Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADENINE BINDING CAPACITY OF A PLANT LECTIN CONCANAVALIN A Petrova L., A. Yordanova, V. Bogoeva*

Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins, found in plants, animals, bacteria and humans. Among plant lectins, legume lectins are the largest and the most studied family. Interestingly, they participate in different physiological processes such as: protein storage, defense, recognition, embryogenesis, development, etc. It is supposed that their role depends from their distribution, as they are found in different organs and tissues of the plants. Although many papers are focused on revealing the physiological role of plant lectins, their actual role in plants remains unclear. Furthermore, the actual ADENINE BINDING CAPACITY OF A PLANT LECTIN CONCANAVALIN A
What's Living on Your Cellphone? Prevalence of Bacterial Contamination of Health Care Worker's Mobile Devices and Recommendations for Change as Related to Nursing Practice

Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are steadily increasing around the world. HAIs are costly, distressing to patients, and largely preventable. In 2011, approximately 722,000 HAIs were contracted in acute care settings in the U.S., approximately 75,000 of these patients died (Magil et al., 2014). Best practice dictates regular cleansing of tools and surfaces used in the patient care environment. Around 2/3 of HCWs suspect their mobile devices harbor organisms, yet approximately 90% never clean their phones. The onus of responsibility is not just with HCWs, as many as 90.1% of patient and visitors mobile devices demonstrated bacterial contamination (Tekerekoǧlu et al., 2011). The purpose of this paper is to describe the risks associated with mobile device use, as well as make specific recommendations for cleansing and use practices that can be employed by both HCW and patients alike to decrease potential cross-contamination and HAIs.
Aggregate Costs of Gender Gaps in the Labor Market: A Quantitative Estimate

This paper examines the quantitative effects of gender gaps in entrepreneurship and labor force participation on aggregate productivity and income per capita. We simulate an occupational choice model with heterogeneous agents in entrepreneurial ability, where agents choose to be workers, self-employed or employers. The model assumes that men and women have the same talent distribution, but we impose several frictions on women's opportunities and pay in the labor market. In particular, we restrict the fraction of women participating in the labor market. Moreover, we limit the number of women who can work as employers or as self-employed and, finally, women who become workers receive a lower wage. Our model shows that gender gaps in entrepreneurship and in female workers' pay affect aggregate productivity negatively, while gender gaps in labor force participation reduce income per capita. Specifically, if all women are excluded from entrepreneurship, average output per worker drops by almost 12% because the average talent of entrepreneurs falls down, while if all women are excluded from the labor force income per capita is reduced by almost 40%. In the cross-country analysis, we find that gender gaps and their implied income losses differ importantly across geographical regions, with a total income loss of 27% in Middle East and North Africa and a 10% loss in Europe.
The 2- and 6-Minute Walk Tests in Neuromuscular Diseases: Effect of HeartRate Correction on the Learning Effect

Objective: The 2- and 6-minute walk tests are common measures for evaluating walking ability, but reliability is weakened by a well-documented learning effect. Since heart rate is related to workload, any change in walking distance, which is unrelated to change in clinical function, should be reflected in a change in heart rate during walking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate test-retest reliability of the 2- and 6-minute walk tests with and without heart rate correction. Methods: Ninety-three adult patients (mean age of 53 years, range; 22-83 years) with 12 different neuromuscular diseases (myotonic dystrophy type 1, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, mitochondrial myopathy, Becker muscular dystrophy, spinobulbar muscular atrophy, sporadic inclusion body myositis, spinal muscular atrophy, myotonia congenita Thomsen disease, congenital myopathy, polymyositis) were recruited in the study. One 2- and 6-minute walk test was performed on two occasions, 1-2 weeks apart. Heart rate was monitored by a pulse-watch. Results: The distance walked increased significantly with repeated 2- and 6-minute walk tests (2-minute walk test increased by 4 ± 9 m and 6-minute walk test by 11 ± 26 m, p<0.001). Heart rate correction eliminated the learning effect in the 6-minute walk test (+0.01 m/heartbeat, p=0.84), but not in the 2-minute walk test (+0.03 m/ heartbeat, p=0.018). The same pattern of heart rate-correction in the 6-minute walk test was observed in all subgroup diagnoses. There was no difference in the learning effect between disease severities. Conclusion: Both the 2- and 6-minute walk tests are associated with a learning effect. The learning effect is eliminated when correcting for heart rate in the 6-minute walk test, but not in the 2-minute walk test. The results suggest using a heart rate corrected 6-minute walk test to weed out day-to-day variations that are not due to a real change in the patient’s clinical condition.
Overview of the Mount Tai Experiment (MTX2006) in central East China in June 2006 : studies of significant regional air pollution

