Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Diazotrophic and Denitrifying Bacteria Associated with Mangrove Roots

ABSTRACT An analysis of the molecular diversity of N2 fixers and denitrifiers associated with mangrove roots was performed using terminal restriction length polymorphism (T-RFLP) of nifH (N2 fixation) and nirS and nirK (denitrification), and the compositions and structures of these communities among three sites were compared. The number of operational taxonomic units (OTU) for nifH was higher than that for nirK or nirS at all three sites. Site 3, which had the highest organic matter and sand content in the rhizosphere sediment, as well as the lowest pore water oxygen concentration, had the highest nifH diversity. Principal component analysis of biogeochemical parameters identified soil texture, organic matter content, pore water oxygen concentration, and salinity as the main variables that differentiated the sites. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS) analyses of the T-RFLP data using the Bray-Curtis coefficient, group analyses, and pairwise comparisons between the sites clearly separated the OTU of site 3 from those of sites 1 and 2. For nirS, there were statistically significant differences in the composition of OTU among the sites, but the variability was less than for nifH. OTU defined on the basis of nirK were highly similar, and the three sites were not clearly separated on the basis of these sequences. The phylogenetic trees of nifH, nirK, and nirS showed that most of the cloned sequences were more similar to sequences from the rhizosphere isolates than to those from known strains or from other environments.
Effects of a gemcitabine plus platinum regimen combined with a dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer immunotherapy on recurrence and survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer patients

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a gemcitabine plus platinum (GP) regimen combined with dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer (DC-CIK) immunotherapy on the recurrence and survival rate in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients (n=157) with stage III NSCLC that had received surgery were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group was administered with a GP regimen and the observation group received GP chemotherapy that was based on DC-CIK cell immunotherapy in addition to SC-CIK cell immunotherapy here. The two groups were followed up for 36 months and their postoperative cellular immune function, disease-free survival time, cumulative recurrence rate and cumulative survival rate was analyzed. The percentages of CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes, natural killer cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio were identified to be significantly increased following treatment compared with those observed prior to treatment in the control and observation groups; conversely, the CD3+CD8+ T lymphocyte percentage decreased significantly (P<0.05). Furthermore, the results of the patients in the observation group were significantly better compared with the control group based on these indicators (P<0.05). The median disease-free survival time of patients in the observation group (28 months) was identified to be significantly longer than that of the control group (22 months; P<0.05), the three-year cumulative recurrence rate in the observation group (47.37%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (76.92%; P<0.05) and the three-year cumulative survival rate of the patients in the observation group (58.23%) was significantly higher than that of the control group patients (37.14%; P<0.05). In conclusion, the GP regimen combined with DC-CIK immunotherapy significantly improved the immune cell function in the postoperative NSCLC patients, in addition to reducing postoperative tumor recurrence and prolonging the survival time of patients with NSCLC.
Random Beamforming over Correlated Fading Channels

We study a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multiple access channel (MAC) from several multi-antenna transmitters to a multi-antenna receiver. The fading channels between the transmitters and the receiver are modeled by random matrices, composed of independent column vectors with zero mean and different covariance matrices. Each transmitter is assumed to send multiple data streams with a random precoding matrix extracted from a Haar-distributed matrix. For this general channel model, we derive deterministic approximations of the normalized mutual information, the normalized sum-rate with minimum-mean-square-error (MMSE) detection and the signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) of the MMSE decoder, which become arbitrarily tight as all system parameters grow infinitely large at the same speed. In addition, we derive the asymptotically optimal power allocation under individual or sum-power constraints. Our results allow us to tackle the problem of optimal stream control in interference channels which would be intractable in any finite setting. Numerical results corroborate our analysis and verify its accuracy for realistic system dimensions. Moreover, the techniques applied in this paper constitute a novel contribution to the field of large random matrix theory and could be used to study even more involved channel models.
Grid based linear neutrino perturbations in cosmological N-body simulations

We present a novel, fast and precise method for including the effect of light neutrinos in cosmological N-body simulations. The effect of the neutrino component is included by using the linear theory neutrino perturbations in the calculation of the gravitational potential in the N-body simulation. By comparing this new method with the full non-linear evolution first presented in [1], where the neutrino component was treated as particles, we find that the new method calculates the matter power spectrum with an accuracy better than 1% for ? m? 0.5? eV at z = 0. This error scales approximately as (? m? )2, making the new linear neutrino method extremely accurate for a total neutrino mass in the range 0.05? 0.3? eV. At z = 1 the error is below 0.3% for ? m? 0.5? eV and becomes negligible at higher redshifts. This new method is computationally much more efficient than representing the neutrino component by N-body particles.
Work team effectiveness, a review of research from the last decade (1999-2009)

