Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Length of Oat Hay on Growth Performance, Health Status, Behavior Parameters and Rumen Fermentation of Holstein Female Calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the length of oat hay on the performance, health, behavior, and rumen fermentation of dairy calves. For this purpose, two hundred and ten healthy two-day-old Holstein dairy calves were randomly allocated into three groups: basic diet (calf starter) without hay (CON), or a basic diet with oat hay at either long (OL: 10–12 cm) or short (OS: 3–5 cm) length cut. The basic diet was fed from day 4, while the hay was offered from day 14. All calves were weaned at day 56 and remained in their individual hutches till the end of the trial (day 70). Calf starter intake and fecal scores were recorded daily. Bodyweight, body size, and rumen fluid samples were collected biweekly before weaning and weekly after weaning. Overall, providing oat hay (OS and OL) in the diet increased the body weight, starter intake, and average daily gain compared to the CON group. Similarly, feeding oat hay improved rumen fermentation. More specifically, hay enhanced the rumen pH and changed the rumen fermentation type. Hay fed calves spent more time on rumination but less time performing abnormal behaviors compared to control. As it can be concluded, feeding oat hay to calves enhances the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and normal calf behaviors, implying improved animal welfare irrespective of the hay length.
High performance microring resonator (MRR)-based optical filter with reduced group delay and simplified center-wavelength control

We present a new microring resonator (MRR)-based optical filter that takes advantage of the improvements that can be gained from cascading two (or more) MRR elements while physically using only one MRR element due to its unique looped-back configuration. This approach avoids the costly problem associated with dynamic control of matching (or aligning) the center-wavelengths coming from the two MRR elements. This new optical filter is a generalization of our previously reported filter (called LOBOUR) based on the Cascaded Over- and Under-coupling Resonator (COUR) architecture. Here, we compare the performance of our filter to four different configurations under the following criteria: (1) lower group delay (GD), and (2) simplified solution to wavelength-drift problem, (3) lower power consumption, (4) narrower linewidth, and (5) better extinction ratio (ER).
Investigation on propulsion of flapping wing with modified pitch motion

Purpose – With possible practical application in a micro aerial vehicle (MAV), propulsion characteristics of a flapping wing with modified pitch motion are investigated both theoretically and experimentally in this paper.Design/methodology/approach – Modified pitch motion is defined as a sinusoidal pitch motion with the pitch axis outside the wing chord line. Based on the momentum theory, an analytical model is developed to analyze the propulsion characteristics of the defined flapping wing. Following that, a water tunnel study of the effects of pitch axis distance, pitch frequency, and stream velocity on thrust generation is carried out. Thrust is directly measured using a 1‐D load cell and the flow visualization is captured using a high speed video camera.Findings – It is found that shifting pitch axis outside wing chord line benefits the thrust generation significantly. Positive average thrust is produced at a relatively low frequency and increases almost quadratically with the motion frequency. The ef.
Preliminary phytochemical analysis and antibacterial study of crude extract from Hamelia patens stems

The present study aimed to analyse the phytochemical and antibacterial activity of different extracts of the tropical plant Hamelia patens Jacq. (Rubiaceae). The antimicrobial activity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. Hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol and chloroform stem extracts (100 μL of 50 mg/mL each) were introduced into the wells separately and allowed it to undergo incubation. After the incubation time was over, the plates were observed for zones of inhibition and compared with positive control ciprofloxacin at a concentration of 30 μM. These results provided evidence that the tested plant extracts possess antimicrobial properties which can be tested further in the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Analyses of New Polycarbonates Based on Bisphenol A-Free Components

This paper discusses a new synthesis of bisphenol A-free polycarbonates based on four aliphatic–aromatic systems. In the first stage, different types of monomers (with/without sulfur) derived from diphenylmethane were synthesized. Then, new polycarbonates were prepared in the reactions with diphenyl carbonate (DPC) by transesterification and polycondensation reactions. Three different catalysts (zinc acetate, 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine and benzyltriethylammonium chloride) were tested. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by Nuclear Molecular Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in each stage. The chemical structures of the obtained polycarbonates were verified by means of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR). The presence of a carbonyl group in the infrared spectrum confirmed polycarbonate formation. Thermal studies by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were carried out to determine the melting temperatures of the monomers. A gel permeation chromatography analysis (GPC) of the polycarbonates was performed in order to investigate their molar masses. Thermal analysis proved the purity of the obtained monomers; the curves showed a characteristic signal of melting. The obtained polycarbonates were characterized as having high resistance to organic solvents, including tetrahydrofuran. The GPC analysis proved their relatively large molar masses and their low dispersity.
Thermal analysis of an electrical machine taking into account the iron losses and the deep-bar effect

