Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The eVect of oral selenium supplementation on human sperm motility

Objectives To determine whether the decline in selenium diCerence was not significant. However, as the provision of additional vitamins had no eCect on any intake and selenium status in men in the West of Scotland might be a contributory factor to male variable measured it was considered justified to combine the two selenium-treated groups and compare subfertility. Patients and methods Two semen samples were collected them with the placebo treatment. On this basis, selenium treatment significantly (P<0.002) increased from patients attending a subfertility clinic and those patients with samples showing reduced motility were plasma selenium concentrations and sperm motility (P=0.023) but sperm density was again unaCected. invited to participate in an ethically approved doubleblind clinically controlled trial with informed consent. Five men (11%) achieved paternity in the treatment group, in contrast to none in the placebo group. Sixty-nine patients were recruited and received either placebo, selenium alone or selenium plus vitamins A, Conclusion This trial confirms the result of an earlier study, that selenium supplementation in subfertile C and E daily for 3 months. A further semen sample was collected at the end of the trial. Plasma selenium men with low selenium status can improve sperm motility and the chance of successful conception. status was determined at the beginning and end of the trial period, as was total sperm density and However, not all patients responded; 56% showed a positive response to treatment. The low selenium motility. Results Plasma selenium concentrations were signifistatus of patients not supplemented again highlights the inadequate provision of this essential element in cantly (P<0.001) higher in both selenium-treated groups than in controls. No significant eCect of treatthe Scottish diet.
Research on the Motion Control for the Under-actuated Mechanical Systems

This control of nonholonomic under actuated systems is an important field in nonlinear control. This thesis uses the example of an acrobat to illustrate the intelligent control of such systems. The acrobat is a two-link manipulator operating in a vertical plane. It consists of one joint each at the shoulder and elbow with a single actuator at the elbow. The control objective is to swing it up from a stable downward equilibrium position to the unstable straight-up equilibrium position and balance it there. To solve problems with controlling the Ac-robot, this thesis proposes intelligent control methods based on fuzzy control, variable structure control and LQR control.
Direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow over porous walls

We perform direct numerical simulations (DNS) of a turbulent channel flow over porous walls. In the fluid region the flow is governed by the incompressible Navier–Stokes (NS) equations, while in the porous layers the volume-averaged Navier–Stokes (VANS) equations are used, which are obtained by volume-averaging the microscopic flow field over a small volume that is larger than the typical dimensions of the pores. In this way the porous medium has a continuum description, and can be specified without the need of a detailed knowledge of the pore microstructure by independently assigning permeability and porosity. At the interface between the porous material and the fluid region, momentum-transfer conditions are applied, in which an available coefficient related to the unknown structure of the interface can be used as an error estimate. To set up the numerical problem, the velocity–vorticity formulation of the coupled NS and VANS equations is derived and implemented in a pseudo-spectral DNS solver. Most of the simulations are carried out at $Re_{{\it\tau}}=180$ and consider low-permeability materials; a parameter study is used to describe the role played by permeability, porosity, thickness of the porous material, and the coefficient of the momentum-transfer interface conditions. Among them permeability, even when very small, is shown to play a major role in determining the response of the channel flow to the permeable wall. Turbulence statistics and instantaneous flow fields, in comparative form to the flow over a smooth impermeable wall, are used to understand the main changes introduced by the porous material. A simulation at higher Reynolds number is used to illustrate the main scaling quantities.
Stable isotope profiles in sperm whale teeth: variations between areas and sexes

Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) teeth were used to investigate whether variation in the chronological profiles of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios along dentine growth layers could reflect differences in ontogenetic movements and/or dietary shifts in animals from different regions and sexes, as well as to show the differences in the isotopic environments experienced by these animals. Absolute isotopic ratios ranged from -14.1 to -11.0‰ for carbon and 10.8 to 18.1‰ for nitrogen, with the whale from the Indian Ocean, the two from the Mediterranean Sea and the female from the Azores presenting the most different median isotopic ratios. The Icelandic and the Indian Ocean males showed the expected decrease in δ13C around the age of ten, denoting male segregation from natal groups. For the latter, this was larger by almost twofold compared to other teeth, probably due to the much stronger latitudinal gradient in planktonic δ13C in the southern hemisphere. The Mediterranean Sea whales exhibited the lowest median δ15N values, probably reflecting the oligotrophy of this sea, while the male showed a marked change in isotopes around the age of 20 that could indicate a move to the eastern basin or a temporal change in basal isotopic signatures. The Atlantic females did not show a marked change in δ13C as expected since they stay in low latitudes throughout their lives. Stable isotope profiles in whale teeth can be used to investigate differences in the timings of ontogenetic movements and dietary history between individuals and sexes, and the biogeochemistry of different regions inhabited, and have the potential to allow inferences to be made about population substructure.
NUMERICAL PREDICTION OF WALL SHEAR RATE IN IMPINGING CROSS-SHAPED JET AT MODERATE REYNOLDS NUMBER

