Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Mutations of Porphobilinogen Deaminase Gene in Polish Families with Acute Intermittent Porphyria

Background. Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder of low clinical penetrance. A 50% lower activity of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) stands for the metabolic error in AIP. The PBGD gene is composed of 15 exons of 39–438 bp in length and it is mapped to 11q24.1–24.2 chromosome. So far over 300 various mutations of the PBGD gene responsible for AIP have been described. Objectives. Description of molecular background of AIP in patients from Polish population diagnosed based on biochemical analyses. Molecular diagnosis of AIP in family members. Material and Methods. Biochemical study, such as porphobilinogen (PBG) and δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) excretion with urine and PBGD activity in erythrocyres have been examined in all probands and family members. AIP patients and their family members underwent further molecular diagnosis. Results. Among 16 families with AIP diagnosis made on biochemical tests 10 new PBGD gene mutations have been discovered not yet described. Missense (83G>T, 89T>G, 281T>G, 293A>C, 500G>C and 796G>C); and frameshift (470delT, 716-725delACGATCCCGA, 723-724insCC and 969delT) mutation types have been revealed. Conclusions. Similar to other populations, 10 new mutations revealed in Polish population can suggest heterogeneity of mutatios responsible for AIP. Biochemical methods can sometimes fail to diagnose the disease. Molecular analysis is much more reliable method to diagnose AIP in asymptomatic members of probands (Adv Clin Exp Med 2010, 19, 4, 497–501).
From AGT to SDT, from athletes to coaches: refocusing the study of sport motivation.

The present research describes how the study of sport motivation has evolved over the last three decades. Two main trends are observed. On the one hand, the theoretical framework most used in the study of sport motivation has changed from Achievement Goal Theory (AGT) to Self-Determination Theory (SDT). On the other hand, in the recent years researchers have begun to analyse not only athletes’ sport experiences but also coaches’ sport experiences. In this paper, we briefly present AGT and SDT and then we move on to review the research conducted by international and Spanish groups that we find important to understand how the study of sport motivation has been developed. In addition, we present how the Grup d’Estudis de Psicologia de l’Esport (GEPE) has adapted to the changes described. Finally, we offer avenues for future research in the field of sport motivation.
Student responses to the integration of a flexible online learning environment into an undergraduate accounting subject

This paper discusses the integration of a flexible online learning environment into an undergraduate management accounting subject using WebCT and presents the results of research based on student evaluations of this integration. Student responses indicate four general trends. First, that there was overall satisfaction with the quality of the subject and the way in which substantial resources were offered online. Secondly, that the use of WebCT enhanced the learning experience and promoted independence, essential criteria for evolving life long learning skills. Thirdly, that WebCT made access to learning materials more readily suitable to the practical constraints of the learners' individual situations. Fourthly, that many students valued highly their relationship with the teaching team, whether in person in tutorials or lectures, or more distantly, in email or discussion board interactions.
Effects of poultry litter biochar on soil enzyme activities and tomato, pepper and lettuce plants growth

Biochar application to soils is being considered as a means to sequester carbon (C) while concurrently improving soil functions. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to determine the effects of biochar from the pyrolysis poultry litter (PL) on the soil enzyme activities, organic matter content and growth of tomato, pepper and lettuce plants. In the experiment, the combination of 15.15. 15 composite fertilizer with 0, 200, 400 and 600kg/da doses of PL biochar were applied into the clay loam soil. Compared to the control and chemical fertilizer alone, the soil organic matter was significantly increased after biochar amendments. β-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, urease and arylsulphatase enzyme activities in soils were increased by the biochar applications significantly (P<0.05). Plant fresh and dry weight of tomato, pepper and lettuce plants were higher in 4kg/ha PL biochar treatment than in the other treatments. The results showed that PL biochar amendment to soils in the agricultural use increased yield of plants and enzyme activities with increasing soil organic matter content as well as improving soil properties.
Comparison of mergers and acquisitions among developed and developing countries and explanatory factors for the differences