The temperature distribution over the cross-section of an asynchronous squirrel cage machine is calculated by taking into account the copper losses and the iron losses at the steady-state condition. Under transient conditions, the deep-bar effect in the rotor is taken into account. Due to the deep bar effect, the current densities and thermal sources in the bar change and as a consequence the resistances, the leakage reactances, the currents and the thermal sources in the stator copper are also altered. Resistances depend upon temperatures.
The Effects of the Binder and Buffering Matrix on InSb-Based Anodes for High-Performance Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries

C-decorated intermetallic InSb (InSb–C) was developed as a novel high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). InSb nanoparticles synthesized via a mechanochemical reaction were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The effects of the binder and buffering matrix on the active InSb were investigated. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was found to significantly improve the cycling stability owing to its strong hydrogen bonding. The addition of amorphous C to InSb further enhanced mechanical stability and electronic conductivity. As a result, InSb–C demonstrated good electrochemical Li-ion storage performance: a high reversible specific capacity (878 mAh·g−1 at 100 mA·g−1 after 140 cycles) and good rate capability (capacity retention of 98% at 10 A·g−1 as compared to 0.1 A·g−1). The effects of PAA and C were comprehensively studied using cyclic voltammetry, differential capacity plots, ex-situ SEM, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, the electrochemical reaction mechanism of InSb was revealed using ex-situ XRD. InSb–C exhibited a better performance than many recently reported Sb-based electrodes; thus, it can be considered as a potential anode material in LIBs.
The Dilemma of Analyzing Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Wrist Accelerometer Data: Challenges and Opportunities

Physical behaviors (e.g., physical activity and sedentary behavior) have been the focus among many researchers in the biomedical and behavioral science fields. The recent shift from hip- to wrist-worn accelerometers in these fields has signaled the need to develop novel approaches to process raw acceleration data of physical activity and sedentary behavior. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the best practices for analyzing wrist-worn accelerometer data to accurately predict individuals’ energy expenditure and the times spent in different intensities of free-living physical activity and sedentary behavior. To this end, accurately analyzing and interpreting wrist-worn accelerometer data has become a major challenge facing many clinicians and researchers. In response, this paper attempts to review different methodologies for analyzing wrist-worn accelerometer data and offer cutting edge, yet appropriate analysis plans for wrist-worn accelerometer data in the assessment of physical behavior. In this paper, we first discuss the fundamentals of wrist-worn accelerometer data, followed by various methods of processing these data (e.g., cut points, steps per minute, machine learning), and then we discuss the opportunities, challenges, and directions for future studies in this area of inquiry. This is the most comprehensive review paper to date regarding the analysis and interpretation of free-living physical activity data derived from wrist-worn accelerometers, aiming to help establish a blueprint for processing wrist-derived accelerometer data.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of the USDA Olive Germplasm Using Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS)

Olives are one of the most important fruit and woody oil trees cultivated in many parts of the world. Olive oil is a critical component of the Mediterranean diet due to its importance in heart health. Olives are believed to have been brought to the United States from the Mediterranean countries in the 18th century. Despite the increase in demand and production areas, only a few selected olive varieties are grown in most traditional or new growing regions in the US. By understanding the genetic background, new sources of genetic diversity can be incorporated into the olive breeding programs to develop regionally adapted varieties for the US market. This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity and population structure of 90 olive accessions from the USDA repository along with six popular varieties using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-generated SNP markers. After quality filtering, 54,075 SNP markers were retained for the genetic diversity analysis. The average gene diversity (GD) and polymorphic information content (PIC) values of the SNPs were 0.244 and 0.206, respectively, indicating a moderate genetic diversity for the US olive germplasm evaluated in this study. The structure analysis showed that the USDA collection was distributed across seven subpopulations; 63% of the accessions were grouped into an identifiable subpopulation. The phylogenetic and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that the subpopulations did not align with the geographical origins or climatic zones. An analysis of the molecular variance revealed that the major genetic variation sources were within populations. These findings provide critical information for future olive breeding programs to select genetically distant parents and facilitate future gene identification using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) or a marker-assisted selection (MAS) to develop varieties suited to production in the US.
ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF MORPHOLOGY AS A BASIC SCIENCE AND ITS POTENTIAL IN THE THEORY OF URBAN PLANNING