A Computational Fluid Dynamics investigation of impinging lobed jet issuing from a cruciform orifice nozzle was conducted at moderate Reynolds number of 5290, based on the equivalent diameter of the nozzle (De=7.64 mm) and the streamwise bulk velocity (U0=0.72 m/s). The wall shear rate obtained from numerical simulation is compared to the one acquired experimentally using electrodiffusion technique [1]. The best results were obtained by k-ω based turbulence models. The model with the best accuracy for the present work was k-ω SST, which was the only model that has managed to capture the inflection point on the radial distribution of wall shear rate.
Performance and nitrogen balance of laying hens fed increasing levels of digestible lysine and arginine

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of two digestible lysine levels and four digestible arginine levels on laying hens from 24 to 48 weeks of age. Three hundred and twenty Lohmann LSL laying hens were allotted in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, with two levels of digestible lysine (700 and 900 mg/kg of diet) and four digestible arginine levels (700, 800, 900 and 1000 mg/kg of diet). Results indicated requirement of 884 and 830 mg of digestible arginine/kg of diet, considering an average feed intake of 95 g/hen/day and an average hen weight of 1.5 kg, aiming at lesser feed intake and better nutritional balance of nitrogen, respectively. High digestible lysine levels in the diet require higher digestible arginine supplementation for a better performance of hens.
A multi level space phasor based PWM strategy for an open-end winding induction motor drive using two inverters with different DC link voltages

An open-end winding induction motor drive fed from two inverters with different DC link voltages is proposed in this paper. A total of 64 voltage space phasor combinations are possible in this scheme as each inverter produces 8 voltage space phasors. The proposed scheme produces voltage space phasor locations more than that of a 3-level inverter. A total of 37 space phasor locations are possible from the proposed scheme as compared to 18 voltage space phasor locations in a 3-level inverter. In the proposed scheme, the induction motor neutral connection is separated (open-end winding) and fed from both the ends. Two 2-level inverters with DC link voltages of 2/3 VDC and 1/3 VDC are used for driving the motor. Here VDC is the conventional 2-level inverter DC link voltage for identical power. A combination of two 2-level inverters with 2/3 VDC and 1/3 VDC DC-link voltages will produce a total of 64 voltage space phasor combinations in 37 space phasor locations. For the present scheme a space phasor based PWM scheme will produce stepped voltage waveforms for the motor phases in different speed ranges. The whole voltage space phasor locations can be divided into three regions according to the speed range. In the lower speed range the PWM phase voltage will have a six-step envelope (similar to the conventional scheme) and In the middle range the PWM motor phase voltage will have an 12-step envelope and the outer speed range (including the over modulation) the PWM motor phase voltage will have an 18-step envelope. A simple and elegant space phasor based PWM scheme is proposed in all sectors based on three phase motor reference voltages only. The sector identification is achieved by comparing the components of the motor reference voltages, using simple hysteresis comparators, along the three orthogonal axes to the a,b,c phase axes. The whole scheme is studied for a 1 hp open-end winding motor and the results of the study including the over modulation ranges are presented in this paper.
Ju l 2 01 5 NEUMANN-NEUMANN WAVEFORM RELAXATION ALGORITHM IN MULTIPLE SUBDOMAINS FOR HYPERBOLIC PROBLEMS IN 1 D AND

Abstract. We present a Waveform Relaxation (WR) version of the Neumann-Neumann algorithm for the wave equation in space-time. The method is based on a non-overlapping spatial domain decomposition, and the iteration involves subdomain solves in space-time with corresponding interface condition, followed by a correction step. Using a Fourier-Laplace transform argument, for a particular relaxation parameter, we prove convergence of the algorithm in a finite number of steps for finite time intervals. The number of steps depends on the size of the subdomains and the time window length on which the algorithm is employed. We illustrate the performance of the algorithm with numerical results, followed by a comparison with classical and optimized Schwarz WR methods.
Broadband Dual Circularly Polarized Magnetoelectric Dipole Antenna Fed by a Miniaturized Six-Branch Hybrid Coupler

A broadband dual circularly polarized magnetoelectric dipole antenna (MEDA) fed by a miniaturized six-branch hybrid coupler (SBHC) is presented in this paper. First, a dual linearly polarized MEDA with a bandwidth of 73.3% is developed based on the previous design with a bandwidth of 52%. The SBHC, with a miniaturized size of 53%, is designed on a printed circuit board underneath the ground of the MEDA, which possesses an efficient bandwidth of 80.7% to generate the antenna for dual circular polarization. Measurement results show that the proposed dual circularly polarized MEDA achieves an impedance bandwidth of 84.5%, an axial-ratio bandwidth of 81.8%, and a nearly symmetrical, stable unidirectional radiation pattern with an average gain of 8 dBic over its impedance bandwidth.
The influence of human capital of the workforce in the adoption of high-performance work systems: the case of Portugal and Spain

