Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A well‐being model of small‐scale microenterprise development to alleviate poverty: A case study of Bangladesh village

Purpose – The paper's purpose is to present and empirically validate a learning model of participatory grassroots development among the poor and needy in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approach – The approach used is conceptual modeling and its empirical validation for a case study of poor women's sewing project in an interior village of Chittagong, Bangladesh.Findings – A perpetual charity‐fund with endogenous values and productive transformation of the needy at the grassroots can prove to be an effective approach to socioeconomic development.Research limitations/implications – The empirical validation can be enhanced with more data being generated with experience in the women's sewing project in the near future.Practical implications – This is a policy‐oriented paper with practical ways and means‐test for implementation in development planning.Originality/value – A formal modeling of grassroots development premised on human resource development and perpetual charity‐fund for financing and their empirical.
Predicting driving performance after stroke.

This paper compares the predictive value of the cognitive test battery developed at the Stroke Research Unit, City Hospital, Nottingham with existing assessment procedures. Subjects were referred from 3 stroke units (Mansfield, Nottingham and Lincoln). Those who had been driving in the three months before the stroke, a minimum of 10 weeks previously, and had a full driving licence were considered. After a road test in a dual controlled, automatic vehicle on a set route around public roads, subjects were graded by the instructor into pass or fail groups. Subjects were then randomly allocated into two groups, one of which was tested on the stroke drivers screening assessment. In this group scores from the three tasks were used to predict the likelihood of passing a road test. Details of the tests were sent to the subjects doctors with recommendations as to the fitness to drive. The control group was just instructed to request the advice of their general practitioner. After six months subjects were contacted to ascertain the decisions on fitness to drive. The two types of assessment, cognitive and standard procedure were compared to determine which assessment method agreed most closely with the performance on the road tests. The results indicate that the stroke drivers screening assessment correctly predicted road performance significantly better than the standard procedure and that this was not due to chance.
Bank Direct Marketing Analysis of Data Mining Techniques

bank marketing campaigns are dependent on customers' huge electronic data. The size of these data sources is impossible for a human analyst to come up with interesting information that will help in the decision-making process. Data mining models are completely helping in the performance of these campaigns. This paper introduces analysis and applications of the most important techniques in data mining; multilayer perception neural network (MLPNN), tree augmented Naive Bayes (TAN) known as Bayesian networks, Nominal regression or logistic regression (LR), and Ross Quinlan new decision tree model (C5.0). The objective is to examine the performance of MLPNN, TAN, LR and C5.0 techniques on a real-world data of bank deposit subscription. The purpose is increasing the campaign effectiveness by identifying the main characteristics that affect a success (the deposit subscribed by the client) based on MLPNN, TAN, LR and C5.0. The experimental results demonstrate, with higher accuracies, the success of these models in predicting the best campaign contact with the clients for subscribing deposit. The performances are calculated by three statistical measures; classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Levels of Phonological Awareness, Working Memory, and Lexical Knowledge in Elementary School Children

Relationships between oral language, phonological awareness, and working memory have been empirically demonstrated, however, phonological awareness encompasses different abilities, assessed at different levels. The present study investigated the possible associations between specific phonological awareness abilities and phonological working memory in first-grade students. In the initial phase ( n = 254), the study evaluated the abilities of phonological awareness and phonological working memory and found a high positive correlation between these abilities, thus confirming the findings of previous studies. The second phase ( n = 12) evaluated the vocabulary of individuals who, in the initial phase, showed low or high working memory and phonological awareness scores. Students with low working memory and low phonological awareness capacities had low scores in expressive language abilities, suggesting that phonological working memory may have direct effects on lexical knowledge. These results contribute to the understanding of the relationships investigated in this study and have important implications for planning teaching strategies.
Leaf shape evolution has a similar genetic architecture in three edaphic specialists within the Mimulus guttatus species complex.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The genetic basis of leaf shape has long interested botanists because leaf shape varies extensively across the plant kingdom and this variation is probably adaptive. However, knowledge of the genetic architecture of leaf shape variation in natural populations remains limited. This study examined the genetic architecture of leaf shape diversification among three edaphic specialists in the Mimulus guttatus species complex. Lobed and narrow leaves have evolved from the entire, round leaves of M. guttatus in M. laciniatus, M. nudatus and a polymorphic serpentine M. guttatus population (M2L). METHODS Bulk segregant analysis and next-generation sequencing were used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that underlie leaf shape in an M. laciniatus × M. guttatus F2 population. To determine whether the same QTLs contribute to leaf shape variation in M. nudatus and M2L, F2s from M. guttatus × M. nudatus and lobed M2L × unlobed M. guttatus crosses were genotyped at QTLs from the bulk segregant analysis. KEY RESULTS Narrow and lobed leaf shapes in M. laciniatus, M. nudatus and M. guttatus are controlled by overlapping genetic regions. Several promising leaf shape candidate genes were found under each QTL. CONCLUSIONS The evolution of divergent leaf shape has taken place multiple times in the M. guttatus species complex and is associated with the occupation of dry, rocky environments. The genetic architecture of elongated and lobed leaves is similar across three species in this group. This may indicate that parallel genetic evolution from standing variation or new mutations is responsible for the putatively adaptive leaf shape variation in Mimulus.
Stem cell isolation by a morphology-based selection method in postnatal mouse ovary

