Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bio-treatment of phosphate from synthetic wastewater using Pseudomonas sp YLW-7

In this study, the efficient phosphate utilizing isolates were used to remove phosphate from synthetic phosphate wastewater was tested using batch scale process. Hence the objective of the present study was to examine the efficiency of bacterial species individually for the removal of phosphate from synthetic phosphate wastewater. The most efficient phosphate reducers were isolated and screened from eutrophic lake water samples. The total heterotrophic bacterial analysis of the samples showed the presence of about 22 phosphate reducers. Among them, Pseudomonas sp YLW-7 were found to be efficient in phosphate reduction based on the maximum phosphate ultization which was observed by plate screening method using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The effect of carbon sources (glucose, starch, sucrose and lactose) at 0.5% on the removal of phosphate by Pseudomonas sp YLW7 was estimated. The maximum growth of Pseudomonas sp YLW7 was observed to be 0.9886 OD in glucose followed by starch (0.9456 OD), Sucrose (0.9095 OD) and lactose (0.8407 OD). The pH change in culture medium after 72 h treatment was found to be 6.0 in glucose, starch, lactose sources and 5.8 in sucrose carbon source. The phosphate removal was observed to be maximum of 68 % in synthetic phosphate wastewater with glucose carbon source followed by starch (66%), sucrose (65%) and lactose (62%) after 72 h at neutral pH (7.0± 2) by Pseudomonas sp YLW-7. Thus the Pseudomonas sp YLW-7 may use the contaminants as nutrients source and might be used in the remediation of phosphate contaminated environments.
Exploring fitness centre consumer loyalty: differences of non-profit and low-cost business models in Spain

Abstract A number of studies have placed at the forefront variables that predict the loyalty of clients in fitness centres. In fact, no study has analysed the differences between these variables according to business models. The objective of this study was to analyse the relationship between quality, value, satisfaction and the future intentions of clients of public and private low-cost fitness centres and their differences. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 1805 fitness centre clients. A confirmatory factor analysis and multi-group analysis was performed to test the difference between two invariance models. The findings indicate a greater weight in facilities and employees of the quality perceived from private low-cost fitness centres and a greater weight in programmes from public fitness centres. Furthermore, the relationship between the variables’ overall quality, perceived value, satisfaction and future intentions had a greater influence in private low-cost fitness centres than in public centres.
The influence of customer value on word of mouth: a study of the financial services company in Brazil

Purpose – Our study analyzes the non-linear effect of customer lifetime value (CLV), which accounts for the revenue accumulated over the lifetime of a customer relationship, calculated using a discount rate, on customer referral value (CRV), which accounts for the value created by customers converted to the firm. Design/methodology/approach – We collected data from customers of a financial institution that provides retirement plan products. A random sample of 768 customers provided the full names of individuals to whom they made a recommendation. After these names were elicited, respondents and referrals were identified in the firm’s records, and we calculated the CLV and CRV values. Findings – The results show the existence of a U-shaped effect of CLV on CRV, and a negative linear effect of CLV on recommendation intention. Originality/value – Our study contributes to the body of literature on word of mouth by focusing on a product and business segment with low perceived brand differentiation and low customer involvement. We contribute to the marketing literature by showing a U-shape relationship between CLV and word of mouth activity, represented by CRV.
Increased expression of p62 in expanded polyglutamine‐expressing cells and its association with polyglutamine inclusions

Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with a CAG repeat expansion in the gene encoding huntingtin. We found that a 60‐kDa protein was increased in Neuro2a cells expressing the N‐terminal portion of huntingtin with expanded polyglutamine. We purified this protein, and, using mass spectrometry, identified it as p62, an ubiquitin‐associated domain‐containing protein. A specific p62 antibody stained the ubiquitylated polyQ inclusions in expanded polyglutamine‐expressing cells, as well as in the brain of the huntingtin exon 1 transgenic mice. Furthermore, the level of p62 protein and mRNA was increased in expanded polyglutamine‐expressing cells. We also found that p62 formed aggresome‐like inclusions when p62 was increased in normal Neuro2a cells by a proteasome inhibitor. Knock‐down of p62 does not affect the formation of aggresomes or polyglutamine inclusions, suggesting that p62 is recruited to the aggresome or inclusions secondary to their formation. These results suggest that p62 may play important roles as a responsive protein to a polyglutamine‐induced stress rather than as a cross‐linker between ubiquitylated proteins.
Somato‐dendritic nicotinic receptor responses recorded in vitro from the medial septal diagonal band complex of the rodent

