Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Photosynthetic Reactions in the Activity of Carbonic Anhydrase in Synechococcus sp. (UTEX 2380) in the Light : Inhibitor Studies Using the O-Exchange in C/O-Labeled Bicarbonate.

The role of the photosystems in the exchange of (18)O between species of inorganic carbon and water was studied in suspensions of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. (UTEX 2380) using membrane-inlet mass spectrometry. This (18)O exchange is caused by the hydration-dehydration cycle of CO(2) and is catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase. We observed the complex (18)O exchange kinetics including dark-light-dark transients in suspensions of whole cells and found these to be identical to the (18)O exchange kinetics of physiologically fully active spheroplast preparations. There was no enhancement effect of inorganic nitrogen on inorganic carbon accumulation. Membrane preparations exhibited no uptake of inorganic carbon and very little carbonic anhydrase activity, although these membranes were photosynthetically fully competent. DCMU, the inhibitor of photosystem II, eliminated almost entirely the (18)O exchange activity of whole cells in the light. But this effect of DCMU could be reversed by addition of the electron donor couple 3,6-diaminodurene/ascorbate, suggesting the involvement of photosystem I in the events leading to (18)O exchange. Iodoacetamide, an inhibitor of CO(2) fixation, enhanced the (18)O exchange in whole cell suspensions and inhibited neither the uptake of inorganic carbon nor the dehydration of bicarbonate in the light. The proton carrier carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and the inhibitors diethylstilbestrol and N,N' -dicyclohexyl carbodiimide affecting the membrane potential, totally abolished (18)O exchange in the light. From (18) O-labeled inorganic carbon experiments we conclude that one of the roles of photosystem I is to provide the active uptake of inorganic carbon into the cells, where carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the interconversion between CO(2) and HCO(3) (-) resulting in the (18)O exchange from inorganic carbon to water.
Banking Risk and Bank Size: A Panel Data Analysis in the European Banking Sector (1988-2002) - A Note

According to Stever (2007) there is a strong circumstantial evidence that regulators (and/or shareholders) place a limit on the total volatility of each bank’s assets regardless of size. In the present paper by a different approach an attempt will be made to reach the same conclusion (that bank size does not affect total banking risk). It is concluded in the present paper that bank size seems that it does not affect total banking risk in the northern European banks, while in the southern ones it seems that bank size has a positive impact on banking risk. Panel data are annual, are kindly offered by Bloomberg and the panel data analysis is made feasible by means of Eviews software package.
Arteriolar reactivity in conscious diabetic rats: influence of aminoguanidine treatment.

The effect of 6 weeks' streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (70 mg/kg) diabetes and aminoguanidine (AG) treatment (50 mg/kg s.c. or 250-750 mg/l given in drinking water) on arteriolar reactivity to vasoactive substances was investigated in conscious rats. Studies were performed in untreated control rats (n = 13), STZ-induced diabetic rats (n = 11), AG-treated control rats (n = 12), and AG-treated diabetic rats (n = 12). Rats were provided with a dorsal microcirculatory chamber that allowed intravital microscopy of striated muscle arterioles of varying diameter (A1, large; A2, intermediate; and A3, small arterioles) in conscious animals. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and arteriolar diameter responses to intravenous infusion of the following drugs were examined: the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (ACh; 3, 10, and 30 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)), the potassium-channel opener levcromakalim (LC; 30 microg/kg), and the vasoconstrictor agents ANG II (0.1 and 0.3 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and norepinephrine (NE; 0.2, 0.6, and 2.0 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)). Baseline MAP was lower in both diabetic groups versus the nondiabetic groups (P < 0.05). AG treatment had no influence on baseline MAP. The absolute change in MAP after drug infusion tended to be lower in the diabetic rats than in their nondiabetic littermates. Arteriolar vasodilatory responses to ACh and LC were attenuated in the diabetic animals (1 +/- 7 vs. 19 +/- 7% [P < 0.05] and 7 +/- 3 vs. 34 +/- 8% [P < 0.01] in A2, respectively). AG treatment of diabetic animals did not prevent the development of this disturbance. Vasoconstrictor responses were not influenced by the diabetic state. In the intermediate arterioles of AG-treated control rats, a hyperresponse was observed after ANG II infusion (-10 +/- 2 vs. -2 +/- 2%; P < 0.05) and a hyporesponse was observed after ACh and LC infusion (2 +/- 3 and 15 +/- 6%, respectively; P < 0.05 vs. untreated control rats). These data indicate that 6 weeks of experimental diabetes is associated with a decreased endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatation. AG treatment had no beneficial effect on this disturbance.
Effects of aircraft cabin noise on passenger comfort

