Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions among Potato Genotypes, Growth Stages, Virus Strains, and Inoculation Methods in the Potato Virus Y and Green Peach Aphid Pathosystem

ABSTRACT Potato virus Y (PVY) is an economically important and reemerging potato pathogen in North America. PVY infection reduces yield, and some necrotic and recombinant strains render tubers unmarketable. Although PVYO is the most prevalent strain in the United States, the necrotic and recombinant strains PVYNTN and PVYN:O are becoming more widespread. Infection rates in aphidinoculated (Myzus persicae (Sulzer)) and mechanically inoculated plants were compared across two potato genotypes (’Yukon Gold’ and A98345-1), three PVY strains (PVYO, PVYN:O, and PVYNTN), and two growth stages at inoculation (pre- and postflowering). Susceptibility of genotypes was measured as infection rate using a double-antibody sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; virus titer and tuber mass also were recorded from the infected plants. Yukon Gold generally was more susceptible than A98345-1 to all three PVY strains, especially following mechanical inoculation. Within genotypes, Yukon Gold was most susceptible to PVYO and A98345-1 was most susceptible to PVYN:O. Plants exhibited age-based resistance, with both genotypes showing higher susceptibility at the prethan postflowering stage. The overall ranking pattern of virus titer in infected plants was PVYO > PVYNTN > pvyN:O; across all three strains, infected Yukon Gold had higher titer than infected A98345-1 plants. Yukon Gold plants had lower tuber mass than A98345-1 when infected, and there were differences between the two inoculation methods in regard to tuber mass for the three stains. The results showed differences in infection response between inoculation methods and as a function of genotype, strain, inoculation stage, and their interactions. These factors should be considered when screening genotypes for resistance.
Measuring Internet Product Purchase Risk

Despite general agreement amongst researchers that risk is an important phenomenon influencing online consumer decision making, there has been little consistency in the way risk has been defined and measured. Although the nature of online risk has been well defined, a psychometrically robust scale to measure this risk has yet been developed. Internet Product Purchase Risk (IPPR) is defined as “the degree of uncertainty an individual perceives towards purchasing a
Concept optimisation of fermented functional cereal beverages

Purpose – This research aims to generate consumer knowledge to facilitate the development of new product concepts with optimal product design attributes for new fermented functional cereal beverages (FFCBs) with high market potential.Design/methodology/approach – This research employed a sequential mixed research approach which integrated both qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 12 in‐depth interviews and three focus groups were carried out to identify product concepts for new FFCBs. A conjoint model (n=299) was then developed to evaluate product‐specific factors that influenced consumer acceptance of FFCBs.Findings – Potential target consumers of FFCBs were more likely to be young females who had relatively high educational and income levels. “Flavour” and “health/nutritional claim” were found to be the most important product attributes for consumers. The simulation analysis predicted two FFCB concepts for target consumers.Research limitations/implications – As there is a limited range of FF.
Logistics outsourcing in China: the manufacturer‐cum‐supplier perspective

Purpose – This study aims to investigate differences among Chinese manufacturers‐cum‐suppliers in their logistics services provided to different local and foreign customers and assess the management areas that they must address in order to satisfy the logistics requirements of their customers.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted amongst managers of manufacturing firms in four industries, automotive, telecommunication and computer, household appliance, and electronics, located in the Shanghai region of China. A five‐point Likert scale (1 – least important, 5 – most important) was used to measure the importance of services provided, and assess customer satisfaction level, impact on management of manufacturers, and difficulties and challenges faced by the manufacturers.Findings – The results indicate that foreign customers place significant emphasis on different services from those of their local counterparts. Results also indicate that many challenges need to be addressed.
K88ab gene of Escherichia coli encodes a fimbria-like protein distinct from the K88ab fimbrial adhesin

The K88ab adhesin operon of Escherichia coli encodes for a fimbrial protein (the K88ab adhesin) which is involved in colonization of the porcine intestine. We characterized a structural gene (gene A) which is part of the K88ab adhesin operon and codes for an as yet unidentified polypeptide (pA). A mutation in gene A resulted in accumulation of K88ab adhesin subunits inside the cell. The nucleotide sequence of gene A was determined, and the deduced amino acid sequence suggested that pA is synthesized as a precursor containing a typical N-terminal signal peptide. The molecular weight of pA was calculated to be ca. 17,600. Gene A is preceded by a sequence showing homology with the consensus promoter. Fimbrial subunits from a number of E. coli strains have significant homology at their N- and C-termini. pA also contained some of these conserved sequences and showed a number of other similarities with fimbrial subunits. Therefore, it seems likely that the K88ab adhesin operon codes for a fimbrial subunit (pA) distinct from the K88ab adhesin subunit.
Soft budget constraint and expropriation: Evidence from privately-owned firms in China