The medial septal diagonal band area (MS/DB), made up of GABAergic and cholinergic neurones, plays an essential role in the generation and modulation of the hippocampal theta rhythm. To understand the part that the cholinergic neurones might play in this activity, we sought to determine whether postsynaptic nicotinic receptor responses can be detected in slices of the rodent MS/DB by puffing on acetylcholine (ACh). Neurones were characterized electrophysiologically into GABAergic and cholinergic neurones according to previous criteria. Responses of the MS/SB neurones to ACh were various combinations of fast depolarizations (1.5–2.5 s), fast hyperpolarizations (3–4 s) and slow depolarizations (20–30 s), the latter two being blocked by atropine. The fast depolarizations were partially or not blocked with cadmium and low calcium, tetrodotoxin, and antagonists of other ionotropic receptors, and were antagonized with 25 μm mecamylamine. Pharmacological investigation of the responses showed that the α7* nicotinic receptor type is associated with cholinergic neurones and 10% of the GABAergic neurones, and that nonα7* nicotinic receptor subtypes are associated with 50% of the GABAergic neurones. Pharmacological dissection of evoked and spontaneous postsynaptic responses, however, did not provide evidence for synaptic nicotinic receptor transmission in the MS/DB. It was concluded that nicotinic receptors, although prevalent on the somatic and/or dendritic membrane compartments of neurones in the MS/DB, are on extrasynaptic sites where they presumably play a neuromodulatory role. The presence of α7* nicotinic receptors on cholinergic neurones may also render these cells specifically vulnerable to degeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
Becoming the Rising Generation: Uncovering the Path to Thriving for the Next Generation in Ultra-high Net Worth Families

Despite the common misconception that people who are born into wealth don’t (or shouldn’t) have problems, there are many challenges that rising generation family members face. Interviews with inheritors often reveal with themes of flagging self-identities, fear of failure, isolation, and lack of motivation. The roadblocks on the path towards thriving experienced by the next generation of affluent families are often unseen and generally not acknowledged. What can look like poor behavior – entitlement, disengagement, apathy, and lack of motivation – is often camouflaging deeply-felt confusion, self-doubt, fear, shame, and anxiety. Those next generation family members who adopt a mindset of hope, growth, and a willingness to persevere and find their own voice and path are referred to as the “rising” generation. This paper explores what traits and skills support inheritors to become members of the rising generation. Based on semi-structured interviews with rising generation exemplars, this research identifies four positive psychological skills or traits – growth mindset, grit, mastery experiences, and positive relationships – that are commonly present within the rising generation family members who have overcome the pitfalls of inherited wealth in which many of their peers become entrapped. Additionally, this paper outlines how both parents and their children can begin to cultivate these skills and traits.
Fasting serum insulin and lipid levels in men with epilepsy

Background: Previous studies suggest that obese women taking valproate (VPA) for epilepsy are insulin resistant. Objective: To assess the effects of antiepileptic drugs on serum insulin and lipid levels in men with epilepsy. Methods: Body mass index (BMI) and fasting serum concentrations of insulin and lipids were measured in 102 men with epilepsy who were treated with VPA, carbamazepine (CBZ), or oxcarbazepine (OXC) monotherapy. Thirty-two healthy men served as control subjects. Results: Obesity was not more common among VPA-treated men than among other men with epilepsy or the control subjects. However, the obese VPA-treated men had higher serum insulin levels (p < 0.001) than the obese control subjects despite similar BMI. CBZ and OXC did not have any significant effect on any of the measurements. Fasting serum insulin concentrations above the normal range were observed in seven obese VPA-treated patients (35%) but in only one obese control subject (5%). Five obese VPA-treated patients (25%) and one obese control subject (5%) had serum triglyceride levels above the normal range, and a low high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio was observed in two obese VPA-treated patients (10%). Conclusions: Obese valproate-treated men have high serum insulin levels, indicating insulin resistance. Moreover, some of the valproate-treated men cluster cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and elevated serum triglyceride concentrations. CBZ and OXC do not seem to have any significant effects on serum insulin or lipid levels in men with epilepsy.
Meta‐analysis shows that infants who have suffered neonatal sepsis face an increased risk of mortality and severe complications

Infants suffering from neonatal sepsis face an increased risk of early death and long‐term neurodevelopmental delay. This paper analyses and summarises the existing data on short‐term and long‐term outcomes of neonatal sepsis, based on 12 studies published between January 2000 and 1 April 2012 and covering 3669 neonates with sepsis.
EFFECT OF TALENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION: EVIDENCE FROM INDIAN IT FIRMS