The effects of cabin noise on subjective comfort assessments were systematically investigated in order to reveal optimisation potentials for an improved passenger noise acceptance. Two aircraft simulation studies were conducted. An acoustic laboratory test facility provided with loudspeaker systems for realistic sound presentations and an aircraft cabin simulator (Dornier Do 728) with a high degree of ecological validity were used. Subjects were exposed to nine different noise patterns (three noise levels ranging from 66 to 78 dB(A) combined with three different frequency spectra). Regression analysis demonstrated a significant increase of passengers' acceptance with lower noise levels and significant effects of different frequency spectra determined by seat position in the aircraft cabin (front, middle, rear). Acoustic cabin design should therefore consider measures beyond noise level reduction altering noise characteristics to improve passengers' comfort and well-being in the aircraft cabin. Practitioner Summary: To improve passenger comfort in the aircraft with respect to cabin noise, passengers' reactions to specific noise conditions were systematically investigated. Two laboratory studies showed significant dose-response relationships between sound pressure level and subjective comfort ratings which differed due to the noise at specific seat positions in the aircraft.
Birth mass is the key to understanding the negative correlation between lifespan and body size in dogs

Larger dog breeds live shorter than the smaller ones, opposite of the mass-lifespan relationship observed across mammalian species. Here we use data from 90 dog breeds and a theoretical model based on the first principles of energy conservation and life history tradeoffs to explain the negative correlation between longevity and body size in dogs. We found that the birth/adult mass ratio of dogs scales negatively with adult size, which is different than the weak interspecific scaling in mammals. Using the model, we show that this ratio, as an index of energy required for growth, is the key to understanding why the lifespan of dogs scales negatively with body size. The model also predicts that the difference in mass-specific lifetime metabolic energy usage between dog breeds is proportional to the difference in birth/adult mass ratio. Empirical data on lifespan, body mass, and metabolic scaling law of dogs strongly supports this prediction.
Evaluation of rat thyroid gland morphophysiological status after three months exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic field

Objective of our study was to use morphophysiological criteria in order to determine the sensitivity of male rat thyroid gland to an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) influence and the ability of the gland to repair after period of exposure. Animals were exposed to 50 Hz, 50–500 T ELF-EMF for 3 months when a part of them (group I) were sacrificed, while the rest of animals were subjected to recovery evaluation of the gland and sacrificed after 1 (group II), 2 (group III) and 3 (group IV) weeks. Histological and stereological analyses were performed on paraffin and semifine thyroid gland sections. Serum T3 and T4 were also determined. Histological and stereological analyses showed that the volume density of follicular epithelium and thyroid activation index decreased, while the volume density of colloid and capillary network increased in group I, II and III. The values of all these parameters in group IV were similar to corresponding controls. Serum T3 and T4 concentrations were significantly lower in all exposed animals, except in group I. Results of this study demonstrate that after significant morphophysiological changes caused by ELF-EMF exposure thyroid gland recovered morphologically, but not physiologically, during the investigated repair period. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Football Club Barcelona: how two legendary sports teams built their brand equity

This paper looks at how two sports teams, hockey club the Toronto Maple Leafs and Football Club Barcelona, have each built and leveraged their brand equity. The main differences between the two clubs lie in how they position their brands. For TML, the affective and experiential sides of the product are emphasised to make the brand grow; for Barcelona, the cognitive and affective dimensions of the product are prioritised to nurture the brand. Differences between hockey and soccer also contribute to branding discrepancies in terms of exposure and global influences.
Covariance analysis of protein families: The case of the variable domains of antibodies

A nonrestrictive method for identifying covariance in protein families is described and applied to human and mouse germline Vκ and VH sequence alignments. Amino acids that occur at each position in a sequence alignment are divided into two sets, called a word, by generating all possible combinations of alternative amino acids. Each word is associated with a pattern of changes. Words with identical patterns identify covariant positions. In antibody variable domains, the number of words generated ranged between 1103 and 2195 depending on the alignment, of which 4 to 12 % occurred in covariant pairs. Despite the nonrestrictive character of pattern generation, covariant residues did not reflect a random selection with respect to the nature of amino acid changes and/or their spatial proximity in a reference crystallographic structure. This approach allowed the identification of a covariance signal for positions with high variability, mostly located in the outer part of the common structural framework of antibody variable domains. Covariance in these regions may reflect the existence of alternative and mutually exclusive atomic arrangements that are compatible with antibody function. The method may be of general applicability to rationalize residue variability in protein families. Proteins 2000;41:475–484. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health Care Provider Attitudes and Practices Related to Intrauterine Devices for Nulliparous Women