This paper studies the value creation from mergers and acquisitions made between developed and developing countries on stock market and the driving factors for abnormal returns. All the M&A transactions are divided into 4 subsets based on the country of acquirer or target and are analyzed both separately and jointly. The whole sample includes 14761 worldwide M&A transactions from 2004 and 2013. Empirical evidence from this study shows that the developed bidders that target developing firms (“D to U”) create the greatest value for acquirers’ shareholder, while the deals made the other way round (“U to D”) return the lowest value. It is also found that developed acquirers receive generally higher abnormal returns than the developing ones. The findings with regards to payment method contrast previous literature that stock payment is always rewarded with higher CAR than the cash payment, while the result for mixed payment is ambiguous. As for size effect, cross-sectional regressions show that the returns of all deals have significantly negative relation with the market value, that is to say the smaller the acquirers the higher value they generate for shareholders through mergers and acquisitions. However, such relation is significantly less negative for developing acquirers than developed ones. In addition, deals with public listed target perform worse than those with private target in general except for “D to U” deals which show insignificant difference between these two cases.
THE FIRST VLBI DETECTION OF AN ULTRACOOL DWARF: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DETECTABILITY OF SUB-STELLAR COMPANIONS

We present milliarcsecond-resolution radio very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the ultracool dwarfs TVLM 513–46546 (M8.5) and 2MASS J00361617+1821104 (L3.5) in an attempt to detect sub-stellar companions via direct imaging or reflex motion. Both objects are known radio emitters with strong evidence for periodic emission on timescales of about 2 hr and 3 hr, respectively. Using the inner seven VLBA antennas, we detect unresolved emission from TVLM 513–46546 on a scale of 2.5 mas (∼50 stellar radii), leading to a direct limit on the radio emission brightness temperature of TB ≳ 4 × 105 K. However, with the higher spatial resolution afforded by the full VLBA we find that the source appears to be marginally resolved at a low signal-to-noise ratio, possibly indicating that TVLM 513–46546 is a binary with a projected separation of ∼1 mas (∼20 stellar radii). Using the 7 hr baseline of our observation, we find no astrometric shift in the position of TVLM 513–46546, with a 3σ limit of about 0.6 mas. This is about three times larger than expected for an equal-mass companion with a few-hour orbital period. Future monitoring of its position on a range of timescales will provide the required astrometric sensitivity to detect a planetary companion with a mass of ∼10 MJ in a ≳15 day (≳0.06 AU) orbit, or with a mass of ∼2 MJ in an orbit of ≳0.5 yr (≳0.3 AU).
Looking for nonperturbative effects of the electroweak interaction at the LHC

We are considering a possibility for detecting nonperturbative effect in process of top pair production in association with a high [Formula: see text] photon. Starting from previous results on two solutions for a spontaneous generation of an effective interaction of a top pair with a pair of electroweak bosons, we show that a solution with effective cutoff [Formula: see text] is already contradicting to the existing data, while the other one with [Formula: see text] (just the Planck scale) could be reconciled with data and give predictions for process [Formula: see text], which could be effectively checked at the LHC with [Formula: see text]. The confirmation of the predictions would mean a strong support for the existence of nonperturbative effects in the electroweak interaction.
INVESTIGATING AND COMMUNICATING TECHNOLOGY MATHEMATICS PROBLEM SOLVING EXPERIENCE OF TWO PRESERVICE TEACHERS

In this paper, I report on preservice teachers' reflections and perceptions on their problem-solving process in a technological context. The purpose of the study was to to investigate how preservice teachers experience working individually in a dynamic geometry environment and how these experiences affect their own mathematical activity when integrating content (nonroutine problems) and context (technology environment). Careful analysis of participants' perceptions regarding their thinking while engaged in problem solving, provided an opportunity to explore how they explain the emergence of problem solving when working in a dynamic geometry environment. The two participants communicated their experience both through the lenses of themselves as problem solvers and as future mathematics educators. Moreover, the results of the study indicated that problem solving in a technology environment does not necessarily allow focus on decision-making, reflection, and problem solving processes as reported by previous research.
Biological aspects of the immature stages of Ceraeochrysa everes (Banks) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