Couple of years back, home-grown e-commerce player Snapdeal made a claim that India lacked talented programmers to meet their needs. This assertion reemphasized the importance of talented employees and their skills in the success of any organization. Understandably, a lot of research efforts have been made in last two decades to tackle issues related to employee retention. This study examined the role of talent management practices and organizational performance on employee retention in the Indian IT sector. Based on literature review, three leading hypotheses were formed. Primary data was collected from 33 IT firms, leading to a total of 68 responses. Based on statistical analysis using SPSS 21.0, correlations between the variables were studied. Additionally, regression was also performed between the dependent and independent constructs. The results revealed that significant relationship was found between talent management and employee retention. On the other hand, organizational performance, on its own, didn’t emerge as a driving factor for employee retention. However, along with talent management practices, organization performance was found to have significant effect on employee retention.
Variables that Attract and Retain Middle-Income Families to Urban Public Schools

In the mid-nineteenth century, with the influx of European immigrants into the cities, public schools became the answer to the poverty and ignorance of the urban masses. Then, in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, urban public schools were again called on to educate the many African-Americans who migrated to the cities from poor Southern states. Again, the idea of mass education of the public, funded by the public, became the panacea for all the problems of city living. The civil rights movement brought a flood of litigation, and courts attempted to provide equal educational opportunities to all students, even those in poor urban localities. Currently, urban public schools face the flight of middle-income families from the cities to the suburbs, within-district flight of more affluent families to private and parochial schools, and diminishing funds with which they must serve their populations. This study explored the factors that would influence middle-income families to return or remain in urban public schools to restore the original concept of a public education for all by all (Hunter & Donahoo, 2003).
Sampled-data H ∞ control for networked control systems with digital control inputs

In this article, the problem of sampled-data H ∞ control for networked control systems (NCSs) with digital control inputs is considered, where the physical plant is modelled as a continuous-time one, and the control inputs are discrete-time signals. By exploiting a novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, using the Leibniz–Newton formula and a free-weighting matrix method, sufficient conditions for sampled-data H ∞ performance analysis and H ∞ controller design for such systems are given. Since the obtained conditions of H ∞ controller design are not expressed strictly in term of linear matrix inequalities, the sampled-data H ∞ controller is solved using modified cone complementary linearisation algorithm. In addition, the new sampled-data stability criteria for the NCSs is proved to be less conservative than some existing results. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Detection and quantification of the leptin receptor splice variants Ob-Ra, b, and, e in different mouse tissues.

Ob-Ra, b, and e are the major splice forms of the leptin receptor. This study was performed to map the tissue distribution and to quantify the 3 receptor isoforms by heterologous competitive Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and RNase Protection Assay (RNase PA). The mRNA of the truncated, membrane bound isoform Ob-Ra was found to be represented ubiquitously. Messenger RNA for the putative functional isoform Ob-Rb could be detected in brain, hypothalamus and in some peripheral tissues (e.g. heart, lung, lymph nodes). The highest ratio between Ob-Rb and Ob-Ra mRNA was found in the hypothalamus, where leptin probably exerts its satiety action. The fact that Ob-Rb mRNA was found in peripheral tissues could indicate possible additional functions of leptin. Transcripts for the shortest splice variant, Ob-Re, which is expected to encode a soluble form of the receptor, were detected in relatively high amounts in many tissues. The levels were comparable to those of leptin mRNA in fat tissue. It is conceivable, therefore, that Ob-Re might be secreted in sufficient amounts to act as a buffering system for freely circulating leptin.
Parental occupation and other factors and cancer risk in children: I. Study methodology and non‐occupational factors

A population‐based case‐control study of risk factors for childhood cancer was conducted for 593 cases diagnosed over the period 1986–1988 in Moscow children 0 to 14 years of age. Two healthy controls to every case were selected from registers of local pediatric polyclinics by age, gender and residence. The parents of 593 cases and 1181 controls were interviewed face‐to‐face. Significantly higher odds ratios (OR) were associated with cancer in close relatives [OR 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–1.9], any pathology associated with pregnancy (OR 2.9; 95% CI 2.4–3.6), including threatened miscarriage (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.5–3.0), toxemia (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.8–2.8) and hormone treatment during pregnancy (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.0–4.5). Pre‐term births were significantly associated with brain‐cancer risk (6/1; OR 13.3; 95% CI 1.5–301.2). For low birth weight (≤2500 g) children born from full‐term pregnancy, the OR for all cancers combined was 2.5 (23/22; 95% CI 1.4–4.7) and for leukemias 4.7 (9/4; 95% CI 1.4–16.5). In all, 100 cases and 151 controls had birth weight ≥4000 g (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1–1.9). Risk of nephroblastoma was also significantly related to this factor (11/5; OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.6–16.4). A positive trend of OR with decreasing duration of breastfeeding was significant for all cancer combined (p < 0.05). Significantly higher OR were observed for dermatitis (12/6; OR 4.0; 95% CI 1.4–12.1) and viral hepatitis (40/22; OR 3.8; 95% CI 2.3–6.3) in child medical history. Int. J. Cancer 83:712–717, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Building Skeleton Models via 3-D Medial Surface/Axis Thinning Algorithms

