Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manual lateralization in macaques: handedness, target laterality and task complexity

ABSTRACT Non-human primates represent models to understand the evolution of handedness in humans. Despite several researches have been investigating non-human primates handedness, few studies examined the relationship between target position, hand preference and task complexity. This study aimed at investigating macaque handedness in relation to target laterality and tastiness, as well as task complexity. Seven pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) were involved in three different “two alternative choice” tests: one low-level task and two high-level tasks (HLTs). During the first and the third tests macaques could select a preferred food and a non-preferred food, whereas by modifying the design of the second test, macaques were presented with no-difference alternative per trial. Furthermore, a simple-reaching test was administered to assess hand preference in a social context. Macaques showed hand preference at individual level both in simple and complex tasks, but not in the simple-reaching test. Moreover, target position seemed to affect hand preference in retrieving an object in the low-level task, but not in the HLT. Additionally, individual hand preference seemed to be affected from the tastiness of the item to be retrieved. The results suggest that both target laterality and individual motivation might influence hand preference of macaques, especially in simple tasks.
Binocular-Disparity-Dependent Upper—Lower Hemifield Anisotropy and Left—Right Hemifield Isotropy as Revealed by Dynamic Random-Dot Stereograms

Dynamic random-dot stereograms devoid of all monocular depth cues were used to measure the limits of temporal and spatial resolution in the center of the visual field. The temporal durations for detecting a small, briefly presented test square of different binocular disparity than the surround varied as a function of its location and binocular disparity. The test squares presented in the upper hemifield were detectable at consistently shorter durations than those presented in the lower hemifield for a surround disparity which was uncrossed relative to the fixation marker. For crossed surround disparity this preference reversed, resulting in a superiority of the lower hemifield. The anisotropy diminished for zero surround disparity. No such anisotropy was found when left and right visual hemifields were compared. It was also shown that this upper—lower temporal anisotropy (and left—right isotropy) is paralleled by a similar disparity-dependent upper—lower anisotropy (and left—right isotropy) in spatial resolution. Introduction of monocular clues into the stereograms tended to eliminate the anisotropics. This implies that the anisotropics reflect the spatiotemporal properties and distribution of binocular disparity detectors in the human cortex and result in a tilted surface that pivots around the horizontal midline in the space of binocular depth perception.
Modulation of stress consequences by hippocampal monoaminergic, glutamatergic and nitrergic neurotransmitter systems

Several findings relate the hippocampal formation to the behavioural consequences of stress. It contains a high concentration of corticoid receptors and undergoes plastic modifications, including decreased neurogenesis and cellular remodelling, following stress exposure. Various major neurotransmitter systems in the hippocampus are involved in these effects. Serotonin (5-HT) seems to exert a protective role in the hippocampus and attenuates the behavioural consequences of stress by activating 5-HT1A receptors in this structure. These effects may mediate the therapeutic actions of several antidepressants. The role of noradrenaline is less clear and possibly depends on the specific hippocampal region (dorsal vs. ventral). The deleterious modifications induced in the hippocampus by stress might involve a decrease in neurotrophic factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) following glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. In addition to glutamate, nitric oxide (NO) could also be related to these effects. Systemic and intra-hippocampal administration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors attenuates stress-induced behavioural consequences. The challenge for the future will be to integrate results related to these different neurotransmitter systems in a unifying theory about the role of the hippocampus in mood regulation, depressive disorder and antidepressant effects.
Accelerometer load as a measure of activity profile in different standards of netball match play.

PURPOSE To determine differences in load/min (AU) between standards of netball match play. METHODS Load/ min (AU) representing accumulated accelerations measured by triaxial accelerometers was recorded during matches of 2 higher- and 2 lower-standard teams (N = 32 players). Differences in load/min (AU) were compared within and between standards for playing position and periods of play. Differences were considered meaningful if there was >75% likelihood of exceeding a small (0.2) effect size. RESULTS Mean (± SD) full-match load/min (AU) for the higher and lower standards were 9.96 ± 2.50 and 6.88 ± 1.88, respectively (100% likely lower). The higher standard had greater (mean 97% likely) load/min (AU) values in each position. The difference between 1st and 2nd halves' load/min (AU) was unclear at the higher standard, while lower-grade centers had a lower (-7.7% ± 10.8%, 81% likely) load/min (AU) in the 2nd half and in all quarters compared with the 1st. There was little intrastandard variation in individual vector contributions to load/min (AU); however, higher-standard players accumulated a greater proportion of the total in the vertical plane (mean 93% likely). CONCLUSIONS Higher-standard players produced greater load/min (AU) than their lower-standard counterparts in all positions. Playing standard influenced the pattern of load/min (AU) accumulation across a match, and individual vector analysis suggests that different-standard players have dissimilar movement characteristics. Load/min (AU) appears to be a useful method for assessing activity profile in netball.
How logistics performance promote the international trade volume? A comparative analysis of developing and developed countries