Using the data of privately-owned firms in China’s transition economy, the study examines the effects of soft budget constraint on the expropriation of minority shareholders. The study finds that, compared to small firms, large firms have higher bank loans and are more likely to get government subsidies. However, large firms show higher divergence between cash flow and control rights, more fund occupation by controlling shareholders, and lower market valuation. Moreover, these differences between large and small firms become particularly pronounced when the firms operate in the provinces with poorer fiscal conditions. When firm tax is substituted for firm size, the study gets the similar results. These findings suggest that soft budget constraint can mitigate the expropriation costs of controlling shareholders, and subsequently deteriorate the expropriation of minority shareholders. Key words: Bank loans, expropriation, firm size, fiscal goal, government subsidies, soft budget constraint.
Vaccinia Virus A21 Virion Membrane Protein Is Required for Cell Entry and Fusion

ABSTRACT We provide the initial characterization of the product of the vaccinia virus A21L (VACWR140) gene and demonstrate that it is required for cell entry and low pH-triggered membrane fusion. The A21L open reading frame, which is conserved in all sequenced members of the poxvirus family, encodes a protein of 117 amino acids with an N-terminal hydrophobic domain and four invariant cysteines. Expression of the A21 protein occurred at late times of infection and was dependent on viral DNA replication. The A21 protein contained two intramolecular disulfide bonds, the formation of which required the vaccinia virus-encoded cytoplasmic redox pathway, and was localized on the surface of the lipoprotein membrane of intracellular mature virions. A conditional lethal mutant, in which A21L gene expression was regulated by isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside, was constructed. In the absence of inducer, cell-to-cell spread of virus did not occur, despite the formation of morphologically normal intracellular virions and extracellular virions with actin tails. Purified virions lacking A21 were able to bind to cells, but cores did not penetrate into the cytoplasm and synthesize viral RNA. In addition, virions lacking A21 were unable to mediate low pH-triggered cell-cell fusion. The A21 protein, like the A28 and H2 proteins, is an essential component of the poxvirus entry/fusion apparatus for both intracellular and extracellular virus particles.
Resistance, motivations, trust and intention to use mobile financial services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify consumers’ resistance and motivational factors affecting the intention of using mobile financial services. The paper also examines the impact of trust in the acceptance of such services. Design/methodology/approach – To empirically apply the conceptual model and test the hypotheses, data are collected through a questionnaire involving 300 Tunisians non-users of mobile financial services and are analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings – The paper identifies one resistance dimension – tradition. The paper also identifies four motivational dimensions – compatibility, trialability, perceived enjoyment and system quality. Tradition has a negative and a significant impact on the intention to use mobile financial services, whereas compatibility, trialability and perceived enjoyment have a positive and a significant impact on intention to use such services. In addition, system quality has a significant and positive im.
Time-Varying Macroeconomic Exposures in the Indian Stock Market

We analyze the Indian Stock Market by introducing a new way of incorporating macroeconomic risks into multifactor models. We demonstrate the validity of our method by developing a large-scale, dynamic and multifactor model. Our model generates several notable findings about the Indian Stock Market. Macro factors generate larger co-movements in equity markets, but are lower priced than accounting and mechanical factors. High-priced factors are those related to term-premium changes, valuation (book-to-market ratio, PE ratio and dividend yield), market liquidity, balance-sheet liquidity (internal capital and leverage) and growth (ROE and earnings growth). However, other macro factors and some fundamental and mechanical factors, such as size, volatility and momentum, are lower priced.
Postoperative pain relief and bupivacaine plasma levels during continuous interscalene brachial plexus block

Interscalene brachial plexus block was performed on 40 patients for prophylactic pain relief after shoulder surgery. A dose of 1.25 mg/kg of 0.5%, bupivacaine was injected for the block (Group 1) and continued with an infusion of 0.25%, bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg/h (Group 2). If the postoperative analgesia was insufficient, the patients received i.m. oxycodone 0.15 mg/kg. In Group 1, one patient managed without oxycodone supplementation during the 24‐h observation period compared with eight patients in Group 2 [P < 0.01). The rest of the patients received 3.8 ± 1.6 doses (Group 1) and 2.5 ± 1.2 doses (Group 2) of oxycodone (P < 0.05). At 30 min, the mean bupivacaine plasma concentration was 1.0 pg/ml in Group 1 and 0.9 pg/ ml in Group 2. The mean plasma level of bupivacaine increased from 0.7 μg/ml after 180 min to 1.1 μg/ml (P < 0.01) after 24 h of infusion, providing some evidence of accumulation during infusion. The dizziness and confusion experienced by three patients could be associated with the local anaesthetic, as they obtained relief after the infusion was stopped.
An investigation into the antecedents of goal congruence in retail‐service settings

