestible starch of dry-rolled RED disappeared in the large intestine. Sorghum grain variety and reconstitution appear to alter site and extent of starch and protein digestion, which may result in variable performance of cattle fed sorghum grain diets.
Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Collaborative Partnership between Infection Preventionists and Healthcare Epidemiologists

Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, primarily involving therapeutic agents used to treat infection in humans, is considered one of the world's most pressing public health problems. Not only does such inappropriate use diminish the therapeutic benefit of essential medications, it also facilitates the development and spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Antimicrobial resistance and the rise in MDROs globally are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, cross-transmission within and between healthcare settings, and increased consumption of limited patient-care resources. Despite elevated awareness, publication of guidelines on antimicrobial stewardship, and several initiatives, the proportion of resistant strains causing both health care- and community-associated infections continues to increase and the number of new antimicrobials continues to decline.
Impact of Social Media Marketing on Purchase Intention and Brand Loyalty: Evidence from Indonesia’s Banking Industry

The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of social media marketing towards purchase intention and brand loyalty. The context of the study was retail banking in Indonesia and a questionnaire was developed with 286 respondents. It has been found that social media marketing leads to purchase intention and brand loyalty. Hence, brand loyalty affected by purchase intention. The implications for marketing managerial and future research are discussed.
Private Company Valuations by Mutual Funds

Mutual fund families set and report values of their private startup holdings, which affect the fund net asset value (NAV) at which investors buy/sell fund shares. We test three hypotheses related to the valuation practice: (i) information cost/access, (ii) litigation risk, and (iii) strategic NAV management. Consistent with (i), families with larger PE holdings and/or stronger information access update valuations more frequently in the absence of public information releases, their updates co-move less with other families, and their fund returns jump less at follow-on financings. We find no support for hypotheses (ii) or (iii). We also find that high-PE-exposure funds are subject to greater financial fragility.
Additive solutions for the storage of platelets for transfusion

During the last 15 years, there has been a great interest in different parts of the world in developing and utilizing platelet additive solutions (PASs) for the storage of platelet concentrates (PCs) (Holme, 1992, 1994; HoÈgman, 1994; Murphy et al., 1996; Murphy, 1999). At present, such additive solutions are in use for transfusion in several countries in Europe. PAS is generally used as a substitute for plasma in order to: (1) reduce the amount of plasma transfused with platelets and to recover additional plasma for other purposes, primarily fractionation into plasma products; (2) avoid transfusion of large volumes of plasma with possible adverse reactions and circulatory overload; (3) improve storage conditions to increase shelf-life of the platelets while maintaining the viability and haemostatic function at a high level; and (4) make possible photochemical treatment for the inactivation of virus and other pathogens in PCs. The purpose of this review is to describe different effects on platelets that can be associated with some chemical compounds of interest in the platelet storage medium.