High-performance work systems (HPWS) can be seen as a set of new forms of work organization combined with flexible human resources (HR) practices that enhance organizational performance through employee involvement and empowerment. This stream has been researched in several disciplines such as human resources management, sociology and economics. It is believed that these set of practices, based on involvement, training and incentives, call for a skilled workforce in order to cope with the demands of decentralized and participative work environment where decision making and problem solving are constant. Moreover, the assumed need of a high-skilled workforce is reinforced with several practices related to staff selectivity. Thus, the need for a high-skilled workforce has been accepted without much scrutiny. Recently, some research, namely in the service sector, has challenged this assumption by concluding that there is no special need for a high-skilled workforce in order to successfully implement high-performance work practices. Following this debate, the aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the role of human capital on the diffusion and implementation of high-performance work systems. To accomplish this goal, we frame the debate in the human capital and work organization theory and then follow to an analysis of Portugal and Spain, using data from the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS).
Merced Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society Title Controlling Attention with Noise : The Cue-Combination Model of Visual Search Permalink

Visual search is a ubiquitous human activity. Individuals can perform a remarkable range of tasks involving search for a target object in a cluttered environment with ease and efficiency. Wolfe (1994) proposed a model called Guided Search to explain how attention can be directed to locations containing task-relevant visual features. Despite its attractive qualities, the model is complex with many arbitrary assumptions, and heuristic mechanisms that have no formal justification. We propose a new variant of the Guided Search model that treats selection of task-relevant features for attentional guidance as a problem of cue combination: each visual feature serves as an unreliable cue to the location of the target, and cues from different features must be combined to direct attention to a target. Attentional control involves modulating the level of additive noise on individual feature maps, which affects their reliability as cues, which in turn affects their ability to draw attention. We show that our Cue-Combination Guided Search model obtains results commensurate with Wolfe’s Guided Search. Through its leverage of probabilistic formulations of optimal cue combination, the model achieves a degree of mathematical elegance and parsimony, and makes a novel claim concerning the computational role of noise in attentional control.
Comparison of Different MPPT Algorithms for PV System

This paper helps us analyze three different MPPT techniques like Perturb and Observe, Incremental Conductance and Particle Swarm Optimization method. As the output characteristic depends on temperature and irradiance, therefore the maximum power point (MPPT) is not always constant. Hence it is necessary to ensure that the PV panel is operating at its maximum power point. There are many different MPPT techniques but, the confusion lies in selecting which MPPT technique is best as every algorithm has its own merit and demerit. In order to extract maximum power from PV arrangement, PSO algorithm is proposed. Algorithms are implemented using the DC-DC converter as well as SEPI converter. Results of simulations are presented in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of PSO algorithm, when compared to Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Incremental Conductance (INC). To simulate the proposed system MATLAB/SIMULINK power system tool box is used.
Application of Fuzzy Logic for a Ripple Reduction Strategy in DTC Scheme of a PWM Inverter fed Induction Motor Drives

This paper deals with the direct torque control (DTC) of the induction motor. This type of control allows decoupling control between the flux and the torque without the need for a transformation of coordinates. However, the DTC scheme has a high ripples for both electromagnetic torque and stator flux and a distortion of the stator current. To solve these problems, we have developed a new approach of DTC scheme making use of both the technique of space vector modulation (SVM) and the hysteresis comparator. The choice of the angle of the voltage vector applied to the motor is operated by a look-up table, while the voltage vector amplitude is calculated by an estimator based on fuzzy logic. Finally, the reference voltage vector will be synthesized using the space vector modulation. The main objective of this study is the reduction of electromagnetic torque ripples. Moreover, this approach allows the reduction of stator flux ripples as well as improving the form of the stator currents. Simulation results will illustrate the performance merits of our approach.
International Portfolio Diversification : Commodities Exam code and name : GRA 1900

We study whether Norwegian Investors should include commodities in their portfolios. Firstly, we discuss the correlation and dispersion between commodities and international equity markets, in addition to possible time trends in the correlation and dispersion between the commodity and the equity market. Secondly, we analyze the return-to-risk tradeoff and the mean-variance efficiency when adding commodities to traditional portfolios. We find no added improvement to the mean-variance efficiency or Sharpe ratio of traditional buyand-hold equity strategies. Moreover, we find that there are no significant time trends between the MSCI world index and S&P GSCI all commodities return correlations in both USD and NOK. We also find that there are significant, but small, positive time trends in return correlations between the Oslo Exchange All Share and the S&P GSCI all commodities.
THE OCCURRENCE OF MYCOTOXINS IN ORGANIC SPELT PRODUCTS

