Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA structure and architecture in the chromosome and plasmid of hyperthermophilic organisms, a theoretical approach

Los organismos hipertermofilicos han sido reconocidos tanto como un elemento importante en el origen y la evolucion temprana de la vida en la Tierra, como un modelo en estudios de exobiologia. Analizar sus dinamicas moleculares nos puede ayudar a entender este importante estilo de vida. En este estudio, usando scripts y software, se comparo la composicion del DNA en los cromosomas y plasmidos de organismos hipertermofilos, y se analizo su estructura, su probable sesgo en el uso de aminoacidos y la flexibilidad del DNA. En algunos cromosomas y plasmidos se presentaron caracteristicas diferenciales de flexibilidad del DNA y sesgos en su tasa de mutacion, lo cual sugiere que solo algunos elementos moleculares muestran altos niveles de variabilidad, contrariamente a lo propuesto en la teoria de genoma flexible
Modified spontaneous emission spectra of laser dye in inverse opal photonic crystals

We have observed strongly modified spontaneous-emission spectra from laser dye in photonic crystals made of inverse opals in titania (TiO2). We identify stop bands with large relative widths of 15%, comparable to the dyes’ emission spectrum, and 75% attenuation of the emission strength. For a wide range of angles, two stop bands are simultaneously manifested; their angle-dependent frequencies display an avoided crossing that is corroborated by reflectivity experiments. The edges of the stop bands agree well with band-structure calculations, but differ from simple Bragg diffraction as a result of multiple wave coupling. The strongly reduced dispersion of the Bloch modes likely causes a significant change in the density of states.
Differentiated Impact of Flipped Instruction: When Would Flipped Instruction Work or Falter?.

This study assessed the impact of flipped instruction on study effort, exam performance, motivation, and perceived class quality in two sections of an introductory chemistry course. Giving frequent assignments and quizzes provided enough incentive to ensure pre-class study compliance, and flipped instruction did not appreciably increase overall study time. However, technology failures early in the class show an important lesson of what can occur when a teaching modality dependent on technology is used. Unlike in our previous study, flipped students underperformed their control counterparts in the final exam. Differentiated treatment effects were identified, as sophomores and females benefited more from flipped instruction. Similar trends were also observed with student letter grades from a subsequent chemistry course. Flipped instruction did not increase student general motivation. Flipped females, however, exhibited stronger end-of-quarter motivation than flipped males. Flipped students perceived the class to be of lower quality and expressed discontent with in-class technology failures and active learning techniques. We reflect upon the resilience of the traditional lecture format and suggest that new pedagogical methods be implemented at a conservative rate to preserve student learning outcomes in the face of implementation issues.
Financial Frictions, Trends, and the Great Recession

We study the causes behind the shift in the U.S. economy's trend following the Great Recession. To this end, we propose a model featuring endogenous productivity a la Romer and a financial friction a la Kiyotaki-Moore. Adverse financial disturbances during the recession and the lack of strong tailwinds post crisis resulted in a severe contraction and the downward shift in the economy's trend. Had financial conditions remained stable during the crisis, the economy would have grown at its average growth rate. From a historical perspective, the Great Recession was unique because of the size and persistence of adverse shocks, and the lackluster performance of favorable shocks since 2010.
Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises: Evidence from Nigerian Business Environment

There is growing body of evidence supporting the relationship between planning practices and perceived benefits in organizations. Most of the studies carried out have been limited only to large enterprises in developed economies. There is, however some fewer empirical work that has examined the relationship between planning and organizational performance in under-developed countries. To fill this gap, this study examined the relationship between formal planning and business performance having taken a sample of manufacturing SMEs in Nigeria. Data and relevant information elicited from selected respondents in SMEs were analyzed. Results of the analysis revealed that there exists a significant relationship between planning and performance of SMEs. The findings of the study provided some insight to fill the research gap and contribute to the literature which can be useful to owners and managers of SMEs.
Power maps on quasi-$p$-regular $SU(n)$