A knowledge of the behavior and biological aspects of natural enemies is extremely important for the establishment of biological control programs. Biological aspects of the larvae, pre-pupae and pupae of the predator Ceraeochrysa everes (Banks) were studied. Larvae of the adult F1 generation were reared in the laboratory (25 ± 2°C, 65 ± 10 % RH and 14h photophase) on eggs of the Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier). The duration and viability of the embryonic period, development of the immature stages and egg-adult period were evaluated. The mean embryonic period was 5.0 days, while the mean durations of the first, second and third instars were: 5.1 ± 0.03; 4.3 ± 0.05 and 4.5 ± 0.05 days, respectively, with viability exceeding 90%. Duration of the larval, pre-pupal and pupal stages averaged 13.9 ± 0.07; 5.7 ± 0.07 and 9.6 ± 0.12 days, respectively. Duration of the biological cycle was 34 ± 0.11 days on average. S. cerealella eggs were not suitable for rearing C. everes under laboratory conditions because they affected predator development.
Sponsored analyst coverage, information asymmetry and stock turnover

This study draws on Merton’s investor recognition hypothesis to investigate whether (1) the sponsored analyst coverage scheme introduced by the Bursa Malaysia in April 2005 is associated with stock turnover, and (2) the relationship is stronger for firms with high information asymmetry. The results show that stock turnover is positively associated with the frequency of coverage and the association is stronger for firms with higher information asymmetry. In addition, it is found that during the initial stage of the scheme where the stock market was experiencing a downturn, analyst coverage has a significant constraining effect on the reduction in stock turnover.
Incentives in Supply Function Equilibrium

Abstract The author analyses delegation in homogenous duopoly under the assumption that firmmanagers compete in supply functions. He reverses earlier findings in that owners give managers incentives to act in an accommodating way. That is, optimal delegation reduces per-firm output and increases profits to above-Cournot profits. Moreover, in supply function equilibrium, the mode of competition is endogenous. This means that the author avoids results that are sensitive with respect to assuming either Cournot or Bertrand competition.
Performative Design and Fabrication of a Parametric Wall Screen for Tropical Climates - A Modular Approach

We have developed a modular approach to the parametric design of a patterned facade for tropical climates, using a “lighter” data set and model that integrates a number of performance considerations. This modular approach separates the facade's design into form, facade pattern, facade density requirements, and facade components, and reintegrates these aspects via a triangular mesh, represented as a fast and convenient data structure based on half-edges. Through this separation, the design team can simultaneously work on the architectural appearance of the design, its performance, and its fabrication, while retaining holistic control through the constant reintegration of design changes via the half-edge data structure. In this way, we retain the advantages of a parametrically driven design process, such as automatic design generation and the integration of performance aspects, while permitting more flexible and non-sequential design explorations by different members of the design team.
Effect of dietary linseed supplements on ù-3 PUFA content and on IGF-1 expression in broiler tissues

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of u-3 PUFA-rich linseed-supplemented diet on the u-6/u-3 PUFA content and IGF-I mRNA expression in broiler tissues. Broilers (50 of 21 d old and 90 of 42 d old) were divided into groups according to dietary additives: 1.5% linseed oil (LO), 3.0% LO, 15% linseed cake (LC) and 30% LC and to the duration of modified feeding (121, 142 and 2242 days). PUFA content in breast muscles was assayed by gas chromatography and IGF-I mRNA content in liver, muscle and leukocytes was measured by one step RT-PCR. The experimental diets improved the u-6/u-3 PUFA ratio through a threefold increase in the u-3 PUFA content in the breast muscle. The changes in PUFA content were accompanied by changes in IGF-1 gene expression levels in tissues. Therefore, both paracrine and autocrine manner of IGF-1 action are likely to be involved. 15% LC at starting period or 1.5% LO in final diet can be advised as optimal for enriching broiler meat with u-3 fatty acids. ;
An Initial Assessment of Radar Data Assimilation on Warm Season Rainfall Forecasts for Use in Hydrologic Models