Abstract. We conducted an intensive field campaign at the summit of Mt. Tai (36.26° N, 117.11° E, 1534 m above sea level), Shandong Province, located at the center of central East China, during the period 28 May to 30 June 2006, to study seasonal maxima of regional air pollution with respect to ozone (O3) and aerosols. The specific objectives, campaign design, and major findings are summarized. High concentrations of O3 and its precursors, and aerosols, were detected and studied in the context of annual variations. Most importantly, we identified that emissions from regional-scale open crop residue burning after the harvesting of winter wheat, together with photochemical aging, strongly increased the concentrations of O3, aerosols, and primary pollutants in this month of year. Studies of in situ photochemical activity, regional source attribution of O3, O3–aerosol interactions, validation of satellite observations of tropospheric NO2, behaviors of volatile organic compounds and organic/inorganic aerosol species, loss rates of black carbon (BC), and instrument inter-comparisons are also summarized. The observed BC levels must have a strong impact on the regional climate.
Scoring rules and abnormally low bids criteria in construction tenders: a taxonomic review

In the global construction context, the best value or most economically advantageous tender is becoming a widespread approach for contractor selection, as an alternative to other traditional awarding criteria such as the lowest price. In these multi-attribute tenders, the owner or auctioneer solicits proposals containing both a price bid and additional technical features. Once the proposals are received, each bidder’s price bid is given an economic score according to a scoring rule, generally called an economic scoring formula (ESF) and a technical score according to pre-specified criteria. Eventually, the contract is awarded to the bidder with the highest weighted overall score (economic + technical). However, economic scoring formula selection by auctioneers is invariably and paradoxically a highly intuitive process in practice, involving few theoretical or empirical considerations, despite having been considered traditionally and mistakenly as objective, due to its mathematical nature. This paper provides a taxonomic classification of a wide variety of ESFs and abnormally low bids criteria (ALBC) gathered in several countries with different tendering approaches. Practical implications concern the optimal design of price scoring rules in construction contract tenders, as well as future analyses of the effects of the ESF and ALBC on competitive bidding behaviour.
A review of current bracken control and associated vegetation strategies in Great Britain

Abstract. Bracken is a major problem for livestock-based, extensive agriculture in many parts of the world. It also causes problems for conservation, recreation, game management and forestry and is hence subject to management in order to control it. This paper reviews current bracken control strategies in Great Britain to assess whether they can be improved, and reviews recent work on combining bracken control with vegetation restoration to derive guidelines for maximising the cost-effectiveness of these measures to increase biodiversity. Bracken control in Great Britain is currently, mainly undertaken by aerial spraying of herbicide. A large-scale survey showed that only a small proportion (25%) of sites were likely to show long-term control, the developing vegetation was not that desired by the instigator of control, and there was a large geographic variation in success. The major conclusion was that large-scale treatment often exceeded the area that could be adequately treated by follow-up measures. Experimental studies demonstrate that to obtain desirable vegetation (usually Calluna vulgaris-dominated heath in Great Britain) a number of steps usually have to be followed. However, the steps that have to be taken may differ between sites. Deep litter sites, where stock numbers are low, need the litter disturbed in some way and seed of suitable species added. On sites with higher stock numbers, litter disturbance has in effect already been carried out, so that management must involve seed addition and the exclusion/reduction of stock. It is not yet known how long or to what level stock must be removed before the vegetation is able to withstand grazing. It should be noted that management to reverse succession could prove less cost-effective than management that accelerates succession to woodland or forestry. A set of points which highlight the considerations necessary at the commencement of an integrated bracken control programme are outlined. Targeting sites in western Britain or sites with residual vegetation present would provide the greatest gains for biodiversity in the short term. However, in many situations management for vegetation restoration must be seen as a key part of this strategy, not as something that will proceed unaided after bracken control has taken place.
Segmenting CSA members by motivation: anything but two peas in a pod