OBJECTIVE: To examine predictors of health care providers perceiving intrauterine devices (IUDs) as unsafe for nulliparous women and of infrequent provision of IUDs to nulliparous women. METHODS: We analyzed questionnaire data obtained during December 2009 to March 2010 from 635 office-based providers (physicians) and 1,323 Title X clinic providers (physicians, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurses). Using multivariable logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the associations between patient, health care provider, and clinic and practice variables and provider misconceptions about the safety of IUDs for nulliparous women and with infrequent IUD provision. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of respondents had misconceptions about the safety of IUDs for nulliparous women. Factors associated with increased odds of misconceptions about the copper IUD and levonorgestrel-releasing IUD included: being an office-based family medicine physician (copper IUD adjusted OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.73–5.89; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.10–3.76); not being trained in IUD insertion (copper IUD adjusted OR 4.72, 95% CI 2.32–9.61; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.34–5.22); and nonavailability of IUDs on-site at their practice or clinic (copper IUD adjusted OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.20–3.95; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.95–6.08). More than 60% of providers infrequently provided IUDs to nulliparous women. Nonavailability of IUDs on-site (copper IUD adjusted OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.01–3.14; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.22–3.62) and provider misconceptions about safety (copper IUD adjusted OR 6.04, 95% CI 2.00–18.31; levonorgestrel-releasing IUD adjusted OR 6.91, 95% CI 3.01–15.85) were associated with infrequent IUD provision. CONCLUSION: Health care provider misconceptions about the safety of IUDs for nulliparous women are prevalent and are associated with infrequent provision. Improved health care provider education and IUD availability are needed to increase IUD use among nulliparous women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
Application of hydropedological insights in hydrological modelling of the Stevenson-Hamilton Research Supersite, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Soil information is increasingly sought after for hydrological modelling, as the importance of soil in the hydrological cycle is understood better. In this paper the output of a digital soil mapping exercise was used as the soil input into a distributed hydrological model (ACRU) for a test site within the Stevenson-Hamilton Research Supersite, Kruger National Park (South Africa). The aim was to determine the effect of parameterising a hydrological model with increased levels of soil information, at different scales. To accommodate this aim, ACRU was run in 3 different modes, each with increasing levels of input, on 3 catchments, including a 1st, 2nd and 3rd order catchment. The outputs evaluated included both streamflow and soil water content at selected soil profiles. Simulation accuracy increased with higher levels of soil input, as well as with increasing catchment size. The improved accuracy with increased soil input underscores the value of detailed soil information in modelling, while the improved results with increased catchment size show that the optimal scale for including soil information has not yet been reached.
How is Employee Perception of Organizational Efforts in Corporate Social Responsibility Related to Their Satisfaction and Loyalty Towards Developing Harmonious Society in Chinese Enterprises

As a major part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, Chinese companies have emphasized employee satisfaction to achieve sustainable development. However, it is still unclear how employees perceive organizational CSR efforts and whether such perceptions bring employee satisfaction and loyalty. To answer these timely inquires, we developed and empirically tested a theoretical framework modeling employee satisfaction as both mediator and moderator on the relationship between employee perception of organizational CSR efforts and their loyalty to enterprises. Based on 438 usable questionnaires collected from four typical companies, we found that solely providing money-related welfare and improving the working environment can be detrimental to employee loyalty, but by increasing employee satisfaction of personal treatment, companies can mitigate such a side-effect. Employee satisfaction of personal treatment and general company effort are necessary to enhance their affective commitment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Assessment of Facilities and Slaughter Practices in Aba Abattoir, Abia State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the physical conditions, and functional status of infrastructure as well as the process of operations of Aba abattoir in Abia State. It was observed that the design of the abattoir is not good enough to pass for a standard abattoir. There is no functional pipe borne water the butcher’s sourced water from nearby streams, the water supply from their state water board hardly gets to the abattoir and this gives room for contamination and cross contamination of the carcass because the butchers often do not use enough quantity of water to wash the carcass. The absence of electricity and portable water supply coupled with the poor status and unhygienic conditions of this abattoir raise serious public health concern, as hygiene problem are not only limited to slaughtering but are also associated with incorrect processing. Ante- mortem inspection is hardly carried out. The method of immobilizing the animals prior to slaughter is crude, as it involves physical struggle to wrestle down the animal and this affects the quality of the meat. The hides and skin are usually burnt with the use of tyres and this causes serious environmental hazards.
Does experience matter?: Differences in relationship benefits, satisfaction, trust, commitment and loyalty for novice and experienced service users

