Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NEGATIVE PROTEIN BALANCE : IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSITION COWS

Traditionally, diets for lactating cows were formulated and fed to contain a high crude protein (CP) content to maximize milk and milk protein yields while providing a safety factor due to uncertainty of feed composition to ensure that a cow’s requirements for limiting amino acids (AA) were met. This approach was viable with relatively cheap protein feeds and little concern about nitrogen (N) excretion to the environment. Today, excessive protein feeding is increasing feed costs, decreasing efficiency of N utilization, and increasing N loss to the environment. Thus, use of lower CP diets to reduce economic and environmental costs of feeding excess N is increasing (Chase et al., 2009). There appears to be an opportunity to reduce dietary CP by 0.5 to 1.5 units while maintaining metabolizable protein (MP) supply on a herd basis with minimal risk of lower milk production (Chase et al., 2009). Given the negative MP balance that occurs following parturition, it is unclear if lower protein diets can be used successfully in very early lactation.
Finnish vocational education and training in comparison: strengths and weaknesses

The study investigates how the Finnish model of providing initial vo- cational education and training (IVET) has succeeded in terms of enhancing educational progress and employability. A relatively high level of participation in IVET makes the Finnish model distinctive from those of three other Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. All four Nordic countries have well- organised labour markets and universal types of welfare states. Priority is given to goals related to equal opportunities and social inclusion. At the same time, these countries have different models of IVET. While the study compares the Finnish model of organising IVET to those of other Nordic countries, it also examines the German and UK models, which represent differing societal approaches to IVET. The differences in the outcomes of the IVET systems are described and analysed through reviewing secondary data provided by Eurydice and Eurostat, along with country reports produced in a Nordic comparative project, Nord-VET.
Dielectric characterization of vegetation at L band using an open-ended coaxial probe

Abstract. Decoupling the integrated microwave signal originating from soil and vegetation remains a challenge for all microwave remote sensing applications. To improve satellite and airborne microwave data products in forest environments, a precise and reliable estimation of the relative permittivity (ε=ε′-iε′′) of trees is required. We developed an open-ended coaxial probe suitable for in situ permittivity measurements of tree trunks at L-band frequencies (1–2 GHz). The probe is characterized by uncertainty ratios under 3.3 % for a broad range of relative permittivities (unitless), [2–40] for ε′ and [0.1–20] for ε′′. We quantified the complex number describing the permittivity of seven different tree species in both frozen and thawed states: black spruce, larch, red spruce, balsam fir, red pine, aspen and black cherry. Permittivity variability is substantial and can range up to 300 % for certain species. Our results show that the permittivity of wood is linked to the freeze–thaw state of vegetation and that even short winter thaw events can lead to an increase in vegetation permittivity. The open-ended coaxial probe proved to be precise enough to capture the diurnal cycle of water storage inside the trunk for the length of the growing season.
Synthesis and Photoisomerization Properties of Polynorbornenes with Azobenzene Chromophores

We successfully synthesized the addition-type polynorbonenes (PNB) exhibiting photochromic properties and excellent thermal stability. Three norbornene-based monomers with different azobenzene moiety (R=NO 2, H, OCH3) were synthesized by transesterification method. The corresponding PNB copolymers were synthesized by transition metal-catalyzed addition polymerization method, and characterized by GPC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, NMR, and thermal analysis. For comparison of the photochromic properties depending on the rigidity of polymer backbone, we prepared the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) copolymer with the corresponding azobenzene moiety. We investigated the photoisomerization behavior by means of optical muitichannel analyzer with Xe lamp as well as real-time UV-Vis spectroscopy with high-pressure mercury lamp. Among three PNB copolymers, a polymer with azobenzene (R=H) was the most adaptable for observation of photoisomerization behavior. It was found that the rate of photoisomerization and relaxation depended on the structure of azobenzene chromophore, rather than that of polymer backbone.
Thermally driven wind variability in the planetary boundary layer above Lima, Peru

Land-sea thermal forcing of the coastal wind near Lima, Peru, is examined as a mechanism to explain the observed wind variability there, in particular the similarity between monthly anomalies of sea surface temperature and wind speeds on the interannual time scales typical of E1 Nifio occurrences. Aerological and surface meteorological observations from Peru coastal sites are analyzed for two time scales: over 1520 year periods (1958-1977) for monthly averaged data and over a year (1976-1977) for daily data. Wind profile characteristics and annual cycles, and their relation to the cross-coastal temperature gradient are qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with the thermally forced boundary-layer model proposed by Lettau (1978) to explain the Peru coastal wind. The cross-coastal air temperature difference between Lima and Callao explained 55% of the variance in the surface wind speeds at Lima during 1976-1977. The mean annual cycles of the surface wind at Lima and other Peru coastal locations are in phase with the annual solar heating cycle where the seasonality of low cloudiness is large but with the annual cycle of the southeast trade circulation where it is not. This suggests that insolation over the desert is the principal source of thermal forcing variability. During E1 Nifio periods the alongshore wind and the crosscoastal circulation above Lima intensify, in conjunction with anomalously warm sea surface temperatures. The planetary boundary layer is destabilized, and the base of the winter inversion is eroded upward. The observations are consistent with a reduction of desert cloudiness during E1 Nifio events owing to air-sea exchange and a consequent increase in the thermal forcing of the wind.
Do people understand a humanoid robot's 'mind'?

