Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smart Dairy Farming through the Internet of Things (IoT)

The objective of this paper is to report a smart dairy farming in Ontario, Canada, which is a case study for future of food production, and ways that advancements related to the Internet of Things (IoT). It is impacting upon agricultural practice in the form of smart farming. Smart farming is the practice of intelligent agricultural management based upon technological data gathering farm practice for the purpose of increased levels of quality, production, and environmental protection. This paper will illustrate one example whereby partnerships among the academic world, government agencies and local food producing communities in Canada are adapting innovative thinking and smart technologies to address the need to implement the more effective agricultural practice. Food from Thought is a Canadian research project, based upon high-tech information systems to produce enough food for a growing human population while sustaining the Earth’s
Hyaluronan Synthesis Is Inhibited by Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase through the Regulation of HAS2 Activity in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells*

Hyaluronan (HA) is an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan (GAG) involved in cell motility, proliferation, tissue remodeling, development, differentiation, inflammation, tumor progression, and invasion and controls vessel thickening in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the control of HA synthesis could permit the fine-tuning of cell behavior, but the mechanisms that regulate HA synthesis are largely unknown. Recent studies suggest that the availability of the nucleotide-sugar precursors has a critical role. Because the formation of UDP-sugars is a highly energetically demanding process, we have analyzed whether the energy status of the cell could control GAG production. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the main ATP/AMP sensor of mammalian cells, and we mimicked an energy stress by treating human aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) with the AMPK activators 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside and metformin. Under these conditions, HA synthesis, but not that of the other GAGs, was greatly reduced. We confirmed the inhibitory effect of AMPK using a specific inhibitor and knock-out cell lines. We found that AMPK phosphorylated Thr-110 of human HAS2, which inhibits its enzymatic activity. In contrast, the other two HAS isoenzymes (HAS1 and HAS3) were not modified by the kinase. The reduction of HA decreased the ability of AoSMCs to proliferate, migrate, and recruit immune cells, thereby reducing the pro-atherosclerotic AoSMC phenotype. Interestingly, such effects were not recovered by treatment with exogenous HA, suggesting that AMPK can block the pro-atherosclerotic signals driven by HA by interaction with its receptors.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND SEROLOGY OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS PHAGES

Williams and Fraser (1953) have described procedures for preparing highly purified suspensions of T-phages. Their electron microscope studies of such preparations have shown that the size and shape of frozen dried phages are quite different from the corresponding air dried specimens. We have, therefore, adopted their purification procedures and the freeze drying method of Williams (1953) in order to determine whether these methods are applicable for staphylococcal phages and at the same time to study their external morphology. We have found that frozen dried staphylococcal phage preparations differ markedly from air dried preparations. Electron microscope studies of air dried preparations of staphylococcal bacteriophage K (Hotchin, 1954) and phage 3A (Farrant and Rountree, 1953) have been reported previously. Six of the phages for the present study were derived from staphylococci of bovine origin, two were of human origin. A study of the serology of the phages was also undertaken since this propertv is useful in their characterization (Adams, 1953). The eight phages tested fall into two serologically unrelated groups which differ morphologically. As would be expected, related phages have a similar appearance.
L-systems and artificial chemistry to develop digital organisms

With the purpose of populating virtual worlds with various adapted artificial organisms, we propose an ontogenetic and phylogenetic hybrid model to generate complete organisms possessing metabolism, morphology, and behavior from a single initial cell. The initial purpose of our work is to generate organisms that are thereafter used to define complete organisms. In this paper, we introduce a bio-inspired cellular developmental model that links different approaches of ontogenesis systems: grammatical and cell chemistry approaches. Thus, we propose an alternative to parametric L-systems (APL-systems) in order to simulate morphogenesis of organisms according to their internal states. The developed organisms have a metabolism using environmental substrates to grow and to act. Moreover, they are able to exhibit almost perfect self-healing characteristics afterwards or even during their development.
American Urological Association guideline on the management of priapism.

priapism would eventually resolve on its own albeit with possible permanent damage to the penis. The literature reviewed for this guideline straddles both empirical and pathophysiology-based eras, and some of the reported positive responses to treatment may reflect the natural course of priapism rather than a true treatment success. In addition, the literature is bereft of followup data on patients with priapism. This document derives from a comprehensive review of the medical literature related to the management of priapism. As noted, deficiencies in this literature made it impossible to develop strict evidence-based guidelines. Most of the recommendations contained herein are based upon expert consensus following review of the literature. Where possible, expert consensus is supplemented with review of limited data. Because the literature review only considered reports of cases in which the duration of erections were longer than 4 hours, the recommendations made may not apply to erections of shorter duration. This guideline does not establish a fixed set of rules or define the legal standard of care for the treatment of priapism. Above all, it does not preempt physician judgment in individual cases. Variations in patient subpopulations, physician experience and available resources will necessarily influence choice of clinical strategy. Adherence to the recommendations presented in this document cannot assure a successful treatment outcome. The basis of each recommendation, consensus of the expert panel with or without data obtained by systematic review of evidence, is noted. A diagnostic and treatment algorithm is presented in the figure.
Gender Differences in Instagram Hashtag Use