In the paper we will introduce show that the $p^3$ power map on $SU(p+t-1)$ is an H-map for $2\leq t\leq p-1$. To do this we will consider a fibration whose base space is $SU(p+t-1)$ with the property that there is a section into the total space. We will then use decomposition methods to identify the fibre and the map from it to the total space. This information will be used to deduce information about $SU(p+t-1)$. In doing this we draw together recent work of Kishimoto and Theriault with more classical work of Cohen and Neisendorfer, and make use of the classical theorems of Hilton and Milnor, James and Barrett.
Towards Assessing Critical Thinking Cognitive Ability in Varied University Majors: Evidence for EFL Students’ Dominance

The study presents findings from a comparative case study carried out to assess critical thinking levels and ability in some 350 Iranian university students from a range of majors. To this end, Watson–Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal was applied to measure their critical thinking ability. The analyses of results revealed that the participants enjoyed an average level of critical thinking ability underpinning Iranian university students‟ rather average appreciation of the world and the subsequent decisions they make and of their ignorance of the intellectual traits of mind to be developed to their advantage. Furthermore, males turned out to outperform females as far as this ability was involved. Meanwhile, the undergraduates as well as EFL learners manifested a significant supremacy over Associate‟s degree and non-EFL students especially of empirical sciences as far as critical thinking tests were concerned. Moreover, as to the most frequent reason cited regarding why the students refrained from partaking in class discussions, regarded as the central method of helping students master critical thinking and communication skills (Wolcott, 2000), “fear of speaking in public” was rated the highest. The results of the study can have good pedagogical implications for all including EFL teachers, teacher trainers, syllabus designers as well as materials and curriculum developers.
Ten years ago, what was the main etiology of intestinal obstructions? Historical perspective: A retrospective cohort study.

Amac: Intestinal obstruksiyon etiyolojisi ulkeler arasinda farklilik gostermektedir. Bu calisma Turkiye’deki 10 yil onceki deneyimlerimizi temsilen genis bir hasta serisini sunmayi amaclamaktadir. Metod: Sekiz yillik sure icerisinde (2000 – 2007) intestinal obstruksiyon nedeniyle basvuran 1381 hastanin dosyasi incelendi. Bulgular: Olgular iki gruba ayrildi. A Grubunu ameliyata alinan 1186 (%85.5) hasta olusturdu. Geriye kalan 201 ameliyat disi tedavi uygulanan hasta B grubunu olusturdu. Eksternal bogulmus fitiklarin (%46) (inguinal, femoral, umblikal ve insizyonel) A grubu icerisinde intestinal obstruksiyona sebep olan en sik neden oldugu saptandi. Tumor ve adezyonlar; %19 ve %18’lik oranla sik gorulen nedenler icinde yer aldi. Sonuc: Eksternal herniler intestinal obstruksiyon nedenleri arasinda en sik neden olarak saptandi. Eksternal hernileri olan hastalari elektif sartlarda bogulma gerceklesmeden ameliyata tesvik etmek bu sikligi dusurebilir. Mevcut literaturde etiyoloji siralamasinda bazi onemli degisiklikler mevcuttur. Yeni calismalar mevcut durumu ortaya cikarmak icin yapilmalidir.
1 TH / P 108 Gyrokinetic Global Analysis of Ion Temperature Gradient Driven Mode in Reversed Shear

A new toroidal gyrokinetic particle code has been developed to study the ion temperature gradient driven (ITG) turbulence in reactor relevant tokamak parameters. We use a new method based on a canonical Maxwellian distribution FCM(Pφ, ε, μ), which is defined by three constants of motion in the axisymmetric toroidal system, the canonical angular momentum Pφ, the energy ε, and the magnetic moment μ. A quasi-ballooning representation enables linear and nonlinear high-m,n global calculations with a good numerical convergence. Conservation properties are improved by using the optimized loading method [2]. From comprehensive linear global analyses over a wide range of an unstable toroidal mode number spectrum (n=0~100) in large tokamak parameters (a/ρti=320~460), properties of the ITG modes in reversed shear tokamaks are discussed. In the nonlinear simulation, it is found that a new method based on FCM can simulate a zonal flow damping correctly, and spurious zonal flow oscillations, which are observed in a conventional method based on a local Maxwellian distribution FLM(ψ, ε, μ), do not appear in the nonlinear regime.
Can humility bring happiness in life? The relationship between life aspirations, subjective well-being, and humility