Humanoid robots are expected to exist and work together with human-beings in everyday environments in the future. Under this circumstance, they need to be able to interact with humans in a smooth and natural way. One important aspect for a successful human-robot interaction (HRI) lies in whether people regard the robot as a potential social agent. Interacting with a potential social robot should facilitate people to have a better understanding of the robot’s actions and intentions. In terms of human-human interaction (HHI), people can interpret actions of others in an effortless way. It was unclear whether people can interpret the robot’s actions in the same way because the robot has kinematics that substantially differs from those of humans. Imitation (Human imitating the robot’s actions) provides us an intuitive solution for solving this puzzle, because it is closely about action interpretation from others. In the imitation study of humans, the theory of goal-directed imitation (GOADI) holds that the imitator tends to imitate the action goals instead of action means when the goal object is present. However, when the goal object is absent, people tend to imitate the action means. We want to verify whether the GOADI theory applies to HRI by varying the presence and absence of the goal object. This will provide us motor aspects about how human interpret the robot’s actions. However, even though people can extract the goal from the robot’s action and imitate the robot’s action similar to when imitating a human, it doesn’t mean that people treat the robot as a social agent. Because the GOADI theory cannot predict how people react to social cues, we added a social cue. Specifically, we added the turn-taking cue indicated by eye gaze, which can effectively regulate HHI. We want to verify whether it can also effectively regulate HRI. We manipulated the turn taking cue by changing the gaze timing at which the robot looks at people with respect to its hand movement. We expect that the earlier the robot gazes at people, the reaction time for them to start to imitate will be shorter. Consequently, in combination of the GOADI theory and the social turn-taking cue, we can further claim that people can treat the robot as a potential social agent. The results show that the presence of goal object affected people’s imitation pattern; however, most people tend to match the action means rather than the goals of the robot’s action. On the other hand, the social turn-taking cue regulated by eye-gaze is effective. Potential reasons for these finds and directions for further research are discussed.
A scientific perspective on the management of elephants in the Kruger National Park and elsewhere : elephant conservation

How to respond to growing elephant numbers in the Kruger National Park and elsewhere in southern Africa continues to be a contentious issue. In contrast to the public perception, scientists have attained a high degree of consensus on the ecological basis for such decisions. In this article we summarize these ecological principles and the management responses that are indicated, in order to counter some of the misunderstanding that has been evident in the popular media.
Age, Gender, and Muscle Strength: a Study Based on Indonesian Samples

Age and gender have been commonly used as a main criterion in accepting a job aplicant, but it is usually not clear how these affect job performance. While a number of recent studies have been done that describe the relationships between age, gender, and participants capacity (e.g., muscle strength), the results have been inconclusive. In Indonesia, in particular, such issues have been rarely investigated, and it is still important to study the issue since the relationships between these factors are population-specific. This study aimed at describing the relationships between age and muscle strength among workers for both genders. Ninety-six male and female workers (aged 18–65) were recruited in this study, and data on handgrip and lower back strength were collected. Findings of this study show that peak hand-grip strength occured at the age of around 35-40 years of age, regardless of gender. Maximum lower back strengh was identified at the age of 31-35 years old (for males) and 26-30 years old (for females). Comparisons between two extreme age groups (18-20 vs. 61-65 years of age) showed a mean strength decline of 50% for hand-grip and 30% for the lower back. For both protocols, female participants tended to have lower muscle strength (70-80% of their male counterparts). Findings of this study can be used as a basis in evaluating physical requirements of a job, and the corresponding factors (age and gender) relevant for the job.
The global fire–productivity relationship