Abstract In this paper, we present an efficient three-dimensional (3-D) parallel thinning algorithm for extracting both the medial surfaces and the medial axes of a 3-D object (given as a 3-D binary image). A new Euler table is derived to ensure the invariance of the Euler characteristic of the object, during thinning. An octree data structure of 3 × 3 × 3 lattice points is built to examine the local connectivity. The sets of "simple" points found by different researchers are compared with the constructed set. Different definitions of "surface" points including ours are given. By preserving the topological and the geometrical conditions, our algorithm produces desirable skeletons and performs better than others in terms of noise sensitivity and speed. Pre- and postprocessors can be used to remove additional noise spurs. Its use in defect analysis of objects produced by casting and forging is discussed.
Nursing Care of Patients With Disorders of Consciousness

ABSTRACT Management of severely brain-injured patients constitutes a social, economical, and ethical dilemma as well as a real challenge for the medical staff, as it requires specific expertise. The aim of this article is to explore the aspects of nursing care in patients recovering from coma such as difficulty of diagnosis, residual perception, clinical assessment, care and management, and communication with the patient and the family. The nursing care of patients with disorder of consciousness must be particular and specific for various reasons such as the difficult diagnosis, the problem of unconsciousness or lack of demonstration of consciousness, extremely complex clinical assessment, daily management with total dependence, communication with patients that requires special attention and training by health professionals, and communication with the family of these patients that requires more sensitivity and full involvement by the team.
An Asymptotic Framework for Finite Hydraulic Fractures Including Leak-Off

The dynamics of hydraulic fracture, described by a system of nonlinear integro- differential equations, is studied through the development and application of a multiparameter sin- gular perturbation analysis. We present a new single expansion framework which describes the interaction between several physical processes, namely viscosity, toughness, and leak-off. The prob- lem has nonlocal and nonlinear effects which give a complex solution structure involving transitions on small scales near the tip of the fracture. Detailed solutions obtained in the crack tip region vary with the dominant physical processes. The parameters quantifying these processes can be identi- fied from critical scaling relationships, which are then used to construct a smooth solution for the fracture depending on all three processes. Our work focuses on plane strain hydraulic fractures on long time scales, and this methodology shows promise for related models with additional time scales, fluid lag, or different geometries, such as radial (penny-shaped) fractures and the classical Perkins-Kern-Nordgren (PKN) model. 1. Introduction. Hydraulic fractures are propagated in an elastic material due to the pressure exerted by a viscous fluid on the fracture. These fractures occur nat- urally in volcanic dikes where magma causes fracture propagation below the surface of the earth (37, 38, 55). In the oil and gas industry hydraulic fractures are deliber- ately propagated in reservoirs to increase production. Hydraulic fracture models need to account for the primary physical mechanisms involved: deformation of the rock, fracturing of the rock, flow of viscous fluid within the fracture, and leak-off of the fracturing fluid into the permeable rock. The parameters that characterize these pro- cesses are, respectively, Young's modulus E and Poisson's ratio ν, the rock toughness KIc, the fluid viscosity μ, and the leak-off coefficient Cl. The challenges for analysis of these models originate from the nonlinearity of the equation describing the flow of fluid in the fracture, the nonlocal character of the elas- tic response of the fracture, and the history-dependence of the equation governing the exchange of fluid between the fracture and the rock. The singular tip behavior, which can be difficult to resolve numerically, dominates these solutions and is highly depen- dent on the relative importance of the contributing physical processes. Therefore, the objectives of analytic treatment of these models are as follows: to characterize the structure of the near-tip solution that can be embedded in numerical algorithms, to provide benchmark solutions to test numerical codes, and to determine the parameter values and length scales that characterize the transitions between distinct combina- tions of physical processes. In this paper we use a novel asymptotic framework that enables us to characterize the different propagation regimes and provide asymptotic solutions when more than two physical processes are competing simultaneously. This
Predicting movement directions of stock index futures by support vector models with data preprocessing

Due to the nature of high-leverage, generous remuneration can be earned by small capital investment. Therefore, analysis of futures prices becomes one of the most interesting topics in financial markets. Recently, by applying the structure risk minimization principle, support vector machines (SVM) approach has been one of the most power techniques to dealing with classification problems. In this investigation, trading information including technical indicators is employed by SVM model to predict movement directions of Taiwan stock index futures prices. Due to data preprocess has essential influence on prediction accuracy of SVM models, preprocessed data provides by different methods are used to examine impacts on prediction performance of SVM models. Experimental results reveal that the SVM approach has the best performance when data are processed by scaling and differencing operations.