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to segment CSA members based on their motivations to join a CSA. Design/methodology/approach – Data obtained from an online survey of 565 members belonging to a New York state CSA were analyzed using a combined hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis. Findings – Based on their motivations to join a CSA results reveal four distinct types of segments among CSA members: No-Frills Member, Foodie Member, Nonchalant Member, and Quintessential Member. Results show all four clusters differ statistically across demographic characteristics including gender, political affiliation, and household income. The clusters differed across psychographic characteristics such as attitudes toward the treatment of animals, treatment of farm workers, pesticide use, the environment, food miles, and limiting factory farm purchases. Quintessential Members emerge as most concerned with food purchasing decisions while No-Frills Members are least concerned. Research limitations/.
Study on Japanese cornmint in Mississippi.

ABSTRACT Japanese cornmint ( Mentha canadensis L.) is a subtropical essential oil crop grown in Asia and South America. The essential oil of Japanese cornmint is the source for production of crystal (–)-menthol, which is an important aromatic agent used in various indus-tries. The United States is a major importer and consumer of (–)-menthol and de-mentholized oil. Currently there is no production of Japanese cornmint in the United States. A 2-yr study was conducted in Mississippi to evaluate the effect of N application rates (0, 80, and 160 kg ha –1 ) and cut (harvest time, with a first cut in July, and a second cut in October) on herbage yields, essential oil content, and composition of two Japanese cornmint genotypes (‘Arvensis 2’ and ‘Arvensis 3’). Both cultivars provided two cuts and comparable herbage and oil yields to literature reports. Generally, N application increased fresh herbage and oil yields relative to the untreated control. Herbage, essential oil, (–)-menthol, and (–)-menthone yields were greater from the first cut than from the second for both cul-tivars. The concentration of (–)-menthol in the oil of both cultivars was approximately 50% in 2007; however, in 2008 the (–)-menthol concentration was 67 to 76% in ‘Arvensis 2’ and 73 to 78% in ‘Arvensis 3’. This study demonstrates that Japanese cornmint could be successfully grown in Mississippi and possibly other areas in the southeastern United States with similar environmental conditions.
Misguided Migration of C Cell Precursors to Extra-Thyroidal Locations Related to Defective Pharyngeal Pouch Development in Shh Deficient Mice

A possible role of sonic hedgehog (Shh) in recruitment of C cell precursors to the Ultimobranchial Body (UB) and embryonic thyroid was investigated in Shh-/- mice. Nkx2.1 and Foxa2 co-expression distinguished UB originating in the fourth pharyngeal pouch from other derivatives of pharyngeal endoderm. In mutants UB formed a single structure that failed to bud and instead of fusing with the midline thyroid primordium adhered to the thymic rudiments. Mature C cells appeared in the UB remnant and ectopically in the thymic parenchyma, foregut endoderm and trachea. Thyroid did not contain C cells except minute numbers close to the tracheal interface. Tracing progeny in Shh-CRE/Rosa26R mice showed the vast majority of both UB and thyroid progenitors derived from Shh negative endoderm, but Shh expressing cells appeared in both thyroid primordia before fusion of the two. The findings indicate that Shh determines the endoderm territory for C cell differentiation and guides the migration of C cell precursors into the thyroid, presumably by regulating the separation of glandular domains in the pharyngeal pouch endoderm. A cell-autonomous role of Shh in thyroid morphogenesis is suggested.
Application of Visual Cues on 3D Dynamic Visualizations for Engineering Technology Students and Effects on Spatial Visualization Ability: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Several theorists believe that different types of visual cues influence cognition and behavior through learned associations; however, research provides inconsistent results. Considering this, a quasi-experimental study was done to determine if there are significant positive effects of visual cues (color blue) and to identify if a positive increase in spatial visualization ability for students in engineering technology courses is observed. According to the results of this study it is suggested that the use of the specific visual cue (color blue) provides no statistically significant higher scores versus the treatment that did not utilize any visual cues.
FERMI GBM OBSERVATIONS OF V404 CYG DURING ITS 2015 OUTBURST