Teams do not always provide the diversity of knowledge, attitudes, skills and experience required to generate an innovative response to challenges or perform according to expectations. This paper summarizes the key results of research on work teams carried out over the decade from 1999 to 2009. To this end, we set out a brief explanatory framework for the effectiveness of work teams based on a differentiated analysis of inputs, mediators and outcomes. Our approach uses the SWOT technique, which identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation to teamwork research for the new decade. Finally, we integrate and discuss the key challenges facing the field if it is to turn threats into opportunities.
The B-band luminosities of quasar host galaxies

We report on the analysis of B-band imaging data of 57 low-redshift quasi-stellar objects (quasars/QSOs) and Seyfert 1 galaxies selected from the Hamburg/ESO Survey, for which hostgalaxy-dependent selection biases are greatly reduced compared with other optical surveys. Only one object in the sample is known to be radio-loud. We adopted a procedure to remove the active galactic nuclei (AGN) contribution by subtracting a scaled point spread function from each QSO image. To reclaim the integrated host galaxy flux we correct for oversubtraction based on simulations. This method is quite insensitive to the host galaxy morphological type, which we can unambiguously establish for 15 of the 57 objects. The quasar host galaxies are detected in all cases. The hosts are very luminous, ranging in absolute magnitude MB from −19.0 to −23.8, with an average of M B,gal =− 21.5, considerably above L ∗ for field galaxies. For the luminous QSO subsample with MB < −23 the average host absolute magnitude is M B,gal =− 23.0, while for the complementary low-luminosity AGN we obtain M B,gal =− 21.2, roughly equal to L ∗ . The luminous host galaxies in the sample are typically ∼1 mag brighter than expected when inferring B-band luminosities from studies of similar objects at longer wavebands. We argue that this mismatch is not likely to be explained by selection effects, but favours host galaxy colours significantly bluer than those of inactive galaxies. Although published B-band data are scant, this result and the findings of other authors are in good agreement.
Weak habitat isolation in a threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus spp.) species pair

Reproductive isolation is central to the study of speciation. Multiple isolating barriers may prevent species from hybridizing, although their individual strength and the interactions between them are rarely measured. We quantified habitat isolation in a recently diverged threespine stickleback species pair (Gasterosteus aculeatus complex) and controlled for any such interactions. Using enclosures in an outdoor pond, we confirm that males of the two species strongly prefer different nesting habitats: limnetic males build nests in open habitats, whereas benthic males nest under vegetation. However, forcing males to nest in their nonpreferred habitat did not reduce the probability of spawning by females. As a result, habitat isolation between the species is estimated to be weak. We compared the strength of habitat isolation estimated in the present study with estimates of other behavioural barriers using previously published data. We discovered that, although total mating isolation between the species is strong, the contributions of differences in body size and male nuptial colour are similarly individually weak. Instead, interactions with other, undetermined species-specific traits were responsible for most of the isolation resulting from differences in body size and, in benthics, colour. This is one of the first attempts to estimate individual isolating barriers at the same time as controlling for interactions. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 110, 466‐476.
Assessing alpha activity in attention and relaxed state: An EEG analysis

An electroencephalogram is a recording of brains spontaneous electrical activity. This is controlled by billions of neurons. These neurons continually send messages to each other which can be picked up as electrical impulses from the scalp. The process of picking up and recording the impulses is known as EEG. An EEG can be divided into four basic frequency bands namely delta, theta, alpha and beta. This paper shows changes in the power of alpha frequency band on performing attention tasks. It is observed that mean alpha power decreased while performing attention task as compared to mean alpha power in relaxed state in the frontal and occipital region of the brain. No statistically significant changes in alpha power are found in prefrontal region of the brain during attention tasks.
Assessing the Adoption of Business to Business E-Commerce: a judgemental modelling approach

Appropriate deployment of web-enabled technologies is recognised as one of the main challenges facing firms, especially within the business-to-business environment. This paper shows how judgemental modelling can help to assess facets of a firm's existing buyer-supplier relationships and the potential effects of adopting e-commerce within a firm's supply chain. The research is based on a case study of a small-medium sized privately owned multinational in a specialist segment of the food and drink packaging industry. Judgemental modelling is used to analyse data collected through interviews with the firm's customers, suppliers and employees and is supplemented by correspondence analysis. The results show the perceived impact of adopting ecommerce on buyer-supplier relationships and identify strategic aspects within the firm's value chain that can be advantageously developed. Perspectives on the importance of different attributes of the buyer-supplier relationship and the potential effects of e-commerce differ amongst players within the network, highlighting the need for careful planning when designing and introducing an electronic trading platform.
Tweeting Towards Utopia: Technological Utopianism and Academic Discourse on Political Movements in the Middle East and North Africa