This paper analyses how logistics performance affects international trade volume and compares the different effects between developing and developed countries by employing a gravity model with panel data from 43 countries in 2010, 2012 and 2014. The findings show that an improvement of logistics performance index (LPI) has more impact on export volume than on import volume. And it has a more powerful influence on developed countries' trade volumes than on developing countries' trade volumes. To improve the competitiveness of developing countries' exports in a global economy, developing countries should first and foremost prioritise improvement in procedural sectors like the customs process, tracking, and infrastructure.
Applying a Contingency Framework to Digital Forensic Processes in Cloud Based Acquisitions

The change in business models to incorporate a wide variety of cloud computing environments has resulted in the escalation of computer crimes in the areas of security breaches and hacking. Methods to acquire evidence in a cloud computing environment are limited due to the complexity of the cloud environment. Since digital acquisition processes in cloud computing environments are still in the infancy stages, there have been no studies in the application of existing frameworks to this type environment based on traditional forensic processes. This paper describes a qualitative study conducted to develop a robust contingency framework for deciding when to use traditional forensic acquisition practices, when to use modified processes, and when it is necessary to develop new forensic acquisition processes more appropriate to the cloud computing environment. The contingency framework was developed through the evaluation of 20 common forensic procedures by a panel of forensic and cloud computing subject matter experts.
PENGARUH BRAND EXTENSION DAN KUALITAS PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN ENDURO MATIC-G MELALUI CITRA MEREK (Survey Pada Konsumen Pengguna Enduro Matic-G di Kota Serang)

New product marketing through brand extension strategies that are supported by product quality which said to be successful if the extension products are acceptable and make better consumer decisions. This study aims to determine the direct or indirect influence of brand extension and product quality on customer purchasing decisions through brand image Enduro Matic G. Research using survey method conducted on 110 customers Enduro Matic G in Serang City. Data analysis using Structural Equation Model of Partial Least Square (SEM PLS) with the result of research obtained 1) brand extension have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decision; 2) product quality has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decision; 3) brand extension has no effect on brand image; 4) product quality has a positive and significant effect on brand image and 5) brand image has no effect on customer purchasing decision of Enduro Matic-G. Brand extensions and good product quality are proven to make better customer purchasing decisions, but can not make the Enduro Matic G brand image better in the eyes of its customers.
Revisiting the streptavidin–biotin binding by using an aptamer and displacement isothermal calorimetry titration

The association constant of a well‐known streptavidin–biotin binding has only been inferred from separately measured kinetic parameters. In a single experiment, we obtained Ka 1 × 1012 M−1 by using a streptavidin–binding aptamer and ligand‐displacement isothermal titration calorimetry. This study explores the challenges of determining thermodynamic parameters and the derived equilibrium binding affinity of tight ligand–receptor binding. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint DOA Estimation and Array Calibration Using Multiple Parametric Dictionary Learning

This letter proposes a multiple parametric dictionary learning algorithm for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in presence of array gain-phase error and mutual coupling. It jointly solves both the DOA estimation and array imperfection problems to yield a robust DOA estimation in presence of array imperfection errors and off-grid. In the proposed method, a multiple parametric dictionary learning-based algorithm with an steepest-descent iteration is used for learning the parametric perturbation matrices and the steering matrix simultaneously. It also exploits the multiple snapshots information to enhance the performance of DOA estimation. Simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm when both off-grid problem and array imperfection exist.
The Experience of Mammography Based on the Memoirs of Examinees