Introduction An increasing body of evidence has emerged regarding the existence and function of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs); however, their female counterparts are the subject of extensive debate. Theoretically, ovarian germ stem cells (GSCs) have to reside in the murine ovary to support and replenish the follicle pool during the reproductive life span. Recently, various methods have been recruited to isolate and describe aspects of ovarian GSCs, but newer and more convenient strategies in isolation are still growing. Herein, a morphology-based method was used to isolate GSCs. Material and methods A cell suspension of mouse neonatal ovaries was cultured. Colonies of GSCs were harvested mechanically and cultivated on mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). Alkaline phosphatase activity was assessed to verify stemness features of cells in colonies. Expression of germ and stem cell specific genes (Oct-4, Nanog, Fragilis, C-kit, Dazl, and Mvh) was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunofluorescence of Oct4, Dazl, Mvh, and SSEA-1 was also performed. Results Small colonies without a clear border appeared during the first 4 days of culture, and the size of colonies increased rapidly. Cells in colonies were positive for alkaline phosphatase activity. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that Oct-4, Fragilis, C-kit, Nanog, Mvh, and Dazl were expressed in colony-forming cells. Immunofluorescence revealed a positive signal for Oct4, Dazl, Mvh, and SSEA-1 in colonies as well. Conclusions The applicability of morphological selection for isolation of GSCs was verified. This method is easier and more economical than other techniques. The availability of ovarian stem cells can motivate further studies in development of oocyte and cell-based therapies.
Expression Pattern of Aquaporin 1 in the Middle Ear of the Guinea Pig with Secretory Otitis Media

Objective: To explore the pathological change of water homeostasis in the secretory otitis media (SOM) middle ear, we observed the expression and regulation of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in the SOM middle ear cavity. Methods: Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect AQP1 in the bullae of SOM models and normal animals. The expression patterns of AQP1 in the SOM group were compared with those in the normal animal group. Results: RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses revealed that mRNAs encoding AQP1 were expressed in the middle ear membrane of the guinea pigs of both groups; AQP1 was also detected as 28-kDa proteins in both groups. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that AQP1 was localized on capillary endothelial cells and fibroblasts in the lamina propria mucosae as well as on flat and cubical epithelial cells. Quantitative analysis of RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that AQP1 expression was higher in the SOM group than in the control group. The cellular expression of AQP1 was somewhat altered in the SOM middle ear. Conclusions: Our study suggests that AQP1 in the middle ear cavity may play a vital role in the accumulation of the effusion. It might work on the vessel-caused hydrops in the middle ear cavity.
Creating language and acoustic models using Kaldi to build an automatic speech recognition system for Kannada language

In this paper, creation of the Language Models (LMs) and Acoustic Models (AMs) using Kaldi speech recognition toolkit to build a robust Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system for Kannada language is demonstrated. The speech data is collected from the farmers of Karnataka under uncontrolled environment is used for the development of ASR models. The collected speech data needs to be translated to machine level language and hence the Indic Language Transliteration Tool (IT3 to UTF-8) is used for transcription. The dictionary for the collected speech data is created by using Indian Language Speech sound Label (ILSL12) set. The AMs are created by using Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Subspace GMM (SGMM). The 80% and 20% of validated speech data is used for training and testing respectively. The accuracy and Word Error Rate (WER) of ASR models are highlighted and discussed in this work. The developed ASR models can be used in spoken query system which enables the farmers to access the on time agricultural commodity prices and weather information in Kannada language.
The Logarithmic Acd Model: An Application to the Bid-Ask Quote Process of Three NYSE Stocks

