Statistical relational learning with soft quantifiers

Quantification in statistical relational learning (SRL) is either existential or universal, however humans might be more inclined to express knowledge using soft quantifiers, such as ``most'' and ``a few''. In this paper, we define the syntax and semantics of PSL^Q, a new SRL framework that supports reasoning with soft quantifiers, and present its most probable explanation (MPE) inference algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, PSL^Q is the first SRL framework that combines soft quantifiers with first-order logic rules for modelling uncertain relational data. Our experimental results for link prediction in social trust networks demonstrate that the use of soft quantifiers not only allows for a natural and intuitive formulation of domain knowledge, but also improves the accuracy of inferred results

Effects of replacing soybean meal with slow-release urea on milk production of Holstein dairy cows

The study investigated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with slow-release urea (SRU) on milk production, milk composition, and rumen fermentation of Holstein dairy cows. Sixteen Holstein cows weighing between 550 and 680 kg in mid lactation were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a 12-week study. The treatments consisted of T1: a diet containing 16.7% crude protein (CP), T2: T1 with 0.5% SRU replacing plant protein, T3: T1 with 0.75% SRU replacing plant protein, and T4: T1 with 1.00% SRU replacing plant protein. Animals were fed three times a day with feed being offered ad libitum. Dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were not affected by the level of SRU. Feeding SRU did not affect milk production and milk composition significantly, but milk fat and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) levels were increased. Significant differences were observed in ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration. Feeding SRU increased butyrate concentration with no significant effects on concentrations of acetate or propionate. Significant differences were observed in cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations, but glucose, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels were not affected significantly by the treatments. Thus, feeding SRU altered the release rate of ammonia and provided more ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen

Productive performance, blood biochemical variables and immune responses of laying hens fed diets containing various fat sources

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various fat sources on productive performance, blood biochemical variables and immune responses of laying hens. Laying hens were divided into seven groups, which received i) basal or control diet (no oil); ii) and iii) basal diets containing 1% and 3% soybean (SB) oil; iv) and v) basal diets containing 1% and 3% kilka oil (KO), and vi) and vii) basal diets containing 1% and 3% soybean fatty acids (SFA). Productive performance was evaluated from day 1 to day 84. Blood biochemical variables and immune responses were assessed on days 28, 56 and 84 of the trial. The study results indicated that the dietary inclusion of 1% and 3% KO and SFA and 3% SB oil could decrease the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increase egg production and egg mass in comparison with the control group throughout the study. Immune responses of sheep red blood cells and antibody titre against hemagglutination inhibition (HI) were significantly higher in laying hens fed KO and SFA and 3% SB oil compared with the control group. The serum concentrations of low density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein-C (VLDL-C) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were not influenced by the inclusion of oil sources. The serum concentration of cholesterol was increased significantly in laying hens that were treated with oil on day 28. The inclusion of fat sources significantly increased the serum concentration of HDL-C. The use of KO and SFA could be recommended at lower levels to improve the performance, immunity and some blood variables in laying hens.Keywords: egg production, kilka fish oil, lipid profile, soybean oi

Numbers of Follicles, Pregnancy, Expression of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and Ovarian Genes in Sheep Treated with Vitamin E, L-Carnitine, and Fish Oil

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E, L-carnitine, and fish oil on the numbers of follicles, pregnancy, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) expression, and expression of several ovarian genes in sheep. For this purpose, 256 sheep were randomly divided into eight experimental groups. They were given a diet supplemented with vitamin E, L-carnitine, and fish oil alone and in combination. FBS, estradiol levels, size of the follicles, and pregnancy rate were observed. Expressions of Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1), Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2), Transforming Growth Factor –β (TGF-β), and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Gamma Receptor (PPAR-γ) genes were measured using Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), and ROS was measured using fluorescence microscope. At the time of mating and pregnancy, the highest number of follicles and pregnant ewes were observed in the groups supplemented with fish oil and antioxidants (p<0.01). The lowest numbers of follicles and pregnancy was observed in the group supplemented with fish oil alone (p<0.01). The highest expressions of SOD1 and TGF-β genes (p<0.01) as well as SOD2 and PPAR-γ (p<0.05) were observed in the group of concomitant use of fish oil with antioxidants. The highest amount of ROS was found in fish oil group (p<0.01), and the lowest was found in the groups supplemented with fish oil and antioxidant (p<0.01). The use of fish oil along with vitamin E and L-carnitine improved follicle function and increased pregnancy rate by reducing ROS in ewes’ ovaries as well as increasing the expression of SOD1, SOD2, TGF-βRI, and PPAR-γ genes. The use of fish oil along with antioxidants increases follicles and improves fertility in sheep

Performance, Immune Responses, and Blood Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens Fed with Plant Growth Compound