ABSTRACT This article draws on two theories—uses and gratification and the James–Lange theory of emotion—to investigate gender differences in Instagram hashtag use. The study content analyzes 1,382 Instagram posts with the hashtag #Malaysianfood and categorizes them as informative/emotional and positive/negative. The results show that compared to male users, female users tend to use emotional and positive hashtag descriptions. This study also finds a positive relationship between the number of hashtags used and both the number of followers and likes. Finally, the results suggest a high satisfaction with Malaysian foods based on the number of positive and negative hashtags. Academically, this study adds to the limited Instagram and hashtag literature, expands the online gender behavior literature to hashtags, and introduces hashtag sentiment to measure user satisfaction. Companies should consider gender preferences in Instagram, and other social media, hashtag use to attract and keep target customers.
New Keynesian macroeconomics : Entry For New

This dictionary entry defines the development of new Keynesian macroeconomics (NKM) since the 1980s. I argue that the key defining feature NKM is the introduction of imperfect competition, making price and/or wage setting endogenous and hence allowing for a rigorous understanding of nominal rigidity. This has led to a shift away from perfect competition in macroeconomics. The combination of NKM with dynamic macroeconomic modelling has led to the current orthodoxy: the new-neoclassical synthesis. Dynamic wage and price models lead to monetary neutrality in steady-state, non-neutrality out of steady-state. Other themes in NKM include efficiency wage theory and coordination failure.
Oxidative pathways for catecholamines in the genesis of neuromelanin and cytotoxic quinones.

The autoxidation, periodate oxidation, and tyrosinase-mediated oxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine were studied by absorption spectroscopy. Autoxidation and tyrosinase-mediated oxidation of the three catecholamines resulted in dopachrome analogues—aminochrome from dopamine, noradrenochrome from norepinephrine, and adrenochrome from epinephrine—without evidence for the expected intermediates, the o -quinones and the corresponding leukochromes. The use of periodate as an oxidant, on the other hand, allowed visualization of the o -quinone intermediates and the subsequent conversion to the dopachrome analogues. Cyclization of the o -quinones appeared to occur in the order epinephrine > norepinephrine > dopamine, while the rate of autoxidation occurred in the reverse order. The oxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine to its p -quinone was visualized under all three oxidizing conditions. However, the oxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine by periodate gave evidence for a transient intermediate, the o -quinone, which rapidly tautomerized to the p -quinone. The p -quinone product of 6-hydroxydopamine was seen to undergo cyclization to aminochrome, with subsequent polymerization.
Examining Factors Affecting Profit Smoothing of Companies Listed in Tehran Stock Exchange

The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting profit smoothing of companies listed on Tehran Stock Exchange. The research method was descriptive, correlation type. There were participated 127 companies in the study as sample. Regression model was used to analyze data. The results showed that factors such as company's ownership structure, risk and growth have a direct relationship with smoothing; while there is no significant relationship between profit smoothing and its parameter of information asymmetry.
Chinese consumers’ luxury value perceptions – a conceptual model

Purpose The aim of this paper is to offer a conceptual model that demonstrates Chinese consumers’ value perceptions towards luxury products based on the recent literature reviews and the findings from focus groups. Design/methodology/approach Focus group discussion is used to explore how Chinese consumers construct their value perceptions towards luxury products. Findings This research has integrate different perspective values into one multidimensional model to explain directly why Chinese consumers choose to buy luxury products, and what are these variables that influence their luxury value perceptions. It also provides a broader perspective in exploring the Chinese customer‘s self- and societal perceptions for purchasing luxury products. Research limitations/implications The primary data were only collected from three cities; thus, the findings may not be generalisable across all Chinese consumers. Moreover, this qualitative study was based on a relatively small sample size; thus, a future study is planned by designing a measurement instrument based on the proposed conceptual model and also testing the proposed theoretical model that scholars can apply in related empirical work in the future. Originality/value This study has offered a wide range of understanding about how Chinese luxury consumers’ luxury value perception reflect their purchasing behaviours and habits; it has also provided a new theoretical insight into the phenomenon of luxury consumption and contributed to the relatively limited literature on the concept of luxury in the context of Chinese market. It could also provide good implications for the effective marketing strategy actions in the context of Chinese luxury market.
Consolidation and performance in the EU banking industry