V404 Cygni was discovered in 1989 by the Ginga X-ray satellite during its only previously observed X-ray outburst and soon after confirmed as a black hole binary. On 2015 June 15, the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) triggered on a new outburst of V404 Cygni. We present 13 days of GBM observations of this outburst, including Earth occultation flux measurements and spectral and temporal analysis. The Earth occultation fluxes reached 30 Crab with detected emission to 100 keV and determined, via hardness ratios, that the source was in a hard state. At high luminosity, spectral analysis between 8 and 300 keV showed that the electron temperature decreased with increasing luminosity. This is expected if the protons and electrons are in thermal equilibrium during an outburst with the electrons cooled by the Compton scattering of softer seed photons from the disk. However, the implied seed photon temperatures are unusually high, suggesting a contribution from another source, such as the jet. No evidence of state transitions is seen during this time period. The temporal analysis reveals power spectra that can be modeled with two or three strong, broad Lorentzians, similar to the power spectra of black hole binaries in their hard state.
Alternative Mechanisms Guiding Salespersons’ Ambidextrous Product Selling

Ambidextrous product-selling strategies, in which companies’ salespeople concurrently pursue the sale of existing and new products, are hard to implement. Previous studies have addressed this issue for relatively simple consumer settings with the manager in close proximity to the salespersons and focusing on different levels of control and autonomy to resolve this issue. However, little is known about how field salespeople can be influenced to pursue such dual goals proactively for more complex business-to-business products. In this study, the authors distinguish between salespeople’s proactive selling behaviour for new and existing products, and study the impact of two alternative mechanisms: a situational mechanism (i.e. perceived manager product-selling ambidexterity) and a structural mechanism (i.e. salesperson organizational identification). Using a time-lagged, multisource data set from a large ambidextrous company, the authors demonstrate that both mechanisms contribute to salespeople’s proactive selling of new and existing products, but also act as each other’s substitutes. The results suggest two most likely strategies for salespeople to obtain overall sales targets: focusing on existing product selling; or acting ambidextrously. The latter approach offers the benefits of better achieving ambidextrous company sales goals and of greater performance stability, and is thus preferred.
Genetic parameters and trends for traits of the Hereford and Braford breeds in Brazil ☆

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and genetic trends of Hereford and Braford breeds for growth traits and visual scores. Data consisting of records for 205-day weight (W205), 550-day weight (W550), 345-day post weaning gain (PWG345), scrotal circumference at 550 days (SC), and muscling (MUS) and frame (FRA) scores also recorded at 550 days of age came from the PampaPlus genetic evaluation system. A series of animal models were fit to the data using Bayesian inference with uninformative priors. Genetic variance for W205 was partitioned into direct (W205d) and maternal (W205m) components. Posterior means of heritability estimates and 95% support intervals (2.5% ≤ h ≤ 97.5%) for W205d, W205m, W550, PWG345, SC, MUS, and FRA were 0,12 ≤ 0.13 ≤ 0,14; 0.08 ≤ 0,09 ≤ 0.11; 0.13 ≤ 0.16 ≤ 0.19; 0.04 ≤ 0.10 ≤ 0.18; 0.05 ≤ 0.15 ≤ 0.32; 0.10 ≤ 0.19 ≤ 0.29 and 0.06 ≤ 0.11 ≤ 0.20, respectively. Genetic correlations with W205d were positive for W550 (0.72 ≤ 0.82 ≤ 0.90), MUS (0.25 ≤ 0.53 ≤ 0.74) and FRA 0.29 ≤ 0.59 ≤ 0.80 and negative for W205m (− 0.63 ≤ − 0.57 ≤ − 0.50). The genetic correlation of PWG345 and W550 was also positive and large (0.59 ≤ 0.76 ≤ 0.88). Genetic correlations of MUS and FRA with each other (0.30 ≤ 0.53 ≤ 0.73) and with PWG (0.08≤ 0.33≤ 0.55 and 0.20≤ 0.44 ≤ 0.64) and W550 (0.10≤ 0.39≤ 0.63 and 0.07≤ 0.38 ≤ 0.64) were all positive. Use of performance information in selection decisions is supported by positive genetic trends for direct effects on W205d, PWG345, W550, MUS and FRA. However, the genetic trends were less than the expected gains that would result from use of a recommended selection index, suggesting that the index is not the only criterion currently used in the selection by Pampaplus breeders. It may be concluded that breeders favored larger, more rapidly growing, and more muscular animals in their selection decisions.
THE SPATIAL DYNAMICS OF HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT: THE CASE OF RURAL LOUISIANA