The authors report the results of two studies that model the antecedents of goal congruence in retail-service settings. They draw the antecedents from extant research and propose that goal congruence is related to employees' perceptions of morale, leadership support, fairness in reward allocation, and empowerment. They hypothesize and test direct and indirect relationships between these constructs and goal congruence. Results of structural equations modeling suggest an important mediating role for morale and interesting areas of variation across retail and service settings.
A single vibration mode tubular piezoelectric ultrasonic motor

A novel tubular ultrasonic motor is presented that uses only a single vibration bending mode of a piezoelectric tube to generate rotation. When the piezoelectric tube bends, the diagonal motion of points on selected areas at the ends of the tube generates forces with tangential components along the same circumferential direction, driving the rotors to rotate. Bi-directional motion is achieved by simply switching the direction of bending. Because only one vibration mode is used, the motor requires only one driving signal and no vibration mode coupling is needed, simplifying the design, fabrication, assembly, and operation of the device. Two prototypes [one with cut-in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) teeth and one with added metal teeth] were built and tested using PZT tubes available to the authors. The tubes have an outside diameter of 6.6 mm, inner diameter of 5.0 mm, and length of 25.4 mm. The working frequencies of the two motors are 27.6 and 23.5 kHz. The motors achieved a maximum no-load speed of 400 rpm and a stall torque of 300 μN·m.
Effects of Pleistocene glaciations and rivers on the population structure of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus)

Sundaland, a tropical hotspot of biodiversity comprising Borneo and Sumatra among other islands, the Malay Peninsula, and a shallow sea, has been subject to dramatic environmental processes. Thus, it presents an ideal opportunity to investigate the role of environmental mechanisms in shaping species distribution and diversity. We investigated the population structure and underlying mechanisms of an insular endemic, the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on mtDNA sequences from 211 wild orangutans covering the entire range of the species indicate an unexpectedly recent common ancestor of Bornean orangutans 176 ka (95% highest posterior density, 72–322 ka), pointing to a Pleistocene refugium. High mtDNA differentiation among populations and rare haplotype sharing is consistent with a pattern of strong female philopatry. This is corroborated by isolation by distance tests, which show a significant correlation between mtDNA divergence and distance and a strong effect of rivers as barriers for female movement. Both frequency-based and Bayesian clustering analyses using as many as 25 nuclear microsatellite loci revealed a significant separation among all populations, as well as a small degree of male-mediated gene flow. This study highlights the unique effects of environmental and biological features on the evolutionary history of Bornean orangutans, a highly endangered species particularly vulnerable to future climate and anthropogenic change as an insular endemic.
Hepatitis B virus among maintainence haemodialysis patients: a report from Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE To study the characterstics, pattern of viral markers, hepatic transaminases and other associated hepatitis virus infections among maintainence haemodialysis patients. METHOD This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the dialysis unit of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation Karachi on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing maintainence haemodialysis from November 2009 to April 2010. Patients on anti-viral drugs were excluded Blood samples were taken, immediately before start of dialysis, for Hepatitis B virus serology, anti-HCV, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HBV DNA and biochemical tests. Abdominal ultrasound was performed for liver, spleen, portal vein diameter and presence or absence of ascites. Data analysis was done by using SPSS 10.0. The level of significance was taken as 0.05. RESULTS Out of 1220 ESRD patients on maintainence haemodialysis at SIUT, 124 were HBsAg positive but 26 patients were excluded as they had received anti-viral therapy. Finally 98 patients including 71 (72%) males and 27 (28%) females completed the study. The mean age was 34.98 +/- 12.67 years. Most of the patients did not have hepatitis symptoms. ALT level was raised above cutoff value of 20 IU/ml in 62.2% patients while AST was raised in 75.4% patients. HBeAg was positive in 34.6%, anti-HBe antibody was positive in 65% patients and HBV DNA was detected in 65.3%. More than half of the patients had HCV co-infection. Six patients had cirrhosis. Thirty four patients were non-replicating carriers. The mean duration of dialysis and duration of HBsAg positivity were significantly longer in those patients who had hepatitis B and hepatitis C coinfection (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Hepatitis B virus infection in dialysis dependent patients is mostly asymptomatic. Mild transaminase elevation is frequently encountered.
Factors Affecting Financial Statement Fraud: Fraud Triangle Approach