Purpose – Although customer relationships transpire through a process of time, encounters and experience, few studies have examined the dynamics of service relationships. This paper aims to address this issue by examining the effect of experience on the association between relational benefits and relationship quality, and between relationship quality and loyalty.Design/methodology/approach – Using a national sample of 376 service consumers and nine service industries, the study examines whether the impact of relationship benefits on perceptions of satisfaction, trust and commitment, and ultimately customer loyalty, differs significantly between novice and experienced customer cohorts.Findings – The results indicate significant differences between novice and experienced cohorts. Specifically, the impact of confidence, social and special treatment benefits on perceptions of satisfaction, trust and commitment, and ultimately customer loyalty, differ significantly based on a customer's level of relationship e.
Assessment of Feeding Practices of Milch Cows in Kutch District of

The survey was conducted in three talukas viz. Mundra, Mandavi and Nakhatrana of Kutchh district, Gujarat to record the present feeding practices followed by the farmers. Multistage Random Sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Two villages were selected from Mandvi taluka named Bag and Bidata, one from Mundra named Lakhpur and one from Nakhatrana named Nirona which were geographically located apart in direction and truly represented the animal husbandry practices of the taluka. In each village, 10 farmers who own dairy animals producing 6-8 kg or more milk per day per animal were selected. The selected farmers were interviewed on the basis of questionnaire developed. Most of the dairy animal owners keep their animals under stall-fed conditions either at home or at farm within a limited area and also allow free grazing to these animals in fields. The quantity of concentrate (kg/day) fed to cows in different taluka ranged between 4.14 to 5.61 kg/day. The maximum of 5.61 kg/day was recorded in village Nirona. The feeding of green fodders to cows in different talukas ranged between 10.22 and 16.55 kg/day. In villages green fodder feeding to the cows was more than 10 kg /day but less than 17 kg /day. The dry roughage feeding to cows was maximum of 16.11 kg/day. The dry roughage feeding ranged between 8.23 and 16.11 9 kg/day)in cows. The dry roughage offered to the cows in village Lakhpar, Bag, Bidada and Nirona was recorded as 8.23, 9.55 6.72 and 16.11 kg/day, respectively. In cows surveyed, the concentrate to roughage ratio ranged between 22.68:77.32 and 30.69:69.31. The concentrate feed like cotton seed cake and wheat bran were mixture given separately at the time of milking. The cows produced daily milk yield on an average 11.24 to 14.12 kg whole milk and 12.71 to 15.48 kg 4 % FCM. DCP Intake as % of requirement in the cows in entire Kutch district ranged between 99.22 to 115.19 %. The cows of different talukas did not differ significantly. However, the same differed significantly (P≤ 0.01) between villages within talukas. The cows underfed with respect to DCP were 23.57 and 38.23% in village Lakhpar and Bidata, respectively. In villages Lakhpar, Bag, Bidata and Nirona 20.69, 31.76, 16.92 and 30.46% of cows were moderately underfed. The overall average TDN intake in the cows in the villages ranged between 99.15 and 109.10 of requirement (ICAR, 1998). When the percentage of cows underfed, moderately underfed, adequately fed, moderately overfed and overfed on a scale of 90 to 125 (intake as % of requirement) was worked out, 23.57 and 38.23% of cows in village Lakhpar and Bidada were found to be underfed. In the same villages respectively 20.69 and 16.92% of cows were moderately underfed. In village Bidada 9.26% of cows were overfed. On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that majority of all the milch cows of the areas surveyed in the Kachchh district were being adequately fed in terms of energy and proteins
Risk Perception and the Public Acceptance of Drones

Unmanned aircraft, or drones, are a rapidly emerging sector of the aviation industry. There has been limited substantive research, however, into the public perception and acceptance of drones. This article presents the results from two surveys of the Australian public designed to investigate (1) whether the public perceive drones to be riskier than existing manned aviation, (2) whether the terminology used to describe the technology influences public perception, and (3) what the broader concerns are that may influence public acceptance of the technology. We find that the Australian public currently hold a relatively neutral attitude toward drones. Respondents did not consider the technology to be overly unsafe, risky, beneficial, or threatening. Drones are largely viewed as being of comparable risk to that of existing manned aviation. Furthermore, terminology had a minimal effect on the perception of the risks or acceptability of the technology. The neutral response is likely due to a lack of knowledge about the technology, which was also identified as the most prevalent public concern as opposed to the risks associated with its use. Privacy, military use, and misuse (e.g., terrorism) were also significant public concerns. The results suggest that society is yet to form an opinion of drones. As public knowledge increases, the current position is likely to change. Industry communication and media coverage will likely influence the ultimate position adopted by the public, which can be difficult to change once established.