A survey was carried out to explore the relationship between life aspirations, subjective well-being, and humility (i.e., accepting one’s own limitations, accepting oneself and reality, no desire for control, making use of one’s failures to improve oneself, and not putting on airs). The results indicated that humility may serve as a predictor of intrinsic aspirations and subjective well-being. Furthermore, it was established that intrinsic aspirations correlate positively with self-acceptance and acceptance of reality whereas extrinsic aspirations correlate negatively with a lack of desire for control. Two dimensions of humility: (a) recognizing one’s own limitations and (b) self-acceptance and acceptance of reality positively correlate with subjective well-being.
Efficient in vitro multiplication protocol for Vanilla planifolia using nodal explants in Ethiopia

Vanilla planifolia Andr. is a tropical commercial spice crop known for its popular flavoring substance called vanillin. Vanillin is the second most expensive spice in the world market, next to saffron. Ethiopia has favorable environment for vanilla production and the crop has huge local and international market. There is a soaring investors’ interest to produce vanilla in the country provided there is plenty and reliable planting material supply. In line with this, we report efficient and reproducible tissue culture based mass propagation protocol for elite vanilla clones introduced into the country. Significant difference (p large scale vanilla production in Ethiopia.
The Dual Discourse About Peruvian Domestic Workers in Santiago de Chile: Class, Race, and a Nationalist Project

Abstract This article examines the functions of the “dual discourse” about Peruvian migrant domestic workers in contemporary Santiago. A 2002 field study found that middle-class employers of Peruvian workers simultaneously praised them as superior workers and denigrated them as uneducated and uncivilized. While this response is not unique to Santiago, this study argues that it fulfilled particular ideological functions in this context. The praise served to discipline the Chilean working class, who middle-class employers claimed no longer knew their place. The epithets served as a foil for Chilean national identity. Stories about Peruvians serve as tools in ongoing ideological contestations over class, race, and nation in Chile and, at the same time, shape the working conditions and integration of the migrants themselves.
Measuring Relative Container Terminal Efficiency in Indonesia

The main objective of the thesis is to measure efficiency of container terminals in Indonesia. The measurement has been performed by applying Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a non parametric approach. According to the study on DEA application in port sector, efficiency of container terminal is influenced by port size, port geographical, privatization and better incentive of production but the case occurred in Indonesia is different. Of the 12 container terminals observed, four of them present efficient terminals. Three out of four efficient terminals are not surprising because they are located in Jakarta, managed by private and serve international ships. But one of them, Pontianak container terminal is surprising because Pontianak container terminal is a small river port, serves small ship and operated by State-owned Company. The result is also surprising because TPS container terminal, the second biggest container terminal and managed by Dubai port, is not included as an efficient terminal. The phenomenon is theoretically difficult to explain. The only explanation may be the existence of any strong correlation between efficiency of container terminal and precision of strategic port planning.
Challenging Autoimmunity As A Cause Of Sciatica.

Although low back pain and sciatica are very common conditions the pathophysiologic mechanisms are not fully elucidated. More than 40 years ago it was suggested that since the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs was isolated from the systemic circulation one might consider that there would be an autoimmune component. There have been several attempts over the years to assess this hypothesis but it is still not clear if auto-immunity is involved in the pathophysiology of, in particular sciatica. It has, for instance, been demonstrated that there are immunoglobulins in herniated nucleus pulposus tissue and that incubation of cultured nucleus pulposus cells and autologous serum will induce binding of IgG and IgM in a pig system. However, it was not clear if there was a binding of the F(ab)-region, thus implying a specific binding with possibly a pathophysiological importance, or if there was a non-specific binding of the F(c)-region. In the present study we incubated fresh nucleus pulposus tissue with commercially available F(ab)-fragments representing the F(ab)-fragments to all epitopes found in normal pig serum and commercially available F(c)-fragments. It was evident that the F(c)-fragments attached to the nucleus pulposus cells but there was no binding of the F(ab)-fragments. There is of course a possibility that IgG with specificity to the nucleus pulposus cells may be induced following immunization and is thus not present in the commercial preparation. It nevertheless seems more likely that the binding of the immunoglobulins as seen previously relates to a non-specific binding of the F(c)-part, which thus would contradict auto-immunity as a cause of low back pain and sciatica.
Financial and Monetary Reforms and the Finance-Growth Relationship in Zimbabwe