This dissertation offers a critical reading of Western academic discussions of the role of new communication technology in the Arab and Iranian movements that started in 2009. It demonstrates that while academic efforts to interpret the role of new technology in the movements display discursive variety, technological utopianism is operative in many of these efforts, generating particular images of the movements in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Critics, James Carey (1989) and Vincent Mosco (2005), understand technological utopianism as an extension of religious ideology (Carey) or ancient mythology (Mosco), concealing unequal economic relations (Mosco, 2005; Carey, 1989). This conceptualization of technological utopianism results in a lack of attention to technological utopianism’s internal complexity and heterogeneity. This study attempts to acknowledge the discursive reality of technological utopianism by heeding its discursive, institutional, and historical nuances, while also tracing its effect on developing perceptions of the contemporary movements in MENA. Acknowledging the multi-stranded nature of Western discourse of technology and its ramifications, this study employs a mixed-perspective approach. The first part of the dissertation (Chapters 2 and 3) is an historical and philosophical investigation that looks at Western discourse of technology, with special attention given to technological utopianism. Through this exploration, I put forward various models that have informed prevailing visions of technology. The second part (Chapters 5 and 6) relies on these models to critically assess their distribution in academic texts investigating the MENA movements. It detects, through this assessment, ways technological utopianism affords particular images of MENA’s politics and societies. In order to carry out these two projects, the multi-stranded history and the empirical examination of academic discourse, this dissertation puts two discourse traditions in dialogue (Chapter 4): Foucault’s sense of power and history (1971, 1977a, 1977b, 1988) and Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis (2013). The empirical evidence for this study is provided via two different means of data sampling: systematic and case-based. This work carries out a systematic study of journal publications representing academic research discourse on technology in the MENA movements. It offers further evidence in three case studies chosen from three academic-related domains: public, pedagogic, and policy-setting.
Connectivity, Technological Change and Commercial Property in the New Economy: A New Research Agenda

The New Economy, founded on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), is a cornerstone of technology-driven frameworks for economic growth, and can not only potentially recombine existing physical spaces to produce new urban forms, but also impact on real estate, in terms of space requirements and speed of turnover. The paper examines some key conceptual frameworks and argues for a 'socio-technical' conceptual framework to aid understanding of ICT in the commercial property sector, focusing on offices. It deconstructs the myths of the 'death of real estate' and 'productivity increase means jobs loss', in relation to offices. Finally, it examines some of the ways in which ICT is impacting on office property through preliminary findings from new research, funded by the British Property Federation and led by The College of Estate Management and RETRI in partnership with PIREC. The paper concludes by highlighting the most important components for a future research agenda in the field of real estate connectivity. NOTE: No part of this paper may be quoted without the permission of the authors. All results are preliminary and are not yet finally confirmed. 1 PIREC (www.pirec.co.uk) is a research and information resource for all participants in the broadband built environment. The three PIREC partners are CoLoAdvisors; College of Estate Management and RETRI. PIREC's focus is the impact of communications and technology on the ownership and occupation of property. Its scope is defined by the real estate and technology sectors and funded research is undertaken for subscription members.
A Methodology for Performance, Content Analysis, and Configuration of Audio/Video-on-Demand Services

This article presents a methodology for performance analysis and configuration of audio/video-on-demand services. To maintain a good quality of service and to make a profit for the content provider, services must have the optimum configuration. With this aim, the configuration process must be based on an accurate service behavioural analysis which evaluates the quality and the quantity of resources, contents and subscribers. This analysis can be performed using monitored information and predictions of a near future behaviour using laboratory experiments. To formalize both analysis and configuration, a methodology must be developed in order to help service managers attain a good performance and at the same time, make a profit for their companies. All the methodology goals are based on the principle that ‘a satisfied client provides more profit‘. Moreover, the methodology is prepared to be extensible, and adaptable to new configuration possibilities, data, analyses or goals.
Coexistence mechanisms for interference mitigation in the 2.4-GHz ISM band

Wireless technologies sharing the same frequency band and operating in the same environment often interfere with each other, causing severe decrease in performance. We propose two coexistence mechanisms based on traffic scheduling techniques that mitigate interference between different wireless systems operating in the 2.4-GHz industrial, medical, and scientific band. In particular, we consider IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs) and Bluetooth (BT) voice and data nodes, showing that the proposed algorithms can work when the two systems are able to exchange information as well as when they operate independently of one another. Results indicate that the proposed algorithms remarkably mitigate the interference between the IEEE 802.11 and BT technologies at the expense of a small additional delay in the data transfer. It is also shown that the impact of the interference generated by microwave ovens on the IEEE 802.11 WLANs performance can be significantly reduced through the mechanisms presented.
Phrase Structure Parsing with Dependency Structure

