Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Random Neural Networks with Negative and Positive Signals and Product Form Solution

We introduce a new class of random neural networks in which signals are either negative or positive. A positive signal arriving at a neuron increases its total signal count or potential by one; a negative signal reduces it by one if the potential is positive, and has no effect if it is zero. When its potential is positive, a neuron fires, sending positive or negative signals at random intervals to neurons or to the outside. Positive signals represent excitatory signals and negative signals represent inhibition. We show that this model, with exponential signal emission intervals, Poisson external signal arrivals, and Markovian signal movements between neurons, has a product form leading to simple analytical expressions for the system state.
Sustainability Content on Oil and Gas Company Websites

This study examines the sustainability content and the determinants underlying such content on Canadian oil and gas company websites. The website content of 68 of the largest oil firms listed on the S&P/TSX was evaluated using an index based on each of the three Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) components (environmental, social and economic). The characteristics of the firms were then regressed on the content analysis. The results suggest that the larger the firm and the greater its media exposure, the more likely it is to include sustainability disclosures on its website. Firm profitability and leverage seem to be unrelated to these types of disclosures. This study provides empirical observations that could be useful for stakeholders wishing to obtain information about firms’ sustainability practices and for various organizations involved in developing sustainability disclosure guidelines. The results tend to show that, despite the growing popularity of sustainability reporting benchmarks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the voluntary nature of sustainability disclosures has elicited a variety of disclosure practices on organizations’ websites.
Effect of Knowledge Management on Quality of Banking Services (A Case Study: Melli Bank Branches in Amol - Iran)

Knowledge management is one of novel concepts in management which is considered very vital for success of present-day organizations. Therefore, the present study was formulated in order to determine the effect of knowledge management on quality of banking services in Melli Bank branches in Amol – Iran. Sample size was decided to be 71 customers by Morgan’s Table which was randomly selected from the statistical population. Data collection was performed by use of two questionnaires (i.e. knowledge management with 27 questions and service quality with 22 questions). Validity of the tools was confirmed by considering viewpoints of experts. Also, reliability of the tools was verified by measuring Cronbach’s Alpha (0.97 and 0.94, respectively). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed on data. All analyses were done by use of SPSS Software (Version 21). The results obtained from the present showed that there is a positive but insignificant correlation between knowledge management and performance of the branches.
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome: Growth Pattern and Tumor Risk according to Molecular Mechanism, and Guidelines for Tumor Surveillance

Background: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth syndrome associated with an increased risk of pediatric tumors. The underlying molecular abnormalities may be genetic (CDKN1C mutations or 11p15 paternal uniparental isodisomy, pUPD) or epigenetic (imprinting center region 1, ICR1, gain of methylation, ICR1 GOM, or ICR2 loss of methylation, ICR2 LOM). Aim: We aimed to describe a cohort of 407 BWS patients with molecular defects of the 11p15 domain followed prospectively after molecular diagnosis. Results: Birth weight and length were significantly higher in patients with ICR1 GOM than in the other groups. ICR2 LOM and CDKN1C mutations were associated with a higher prevalence of exomphalos. Mean adult height (regardless of molecular subtype, n = 35) was 1.8 ± 1.2 SDS, with 18 patients having a final height above +2 SDS. The prevalence of tumors was 8.6% in the whole population; 28.6 and 17.3% of the patients with ICR1 GOM (all Wilms tumors) and 11p15 pUPD, respectively, developed a tumor during infancy. Conversely, the prevalence of tumors in patients with ICR2 LOM and CDKN1C mutations were 3.1 and 8.8%, respectively, with no Wilms tumors. Conclusion: Based on these results for a large cohort, we formulated guidelines for the follow-up of these patients according to the molecular subtype of BWS.
Sensitivity Study of Four Land Surface Schemes in the WRF Model