This study aims to obtain empirical evidence about relationship of fraud trianle component with financial statement fraud. Fraud risk factor triangle theory explain that pressure, oppotunity, and rationalization are always present in fraud situations. The Variable of fraud risk factor for pressure are use proxy financial stability; sales growth (SGROW), asset growth (AGROW), and cash flow to earnings growth (NICFOTA), financial security that proxy by account receivable trunover (SALAR) and asset turnover (SALTA), external pressure that proxy by leverage (LEV), financial target proxy by return on asset (ROA). variable for opportunity used are ineffective monitoring proxy by independent board members (BOUTP), board members on audit committee over board size (AUDSIZE), and independent audit committee (IND). variable for rationalization are using managements control proxy which represent by auditor opinion (AUDREPORT). Financial statement fraud is representing by proxy earning management. Earning management as measured by discretionary accruals estimated using the modified Jones model (1991).
Does Human Ochratoxin A Aggravate Proteinuria in Patients with Chronic Renal Disease?

Background. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic metabolite occurring in foodstuffs. In the last decade, OTA‐induced nephropathy in man and animals have been confirmed by previous literature. The correlation between OTA and the severity of CRI and nephrotic syndrome was also researched. Therefore, this study was designed to determine whether OTA also played an important role in renal insufficiency of patients with chronic renal diseases in Taiwan. Methods. The patients in this study were divided into nonnephrotic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome groups, first, to look for the relation between urine protein and OTA. And then these patients were also divided into six groups: (I) patients with chronic glomerulonephritis; (II) patients with chronic interstitial nephritis; (III) patients with diabetes mellitus; (IV) patients with hypertension; (V) patients with other diseases; (VI) patients with unknown reasons. For all groups, laboratory evaluation of kidney such as serum creatinine, urinary creatinine, creatinine clear rate, urinary protein, and urinary analysis were carried out coupled with determination of ochratoxin A level in urine. Results. Higher levels of OTA were found in patients with nephrotic syndrome. There was a significantly positive correlation (P < 0.001) between 24‐hr OTA and 24‐hr urine protein. On the other hand, the mean excretion of OTA in DM group (group III) was found significantly higher compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Distinct differences (P < 0.01) were found especially when DM group was compared with patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (group I; P = 0.0019), patients with chronic interstitial nephritis (group II; P = 0.0032) and patients with hypertension (group IV; P = 0.0062). Conclusion. The results could lead to the conclusion that OTA could play an important role in proteinuria of patients with chronic renal diseases in Taiwan. And OTA may play a role in diabetes patients with nephropathy. Further longitudinal study is needed to clarify the role of OTA in diabetic nephropathy.
Cities and Energy: Urban Morphology and Residential Heat-Energy Demand

Our aim is better understanding of the theoretical heat-energy demand of different types of urban form at a scale of 500 m × 500 m. The empirical basis of this study includes samples of dominant residential building typologies identified for Paris, London, Berlin, and Istanbul. In addition, archetypal idealised samples were created for each type through an analysis of their built form parameters and the removal of unwanted ‘invasive’ morphologies. The digital elevation models of these real and idealised samples were run through a simulation that modelled solar gains and building surface energy losses to estimate heat-energy demand. In addition to investigating the effect of macroscale morphological parameters, microscale design parameters, such as U-values and glazing ratios, as well as climatic effects were analysed. The theoretical results of this study suggest that urban-morphology-induced heat-energy efficiency is significant and can lead to a difference in heat-energy demand of up to a factor of six. Compact and tall building types were found to have the greatest heat-energy efficiency at the neighbourhood scale while detached housing was found to have the lowest.
Observation of Wind Direction Change on the Sea Surface Temperature Front Using High-Resolution Full Polarimetric SAR Data

In this study, we derive high-resolution wind speeds and directions from full-polarization synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Previous wind retrieval result from conventional single-polarization SAR data has a limitation to resolve small-scale structures in the surface wind because external wind direction data with coarser spatial resolution than those of SARs have been commonly used as an input. Using fully polarimetric SAR data, however, both wind speed and direction can be derived with high resolution from the image itself without any ancillary data. We derive wind field off the southern coast of Korea from the Radarsat-2 quad-polarization data and investigate the spatial variation. The retrieved wind field from the Radarsat-2 image presents a detailed structure including small-scale variations which is unobtainable from conventional wind observations. Comparison of the derived wind directions with in-situ buoy wind measurements shows a small difference of 8° which is regarded as sufficient to analyze small-scale wind vector changes. The retrieved wind field off the southern coast of Korea demonstrates the distinct patterns of direction changes. While blowing over the sea surface temperature (SST) frontal zone, the veering angles of wind vectors decrease and then are restored. The analysis of SAR-derived wind vectors with coinciding temperature distributions confirms that the variation in SAR-derived wind vectors on the SST fronts is mainly induced by the stability effect. This study also addresses the important role of precise wind direction retrieval on the accuracy of retrieved wind speed.