This chapter reviews the literature associated with the recent wave of bank mergers and acquisitions in Europe and analyses the evidence with regard to shareholder wealth creation and efficiency. The review provides an understanding of the main motives associated with bank mergers and acquisitions, addresses the main issues driving shareholder wealth creation, discusses the key developments and barriers associated with banking sector consolidation, and highlights the importance of cross-border consolidation in Europe. The literature is reviewed in conjunction with developments in US banking sector consolidation to provide a comparative account of what has occurred over the past twenty years or so. *To appear in M. Duygun-Fethi, C. Gaganis. , F. Pasiouras, C. Zopounidis (ed.), Global Trends in the Efficiency and Risk Management of Financial Services, Nova Publishers, 2012. 1 Email: hodianurio@yahoo.com 2 Corresponding author, Email: s.tanna@coventry.ac. uk
Molecular cloning of the crustacean DD4 cDNA encoding a Ca(2+)-binding protein.

A cDNA, named DD4, was identified in the prawn Penaeus japonicus in a search for genes that were expressed during calcification of the crustacean exoskeleton. DD4 transcripts were detected in the epidermal cells underlying the exoskeleton specifically during the postmolt stage, when the calcification takes place. In the DD4 cDNA an open reading frame of 542 amino acids was found. The deduced protein was acidic and proline-rich, and exhibited similarity to the Drosophila Ca(2+)-binding protein calphotin in the amino acid sequence and composition. The DD4 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli to characterize Ca(2+)-binding of the encoded protein, and Ca(2+) was found to bind to a central segment of 186 amino acids. The DD4 protein is suggested to play a role in the calcification of the crustacean exoskeleton.
A Comparison of Injected and Orally Administered β-glucans

β-glucans have been extensively studied for their pharmacological effects. Despite in-depth research, little is known about the optimal dose and/or optimal route of application. In this paper, we are reporting the result of comparing the immunostimulating activities of four commercially available glucans differing both in their solubility and source. In addition, we compared intraperitoneal and oral application, and the differences between a single versus repeated doses. Our data showed strong differences in activities of individual glucans, with glucan yeast-derived #300 being the best, and grain-derived ImmuneFiber being the worst. Furthermore, we demonstrated that oral delivery of glucan resulted in significant immunological activity, which albeit slightly lower, corresponded with injectable application. Depending on the applied dose, the effects of individual glucans were long-lasting and in some cases, lasted up to two weeks. In conclusion, our report represents further evidence about differences among commercial glucans and shows that these biological response modifiers can be similarly active when used in both injectable and oral form.
Amplification of human B cell activation by a monoclonal antibody to the B cell-specific antigen CD22, Bp 130/140.

The B cell-specific antigen CD22 is a 130/140-Kd complex and is unique among human B cell antigens, since its surface expression is restricted to a subpopulation of Ig+ B cells. Here the function of the CD22 antigen was evaluated by using the mAb HD6, directed against one of the epitopes on the molecule. The HD6 antibody was constimulatory with anti-Ig in inducing small, dense tonsillar cells to proliferate; however, the antibody by itself was devoid of stimulatory activity. Anti-CD22 antibody also induced more anti-Ig-treated B cells to leave G0 and enter the G1 phase of the cell cycle. It also was constimulatory with low-m.w. BCGF and with an antibody to a 50-Kd polypeptide, Bp50, which mediates a BCGF-like activity. Results of kinetic experiments and analysis of different B cell fractions suggested that anti-CD22 acts during an early phase of B cell activation, probably by amplifying the anti-Ig signal. F(ab')2 fragments of anti-CD22 HD6 were as effective as the whole antibody in inducing augmentation of B cell proliferation, showing that the Fc portion of the molecule was not required for the activity. The results of these experiments, together with the intriguing distribution of the Bp 130/140 antigen in B cell ontogeny, suggest that this molecule plays an important role in the process that leads to B cell activation and proliferation.
Impact of ischaemia and scar on the therapeutic benefit derived from myocardial revascularization vs. medical therapy among patients undergoing stress-rest myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.

