Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carcass morphometry of crossbred steers subjected to different nutritional strategies in the growing and finishing phases - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v35i2.17904

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different nutritional strategies in growing and finishing phases on the carcass morphometry of 24 crossbred steers, ½ Holstein/Zebu, slaughtered at 15 months of age and 395.0kg live weight. In the growing phase, animals were maintained grazing on Brachiaria brizantha , receiving two levels of energy supplementation in quantities equivalent to 0.5 or 1.0% live weight. Then, animals were finished in feedlot receiving diets composed of 50 or 80% concentrate. The percentage of primary cuts was not influenced by feed levels in the growing and finish phases. The high supplementation level in the growing phase resulted in a higher (p < 0.05) carcass length (134.48 vs . 131.43 cm). The food levels did not influence the conformation of the carcasses, however the highest level in the growing and finishing phases resulted in a higher (p < 0.05) cushion thickness (23.46 vs 21.26 cm). It was found a significant interaction between feeding levels in the different phases for the leg length and arm perimeter with increase of 14.78 and 4.80%, respectively for animals given high energy levels in both phases. The high feeding level in the growing phase was more attractive owing the positive effects on some important measures of carcass, especially in the length.
Impact of Molecular Tumor Board on the Clinical Management of Patients With Cancer

PURPOSE Multidisciplinary molecular tumor boards (MTBs) help in interpreting complex genomic data generated by molecular tumor profiling and improve patients' access to targeted therapies. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of our institution's MTB on the clinical management of patients with cancer. METHODS This study was conducted at a tertiary cancer center in India. Cases to be discussed in the MTB were identified by molecular pathologists, scientists, or oncologists. On the basis of the clinical data and molecular test reports, a course of clinical management was recommended and made available to the treating oncologist. We determined the proportion of patients who were recommended a change in the clinical management. We also assessed compliance of the treating oncologists with MTB recommendations. RESULTS There were 339 discussions for 328 unique patients. The median age of the cohort was 54 years (range 17-87), and the majority of the patients were men (65.1%). Of 339 cases, 133 (39.2%) were recommended continuation of ongoing therapy while the remaining 206 (60.7%) were recommended a change in clinical management. Compliance with MTB recommendations for a change in clinical management was 58.5% (79 of 138 evaluable cases). Compliance and implementation for MTB's recommendation to start a new therapy in 104 evaluable cases were 60.5% and 44.2%, respectively. A total of 248 biopsies had at least one actionable mutation. A total of 646 mutations were identified in the cohort, with EGFR being the most frequently altered gene. CONCLUSION MTBs help in interpreting results of molecular tests, understanding the significance of molecular abnormalities, and assessing the benefits of available targeted therapies and clinical trials in the management of patients with targetable genetic alterations.
Automated optimization of multilevel models of collective behaviour: application to mixed society of animals and robots

Animal societies exhibit complex dynamics that require multi-level descriptions. They are difficult to model, as they encompass information at different levels of description, such as individual physiology, individual behaviour, group behaviour and features of the environment. The collective behaviour of a group of animals can be modelled as a dynamical system. Typically, models of behaviour are either macroscopic (differential equations of population dynamics) or microscopic (such as Markov chains, explicitly specifying the spatio-temporal state of each individual). These two kind of models offer distinct and complementary descriptions of the observed behaviour. Macroscopic models offer mean field description of the collective dynamics, where collective choices are considered as the stable steady states of a nonlinear system governed by control parameters leading to bifurcation diagrams. Microscopic models can be used to perform computer simulations or as building blocks for robot controllers, at the individual level, of the observed spatial behaviour of animals. Here, we present a methodology to translate a macroscopic model into different microscopic models. We automatically calibrate the microscopic models so that the resulting simulated collective dynamics fit the solutions of the reference macroscopic model for a set of parameter values corresponding to a bifurcation diagram leading to multiple steady states. We apply evolutionary algorithms to simultaneously optimize the parameters of the models at different levels of description. This methodology is applied, in simulation, to an experimentally validated shelter-selection problem solved by gregarious insects and robots. Our framework can be used for multi-level modelling of collective behaviour in animals and robots.
The relationship between compensatory hyperplasia of the myodural bridge complex and reduced compliance of the various structures within the cranio‐cervical junction