Aim It has been suggested that on a global scale, fire activity changes along the productivity/aridity gradient following a humped relationship, i.e. the intermediate fire–productivity hypothesis. This relation should be driven by differing relative roles of the main fire drivers (weather and fuel) along the productivity gradient. However, the full intermediate fire–productivity model across all world ecosystems remains to be validated. Location The entire globe, excluding Antarctica. Methods To test the intermediate fire–productivity hypothesis, we use the world ecoregions as a spatial unit and, for each ecoregion, we compiled remotely sensed fire activity, climate, biomass and productivity information. The regression coefficient between monthly MODIS fire activity and monthly maximum temperature in each ecoregion was considered an indicator of the sensitivity of fire to high temperatures in the ecoregion. We used linear and generalized additive models to test for the linear and humped relationships. Results Fire occurs in most ecoregions. Fire activity peaked in tropical grasslands and savannas, and significantly decreased towards the extremes of the productivity gradient. Both the sensitivity of fire to high temperatures and above-ground biomass increased monotonically with productivity. In other words, fire activity in low-productivity ecosystems is not driven by warm periods and is limited by low biomass; in contrast, in high-productivity ecosystems fire is more sensitive to high temperatures, and in these ecosystems, the available biomass for fires is high. Main conclusion The results support the intermediate fire–productivity model on a global scale and suggest that climatic warming may affect fire activity differently depending on the productivity of the region. Fire regimes in productive regions are vulnerable to warming (drought-driven fire regime changes), while in low-productivity regions fire activity is more vulnerable to fuel changes (fuel-driven fire regime changes).
The radiative influence of aerosol effects on liquid-phase cumulus clouds based on sensitivity studies with two climate models

The radiative influence of aerosol effects on liquid-phase cumulus clouds based on sensitivity studies with two climate models Surabi Menon 1 and Leon Rotstayn 2 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA (smenon@lbl.gov, Tel: 1 510 486 6752, Fax: 1 510 486 5928) CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Aspendale, Victoria, Australia (leon.rotstayn@csiro.au, Tel: 61 2 9239 4542, Fax: 61 2 9239 4444) Submitted to Climate Dynamics October 5, 2005
How Can a Serious Game Impact Student Motivation and Learning

A simulation computer game focused on motivating and supporting learning of fundamental Industrial Engineering (IE) concepts in a manufacturing environment was tested. A group of 44 IE freshman and pre-college students participated as gamers to test the effectiveness of the game. Results show that students experienced an increase in motivation to pursue or continue IE studies after the gaming activity, as well as an increase in understanding about the roles an IE performs within a manufacturing environment. Results show the simulation game allowed students to grasp aspects among a variety of areas within the field; particularly about Economic Analysis, Human Resources Planning, and Industrial Organization and Management. Results from the interviews show that participants were able to recall new concepts from the gaming activity relevant to the IE career, suggesting that gamers were able to transfer new ideas from knowledge gained by playing. Our study suggests that gaming can be used to recruit, motivate and retain the best talent while providing opportunities for learning in context. Future work aims to evaluate the impact of the game at different stages of the IE program career, with particular emphasis on retention and learning in context.
An Overview of Biometric System

—“Biometric technologies” are automated methods of verifying or recognizing the identity of a living person based on a physiological or behavioral characteristic i.e A biometric system provides automatic identification of an individual based on a unique feature or characteristic possessed by the individual.By using biometrics it is possible to confirm or establish an individual’s identity.Applications of such a system is computer systems security, secure electronic banking, mobile phones, credit cards, secure access to buildings, health and social services . In this paper, we give a brief overview on the field of biometrics and discusses some of its methods to understand this technology and summarize some of its advantages, disadvantages.
The role of Znic in alleviating B-toxicity in plants differing in their sensitivity to boron in terms of rooting response of cuttings.

The role of Znic in alleviating B-toxicity in terms of adventitious root formation (ART) in cutting of plants differing in their sensitivity to boron such as Mung bean (sensitive ) ,Cucumber (Moderately tolerant ) and Tomato (tolerant ) has been carried out . The toxic level of B in addition ,to the promontory conc. Of Zn-salt was determined for each of the above spp. Three of Zn-salts were tested ( sulphate ,nitrate and chloride ) and the best promontory salt is Znic sulfate in developing the higher number. of roots in addition to the best conc. of the same salt was 15,10,15 pmm for Mung bean , Cucumber and Tomato respectively ,comparing to other Zn-salt & their concentration . The toxic levels of boron was 200,300 and 400 µg/ml for Mung bean , Cucumber and Tomato respectively . These levels reduced growth parameters in terms of rooting response to 50% or beyond (55.16% ,50.83% and 53.49% )for Mung bean , Cucumber and Tomato compared to control in addition ,to the localized toxic symptoms like necrotic spots at leaves edges of the a above 3- spp. respectively . Boron detoxification was occurred completely by supplying Znic sulphate prior to toxic–B treatment (pre-treatment )in all spp. compared to its supply as post- treatment or simultaneously with toxic –B . The protective role of Znic – sulphate was significantly enhances the average of root number /cutting to its levels in control treatment ( in absence of toxic – B)in all spp. under study . Toxic levels of B for the above spp. were caused significant damage for plasma- membrane of leaf tissues via permeability perturbation in terms of EC% with increasing 111.05%, 50.015% and30.65 in cutting of Mung bean , Cucumber and Tomato respectively . Whereas ,in seedling (in presence of root system ) the % of damage was declined to 83.74%,42.59% and 9.91% when exposed to B-toxicity . These results confirms the sequostration mechanism of boron in roots exclusively ,rather than its transport to leaves . Key woreds : Boron-toxicity, Boron-detoxification,Cucumber,Mung bean,rooting response ,Tomato and Znic .
User Adoption Tendency Modeling for Social Contextual Recommendation