The purpose of this study was to shed light on the pattern of the mammography experience from the examinee’s perspective based on episodic information extracted from notes written by the examinees. Using the notes is an effective approach to maintain privacy and avoid excessive stress. The study methods were qualitative inductive analyses of four sets of notes. Results showed that examinees “checked the words and actions of the medical staff” while relying on the “peace of mind instilled by the technician” before taking the mammogram. However, as breast compression became more intense, their feelings changed to a sense of “betrayal by someone on whom they were relying” since they felt that the technician was “ignoring the situation” or “considering but continuing breast compression”. They were also affected by the “shooting position which is impossible to avoid”. Breast compression during the mammography was a “pressure pain that exceeded their expectations” causing “dissatisfaction with the screening as a result of the pain” and “subconsciously created systemic tension”. Meanwhile, during the shooting, the examinees had performed “quiet countermeasures” such as “self-coping to distract themselves from the pain”. Examinees “earnestly desired a minimal shooting time” but, on the other hand, they also wanted “certainty of shooting rather than consideration of pain”. From these results, it is apparent that examinees were objectively observing the staff, even during shooting and the examinees were using self-coping measures to counter the pain. Providing support measures during mammography procedures is suggested based on the patterns of experiences.
Induction of Proinflammatory Cytokines from Human Respiratory Epithelial Cells after Stimulation by NontypeableHaemophilus influenzae

ABSTRACT Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) causes repeated respiratory infections in patients with chronic lung diseases. These infections are characterized by a brisk inflammatory response which results in the accumulation of polymorphonucleated cells in the lungs and is dependent on the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. We hypothesize that multiple NTHi molecules, including lipooligosaccharide (LOS), mediate cellular interactions with respiratory epithelial cells, leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines. To address this hypothesis, we exposed 9HTEo− human tracheal epithelial cells to NTHi and compared the resulting profiles of cytokine gene expression and secretion using multiprobe RNase protection assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), respectively. Dose-response experiments demonstrated a maximum stimulation of most cytokines tested, using a ratio of 100 NTHi bacterial cells to 1 9HTEo− tracheal epithelial cell. Compared with purified LOS, NTHi bacterial cells stimulated 3.6- and 4.5-fold increases in epithelial cell expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6 genes, respectively. Similar results were seen with epithelial cell macrophage chemotactic protein 1, IL-1α, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha expression. Polymyxin B completely inhibited LOS stimulation but only partially reduced NTHi whole cell stimulation. Taken together, these results suggest that multiple bacterial molecules including LOS contribute to the NTHi stimulation of respiratory epithelial cell cytokine production. Moreover, no correlation was seen between NTHi adherence to epithelial cells mediated by hemagglutinating pili, Hia, HMW1, HMW2, and Hap and epithelial cytokine secretion. These data suggest that bacterial molecules beyond previously described NTHi cell surface adhesins and LOS play a role in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines from respiratory epithelial cells.
Reactions of Hydrogen Peroxide with Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mutant Human Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutases Studied by Pulse Radiolysis*

Mutations in copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) have been implicated in the familial form of the motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). We have expressed and purified recombinant human wild type (hWT) and G93A (hG93A) CuZn-SOD, and we have used pulse radiolysis to measure their superoxide dismutase activities and their rates of deactivation upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide or heat. Both hG93A and hWT CuZn-SOD were found to have high SOD activities in their copper and zinc containing as-isolated forms as well as when remetallated entirely with copper (CuCu). Rates of deactivation by hydrogen peroxide of the as-isolated hWT and hG93A enzymes were determined and were found to be similar, suggesting that the FALS mutant enzyme is not inactivated at a higher rate than wild type by generation of and subsequent reaction with hydroxyl radical, ⋅OH, when it is in the CuZn form. However, rates of deactivation by hydrogen peroxide of the CuCu derivatives of both hWT and hG93A were significantly greater than those of the copper and zinc containing as-isolated enzymes. Rates of thermal deactivation were also similar for the mutant and hWT as-isolated CuZn forms but were greater for the CuCu derivatives of both enzymes. Reactions of hydrogen peroxide with the Cu(II)Cu(II) derivative of the WT enzyme demonstrate that the copper ion in the copper site is reduced much more rapidly than the copper in the zinc site, leading to the conclusion that reaction of hydrogen peroxide with Cu(I) in the copper site is the source of deactivation in the CuCu as well as the CuZn enzymes.
Selection for weaning weight in Targhee sheep in two environments. I. Direct response.