This study uses data from the Louisiana Department of Education to conduct a spatial analysis of high school dropout. The paper suggests school-level factors influence dropout rates not only within their schools, but also more widely across schools in close proximity. These claims are tested in two distinct ways: (1) by comparing spatial cluster maps of dropout to measures of school processes, effectiveness, and structure and (2) by conducting spatial regression analysis to test whether spatial influences remain after considering schoollevel predictors of dropout. The findings show school processes, effectiveness, and structure all influence dropout rates. Moreover, findings demonstrate spatial patterns in rural high school dropout in Louisiana, suggesting the mechanisms driving dropout extend beyond the school level. These mechanisms may be related to rural labor market structures. Future research should focus more specifically on the link between shifting rural labor markets and high school outcomes. Despite the increased importanc e of a high school education for entry to postsecondary education and the labor market, the national rate of dropouts has shown limited decreases over the last three decades and has been stable throughout the 1990s (Kaufman, Alt, and Chapman 2001). High school dropout rates vary widely across schools and districts. Scholars of rural education are particularly concerned because the increased importance of the high school requirement has come during a period many rural schools, families, and communities have witnessed severe resource deficits (Rosigno and Crowley 2001). Strong, cohesive rural communities can probably mitigate some harmful effects of economic de cline ( Israel, B eaulieu, and H artless 2001). At the s ame t ime, maintaining t he networks of so cial re lationships t hat sustain community so cial capital is increasingly challenging d uring periods of changing l abor ma rket structures and community patterns that disrupt the fabric of rural life, patterns of community organization and cooperation, and support for local schools (Swaim and Texiera 1991, Tickamyer and Duncan 1990). This paper examines the spatial dynamics of high school dropout in rural school districts in the state of Louisiana. The study extends a trend in the analysis of high school dropout and completion, in which attention has shifted upward from characteristics of i ndividual students an d t heir fa milies t o “ school effects. ” In specifying school ef fects, so ciological studies of d ropout have f urthered a n understanding of the role of the school environment. More specifically, it draws upon the work of Riehl (1999) and Rumberger and Thomas (2000) to examine the
Group Buying of Competing Retailers

Under group buying, quantity discounts are offered based on the buyers' aggregated purchasing quantity, instead of individual quantities. As the price decreases with the total quantity, buyers receive lower prices than they otherwise would be able to obtain individually. Previous studies on group buying focus on the benefit buyers receive in reduced acquisition costs or enhanced bargaining power. In this paper, we show that buyers can instead get hurt from such cooperation. Specifically, we consider a two‐level distribution channel with a single manufacturer and two retailers who compete for end customers. We show that, under linear demand curves, group buying is always preferable for symmetric (i.e., identical) retailers. For asymmetric retailers (i.e., differing in market base and/or efficiency), group buying is beneficial to the smaller (or less efficient) player. However, it can be detrimental to the larger (or more efficient) one. Despite the lower wholesale price under group buying, the manufacturer can receive a higher revenue. Interestingly, group buying is more likely to form when retailers are competitive in different dimensions. These insights are shown to be robust under general nonlinear demand curves, except for constant elastic demand with low demand elasticity.