Effects of heat stress and fescue toxicosis on the immune system and other physiological parameters

"December 2010.""A Thesis presented to the faculty of the graduate school at the University of Missouri--Columbia In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science."Thesis supervisor: Dr. Donald Spiers.Tall fescue is widely used as pasture grass in the United States, and is the most important cool season grass for grazing animals. Certain fungi also grow on these grasses which produce toxins, resulting in reduced feed intake (FI), body weight (BW) and a compromised thermoregulatory system when consumed by animals . Our first study showed that sensitizing rats helped them adapt to the toxin by maintaining a lower core body temperature on subsequent exposure. The short-term study showed an increased proinflammatory response to stimulation with bacterial toxins. In the long-term study, the proinflammatory response was less severe with adaptation. However, cell mediated immunity was compromised, which makes animals susceptible to invading pathogens. This research identified adaptive responses to fescue toxicosis that highlighted shifts in immune function.Includes bibliographical references (pages 167-180)

Fuzzy Minimal and Maximal δ-Open Sets

The aim of this article is to introduce fuzzy minimal δ-open and fuzzy maximal δ-open sets in fuzzy topological space. Further, we investigate some properties with these new sets

CeO₂-CePO₄ and Ag@CeO₂-CePO₄ nanocomposites from Penaeus semisulcatus for heavy metals sensing, UV shielding and cytotoxic applications

CeO2-CePO4 and Ag@CeO2-CePO4 nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared using Penaeus semisulcatus and characterized by various analytical techniques. The NCs exhibited spherical morphology, with average particle sizes measuring 2.36 nm, 3.30 nm and 29.64 nm for the samples air dried, annealed at 550 °C and 800 °C respectively, and the Selected Area Electron Diffraction patterns from HR-TEM revealed their crystalline nature. In 3d X-ray Photoelectron Spectra (XPS) of NCs, the highest binding energies were observed at 916.46 eV (3d3/2) and 898.16 eV (3d5/2) with spin–orbit splitting of 18.3 eV. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns of the NCs showed peaks typical of both CeO2 and CePO4 phases. The Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) spectrum contained bands due to Ce-O stretching at 560 cm−1 and PO43- groups at 1008 and 711 cm−1, which was further substantiated by Raman spectrum, which had an intense peak at 468 cm−1 corresponding to F2g band of CeO2 and another peak at 976 cm−1 due to PO43- tetrahedron. In the Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (UV-Vis DRS), the broad absorption peak at 352 nm and minor peaks around 300 nm confirmed the formation of CeO2-CePO4 NCs. The green synthesized NCs were excellent fluorescence sensors for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+ in a wide range of concentrations, from 5.0x10-9 M to 4.0x10-5 M. The concentration Vs. emission fitting plot had three distinctive linear ranges. At a low concentration range (5x10-9 to 3.5x10-7 M), the limit of detection for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+ was found to be 2.41x10-8, 2.56x10-8 and 3.11x10-8 M. The sensitive detection of a mixture of heavy metal ions in ppb levels by biocompatible NCs gained insight in treating aqueous industrial wastes. Further, NCs showed cytotoxicity and UV shielding properties.</p

Tribochemistry of TaN, TiAlN and TaAlN coatings under ambient atmosphere and high-vacuum sliding conditions

© 2019 Elsevier B.V.Tribochemical analysis of monolithic TaN, TiAlN, and TaAlN coatings deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering onto 316LN stainless steel (SS) substrates are described. Tribology experiments were carried out in ambient atmospheric and high-vacuum sliding conditions to investigate the tribo-atmospheric dependent friction and wear characteristics of these coatings. The lower friction coefficient and improved wear-resistant properties were observed for TaN and TiAlN coatings in the humid atmosphere than in high-vacuum testing condition. Interestingly, lower friction and wear resistance properties of TaAlN coated SS are significantly enhanced in atmospheric as well as high-vacuum sliding conditions because of their highly dense and fine-grained microstructure with stable cubic B1 TaAlN phase. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental mapping and micro-focused X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were carried out on the wear tracks to explore the comprehensive tribo-environment dependent tribochemistry. Formations of alumina (Al2O3) rich tribolayer reduced the friction and enhanced the wear resistance of TaAlN/SS sample tested in atmospheric condition; whereas this coating is highly stable in the high-vacuum condition with higher wear resistance11sciescopu