The main stages of the formation of morphology as scientific teaching are highlighted and characterized, the fundamental aspects of the concept of "form" are formulated, the features of the formation of morphology as an independent scientific direction are generalized, the categorical analogue of "morphological" in urban planning is traced, and the place of morphology in the teachings of form in urban planning is determined. Outlining the problem of defining the concept of "form" in the theory of urban planning and urbanism, it is accepted that the form of a city is an expressive feature of a city, which is characterized by a certain set of morphological meanings and their formal indicators.
Bioenergy potential, utilization and policies in Turkey

Since the turn of this century, in the early 2000s, the issues of energy and climate change have been put at the top of political and economic agendas. There are many reasons such as increasing petrol prices, the problem of energy safety and of natural gas supply are under debate, the Kyoto Protocol came into force in 2005. Turkey is heavily dependent on imported energy resources that place a big burden on the economy. Air pollution is also becoming a great environmental concern in the country. In this regard, renewable energy resources appear to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions for clean and sustainable energy development in Turkey. Turkey’s renewable sources are the second largest source for energy production after coal. About two-thirds of the renewable energy produced is obtained from forest biomass and other bioenergy sources, which is used to meet a variety of energy needs, including generating electricity, heating homes, fueling vehicles and providing process heat for industrial facilities. The yearly amount of usable biomass potential of Turkey is between 15-18 Mtoe. Since biomass energy will be used more and more in the future, its current potential, usage, and assessment in Turkey is the focus of the present study. The paper not only presents a discussion of the potential and utilization of the biomass energy in Turkey but also provides some guidelines for policy makers.
Utility practices and perspectives on monitoring and source control of cyanobacterial blooms

Thirty‐five utilities across the United States (54%), Australia (26%), and Canada (20%) were surveyed to identify their experiences with early warning monitoring and source control of cyanobacteria. All utilities experience pelagic blooms, but only 20% monitor for benthic cyanobacteria. Most utilities (86%) have early warning monitoring programs. However, monitoring frequencies and long analytical turnaround times negatively impacted the effective use of monitoring data for rapid bloom detection and prompt implementation of reactive measures to control blooms/bloom‐related issues. Thus, a tiered monitoring approach is recommended: Tier 1–event detection, Tier 2–cyanobacteria confirmation, and Tier 3–metabolite confirmation. Most utilities (68%) implement source control strategies for cyanobacteria, with algaecides and aeration being the most frequently used (36%). Utilities relied on manufacturer recommendations to design source control strategies, although site‐specific optimization is needed based on water quality/bloom conditions. Control strategies were restricted by source geometry, limited optimization, metabolite generation, and environmental impacts. Successful source control of cyanobacteria was further negatively impacted by external nutrient loading. Therefore, source control strategies should be implemented jointly with external nutrient control initiatives.
Determinants of Tax Compliance Behaviour among Rental Income Earners in Pokhara

Rental tax is an important source of revenue for local government units. After Nepal adopted fiscal federalism, concerns have been shown by policymakers as well as academicians on the fiscal sustainability of the local government units. In this context, this study attempts to explore tax compliance behaviour among rental income owners in Pokhara. The study is based on a survey of 196 households located in wards 9, 11 and 17 of Pokhara Metropolitan City. The wards represent commercial, semi-urban, and densely populated areas of the city respectively. The required data were gathered employing a self-administered questionnaire comprising Likert scales to measure tax awareness, attitude towards tax, cost of non-compliance, peer influence for compliance, government incentives, and tax compliance behavior of the rental income earner. The data collected were analyzed employing ANOVA, correlation and multiple regression. The research revealed a positive relationship between tax awareness, attitude towards tax, peer influence, and government incentives with tax compliances. The study findings depict that the taxpayers’ awareness and perception towards tax are important variables that affect the compliance behavior of rental taxpayers. Moreover, the results reveal that the rental income earner in Pokhara does not comply with the tax rules due to the lower cost of non-compliance as negative relationship established was found between tax compliance and the cost of non-compliance. Metropolitan tax authority needs to focus on awareness and government incentives rather than the cost of non-compliance for better adherence to tax rules among rental taxpayers.
Metabolic Fluctuations in the Human Stool Obtained from Blastocystis Carriers and Non-Carriers