The myodural bridge complex (MDBC) is described as a functional anatomic structure that involves the dense connective tissue fibers, muscles, and ligaments in the suboccipital region. It has recently been proposed that the MDBC can influence cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. In the present study, bleomycin (BLM), a type of antibiotic that is poisonous to cells, was injected into the posterior atlanto‐occipital interspace (PAOiS) of rats to induce fibrous hyperplasia of structures in PAOiS. Sagittal sections of tissues obtained from the posterior‐occipital region of the rats were stained utilizing the Masson Trichrome staining method. Semiquantitative analysis evidenced that the collagen volume fraction of collagen fibers of the MDBC, as well as the sum of the area of the spinal dura mater and the posterior atlanto‐occipital membrane in the BLM group were significantly increased (p < .05) compared to that of the other groups. This finding illustrates that the MDBC fibers as well as other tissues in the PAOiS of rats in the BLM group developed fibrotic changes which reduced compliance of the spinal dura mater. Indeed, the sectional area of the rectus capitis dorsal minor muscle in the BLM group was measured to be increased. These changes may further restrict CSF flow. The present research provides support for the recent hypothesis proposed by Labuda et al. concerning the pathophysiology observed in symptomatic adult Chiari malformation Type I patients, that there exists a relationship between the altered compliance of the anatomic structures within the craniocervical region and the resultant compensatory hyperplasia of the MDBC.
Explainable deep learning powered building risk assessment model for proactive hurricane response

Climate change and rapid urban development have intensified the impact of hurricanes, especially on the Southeastern Coasts of the United States. Localized and timely risk assessments can facilitate coastal communities’ preparedness and response to imminent hurricanes. Existing assessment methods focused on hurricane risks at large spatial scales, which were not specific or could not provide actionable knowledge for residents or property owners. Fragility functions and other widely utilized assessment methods cannot model the complex relationships between building features and hurricane risk levels effectively. Therefore, we develop and test a building‐level hurricane risk assessment with deep feedforward neural network (DFNN) models. The input features of DFNN models cover the meta building characteristics, fine‐grained meteorological, and hydrological environmental parameters. The assessment outcomes, that is, risk levels, include the probability and intensity of building/property damages induced by wind and surge hazards. We interpret the DFNN models with local interpretable model‐agnostic explanations (LIME). We apply the DFNN models to a case building in Cameron County, Louisiana in response to a hypothetical imminent hurricane to illustrate how the building's risk levels can be timely assessed with the updating weather forecast. This research shows the potential of deep‐learning models in integrating multi‐sourced features and accurately predicting buildings’ risks of weather extremes for property owners and households. The AI‐powered risk assessment model can help coastal populations form appropriate and updating perceptions of imminent hurricanes and inform actionable knowledge for proactive risk mitigation and long‐term climate adaptation.
Heart failure caused by Takayasu's arteritis in the time of COVID‐19: a case report

The case of a 35‐year‐old female with heart failure is presented, where the symptoms overlap with the heterogeneous manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Those similarities and a recent shift in priorities during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic delayed the recognition of acute heart failure in this patient. During the differential diagnostic process, obliterative disease was discovered in the bilateral subclavian and right renal arteries, and the latter resulted in uncontrolled hypertension, which played a significant role in the development of heart failure. The aetiology of vascular alterations turned out to be Takayasu's arteritis. Diagnosing Takayasu's arteritis is typically not straightforward due to its nonspecific signs and symptoms. Therefore, it can be concluded from our case report that the rising incidence of COVID‐19 and focus on ruling out infection can potentially defer alternative, but appropriate diagnostic tests, particularly for certain conditions like rare diseases. Early identification and intervention is especially important for treating acute heart failure, whereas delay increases the risk of severe complications and mortality.
Heterogeneous genetic cows of three genetic groups in feedlot system in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil - 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i1.11306

The behavior of 15 Girolando cows from three genetic groups (1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 HG) in feedlots was evaluated. Experimental design was completely randomized with 3 treatment (genetic groups) and 5 replicates. The animals were evaluated by the variables: food, rumination, rest, locomotion, water intake, demand and time in the shade, and other activities. Group 5/8 HG spent more time feeding (267.88 min.) than groups 3/4 HG (245.55 min.) and 1/2 HG (259.55 min.). Idle standing time was higher (204.66 min.) for 3/4 HG when compared to the other groups. There was no statistical difference for the duration of rest in the shade. Solar radiation and THI were the factors which most influenced the animals' behavior. Results show that the genetic groups 5/8 and 3/4 HG had a higher sensitivity to heat than 1/2 HG.
Exploring doctors’ reasons for not granting a request for euthanasia: a mixed-methods study