This paper introduces the logarithmic autoregressive conditional duration (Log-ACD) model and compares it with the ACD model of Engle and Russell [1998]. The logarithmic version allows to introduce in the model additional variables without sign restrictions on their coefficients. We apply the Log-ACD model to price durations relative to the bid-ask quote process of three securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and we investigate the influence of some characteristics of the trade process (trading intensity, average volume per trade and average spread) on the bid-ask quote process.
Extraversion, openness and conscientiousness: The route to transformational leadership in the hotel industry

Purpose – The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between leadership styles (Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ 5X‐Short)) and the “Big Five” personality traits (NEO‐FFI) of neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness and agreeableness among managers currently working in the hotel industry of Cyprus.Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a quantitative approach, the MLQ 5X‐Short was utilized to allow research participants to describe their leadership style as they perceive it. In addition, the most widely acknowledged tool for measuring personality traits, NEO‐FFI, was also incorporated in the questionnaire.Findings – Findings suggest that transformational leadership is positively associated with extraversion, openness and conscientiousness; while in contrast, passive/avoidance leadership style is negatively associated with conscientiousness and agreeableness.Research limitations/implications – The small sample size (n=131) and the homogeneity o.
Smad6 Suppresses the Growth and Self‐Renewal of Hepatic Progenitor Cells

Activation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) is commonly observed in chronic liver disease and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling plays a crucial role in the expansion of HPCs. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in the liver, especially in HPCs, remain largely elusive. Here, we reported that ectopic expression of Smad6 suppressed the proliferation and self‐renewal of WB‐F344 cells, a HPC cell line. Mechanistically, we found that Smad6 inhibited Wnt/β‐catenin signaling through promoting the interaction of C‐terminal binding protein (CtBP) with β‐catenin/T‐cell factor (TCF) complex to inhibit β‐catenin mediated transcriptional activation in WB‐F344 cells. We used siRNA targeting β‐catenin to demonstrate that Wnt/β‐catenin signaling was required for the proliferation and self‐renewal of HPCs. Taken together, these results suggest that Smad6 is a regulatory molecule which regulates the proliferation, self‐renewal and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in HPCs. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 651–660, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Information Systems and Global Diversity

From the Publisher: "It is often assumed that the impact and implementation of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) will or should be the same in all situations with little regard to the particular social or cultural context. Drawing on experience and research in different societies (Europe, Latin America, etc.), this book explains the nature of organizational diversity in which ICT innovation takes place, and also develops a conceptual approach to account for it. " The book draws from institutionalist concepts of organizations, the sociology of technology, current debates on globalization, and critiques of the rationality of modernity. The theoretical perspective is supported empirically by four international case studies. The author shows how the processes of ICT innovation and organizational change reflect local aspirations, concerns, and action, as well as the multiple institutional influences of globalization.
Marketing Psychology: The Paradigm in the Wings

PART 1: INTRODUCTORY - Only Diverge - PART 2: THE BEHAVIOUR OF CONSUMERS' ATTITUDES - Marketing's Attitude Problem - Why Not Try Behaviour? - PART 3: BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE IN MARKETING - A Science of Behaviour - A Theory of Consumer Situation - PART 4: WHAT MARKETING DOES - The Marketing Firm - Case Studies of Marketing Behaviour - Marketing Relationships - References
The development and evaluation of positive psychological interventions aimed at happiness

The aims of this study were to examine the psychometric properties of positive psychological assessment measures and to determine the relationship between flourishing and academic performance. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used on a convenience sample of university students (n = 845). The Mental Health Continuum Long Form (MHC-LF), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and Satisfaction with Life Scales (SWLS) were administered on the sample. All these instruments were found to have acceptable levels of internal consistency. Some of the items on the MHC-LF may be construed as possibly being too difficult to understand, and it would need to be adapted for this tertiary educational environment. Through correlations, no significant relationship was found between flourishing and academic performance. However, cross-tabulation indicated that individuals with moderate levels of flourishing typically performed in the „above average‟ to „excelling academically‟ range. Further, the data revealed that a large number of those individuals who are underperforming are also languishing. Flourishing students experienced higher levels of positive affect and life satisfaction, as well as lower levels of negative affect than their languishing and moderately flourishing counterparts.
Gamma oscillations in the mouse primary visual cortex as an endophenotype of schizophrenia