AbstractThe effect of introducing radar data assimilation into the WRF Model to improve high-resolution rainfall forecasts that are used for flash flood forecasting is analyzed. The authors selected 12 heavy rainfall events and performed two WRF 24-h simulations that produced quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) for each, one using the standard configuration in forecast mode (QPF-Cold) and one using radar data assimilated at initialization (QPF-Hot). Simulation outputs are compared with NWS stage IV QPEs for storm placement, area over threshold coverage, and equitable threat scores. The two QPF products and stage IV data are used to force the distributed hydrological model CUENCAS for the same 800 km × 800 km domain centered over Iowa (and to calculate peak flows across the river network). The hydrological model responses to the three products are compared in terms of spatial location and flood intensity. In general, QPF-Hot outperformed QPF-Cold in replicating stage IV QPE statistics. However, QPF.
SIMULATION OF INDOOR AIR FLOW FOR A ROOM WITH WINDOWS AT THEIR ADJACENT WALLS UNDER VARIOUS WIND FLOW DIRECTION USING CFD

The present paper is about to study the effect of wind direction on thermal comfort in an office room with windows at their adjacent walls. As a preliminary work, a suitable turbulence model was selected by analyzing the various turbulence models like Standard K-e, Renormalization-group (RNG) K-e and Realizable K-e model and their closeness to the experimental results are predicted. From the preliminary study, Standard K-e model is selected as a suitable turbulence model for this thermal comfort study. The CFD simulation is also checked for grid independence test. Secondly, the effect of wind direction on thermal comfort was analyzed by including the fluctuation of wind direction. The CFD simulated mass flow rate for all wind directions are compared with the network work model and the maximum discrepancy obtained is 9.97% which is within the accepted level. The indoor air flow pattern, temperature distributions, are predicted and these results are very much useful to identify the most comfort and un comfort zones prevailed inside the room for various wind directions.
Características físicas e químicas de morango processado minimamente e conservado sob refrigeração e atmosfera controlada

Strawberries cv. Oso Grande were minimally processed and kept in three different atmospheres: 3% O2 + 10% CO2 (N2 balance), 3% O2 + 15% CO2 (N2 balance) and ambient atmosphere (control), at 5 and 10 oC, during 7 days, with the evaluation of their physical and chemical characteristics during storage. Fruits were evaluated at 0, 3 and 7 days for weight loss, firmness, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, sugar content (sucrose, fructose and glucose) and total anthocyanins. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared by the Least Significance Difference (LSD) test (5%). It was verified that shifting the temperature from 5 to 10 oC had no significant effect on the physical and chemical variables analyzed. The utilization of atmospheres 3% O2 + 10% CO2 and 3% O2 + 15% CO2 was important for quality maintenance of fresh-cut strawberries. They better preserved firmness in relation to ambient atmosphere, and had a positive effect on the control of fruit weight loss. However, fresh-cut fruits kept under those atmospheres showed a lower content of anthocyanins when compared to fruits stored in ambient conditions.
Analyst Forecasting Errors in REITs

We find that the 3-day window around funds from operations (FFO) announcements drives the momentum profits found in the literature, which deliver an average excess monthly return of 1.22% over the period of 1990-2008 and 1.59% during the post-2000 period. Excluding this announcement window, a momentum strategy does not generate any significant returns. The FFO-surprised-based portfolio formation method produces higher momentum profits than the return-based formation method. There is a significant positive serial correlation between the unexpected FFO for the next two quarters. We contribute to the current literature by documenting that the persistence of momentum profits is due to the underreaction by analysts on public information, the FFO announcement.
Use of SiO 2 - TiO 2 Nanocomposite as Photocatalyst for the Removal of Trichlorophenol: A Kinetic Study and Numerical Evaluation