Today, medicinal plants and prebiotics are known as growth stimulants and can have beneficial effects on health and performance. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant growth promoters and a prebiotic (lactose) on growth performance, immune responses, and blood biochemical parameters in broiler chicks. Seven hundred and fifty Arian broiler chicks (mixed-sex) were allocated to six treatments and five replicates at one day of age. Three plant-based growth promoters (ASRI1, ASRI2, and commercial supplement (Optifeed)) and two dietary prebiotic levels (0 and 1 kg/ton) were evaluated in a completely randomized design with 3×2 factorial arrangements. The results showed that growth performance and humoral and cellular immunities did not differ among experimental treatments; therefore, the herbal compounds ASRI1 and ASRI2 can be used as growth promoters equivalent to the commercial products currently used in the broiler chicken industry. An interaction effect of growth promoter × prebiotic was detected for concentrations of calcium in the serum. Serum calcium concentrations of birds fed ASRI2 and 1 kg/ton prebiotic were greater than those of chickens receiving the commercial growth promoter. Serum triglycerides and VLDL-C concentrations were significantly lower in birds treated with ASRI1 growth promoter compared to those fed with a commercial growth promoter. In conclusion, there was no difference between ASRI1, ASRI2, and Optifeed growth promoters in their effectiveness as promoters of growth and immunity of broiler chicks

Reproductive Responses, Metabolic Disorder, Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics, and Milk Production of Postpartum Holstein Cows Fed Steam Flaked of Corn and Barley Grains

This study evaluated the effects of steam flaked of corn and barley grains on the reproductive response, ruminal fermentation characteristics, metabolic disorder, and milk production of postpartum Holstein cows. A total of 40 postpartum Holstein dairy cows were divided into 4 groups (n=10) and fed 1) ground grains (control), 2) steam flacked corn+milled barley, 3) steam flacked barely+milled corn, and 4) steam flaked corn and barley. The animals were treated for 0-30, 30-60, 60-90, and 90-120 days post-calving. Milk yield and compositions, total conception rate, endometritis, pyometra, ruminal fermentation characteristics, ketosis, and acidosis were assessed. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design. The results showed that dietary inclusion of steam flaked grains improved milk yield and compositions during the experimental period compared to the control group (p<0.05), except for cows treated for 0-30d days post-calving. Cows fed steam flaked grains showed a lower occurrence of reproduction and metabolic disorders compared to the control group (p<0.01). Cows fed a combination of steam flaked grains showed better pregnancy rates in the first 100 days and open days of postpartum cows compared to cows in control and a single form of steam flaked barley or corn (p<0.05). Total VFA, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and valerate were higher in cows fed steam flaked compared to the control group (p<0.05). Feeding steam flaked grains is advised for improving reproductive performance, milk variables, and rumen fermentation profiles in dairy cows

Malignant wound management

Malignant wounds, often referred to as malignant cutaneous wounds or malignant cutaneous lesions, result from the proliferative, invasive, and destructive effects of neoplastic cells within the skin and supporting tissues. Malignant wounds represent profoundly visible and often palpable stigmata of advanced cancer. They are capable of generating untold quantum multidimensional suffering for the patient and their caregivers. Thus, dealing with malignant wounds is highly complex and challenging. Optimal outcomes may be achieved through the adoption of a whole patient approach as opposed to an approach that only focuses on the wound itself. Moreover, foundational to successful Malignant Wound Management is the adoption of interprofessional collaboration, an integrative approach within healthcare systems (vertically and horizontally), together with adherence to the principles of patient-centered care

Mapping Large-Scale Networks Associated with Action, Behavioral Inhibition and Impulsivity.

A key aspect of behavioral inhibition is the ability to wait before acting. Failures in this form of inhibition result in impulsivity and are commonly observed in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Prior evidence has implicated medial frontal cortex, motor cortex, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and ventral striatum in various aspects of inhibition. Here, using distributed recordings of brain activity [with local-field potentials (LFPs)] in rodents, we identified oscillatory patterns of activity linked with action and inhibition. Low-frequency (δ) activity within motor and premotor circuits was observed in two distinct networks, the first involved in cued, sensory-based responses and the second more generally in both cued and delayed actions. By contrast, θ activity within prefrontal and premotor regions (medial frontal cortex, OFC, ventral striatum, and premotor cortex) was linked with inhibition. Connectivity at θ frequencies was observed within this network of brain regions. Interestingly, greater connectivity between primary motor cortex (M1) and other motor regions was linked with greater impulsivity, whereas greater connectivity between M1 and inhibitory brain regions (OFC, ventral striatum) was linked with improved inhibition and diminished impulsivity. We observed similar patterns of activity on a parallel task in humans: low-frequency activity in sensorimotor cortex linked with action, θ activity in OFC/ventral prefrontal cortex (PFC) linked with inhibition. Thus, we show that δ and θ oscillations form distinct large-scale networks associated with action and inhibition, respectively