Mycotoxins have a proven toxic effect on the health of humans and animals. Nowadays, there is a focus on having a healthy lifestyle and consuming organic foods. High quality grain products, especially spelt products, which are an important element of a well-balanced diet have become more popular. The aim of this study was to determine the mycotoxin content in spelt products avail- able on the Polish market. Spelt products were collected in 2009 and 2010 in eastern Poland. The Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent As- say (ELISA) method was used to identify aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone. The study confirmed that all investigated mycotoxins were present in spelt products.
TO CLIMATE WARMING IN SHRIMPS FROM DIFFERENT TIDAL HABITATS AND LATITUDINAL REGIONS

The present work aimed to determine the upper thermal limits (LT50 and LT100) of shrimps from the genus Palaemon, inhabiting intertidal (Palaemon elegans) and subtidal (Palaemon serratus) zones. Moreover, we investigate i) the expression of two molecular chaperones, heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), ii) metabolic rates, iii) lipid peroxidation (indicator of cellular damage) and iv) activity of several antioxidant enzymes. It was found that intertidal species (Palaemon elegans) had higher thermal tolerance (LT50) than subtidal congener, which was followed by higher HSC70/ HSP70 concentrations, as well as higher SOD, GST and CAT activities. Although there is some previous evidence that species inhabiting intertidal/supratidal zone may be at greater risk of global warming since they live closer to their upper thermal limit, the present findings suggest that they do not show yet such limited scope to tolerate further warming.
Introducing a New Practise in Healthcare : - A case study of the introduction of laparoscopic colon surgery in a Norwegian hospital

New health reforms and an increasing demand for quality and effectiveness have put pressure on the health care sector to offer the latest and best treatments. At the same time, many of these new treatments are so radically different from existing ones that they pose a challenge to the existing social relations and medical practises. Current research has recognized an increasing need for learning and innovation in health care to overcome boundaries impeding the diffusion of innovations. Hence there is a need to identify what challenges that may arise when introducing a new practice into health care. Consequently, the purpose of this project is to shed light on the following two research questions: 1. What challenges may one face when introducing a new clinical practise in a hospital? 2. To what extent do actors have a common interpretation of the challenges they face when introducing a new practise? To obtain research material, a case study was conducted at a surgical department in a Norwegian hospital where a new surgical technique, colon laparoscopy, was introduced. The study is based on interviews and observations of the staff. The research material obtained suggests that introducing a new practise may increase tensions between different professional groups. However, this relates to various aspects, such as the actors’ presumptions about the benefit of the practise, the distribution of power and the existing power relations in the organization as well as the management’s degree of involvement and interest in the practise. Consequently, this study offers insights into the complex processes involved in introducing a new practise in health care organizations. The project was financed by a grant from UNIFOR trust foundation.
Performance and immunological resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei fed a β-1,3/1,6-glucan-supplemented diet after per os challenge with the Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV)

This study determined the efficacy of a β-1,3/1,6-glucan source on the survival, growth, and immunological responses of Litopenaeusvannamei challenged with infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV). The work was conducted in 20 tanks of 500 L with clear water with constant recirculation and aeration. Shrimp weighing 2.6±0.4 g were stocked at 100 animals/m2 and reared for 10 weeks. Viral challenge occurred through oral administration of IMNV positive extract (1.82 £ × 103 copies of IMNV/µL RNA) during three consecutive days, twice a day. One treatment and three controls, with five replicatetanks each, were used, as follows: Com - commercial diet fed to non-challenged shrimp (NCS); Ref - lab-manufactured basal diet, deprived of β-1,3/1,6- glucan fed to NCS; IMNV-Ref - basal diet fed to IMNV-challenged shrimp; and, IMNV-BetG - basal diet with 1,000 mg/kg of a β-1,3/1,6-glucan. Per os challenge began on the 29th day of rearing (4.93-g to 6.92-g shrimp). Shrimp were effectively contaminated with IMNV. Animals were highly susceptible to IMNV four weeks after the first day of infection when mortality peaked. Shrimp in the Com treatment (69.5±12.7%) reached the highest survival, but it did not differ from the Ref group (57.9±9.21%). Shrimp under the IMNV-Ref treatment achieved the lowest survival (23.2±5.76%). Survival for IMNV-BetG (48.1±8.53%) was significantly higher than IMNV-Ref, and similar to the Ref group. Total hemocyte count was significantly affected by treatment and hemolymph sampling time, while serum protein concentration and phenoloxidase activity did not change. Addition of 1,000 mg/kg of β-1,3/1,6-glucan in a diet for L. vannamei enhances shrimp survival when orally exposed to IMNV. No signs of immunological fatigue or detriment in growth are detected when the species is continually exposed to this diet.