A process‐based approach to attribution of historical streamflow decline in a data‐scarce and human‐dominated watershed

Human activities have resulted in rapid hydrological change around the world, in many cases producing shifts in the dominant hydrological processes, confounding predictions, and complicating effective management and planning. Identifying and characterizing such changes in hydrological processes is therefore a globally relevant problem, one that is particularly challenging in sparsely monitored environments. We develop a novel, process‐based approach for attribution of hydrological change in such scenarios, and apply the approach to the TG Halli watershed outside Bangalore, India, where streamflow has declined considerably over the last 50 years. The approach consists of (1) employing a range of field instrumentation and experiments to identify contemporary streamflow generation mechanisms, (2) using these observations to constrain our understanding and generate hypotheses pertaining to historical changes, and (3) evaluating these hypotheses with a range of evidence including proxies for historical hydrological processes. The body of evidence in the TG Halli watershed indicates the historical presence and subsequent loss of a shallow groundwater table that previously discharged to the stream, meaning that groundwater depletion is the most likely driver of streamflow decline. These findings present a viable path towards improved predictions of future water resources and sustainable water management within the watershed. Our process‐based approach to attribution has the potential to improve understanding of human‐driven hydrologic change in regions with poor monitoring of hydrologic systems

Seaside East : the urban software

In less than 15 years, 40% of Norway's population will live along the Oslofjord. Population growth often means more urban development, which again puts pressure on our natural resources. Horten in Vestfold is one of the coastal cities along the Oslofjord. Horten City originated as a result of its location by the sea, and its traditions connected to both shipping and the Norwegian navy base that was located here. The city center established behind the waterfront, where it also lies today. Seaside East is the site dividing the city center of Horten and the waterfront. The industrial grey areas of the site collectively act as a barrier today. This paper looks at urban adaptable design strategies that can tie the waterfront back to its downtown again. I hope to promote the potential in Horten’s Seaside East and the result can be a contribution to the future development of the city center expansion. If a lively city center is a goal, the accessibility to the water should be a priority.M-L

Glycerine pitch from glycerine concentration process as alternative fuel for boiler operations

The usage of energy in world is increasing rapidly where the industries accounts 50% of world energy uses. Palm based oleo chemical are producing series of products such as fatty acid,methyl esters,fatty alcohols and glycerine which means that oil palm industries generate a number of wastes too and the estimated oil palm waste contribute RM 6379 million of energy annually. Glycerine pitch has a calorific value of about 3300kcal/kg. This research is focused on utilizing energy in glycerine pitch by using it as fuel in boiler for both economical and environmental reason. Glycerine pitch is classified as a waste under Schedule S181 of the Environmental Regulations in Malaysia where the treated glycerine pitch is disposed in landfills. Glycerine pitch will be blend with diesel at the ratio of 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, and the calorific value of each blend of diesel and glycerine pitch will be determined. The mixture of glycerine fuel and diesel is known as blend 20:80, blend 30:70 and blend 40:60.The blend fuels are used as fuel in boiler and after firing, flue gas temperature and emission level is determined using combustion analyzer. Lastly,the limitation and advantages of using glycerine pitch as fuel in boiler is compared with natural gas

Elderly’s experiences with digital banking: Investigating the role of technical and non-technical influence factors