A series of silica-titania nanocomposite materials with different silica–titania ratios was prepared in presence of a novel ethoxylated sulphanilamide of molecular weight 1053 by the sol-gel method. Several characterisation techniques were adopted such as thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)), N 2-adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) connected with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The surface acidity was investigated by pyridine adsorption using FTIR spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity and the adsorptive ability of the composites were evaluated based on the photodegradation of 2, 4, 6trichlorophenol (TCP) under UV irradiation with a wavelength of 254 nm. The maximum TCP adsorption onto the composites was measured in darkness. The results showed that there was no adsorption of TCP on pure SiO 2. The 10% TiO 2-SiO 2 catalyst showed the highest rate of TCP removal among the synthesised composites. The removal % reached to 87 % after 90 min irradiation time. This activity was caused by the large surface area and pore volume as well as the formation of a mesoporous structure, as evidenced from the pore size distribution curve. Finally, the numerical evaluation of the photodegradation of TCP was conducted.
Access to Financing and Firm Growth: Evidence from Ethiopia

Using Ethiopian firm-level data, we model the effect of different types of financing on firm growth. The form of financing is potentially endogenous to firm growth, and one contribution of this paper is to introduce a new instrumental variable which captures local variation in financial depth. Unlike previous studies of firms in low-income countries, we find evidence for a negative relationship between the use of external finance and firm growth, which suggests that there are substantial cross-country differences in the finance-growth nexus. We discuss possible explanations for this phenomenon and its implications for development policy.
Comparing physical activity of Malaysian Malay men and women before, during, and after Ramadan

The aims of this research were to investigate whether there is any difference in the physical activity levels between Malay Muslim men (Muslim) and Malay Muslim women (Muslimah) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) before, during, and after the month of Ramadan, and also to determine the factors restricting their involvement in physical activities. Fifty-three UPM Malay Muslim male staff and fifty-four UPM Malay Muslim female staff participated in the research. The Yamex-Digi walker CW700 pedometer was used to measure the physical activity level of the staff for four consecutive days. Results showed that there was no significant difference in the physical activity levels of the Malay Muslim and Muslimah in UPM before, during, and after the month of Ramadan. The reported t-test results comparing the two genders before, during, and after the month of Ramadan were f=0.003, p<0.96, f=1.047, p<0.31, and f=3.106, p<0.08, respectively. It was reported that the lack of self motivation/laziness played the most important role in restricting the involvements of both genders in the physical activities.
Influence of thermal residual stresses on the free vibration of reinforced laminates

El uso de compuestos laminados se ha incrementado en la ingenieria moderna, fundamentalmente en proyectos en los cuales se requiere garantizar una adecuada resistencia y durabilidad. Se ha comprobado que algunas de las propiedades del material pueden ser afectadas por la aparicion de tensiones residuales durante el proceso de manufactura. En este articulo, la influencia de las tensiones termicas residuales en la vibracion libre de compuestos laminados es analizada. Para el estudio experimental se empleo un laminado cuadrado de tipo pre-impregnado. El laminado fue reforzado usando dos tipos de refuerzos: laterales y perimetrales. Las placas fueron elaboradas usando dos diferentes tecnicas: el primer tipo de laminados fue elaborado curando tanto la placa como los refuerzos a 177 °C de manera simultanea y posteriormente enfriados a la temperatura de servicio, mientras que para el segundo tipo de placas tanto las laminas como los refuerzos fueron preparados de forma independiente y pegados a temperatura de operacion (22 °C). Un modelo numerico fue elaborado para comparar estos resultados con los resultados experimentales. Una buena precision fue observada al comparar resultados numericos y experimentales, mostrando que la presencia de tensiones termicas residuales afecta el valor de las frecuencias naturales de vibracion libre y la forma modal caracteristica. Independientemente del tipo de refuerzo empleado, un notable incremento en estos valores fue observado, cuando el elemento se encuentra simplemente apoyado