Blastocystis is an obligate anaerobic microbial eukaryote that frequently inhabits the gastrointestinal tract. Despite this prevalence, very little is known about the extent of its genetic diversity, pathogenicity, and interaction with the rest of the microbiome and its host. Although the organism is morphologically static, it has no less than 28 genetically distinct subtypes (STs). Reports on the pathogenicity of Blastocystis are conflicting. The association between Blastocystis and intestinal bacterial communities is being increasingly explored. Nonetheless, similar investigations extending to the metabolome are non-existent.Using established NMR metabolomics protocols in 149 faecal samples from individuals from South Korea (n = 38), Thailand (n = 44) and Turkey (n = 69), we have provided a snapshot of the core metabolic compounds present in human stools with (B+) and without (B−) Blastocystis. Samples included hosts with gastrointestinal symptoms and asymptomatics. A total of nine, 62 and 98 significant metabolites were associated with Blastocystis carriage in the South Korean, Thai and Turkish sample sets respectively, with a number of metabolites increased in colonised groups. The metabolic profiles of B+ and B− samples from all countries were distinct and grouped separately in the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Typical inflammation-related metabolites negatively associated with Blastocystis positive samples. This data will assist in directing future studies underlying the involvement of Blastocystis in physiological processes of both the gut microbiome and the host. Future studies using metabolome and microbiome data along with host physiology and immune responses information will contribute significantly towards elucidating the role of Blastocystis in health and disease.
A Powerful New Planning Environment for Fuels Managers: The Interagency Fuels Treatment Decision Support System

The Joint Fire Science Program, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Fuels Management Committee, and Sonoma Technology, Inc. are unveiling the prototype of a new planning environment that will help fuels specialists negotiate the confusing array of planning tools. The new framework, dubbed the Interagency Fuels Treatment Decision Support System, or IFT-DSS, organizes fuels-planning software and data into a seamless user environment. IFT-DSS offers users access to powerful modeling software from within a well-designed, intuitive graphical user interface, and it provides a common platform for the further development of fuels-planning software tools. The name may not slide easily off the tongue—you might vocalize it as “Ifty-Diss”—but the framework itself promises to revolutionize the way fuels planners do their jobs. It will smooth and simplify the fuels-treatment decision process by minimizing planners’ struggles with unfamiliar models and hard-to-use databases. IFT-DSS will make fuels-treatment decision making less time-consuming, more scientifically rigorous, and easier to explain to stakeholders.
Criteria for contractor selection

This paper is concerned with identifying universal criteria for prequalification and bid evaluation, and the means by which different emphases can be accommodated to suit the requirements of clients and projects. The information, assessment and evaluation strategies currently used by procurers for screening contractors are considered, and the results are reported of an extensive literature review and a Delphic interview study with a small select sample of construction professionals with extensive experience in prequalification and bid evaluation processes. The findings indicate that the most common criteria considered by procurers during the prequalification and bid process are those pertaining to financial soundness, technical ability, management capability, and the health and safety performance of contractors.
CMOS implementation of an analogue median filter for image processing in real time

An analogue median filter, realised in a 0.35 μm CMOS technology, is presented in this paper. The key advantages of the filter are: high speed of image processing (50 frames per second), low-power operation (below 1.25 mW under 3.3 V supply) and relatively high accuracy of signal processing. The presented filter is a part of an integrated circuit for image processing (a vision chip), containing: a photo-sensor matrix, a set of analogue pre-processors, and interface circuits. The analysis of the main parameters of the considered median filter is presented. The discussion of important limitations in the operation of the filter due to the restrictions imposed by CMOS technology is also presented.
A ZCT auxiliary commutation circuit for interleaved boost converters operating in critical conduction mode

This paper investigates a power-factor-corrector (PFC) circuit based on interleaved boost converters in critical conduction mode (C-DCM) with a zero current transition (ZCT) circuit. By using the interleaved converters technique, the input current ripple is minimized, and due to the operation in C-DCM, the main switches turn-on occurs naturally under zero current and the reverse recovery losses of the diodes are minimized. The use of auxiliary commutation circuits provides ZCT at main switches turn-off, minimizing the related turn-off losses. The command circuit of the converters has been implemented by using a single erasable programmable logic device (EPLD) EPM7128SLC84-15. Operating principles, theoretical analysis, design guidelines and a design example are described and verified experimentally by a 1.2 kW prototype. Finally, the measured losses in the PFC interleaved boost converters with and without the proposed ZCT commutation cell, as well as a previously published ZCT cell are presented and discussed.