Den utbredte og økende graden av teknologi og digitale tjenester er høyst aktuelt i dagens samfunn. Behovet for digitale ferdigheter og kompetanse er viktigere enn aldri før, og i mange sammenhenger, uunngåelig. Den digitale transformeringen av banksektoren medfører betydelige endringer for brukerne. Utfordringene dette medfører gjelder spesielt for eldre, som og er målgruppen for denne oppgaven. Denne gruppen mennesker, som stadig faller lenger og lenger bak, skiller seg ut ved at de er en utsatt gruppe som står i fare for å bli digitalt ekskluderte. For å kunne identifisere og forstå disse utfordringene i en bredere kontekst, må en introdusere brukeropplevelse, og hvordan dette, i sammenheng med sikkerhet, kan sørge for sikre tjenester på en side og god brukeropplevelse på den andre siden. Som et tillegg til den eksisterende litteraturen, ønsker denne masteroppgaven å ta brukermangfold i betraktning, der det er ønskelig å fange bruken av digitale banktjenester for både sterke og svake brukere. Oppgaven vil i tillegg fange opp hvilke faktorer som påvirker brukeropplevelse, i tillegg til hvordan sikkerhet påvirker. En "mixed method research design" har blitt implementert, der det gjennomføres følgende studier: en digital spørreundersøkelse (N=81), semi-strukturerte intervjuer (N=4) og erfaringsutveksling med banker og helsepersonell (N=6). Funnene fra disse studiene indikerer at brukermangfoldighet absolutt bør bli tatt til betraktning, der det er blitt identifisert at påvirkningsfaktorer varierer avhengig av kategoriseringen av brukeren. Noen av hovedfunnene tyder på at tekniske faktorer mindre påvirker sterkere brukere av digitalbank og er mer påvirket av ikke-tekniske faktorer, som motivasjon, forståelse og digitale ferdigheter. I kontrast til de svake brukerne, er det tydelig at dette ikke påvirker om de bruker digitalbank eller ikke. For de svakere brukerne påvirker både tekniske og ikke-tekniske faktorer på en måte som begrenser dem til digitalbank sine alternative, eksempelvis analoge tjenester. Når det kommer til brukeropplevelser og sikkerhet, viser funnene at tillit er den viktigste faktoren for å sikre god brukeropplevelse

Elderly’s experiences with digital banking: Investigating the role of technical and non-technical influence factors

Den utbredte og økende graden av teknologi og digitale tjenester er høyst aktuelt i dagens samfunn. Behovet for digitale ferdigheter og kompetanse er viktigere enn aldri før, og i mange sammenhenger, uunngåelig. Den digitale transformeringen av banksektoren medfører betydelige endringer for brukerne. Utfordringene dette medfører gjelder spesielt for eldre, som og er målgruppen for denne oppgaven. Denne gruppen mennesker, som stadig faller lenger og lenger bak, skiller seg ut ved at de er en utsatt gruppe som står i fare for å bli digitalt ekskluderte. For å kunne identifisere og forstå disse utfordringene i en bredere kontekst, må en introdusere brukeropplevelse, og hvordan dette, i sammenheng med sikkerhet, kan sørge for sikre tjenester på en side og god brukeropplevelse på den andre siden. Som et tillegg til den eksisterende litteraturen, ønsker denne masteroppgaven å ta brukermangfold i betraktning, der det er ønskelig å fange bruken av digitale banktjenester for både sterke og svake brukere. Oppgaven vil i tillegg fange opp hvilke faktorer som påvirker brukeropplevelse, i tillegg til hvordan sikkerhet påvirker. En "mixed method research design" har blitt implementert, der det gjennomføres følgende studier: en digital spørreundersøkelse (N=81), semi-strukturerte intervjuer (N=4) og erfaringsutveksling med banker og helsepersonell (N=6). Funnene fra disse studiene indikerer at brukermangfoldighet absolutt bør bli tatt til betraktning, der det er blitt identifisert at påvirkningsfaktorer varierer avhengig av kategoriseringen av brukeren. Noen av hovedfunnene tyder på at tekniske faktorer mindre påvirker sterkere brukere av digitalbank og er mer påvirket av ikke-tekniske faktorer, som motivasjon, forståelse og digitale ferdigheter. I kontrast til de svake brukerne, er det tydelig at dette ikke påvirker om de bruker digitalbank eller ikke. For de svakere brukerne påvirker både tekniske og ikke-tekniske faktorer på en måte som begrenser dem til digitalbank sine alternative, eksempelvis analoge tjenester. Når det kommer til brukeropplevelser og sikkerhet, viser funnene at tillit er den viktigste faktoren for å sikre god brukeropplevelse