Background In a growing number of jurisdictions, physician-assisted death (PAD) is now an established part of medical care. Although PAD is allowed under certain criteria in The Netherlands, physicians can always refuse a request. The Euthanasia Expertise Centre (EEC) offers PAD to patients whose request was declined in circumstances where their own physician could have satisfied the legal criteria. The number of requests reaching EEC has increased, suggesting the threshold for treating physicians to refer patients to EEC has become lower. Aim To explore the reasons of physicians for not granting a request for PAD and/or referring a patient to EEC, and any needs physicians may have in handling requests for PAD. Design & setting Survey and interviews among Dutch physicians in The Netherlands. Method A questionnaire was sent to 500 physicians who declined a request for PAD and whose patient subsequently requested PAD at EEC. This was followed by a qualitative study, in which in-depth interviews were held with 21 of the physicians who responded to the survey. Results Doctors were identified as those who had objections on principle, or with other reasons for refusing a request for PAD and/or to refer the patient to EEC. These reasons were mostly related to concerns about complying with the due care criteria for PAD, or to difficulties with PAD in specific patient groups. In these cases they often valued support from another healthcare professional. Conclusion For patients of physicians with objections on principle against PAD, EEC offered a good solution. Doctors who struggle with whether they can comply with the legal criteria might benefit from peer support.
A biogeographical description of the wild waterbird species associated with high‐risk landscapes of Japanese encephalitis virus in India

Abstract Wild reservoirs of Japanese encephalitis virus are under‐studied globally, which presents critical knowledge gaps for JEV epidemiology and infection ecology despite decades of received wisdom regarding this high‐impact mosquito‐borne virus. As a result, ardeid birds, generally understood to be the primary reservoirs for JEV, as well as other waterbirds occupying landscapes at high risk for spillover to humans, are frequently ignored by current surveillance mechanisms and infrastructure. This is particularly true in India, which experiences a high annual burden of human outbreaks. Incorporating wild reservoirs into surveillance of human and livestock populations is therefore essential but will first require a data‐driven approach to target individual host species. The current study sought to identify preliminary waterbird target species for JEV surveillance development based on species’ distributions in high‐risk landscapes. Twenty‐one target species were identified after adjusting species presence and abundance for the biotic constraints of sympatry. Furthermore, ardeid bird species richness demonstrated a strong non‐linear association with the distribution of human JEV outbreaks, which suggested areas with the highest ardeid species richness corresponded to low JEV outbreak risk. No association was identified between JEV outbreaks and anatid or rallid richness. The lack of association between Anatidae and Rallidae family‐level diversity and JEV outbreak risk notwithstanding, this study did identify several individual species among these two bird families in high‐risk landscapes. The findings from this work provide the first data‐driven evidence base to inform wildlife sampling for the monitoring of JEV circulation in outbreak hotspots in India and thus identify good preliminary targets for the development of One Health JEV surveillance.
Gamma‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase‐to‐Platelet ratio predicts liver fibrosis in patients with concomitant chronic hepatitis B and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The aim of this study was to compare the correlation of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐to‐platelet ratio (GPR), aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis index‐4 (FIB‐4), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis, and perform a diagnostic value of GPR for predicting fibrosis in CHB patients with NAFLD.
Evaluation of quick sequential organ failure scores in dogs with severe sepsis and septic shock.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prognostic utility of the quick sequential organ failure assessment score in dogs with severe sepsis and septic shock presenting to an emergency service, and evaluate the clinical value of the quick sequential organ failure assessment score to predict severe sepsis and septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS The quick sequential organ failure assessment score was calculated by evaluating respiratory rate (>22 breaths per minute), arterial systolic blood pressure (≤100 mmHg) and altered mentation. The quick sequential organ failure assessment scores with respiratory rate cut-offs of greater than 22, greater than 30 and greater than 40 were compared. Cases were defined as dogs presented to the emergency room and met at least 2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, had documented infection, and at least one organ dysfunction. A control population of dogs included animals with non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome. RESULTS Forty-five dogs with severe sepsis and septic shock and 45 dogs with non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome were included in the final analysis. The quick sequential organ failure assessment provided poor discrimination between survivors and non-survivors for severe sepsis and septic shock (area under receiving operating characteristic curve, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 0.67). Discrimination remained poor when quick sequential organ failure assessment greater than 30 and quick sequential organ failure assessment greater than 40 scores were calculated (area under receiving operating characteristic curve, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.39 to 0.72, and 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.71). The quick sequential organ failure assessment of at least 2, quick sequential organ failure assessment greater than 30 of at least 2 and quick sequential organ failure assessment greater than 40 of at least 2 produced sensitivity and specificity to detect severe sepsis and septic shock of 66.7% and 64.5%, 62.2% and 71.1%, 44.4% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Scoring systems utilised in emergency rooms should have high sensitivity to reduce missed sepsis cases and treatment delays. The use of the quick sequential organ failure assessment for severe sepsis and septic shock demonstrated poor mortality prediction and low sensitivity to detect canine patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and should not be used alone when screening for sepsis.
Incidence of left atrial appendage thrombus despite 3 weeks of anticoagulation and the need for precardioversion echocardiography