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model version 3.0 developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) includes three land surface schemes: the simple soil thermal diffusion (STD) scheme, the Noah scheme, and the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) scheme. We have recently coupled the sophisticated NCAR Community Land Model version 3 (CLM3) into WRF to better characterize land surface processes. Among these four land surface schemes, the STD scheme is the simplest in both structure and process physics. The Noah and RUC schemes are at the intermediate level of complexity. CLM3 includes the most sophisticated snow, soil, and vegetation physics among these land surface schemes. WRF simulations with all four land surface schemes over the western United States (WUS) were carried out for the 1 October 1995 through 30 September 1996. The results show that land surface processes strongly affect temperature simulations over the (WUS). As compared to observations, WRF-CLM3 with the highest complexity level significantly improves temperature simulations, except for the wintertime maximum temperature. Precipitation is dramatically overestimated by WRF with all four land surface schemes over the (WUS) analyzed in this study and does not show a close relationship with land surface processes.
Paleomagnetic results from the cover (High-Tatric) unit and nummulitic Eocene in the Tatra Mts (Central West Carpathians, Poland) and their tectonic implications

Rezultaty badan paleomagnetycznych z serii wierchowych i eocenu numulitowego Tatr (Centralne Karpaty zachodnie, Polska) i ich tektoniczne implikacje Paleomagnetic studies of the Mesozoic and Eocene sedimentary rocks from the High-Tatric (paraautochthonous and Czerwone Wierchy units) and Paleogene cover formations of the Polish Tatra Mts were carried out. In the Middle Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous limestones a normal polarity pre-thrusting (pre-Senonian) component was identified (5 sites, 32 samples, 92 specimens). Its occurrence also in several localities of the Lower Jurassic-Upper Jurassic rocks of the Kriźna unit in Poland and Slovakia indicates the possibility of the regional remagnetization which took place between 119 and 88 my (Middle Cretaceous). Another component of reversed polarity (2 sites, 17 samples, 28 specimens) is compared with the magnetization of the Middle Miocene andesites from the Pieniny Klippen Belt. The inclination of the Middle Cretaceous component accounts for proximity of the Central West Carpathian (CWC) region to the European plate in that time. Declinations in the para-autochthonous unit are rotated about 23° (±6°) clockwise from the coeval reference European paleomagnetic direction.
The Financial and Operating Performance of Privatized Firms in Sweden

This paper examines the change in operating and financial performance of Swedish firms that were either partly or fully privatized during the period of 1989-2007. Two different methods are used to empirically investigate the performance of privatized firms. First, accounting data prior to and after the privatization are employed to measure the operating performance of privatized firms. We have found no significant difference in performances under state and private ownerships. Second, a return-based event study is found useful to measure the financial performance of privatized firms, since all the firms in the sample that were privatized have used an initial public offering (IPO). This approach allows comparison to the rest of the IPOs that were launched in the same period. It is found that the cumulative returns for the privatized firms are significantly different to private counterparts. Overall results, however, show that the privatization in Sweden was not as successful as it might have been expected and in comparison with those in other countries.
XENON RESISTOJETS AS SECONDARY PROPULSION ON EP SPACECRAFTS AND PERFORMANCE RESULTS OF RESISTOJETS USING XENON

Solar electric propulsion based on Xenon propellant (ion or plasma thrusters) is being adopted as the main propulsion system for an important number of ESA scientific missions. Secondary propulsion systems such as resistojets commonly use different propellants such as methane, ammonia, and hydrazine, but since the total momentum required for attitude control by these missions is in general relatively low, important mass savings could be achieved by eliminating independent tanks for the secondary propulsion system. This paper will discuss the potential of this technology, showing how realistic performances would allow it to be competitive in the AOCS (Attitude and Orbital Control System) trade-offs of current, future and candidate ESA missions like SMART-1, Bepi-Colombo and Mars Exobiology. This paper also presents performance test results of two existing SSTL resistojet thrusters using Xenon as propellant, performed in the ESA Electric Propulsion Laboratory.
Remittances, Growth and Convergence: Evidence from Developed and Developing Countries