In this paper we present a novel phrase structure parsing approach with the help of dependency structure. Different with existing phrase parsers, in our approach the inference procedure is guided by dependency structure, which makes the parsing procedure flexibly. The experimental results show our approach is much more accurate. With the help of golden dependency trees, F1 score of our parser achieves 96.08% on Penn English Treebank and 90.61% on Penn Chinese Treebank. With the help of N-best dependency trees generated by modified MSTParser, F1 score achieves 90.54% for English and 83.93% for Chinese.
Exploring the Lesson Study Experience of EFL Instructors at Higher Education: A Pilot Study

Bu calisma Turkiye’de bir vakif universitesinde gorev yapan uc Ingilizce okutmaninin katilimiyla Mayis-Haziran 2016 tarihinde gerceklestirilen pilot Ders Imecesi uygulamasinin sonuclarini paylasmayi amaclamaktadir. Ders Imecesi uygulayan okutmanlarin modeli nasil uyguladiklari, uygulama surecinde karsilastiklari zorluklarin neler oldugu ve modelin okutmanlarin mesleki gelisimlerine yansimalarinin neler oldugunun arastirildigi bu calisma nitel ve fenomenolojik bir durum calismasi olarak desenlenmistir. Gorusme yoluyla toplanan veriler kodlanmis ve icerik analizine tabii tutulmustur. Calismanin sonuclari okutmanlarin kaygi, is yuku ve modelin anlasilmasi ve uygulanmasi konularinda zorluklarla karsilastiklarini, ancak modelin birlikte ders planlama, ogrenci merkezli ders anlatma, ogrencilere daha cok odaklanma ve zaman yonetimi becerilerini gelistirme noktalarinda okutmanlarin mesleki gelisimlerine katki saglayan bir model oldugunu ortaya koymustur.
M ay 2 01 4 On weak shock diffraction in real gases

Asymptotic solutions are obtained for the two-dimensional Euler system for real gases with appropriate boundary conditions which describe the diffraction of a weak shock at a right-angled wedge; the real gas effects are characterized by a van der Waals type equation of state. The behavior of the flow configuration influenced by the real gas effects, that includes the local structure near a singular point, is studied in detail.
Analytic Study of Grid Star and Reference Star Selection for the Space Interferometry Mission

Grid stars and reference stars provide the fundamental global and local astrometric reference frames for observations by the Space Interferometry Mission. They must therefore be astrometrically stable at the ~1 μas level. I present simple formulae in closed form to estimate the contamination of these frames by motions due to stellar companions that go undetected in a radial-velocity (RV) survey of specified precision. The contamination rate depends almost entirely on the binary-period distribution function and not on the details of the mass or eccentricity distributions. Screening by a modest RV survey (σRV = 60 m s-1) can reduce the fraction of grid stars with detectable unmodeled accelerations to ≪1%. Reference-star selection promises to be much more challenging, partly because the requirements of astrometric stability are more severe and partly because the required density of sources is ~100 times higher, the latter of which implies that less satisfactory candidates will have to be accepted. The tools presented here can help design a reference-star selection strategy, but a full treatment of the problem will require better knowledge of their companions in the planetary mass range.
Examining the impact of a university mentorship program on student outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcomes of a formal university mentorship program that paired junior and senior (third and fourth year) undergraduate student mentees with mentors from industry. Specifically, the researchers examined the effects of mentorship on mentees’ psychological sense of community at the university, and job search self-efficacy (confidence). Design/methodology/approach The researchers used a mixed-methods design that incorporated survey data and qualitative data from interviews and focus groups. Where relevant, mentees were compared to a control group of students who did not participate in the mentorship program. Findings The results demonstrate that the mentees accrued several benefits from participating in the mentorship program. For mentees (but not the control group), job search self-efficacy increased over time as a result of participating in the program. Mentees valued receiving practical career-related support such as opportunities for networking, resume development and job interviewing skills. Mentees also gained a more realistic view about the workplace and their potential career options, and received important psychosocial support from their mentor. Originality/value Results suggest that junior and senior undergraduate student mentees gained professional and career-related benefits including increased job search self-efficacy from participation in a mentorship program that paired them with mentors from industry. In addition, the qualitative results indicate that mentees reported psychosocial benefits including an increased sense of connection to the university. Altogether, results indicate that undergraduate students experience positive outcomes from participating in mentorship programs designed to prepare them for the transition from university to the workplace.