In 1961, selection for 120-d weight was initiated in two flocks from a common base population of grade Targhee sheep. At Davis, sheep were maintained on a good plane of nutrition, on irrigated pasture or in drylot. At Hopland, sheep grazed annual grassland range, with supplementary feeding only at mating and lambing. Selected (DW) and control (DC) lines were maintained at Davis from 1961 through 1977. A selected (HW) line, replicate control (HC1 and HC2) lines and a line (DH) mated to the Davis DW rams were maintained at Hopland from 1961 through 1980, with the exception that HC2 was terminated in 1977. Multiplicative factors were used to adjust weights for effects of age of dam, sex and type of birth and rearing. Response to selection was estimated as the difference between selected and control line linear regression coefficients of adjusted line means on year. The Hopland replicate controls did not differ significantly from each other (HC1 - HC2 = .004 +/- .056 kg/yr), and the control line data were pooled (HC). The overall control line mean 120-d weights on a female, single, mature-dam basis were 33.2 and 30.4 kg at Davis and Hopland, respectively. Direct response was greater at Davis than at Hopland: DW - DC = . 524 +/- . 073 kg/yr (P less than .001); HW - HC = . 151 +/- . 034 kg/yr (P less than .001). Corresponding realized heritabilities were . 17 and . 06. Direct response for the DH line was DH - HC = . 226 +/- . 036 (P less than .001); realized heritability was . 08. Response in the DH line was greater (P less than .05) than that in the HW line: HW - DH = -. 075 +/- . 037 kg/yr. This indicates that: (1) genetic improvement made on a higher plane of nutrition was expressed, but to a lesser degree, under range conditions and (2) selection under better feed conditions resulted in at least as much improvement in growth rate in a range environment as did selection under range conditions.
A study of subunit selectivity, mechanism and site of action of the delta selective compound 2 (DS2) at human recombinant and rodent native GABAA receptors

Most GABAA receptor subtypes comprise 2α, 2β and 1γ subunit, although for some isoforms, a δ replaces a γ‐subunit. Extrasynaptic δ‐GABAA receptors are important therapeutic targets, but there are few suitable pharmacological tools. We profiled DS2, the purported positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of δ‐GABAA receptors to better understand subtype selectivity, mechanism/site of action and activity at native δ‐GABAA receptors.
Factors affecting adoption of improved farm practices by the farmers of Northern Bangladesh

The present research examined the extent of adoption of improved farm practices by the farmers of Northern Bangladesh and determined the influencing factors for adopting these practices. This study was carried out in purposively selected Parbatipur upazila of Dinajpur district and Sherpur upazila of Bogra district as a representative of the northern Bangladesh. Data were collected from randomly selected 218 farmers through pre-tested interview schedule. Various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied for getting meaningful results. Findings portray that most of the respondents belong to middle age group with a mean age of 47.02 years. The highest 37.2 percent of the respondents completed secondary level of education. Agriculture is the primary occupation of 89 percent of the respondents. The farmers have very low level of participation in various organizations. Contact with various communication media is very low for Sherpur compared to Parbatipur. The farm practices adopted mainly by the farmers are modern varieties, line sowing, power tiller, optimum tillage, balanced fertilizer, STW/DTW, IPM, balanced irrigation, rice weeder, sprayer and threasure. Among all practices, ‘power tiller’ adoption is the highest and ‘line showing’ is the lowest. Mean adoption score is 70.60. Results of multiple regression model indicates that communication score, total cultivable land, and socio-economic score have significant positive relationship, and total land area affected due to drought has significant negative relationship with adoption of improved farm practices by the farmers. Moreover, logistic regression model portrays that technology adoption is 1.49 times lower for Sherpur compared to Parbatipur. Finally, we can say that socio-economic factors influencing adoption of improved farm practices may be taken into consideration while accelerating the face of technology adoption under farming system.
Impact of Employee Training on Organizational Performance - Case Study of Drilling Companies in Geita, Shinyanga and Mara Regions in Tanzania

Employee training is one of the vital tools that help to enhance effective organizational performance and at the same time helps to promote the stability index of the organization. It is very important for the organization to exert extra efforts and invest much in employee training if it wants to achieve its objectives in the most economical way.Shaw (2011) defined training as a process that provides employees with skills,information and understanding of the organization and its goals. Training is a systematic process, which helps people to learn how to be more effective at work by modifying knowledge, skills or attitudes through learning experience to achieve effective performance (Buckley & Caple, 2000). Training is very important in achieving the objectives of the organization by continuing to view the interest of employees and organization (Stone, 2002). Improved capabilities, knowledge and skills of the talented workforce have been proved to be the main source of competitiveadvantage in a global market (McKinsey, 2006). When the organization is unable to deliver effective training to its employees it is not only the employees who suffer, the impact can be felt by the organization itself.If someone is not delivering the training in an impressive style and he is not capturing the attention of the audience it means he is wasting the time(Griffin et al, 2000). Trainingprimarily focuses on teaching the organizational members how to perform their current jobs and at the same time help them to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to be effective performers (Jones, George & Hill, 2000).