This study investigates the relationship between workers’ remittances and economic growth by using 7 years average annual data of 113 countries from the period 2003 to 2009. Results indicate the positive and significant relationship between workers’ remittances and economic growth in sample of low income, middle income, high income and all countries. Results also show that the workers’ remittances are more contributing in high income countries as compare to low and middle income countries. Sensitivity analysis has been performed to test the consistency of initial results and confirms that the results are robust. Unconditional convergence results confirm the convergence in all categories. Results confirm that countries are coming together with respect to per capita income. Results of conditional convergence based on workers’ remittances model suggest the low and middle income countries are converging each other more rapidly. Conversely, results show that high income and all countries models are converging each other but at slower pace in conditional model with workers’ remittances as compare to unconditional model.
Inclusive Growth through Branchless Banking: A Review of Agent Banking and its Impact

Branchless banking, the use of alternative delivery channels such as mobile banking and agent banking, is becoming increasingly popular among commercial banks in many developing countries. Branchless banking is believed to increase the use of financial services among financially excluded adults and is therefore becoming an increasingly popular phenomenon in many developing countries. Several countries adopted the concept of agent banking and getting huge success in the area of financial inclusion e.g. Kenya, Colombia, Brazil, Pakistan, Peru and so on. Post-Independence, the main concerns for Bangladesh has been its economic growth, poverty as well as food safety. We have achieved satisfactory growth over the last one decade. However one challenge is growth needs to be inclusive that is equally distributed among all sections of the society. Financial inclusion plays a critical role in achieving inclusive growth of a country. The study is therefore attempt to assess the contribution of branchless banking in inclusive growth in different countries. Further this paper sets out to try exploring the opportunities with branchless banking as a way to overcome barriers to financial access in Bangladesh. This would help to find out new opportunities for inclusive growth of Bangladesh. Keywords: Agent banking, Bangladesh, Inclusive growth, Financial inclusion, Banks. JEL Classification: G20, G21.
A Man Out of Place : Herbert

SYNOPSIS. Herbert Spencer Jennings (1868-1947) succeeded W. K. Brooks as Director of the Zoological Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University in 1910. His scientific work in the next two decades included experimental genetics of protozoa and mathematical analysis of the linear arrangement of chromosomes. At the same time, Jennings was involved in philosophical discussions of the nature of biological thought. His point of view expressed the biologist's awareness of diversity and historical process, against both the excesses of vitalism and of the modern reductionist methods of physico-chemical biology. These philosophical discussions are seen against the background of his difficulty in building up the zoological laboratory at Johns Hopkins in the 1920s, when the university tried unsuccessfully to return to the ideal of pure research which had guided it under its first president. Moreover, Jennings faced strong competition for resources from within the university itself, especially at the medical school. His position illustrates the predicament of the modern general biologist in an environment increasingly dominated by the medical sci-
Behavior of Esterase, Peroxidase, Protein Profile and Growth Parameters of Zea maize and Vicia faba Cultivar under Heat Stress

IN THE present study, the effect of temperature (20/10 oC and 35/20 oC) on the activities of esterase, peroxidase, protein profile and growth parameters in two different plants (Vicia faba cv. Assuit 95/2 and Zea maize cv. Hi Tech 20*30) was investigated. Vicia faba cv. Assuit 95/2 was grown in pots at optimum temperature 20/10 oC exposed to heat stress 35/20 oC. While Zea maize cv. Hi Tech 20*30 was grown in pots at optimum temperature 35/20 oC exposed to cooling stress 20/10oC for 15 days. Behavior of esterase, peroxidase, protein profile, growth parameters, and metabolic constituents of Vicia faba and Zea maize plants varied between increase and shortage under heat stress and also between two organs shoot and root. Under high temperature, the growth parameters (fresh weights, dry weights, length and leaf area) were greatly reduced. It can be observed that the two plants responded to the unfavorable conditions (heat stress) by the change in their activities of enzymes, in the number of isoenzymes which include esterase (EST) and peroxidase (PX) and also changes in their biochemical composition actor in the amount of protein, carbohydrates and proline.
Randomized controlled trial of oral omega-3 PUFA in solar-simulated radiation-induced suppression of human cutaneous immune responses.