Gamma oscillations (20-50 Hz) are a robust component of brain activity associated with information processing, but are also part of the background spontaneous activity during various brain states including sleep and anesthesia. Our goal was to examine the changes in gamma oscillations that result from pharmacological and genetic manipulations of glutamatergic transmission which produce endophenotypes of schizophrenia. We recorded local field potentials (LFP) and single units through the depth of the mouse primary visual cortex in vivo and examined the alterations in gamma frequency activity under both normal and pathological conditions. Our results indicate that both in awake and anesthetized animals, baseline gamma frequency power in the LFP is increased throughout the cortical lamina, and the signal-to-noise ratio of gamma oscillations produced by a visual stimulus is diminished, most notably in the superficial layers. In addition, the entrainment of single units to the local oscillations in the LFP is reduced in the supragranular (L2/3) and infragranular (L5/6) layers. This work supports the hypothesis that alterations in glutamatergic transmission result in changes to gamma oscillations in primary sensory areas and is consistent with the hypothesis that these changes are associated with disrupted sensory perception. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Neuroscience First Advisor Diego Contreras
Effect of SiC interlayer between Ti6Al4V alloy and hydroxyapatite films

Bioactive coatings are frequently used to improve the osseointegration of the metallic implants used in dentistry or orthopaedics. Among different types of bioactive coatings, hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is one of the most extensively used due to its chemical similarities to the components of bones and teeth. In this article, production and characterization of hydroxyapatite films deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy prepared by magnetron sputtering were reported. Besides, SiC was deposited on substrate surface to study the interlayer effect. Obtained coatings were annealed at 600 °C for 30 and 120 min in a mixed atmosphere of N2 + H2O vapours with the heating rate of 12 °C min−1. The effects of SiC interlayer and heat treatment parameters on the structural, mechanical and corrosion properties were investigated. After heat treatment process, the crystalline hydroxyapatite was obtained. Additionally, cell viability tests were performed. The results show that the presence of the SiC interlayer contributes a decrease in surface roughness and improves the mechanical properties and corrosion performance of the hydroxyapatite coatings. Biological properties were not affected by the presence of the SiC interlayer.
Efficient compilation of process-based concurrent programs without run-time scheduling

Currently, run-time operating systems are widely used to implement concurrent embedded applications. This run-time approach to multi-tasking and inter-process communication can introduce significant overhead to execution times and memory requirements-prohibitive in many cases for embedded applications where processor and memory resources are scarce. In this paper, we present a static compilation approach that generates ordinary C programs at compile-time that can be readily retargeted to different processors, without including or generating a run-time scheduler. Our method is based on a novel Petri net theoretic approach.
Reproductive Performance of Sows Supplemented with Dietary L-carnitine over Three Reproductive Cycles

The effect of L-carnitine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the reproductive performance of sows was studied in two separate trials over three reproductive cycles. Both trials were identical in design and conduct but were performed with different animals. The trials comprised of a total of 127 sows (trial 1) and 100 sows (trial 2) which were divided into control and treatment groups. All animals were fed individually and received basic feed mixtures with low native carnitine concentrations. The rations of the sows in the treated group were supplemented with 125mg L-carnitine per head and day during pregnancy and 250mg L-carnitine per head and day during lactation. The animals of the control group received identical feed mixtures in identical amounts, but without the L-carnitine supplement. In the first trial, 212 litters were produced and evaluated for number and body weight of the animals, in the second trial, 173 litters were produced. L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased body weight gains of the sows between day 1 and day 85 of weaning. The number of born piglets, stillborn piglets and piglets fit for rearing was not influenced by dietary L-carnitine supplementation. However, L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased the weights of piglets and litters at birth, weight gains of litters during suckling and weights of litters at weaning. These effects of L-carnitine were seen in both trials; they were independent of the age of the sows and remained over three reproductive cycles in which the sows where continuously treated with L-carnitine. Overall, the study shows that dietary supplementation with L-carnitine during pregnancy and lactation improves the reproductive performance of sows over several reproductive cycles, independent of the age of the sows.