AIMS Although pre-revascularization ischaemia testing is recommended, the interaction between the extent of ischaemia and myocardial scar with performance of revascularization on patient survival is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS We identified 13 969 patients who underwent adenosine or exercise stress SPECT myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). The percent myocardium ischaemic (%I) and fixed (%F) were calculated using 5 point/20-segment MPS scoring. Patients lost to follow-up (2.8%) were excluded leaving 13 555 patients [35% with history (Hx) of known coronary artery disease (CAD), 65% exercise stress, 61% male, age 66 ± 12]. Follow-up was performed at 12-18 months for early revascularization and at >7 years for all-cause death (ACD) (mean follow-up 8.7 ± 3.3 years). All-cause death was modelled using Cox proportional hazards modelling adjusting for logistic-based propensity scores, MPS, revascularization, and baseline characteristics. During FU, 3893 ACD (29%, 3.3%/year) and 1226 early revascularizations (9.0%) occurred. After risk-adjustment, a three-way interaction was present between %I, early revascularization, and HxCAD, such that %I identified a survival benefit with early revascularization in patients without prior myocardial infarction (MI), whereas no such benefit was present in patients with prior MI (overall model χ(2)= 3932, P < 0.001; interaction P < 0.021). Further modelling revealed that after excluding patients with scar >10% total myocardium, %I identified a survival benefit in all patients. CONCLUSION In this large observational series with long-term follow-up, patients with significant ischaemia and without extensive scar were likely to realize a survival benefit from early revascularization. In contrast, the survival of patients with minimal ischaemia was superior with medical therapy without early revascularization.
Assessing Job Satisfaction Using Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory: A Qualitative Study Between US and Japanese Insurance Employees

The topic of job satisfaction is important for businesses to decrease employee turnover and increase overall productivity. With international business being conducted around the world more than ever, job satisfaction becomes increasingly difficult to measure when dealing with different cultures and environments. One of the most important theories of job satisfaction and motivation is Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory. Due to a dominance of quantitative research being utilized in testing the theory, research continues to provide conflicting results on its validity. This research utilizes a cross-cultural, qualitative methodology on US and Japanese insurance employees in an attempt to provide clarification to and practical application of the theory. The results generally support the Two-Factor theory, but indicate that the factors of job satisfaction may be more complex, especially when researching cross-country factors. It is suggested that further similar qualitative research should be conducted as a means of explaining the discrepancies of quantitative research and providing additional insight on the topic.
FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY ON THE WEBSITE IN ASIAN BANKING INDUSTRY

New regulation of Bank Indonesia is required Indonesian banking to have a website to publish financial report though their website in order to improve transparency. Internet is considered as one of media which have a close relationship with transparency. This study was conducted to know financial transparency on the website in Asian banking industry. In this study, financial transparency on the website was measured by using internet financial reporting index. This study also evaluates the relationship performance, internet financial reporting index, information richness and website popularity. Sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling. The samples in this study were 144 banks in Asia. And, an analytical technique in this study was Structure Equation Model (SEM) based components or Partial Least Square (PLS) with the help of Smartpls 2.The results of this study show that all of Asian banking in this study was implemented internet financial reporting. The results of this study also show that performance has a significant relationship to website popularity indirectly through information richness, the performance hasn’t a significant relationship to website popularity indirectly through internet financial reporting but internet financial reporting is influenced by performance, and the performance hasn’t a significant relation directly to website popularity. Keywords: banking; financial disclosure; internet financial reporting index
Early discontinuation of ribavirin in HCV‐2 and HCV‐3 patients responding to Peg‐interferon alpha‐2a and ribavirin

Summary. Guidelines for the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus of genotypes 2 and 3 (HCV‐2 and HCV‐3, respectively) recommend a 24‐week course of Peg‐interferon (Peg‐IFN) alpha‐2a combined with ribavirin, despite 50% of patients in registration trials attaining a sustained virologic response (SVR) following Peg‐IFN alpha‐2a monotherapy. The aim of this study was to delineate patient characteristics that might help to identify individuals likely to benefit from ribavirin discontinuation. One hundred and forty‐four HCV‐2‐ and HCV‐3‐infected patients initiated Peg‐IFN alpha‐2a (180 μg/week) and ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg/day); those with viral clearance at week 4 were randomized to either Peg‐IFN alpha‐2a monotherapy (n = 59) or continuing combination therapy (n = 61) until week 12. Overall, all but one patient with a rapid virologic response (RVR) responded by the end of therapy and the overall SVR rates were lower after discontinuation of ribavirin (54%vs 82%; P < 0.001). In RVR patients who discontinued ribavirin, low baseline viraemia helped predict SVR (odds ratio 11.2, 95% CI 2.7–47.1). SVR rates were similar in patients receiving mono‐ or combination therapy with low (≤300 000 IU/mL) and intermediate viraemia (86%vs 81% and 70%vs 71%, 86% refers to low viraemic patients receiving monotherapy and 81% to those receiving combination therapy. Similarly, 70% refers to patients with intermediate viraemic levels receiving monotherapy and 71% to those receiving combination therapy), but different in those with high (>700 000 IU/mL) viraemia (37%vs 88%; P = 0.004). Thus in HCV‐2‐ and HCV‐3‐infected patients, withdrawal of ribavirin and continuation of Peg‐IFN alpha‐2a monotherapy may be appropriate to attain an SVR, providing viraemia is cleared early during therapy and associated with low baseline viral load. These results warrant future investigations, as discontinuing ribavirin could lead to considerable savings in cost and quality of life related to over‐treatment.