BACKGROUND Skin cancer is a major public health concern, and the majority of cases are caused by solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, which suppresses skin immunity. Omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs protect against photoimmunosuppression and skin cancer in mice, but the impact in humans is unknown. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that EPA-rich n-3 PUFA would abrogate photoimmunosuppression in humans. Therefore, a nutritional study was performed to assess the effect on UVR suppression of cutaneous cell-mediated immunity (CMI) reflected by nickel contact hypersensitivity (CHS). DESIGN In a double-blind, randomized controlled study, 79 volunteers (nickel-allergic women, 22-60 y old, with phototype I or II) took 5 g n-3 PUFA-containing lipid (70% EPA plus 10% DHA) or a control lipid daily for 3 mo. After supplementation, nickel was applied to 3 skin sites preexposed on 3 consecutive days to 1.9, 3.8, or 7.6 J/cm(2) of solar-simulated radiation (SSR) and to 3 unexposed control sites. Nickel CHS responses were quantified after 72 h and the percentage of immunosuppression by SSR was calculated. Erythrocyte [red blood cell (RBC)] EPA was measured by using gas chromatography. RESULTS SSR dose-related suppression of the nickel CHS response was observed in both groups. Photoimmunosuppression appeared less in the n-3 PUFA group than in the control group (not statistically significant [mean difference (95% CI): 6.9% (-2.1%, 15.9%)]). The difference was greatest at 3.8 J/cm(2) SSR [mean difference: 11% (95% CI: 0.5%, 21.4%)]. Postsupplementation RBC EPA was 4-fold higher in the n-3 PUFA group than in the control group (mean difference: 2.69% (95% CI: 2.23%, 3.14%), which confirmed the EPA bioavailability. CONCLUSION Oral n-3 PUFAs appear to abrogate photoimmunosuppression in human skin, providing additional support for their chemopreventive role; verification of study findings is required. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01032343.
Technological and nutritional properties of ostrich, emu, and rhea meat quality

Abstract In recent years a growing demand for ratite meat, including ostrich, emu, and rhea has been observed all over the world. However, consumers as well as the meat industry still have limited and scattered knowledge about this type of meat, especially in the case of emu and rhea. Thus, the aim of the present review is to provide information on technological and nutritional properties of ostrich, emu, and rhea meat, including carcass composition and yields, physicochemical characteristics, and nutritive value. Carcass yields and composition among ratites are comparable, with the exception of higher content of fat in emu. Ostrich, emu, and rhea meat is darker than beef and ratite meat acidification is closer to beef than to poultry. Ratite meat can be recognised as a dietetic product mainly because of its low level of fat, high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), favourable n6/n3 ratio, and high iron content in comparison with beef and chicken meat. Ratite meat is also rich in selenium, copper, vitamin B, and biologically active peptides such as creatine (emu) and anserine (ostrich), and has low content of sodium (ostrich). The abundance of bioactive compounds e.g. PUFA, makes ratite meat highly susceptible to oxidation and requires research concerning elaboration of innovative, intelligent packaging system for protection of nutritional and technological properties of this meat.
Antioxidant Activity of Selected Polyphenolics in Yeast Cells: The Case Study of Montenegrin Merlot Wine

Screens of antioxidant activity (AA) of various natural products have been a focus of the research community worldwide. This work aimed to differentiate selected samples of Merlot wines originated from Montenegro, with regard to phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity studied by survival rate, total sulfhydryl groups and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase and catalase in H2O2–stressed Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. In this study, DPPH assay was also performed. Higher total phenolic content leads to an enhanced AA under both conditions. The same trend was observed for catechin and gallic acid, the most abundant phenolics in the examined wine samples. Finally, the findings of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model were in a good agreement (r2 = 0.978) with the experimental data. All tested samples exhibited a protective effect in H2O2–stressed yeast cells. Pre-treatment with examined wines increased survival in H2O2–stressed cells and shifted antioxidative defense towards GPx–mediated defense. Finally, sensitivity analysis of obtained ANN model highlights the complexity of the impact that variations in the concentrations of specific phenolic components have on the antioxidant defense system.
UPGRADE OF THE SPRING-8 LINAC CONTROL BY RE-ENGINEERING THE VME SYSTEMS FOR MAXMIZING AVAILABILITY