Most of studies on the existing recommender system for Netflix-style sites (scenarios with explicit user feedback) focus on rating prediction, but few have systematically analyzed users’ motivations to make decisions on which items to rate. In this paper, the authors study the difficult and challenging task Item Adoption Prediction (IAP) for predicting the items users will rate or interact with. It is not only an important supplement to previous works, but also a more realistic requirement of recommendation in this scenario. To recommend the items with high Adoption Tendency, the authors develop a unified model UATM based on the findings of Marketing and Consumer Behavior. The novelty of the model in this paper includes: First, the authors propose a more creative and effective optimization method to tackle One-Class Problem where only the positive feedback is available; second, the authors systematically and conveniently integrate the user adoption information (both explicit and implicit feedbacks included) and the social contextual information with quantitatively characterizing different users’ personal sensitivity to various social contextual influences.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Azerbaijan Population

Objective of the study: There is enough evidence for the carcinogenicity of HPV16 type in the head and neck cancers. This study aimed to address key information gaps of the prevalence of HPV infection in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Azerbaijan population. Materials and methods: 50 LSCC pretreatment FFPE biopsy tumor materials, 10 cervical cancer FFPE samples and 38 fresh pretreatment LSCC tumor materials were analyzed using RT-PCR technology and Anyplex II HPV28 genotyping assay. The FFPE tumor material with HPV positive history from cervical cancer was as control in this study. Results: DNA extraction from FFPE and fresh samples was successful for all 98 tumor materials. The results of HPV genotyping of cervical cancer patients (n=10) with Anyplex II HPV28 assay detected 8 HPV16-positive cancers, 1 samples with HPV18-positive and 1 cancer material with HPV16+HPV18+HPV58. The results were predictable, because in these patients, HPV positivity was validated by Pap smear method. Based on this, we expect to get true information about HPV-related LSCC. Anyplex IIHPV28 genotyping assay was detected only one HPV positive sample of 61 LSCC: it was low-risk cancer-related HPV54 subtype in 47 age’s patient with 20 years tobacco and alcohol consumption history. High-risk cancer related HPV16 and HPV18 subtypes have no detected in analysis patients. Conclusion: Thus, we suggested that PCR techniques and Anyplex II HPV28 genotyping assay were available to detect HPVs from fresh LSCC material. Our results support us to believe that Azerbaijan belongs to HPV low-incidence geographic region of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients, but large-scale population-based studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Characterisation of Staphylococcus aureus from small-scale dairy systems in the 1 highlands of central Mexico 2

23 Prevalence of S. aureus was examined in 12 small-scale dairy farms of Central Mexico. 24 Sixty-nine samples were collected and S. aureus identified in 52.6% of milk and 66.6% of 25 hand swab samples by PCR amplification of 23S rRNA and thermonuclease genes. Genetic 26 diversity of 43 representative isolates was determined by RAPD, clustering the isolates into 27 four main groups. The presence of virulence factors was also tested. Among 1 and 5 28 enterotoxin genes (sea, seb, sec, sed, seg, and sei) were detected in 78.9% of the isolates. 29 Genes responsible for biofilm formation were found in 100% (icaA-icaD) and 28.9% (bap) 30 of the isolates. Susceptibility to antimicrobials (antibiotics, bacteriophages and 31 bacteriocins) was also assessed. Overall, the present results support the need to improve the 32 hygienic conditions and milking practices in order to enhance herd health and diminish the 33 food poisoning risk associated to the usual consumption of cheese made with raw milk. 34
F eb 2 01 8 A Viscoelastic Catastrophe

We use a differential constitutive equation to model the flow of a viscoelastic flow in a cross-slot geometry, which is known to exhibit bistability above a critical flow rate. The novelty lies in two asymmetric modifications to the geometry, which causes a change in the bifurcation diagram such that one of the stable solutions becomes disconnected from the solution at low flow speeds. First we show that it is possible to mirror one of the modifications such that the system can be forced to the disconnected solution. Then we show that a slow decrease of the flow rate, can cause the system to go through a drastic change on a short time scale, also known as a catastrophe. The short time scale could lead to a precise and simple experimental measurement of the flow conditions at which the viscoelastic catastrophe occurs. Since the phenomena is intrinsically related to the extensional rheology of the fluid, we propose to exploit the phenomena for in-line extensional rheometry.