The study employs the Granger causality test in a multivariate cointegration and error correction environment to examine the relationship between financial development and economic growth in Zimbabwe. Using annual data from 1980 to 2012, and after controlling for financial and monetary reforms, the study demonstrates a unidirectional causal relationship that runs from financial development to economic growth. The evidence shows that financial development; banking sector development in particular, is not a passive response to economic growth. Instead, it is a critical tool for accelerating economic growth. Policy implications of this evidence are that the banking sector in Zimbabwe must be supported with policies that encourage credit expansion and innovation to support economic growth. The equities market, on the other hand, requires more investor-friendly innovations and policies, especially with regard to trading efficiency and foreign investor participation in the primary market. In combination, these policy interventions should be able to magnify the positive effect of financial development on economic growth.
Genomic Characterization of Interspecific Hybrids and an Admixture Population Derived from Panicum amarum × P. virgatum

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and its relatives are regarded as top bioenergy crop candidates; however, one critical barrier is the introduction of useful genetic diversity and the development of new cultivars and hybrids. Combining genomes from related cultivars and species provides an opportunity to introduce new traits. In switchgrass, a breeding advantage would be achieved by combining the genomes of intervarietal ecotypes or interspecific hybrids. The recovery of wide crosses, however, is often tedious and may involve complicated embryo rescue and numerous backcrosses. Here, we demonstrate a straightforward approach to wide crosses involving the use of a selectable transgene for recovery of interspecific [P. virgatum cv. Alamo × Panicum amarum Ell. var amarulum or Atlantic Coastal Panicgrass (ACP)] F1 hybrids followed by backcrossing to generate a nontransgenic admixture population. A nontransgenic herbicide‐sensitive (HbS) admixture population of 83 F1BC1 progeny was analyzed by genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) to characterize local ancestry, parental contribution, and patterns of recombination. These results demonstrate a widely applicable breeding strategy that makes use of transgenic selectable resistance to identify and recover true hybrids.
Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for Couples: An Insight into the Treatment of Couple Hardships and Struggles

In this chapter, a comprehensive literature review of the theoretical underpinnings and clinical practices of cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) will be presented. First, a description of the theory underlying CBCT and the role of the therapist will be reviewed. Different mandates and motives for couples to consult in CBCT will then be described, with attention given to specificities for diverse populations. The assessment process and main intervention techniques used by CBCT therapists will be presented, including communication training, problem and conflict resolution, cognitive restructuring, identification and expression of emotions, expression of affection and sexual problems as well as acceptance and tolerance of differences. The chapter will conclude with a critical analysis of CBCT and suggestions for future clinical developments.
Spoilage potential of spore-forming bacteria from refrigerated raw milk