Control system re-engineering of a mission-critical working accelerator is a problem, but it is possible with well-defined procedures and methodology. We have finished an upgrade of control system of a 1GeV electron linac in SPring-8. The upgrade was divided into two phases, taking into consideration the availability of the linac. In the first phase, we mainly replaced software part with SPring-8 standard framework. In the second phase, we re- engineered the VME systems to maximize availability of the linac operation considering reliability, usability, expandability and flexibility. We newly developed an optically linked remote I/O system and intelligent motor control units. By adopting these systems, we could re- allocate the VME controllers away from known noise sources and also reduce the number of the controllers. All interface connector boxes were re-designed and replaced to achieve easy maintenance and expandability. We report the upgrade of the linac control system by focusing on the methodology with introducing the new remote I/O system and the motor control unit.
Functional Characterization of Bacteriophage Resistant Mutants of Probiotic B. coagulans

Bacillus coagulans, a probiotic phage sensitive organism was subjected to random mutagenesis and several phage resistant mutants were isolated. Evaluation of mutants, in line with the WHO/FAO guidelines for probiotics, showed that Lactic acid production was not affected. Maximum sporulation efficiency was seen in mutant MIII (81% ± 2). Mutant MII showed least acid tolerance and tolerance to bile salts was lower in all the mutants compared to the parent (76% ± 0.5). All the cultures exhibited similar antibacterial activity (zones: 13-15 mm) against the pathogens used. For all the mutants bile salt hydrolase activity was positive and antibiotic susceptibility was similar to parental culture and all these mutants showed no hemolysis. Auto-aggregation potential of the mutants was somewhat higher than the parental strain except for mutant PIII (29.5% ± 1.2) whereas mutant PIII displayed highest co-aggregation potential (52% ± 0.7). MATS assay showed that mutant PIII had highest affinity for xylene (65% ± 2.1) and mutant MV for chloroform (66.1 ± 0.8%). Adhesion to Caco2 cell was highest for mutant MIII (20.4%). Comparison of the lipid profiles showed that Alpha-linoleic acid was produced only by the parent whereas PUFA like EPA was produced by only mutants PIII and MII. Mutants PIII also produced DHA. Parental strains as well as all the 7 mutants were found to be negative for siderophore production whereas Mutants MV showed highest anti-oxidative potential (32.3% ± 1.6). Thus, thorough functional characterization of the phage resistant mutants as probiotics coupled with evaluation for additional desirable attributes has helped in better understanding of these mutants in terms of their true potential.
OCL THE OIL & PROTEIN CROP SUPPLY CHAIN IN SOUTH A Topical

This is anOp Abstract – The growing global demand for vegetable oils for food and for replacing fossil fuels leads to increased oilseeds production. Almost 122 of the current 187million tons of vegetable oils produced in the world correspond to palm and soybean oils. The oil palm is cultivated in the tropical zone, in areas formerly occupied by forests, and soybean oil is a by-product of protein meal production. The diversification of raw materials for the vegetable oil market is thus strategic for both food and non-food sectors. Sources for vegetable oil should be economically competitive and provide sustainability indexes higher than that provided by oil palm and soybean. In this context, we describe the potential of Acrocomia aculeata, popularly known as macauba. Macauba is an American palm from the tropical zones which presents oil productivity and quality similar to that of the oil palm. It grows spontaneously in a wide range of environments and it is not very water demanding. Macauba palm has a high potential for oil production and for diversification of co-products with some potential of value aggregation. Such a perennial and sustainable species will probably fulfill the requirements to become an important new commercial oilseed crop.