One of the most catastrophic complications of Atrial fibrillation (AF) is thromboembolic stroke. Current guidelines recommend that 3 weeks of anticoagulation is adequate prior to direct current cardioversion (DCCV) to prevent thromboembolism. Here we present data regarding, which anticoagulant is most likely to show a presence of an Left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) on trans esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) for DCCV despite 3 weeks of anticoagulation.
Neural dissociation of visual attention span and phonological deficits in developmental dyslexia: A hub‐based white matter network analysis

It has been suggested that developmental dyslexia may have two dissociable causes—a phonological deficit and a visual attention span (VAS) deficit. Yet, neural evidence for such a dissociation is still lacking. This study adopted a data‐driven approach to white matter network analysis to explore hubs and hub‐related networks corresponding to VAS and phonological accuracy in a group of French dyslexic children aged from 9 to 14 years. A double dissociation in brain‐behavior relations was observed. Structural connectivity of the occipital‐parietal network surrounding the left superior occipital gyrus hub accounted for individual differences in dyslexic children's VAS, but not in phonological processing accuracy. In contrast, structural connectivity of two networks: the temporal–parietal‐occipital network surrounding the left middle temporal gyrus hub and the frontal network surrounding the left medial orbital superior frontal gyrus hub, accounted for individual differences in dyslexic children's phonological processing accuracy, but not in VAS. Our findings provide evidence in favor of distinct neural circuits corresponding to VAS and phonological deficits in developmental dyslexia. The study points to connectivity‐constrained white matter subnetwork dysfunction as a key principle for understanding individual differences of cognitive deficits in developmental dyslexia.
Evaluation of some effective parameters on the energy efficiency of on-board photovoltaic array on an unmanned surface vehicle

ABSTRACT Providing energy for an unmanned robot boat, which should work autonomously for hours on water, requires some special attentions. To increase generated energy, some excellent options are evaluated in on-board photovoltaic system of an unmanned robot boat. The research is initiated by simulating the energy generation system of the unmanned surface vehicle (USV), then study of some effective parameters on the efficiency of photovoltaic array on the USV. Temperature, sun tracking and glass transparence are three factors that are evaluated by simulation and experimental tests to obtain their effects on the PV efficiency. Temperature analysis illustrated that generated energy can increase to 12.9%, by controlling thermal effect. Furthermore, one-axial sun tracking system would increase the amount of energy up to 20% in some cases. Cleaning panels is another effective parameter that can raise daily average of harvested energy by 15.7%. Finally, it is concluded that total PV efficiency on the USV can improve up to 50% by accurate tracking and well maintenance.
Items Assignment Optimization for Double Picking Zones with Manual Picking System and Automated Picking System

： Automated picking system such as A-frame has been used widely for the distribution center to quickly fulfill a lot of broken-case orders because of its high efficiency, high accuracy and low labor costs. While in practice, it is a key problem in the distribution center design to how to choose an order fulfillment strategy for the given item between manual picking and automated picking from a cost perspective, and how to assign items between manual picking zone and automated picking zone. By analyzing labor costs in these two zones, a math model for the allocations of equipment channels is established. The objective function is the sum of total labor savings. A greedy algorithm is proposed to solve how many channels are allocated to each item in the automated picking zone. Based on this, the problem is generalized into the items assignment for double picking zones with manual picking and automated picking system. It can be classified as a type of special knapsack problem, and a heuristic algorithm is adopted to solve it. The example simulation for the pharmaceutical distribution center proves the effectiveness of the algorithms.