Aerobic bacterial spores are an important group of microorganisms in raw milk. These microbes are thermoduric, whereas the vegetative forms are thermophilic, thermoduric and psychrotrophic and reduce the shelf life of pasteurized milk. In Brazil, there are a lack of studies on the load of aerobic spores in raw milk; thus, little is known about the spoilage activity of these organisms. The aim the present study was to quantify the aerobic spores in Brazilian refrigerated raw milk of dairy region of Castro, Paraná state, assess the potential proteolytic and/or lipolytic isolates and identify the microorganisms derived from the germination. Twenty milk samples were evaluated, and the aerobic spore count was performed after plating the samples following heat treatment at 80°C for 12 min. The activity proteolytic and lipolytic isolates were evaluated through subculture on milk agar and tributyrin agar, respectively, and these microorganisms were identified using partial 16S rRNA gene sequences that were compared through GenBank. The aerobic spore counts ranged from 1 to 3.7 log CFU.mL-1, with a mean of 1.75 (± 0.59) log CFU.mL-1. After spore germination, 137 aerobic bacterial isolates were obtained, 40 of which (29.2%) showed milk spoilage activity. Among these, 31 isolates (77.5%) were proteolytic and lipolytic, seven isolates (17.5%) were exclusively lipolytic and two isolates (5%) were only proteolytic. Based on the 16S rRNA gene analysis, Bacillus licheniformis (55%), Bacillus spp. (27.5%), Paenibacillus spp. (7.5%), Bacillus pumilus (5%), Bacillus circulans (2.5%) and Brevibacillus spp. (2.5%) were identified. Studies of Brazilian raw milk microbiota have not yet described B. circulans which are frequently detected in milk from other countries. Among the 22 B. licheniformis isolates, 21 microbes (95.5%) showed proteolytic and lipolytic activity, and one isolate (4.5%) exhibited only proteolytic activity. The two B. pumilus isolates were proteolytic and lipolytic, whereas the B. circulans isolate was only lipolytic. Among the 11 Bacillus spp. isolates, eight isolates (72.7%) were proteolytic and lipolytic, one isolate (9.1%) was proteolytic and the other two isolates (18.2%) were lipolytic. The three Paenibacillus spp. and Brevibacillus spp. isolates were primarily lipolytic. Therefore, to extend the shelf life of pasteurized milk, preventive measures must be adopted to reduce contamination with spores because one-third of these microorganisms exhibited proteolytic and/or lipolytic activity.
A dendrochronological investigation of paraglacial activity and streamflow in the vicinity of the Homathko Icefield, British Columbia coast mountains, Canada

Supervisory Committee: Dr. Dan J. Smith, (Department of Geography) Co-Supervisor Dr. John J. Clague, (Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University) Co-Supervisor Dr. Dennis E. Jelinski (Department of Geography) Departmental member Dr. Terri Lacourse (Department of Geography) Departmental member Moraine and glacier dams bordering the Homathko Icefield burst in the 1980s and 1990s, causing catastrophic downstream floods. The largest of the floods occurred in August 1997 and was caused by rapid breaching of the dam that impounds Queen Bess Lake, below Diadem Glacier. The outburst flood from the lake eroded the Holocene-age sediment fill in the valley below, exposing a series of subfossil forest layers separated by overbank floodplain sediments. A field investigation of the eroded valley fill in 2008 revealed multiple paraglacial valley-fill units, many of which are capped by in situ stumps and woody detritus. Dendrogeomorphic dating and stratigraphic evidence revealed six major sediment deposition events that coincide with regional, independently dated glacier episodes over the past 1200 years. Construction of tree-ring chronologies for the study area also allowed for the examination of the relationship between radial tree growth and hydroclimate. Dendroclimatological and dendrohydrological techniques were used to reconstruct summer stream discharge of nearby Chilko River. An Engelmann spruce tree-ring chronology provided a proxy for mean summer discharge of Chilko River for the period 1775-2007. This record is the first to be developed from tree-ring
Performance of growing and finishing dairy bulls offered diets based on whole-crop barley silage with or without protein supplementation relative to a grass silage-based diet

This study was conducted to examine the performance of growing dairy bulls offered diets based on whole-crop barley silage with or without protein supplementation when compared to a grass silage-based diet. A feeding experiment comprised 36 bulls which were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum . The four dietary treatments were: 1) grass silage (600 g kg -1 dry matter) and rolled barley (400), 2) whole-crop barley silage (600) and rolled barley (400), 3) whole-crop barley silage (600), rolled barley (310) and rapeseed meal-based protein supplementation (90), and 4) whole-crop barley silage (600), rolled barley (330) and rapeseed meal + urea -based protein supplementation (70). Replacing grass silage with whole-crop barley decreased the carcass gain and carcass weight of the bulls due to lower energy intake. Protein supplementation either as rapeseed meal or rapeseed meal + urea of whole-crop barley silage based diets had no effects on animal performance.