Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence Characteristics of a Tryptophan Mutant of Leucine-responsive Regulatory Protein (Lrp)

Leucine-responsive Regulatory Protein (Lrp) from Escherichia coli is an 18.8 kDa protein composed of 164 amino acids. Wild type Lrp (Lrp Wt) does not possess any tryptophan amino acid which has strong intrinsic fluorescence, whereas the mutant Lrp R145W contains a single tryptophan at the position 145 in the leucine-responsive domain. To investigate the fluorescence character, the Lrp R145W and Lrp Wt proteins were purified. The fluorescence intensity of Lrp R145W is much higher than that of wild type protein, and the intensity of Lrp R145W was decreased by binding to its specific DNA designed from ilvIH operon and to L-leucine. In addition, the tryptophan fluorescence intensity of Lrp R145W was strongly quenched by addition of acrylamide even in the least amount of concentration as well as by urea. The data obtained from this study may give valuable information on the three dimensional structure of Lrp R145W.
Mathematics anxiety and the college student

Amanda McCloy MATHEMATICS ANXIETY AND THE COLLEGE STUDENT 2009110 Roberta Dihoff, Ph.D. and John Klandennan, Ph.D. Master of Arts in School Psychology This study was designed to investigate whether mathematics anxiety is correlated to choice of major in college, the need to be enrolled in a remedial math course and average mathematics grades. Types of mathematical problems, statements and situations were also viewed to detennine which of the latter caused the greatest anxiety among volunteers. Volunteers were given an experimenter designed mathematics anxiety survey in which they rated problems, statements and situations pertaining to math on a five-point likert scale. Upon perfonnance of correlations, results proved non-significant for all conditions. Thus, mathematics anxiety in this particular sample was not correlated to choice of major in college, the need to be enrolled in a remedial math course or average mathematics grades. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis would not have been made possible if not for the support from my family, professors and classmates. Without my family, I would have not had the encouragement to push through, or the help to get through without distractions. Thank you to my professors for guiding me through the process and giving me the support I needed to complete this thesis on time. And lastly, thank you to my fellow School Psychology classmates for making the experience comfortable and unforgettable.
SATELLITE QUENCHING AND GALACTIC CONFORMITY AT 0.3 < z < 2.5

We measure the evolution of the quiescent fraction and quenching efficiency of satellites around star-forming and quiescent central galaxies with stellar mass log ( M cen / M ⊙ ) > 10.5 ? > at 0.3 < z < 2.5 ? > . We combine imaging from three deep near-infrared-selected surveys (ZFOURGE/CANDELS, Ultra Deep Survey, and UltraVISTA), which allows us to select a stellar-mass complete sample of satellites with log ( M sat / M ⊙ ) > 9.3 ? > . Satellites for both star-forming and quiescent central galaxies (“centrals”) have higher quiescent fractions compared to field galaxies matched in stellar mass at all redshifts. We also observe “galactic conformity”: satellites around quiescent centrals are more likely to be quenched compared to the satellites around star-forming centrals. In our sample, this conformity signal is significant at ≳ 3 &sgr; ? > for 0.6 < z < 1.6 ? > , whereas it is only weakly significant at 0.3 < z < 0.6 ? > and 1.6 < z < 2.5 ? > . Therefore, conformity (and thus satellite quenching) has been present for a significant fraction of the age of the universe. The satellite quenching efficiency increases with increasing stellar mass of the central, but does not appear to depend on the stellar mass of the satellite to the mass limit of our sample. When we compare the satellite quenching efficiency of star-forming centrals with stellar masses 0.2 dex higher than quiescent centrals (which should account for any difference in halo mass), the conformity signal decreases, but remains statistically significant at 0.6 < z < 0.9 ? > . This is evidence that satellite quenching is connected to the star formation properties of the central galaxy as well as to the mass of the halo. We discuss physical effects that may contribute to galactic conformity, and emphasize that they must allow for continued star formation in the central galaxy even as the satellites are quenched.
Parametric Mixture Models for Competing Risks Following the approach in

“Competing risk” or “multiple cause” survival data arise in medical, criminological, financial, engineering, and many other contexts when death or failure of an individual or unit is classified into one of a variety of types or causes. Important issues in the analysis of such data range from basic properties, such as consistency of estimation of parameters, through more complex boundary hypothesis-testing problems, such as whether a specified list of causes is “exhaustive” − as opposed to the possibility that some individuals may be “immune” to all of these causes. We give a carefully formulated parametric mixture model for competing risk data which allows for censoring and immune individuals, and for which a large-sample analysis can be developed. Under some mild assumptions, we are able to show the existence, uniqueness (local to the true parameter values with probability approaching 1), consistency and asymptotic normality of the maximum likelihood estimators when the parameters are interior to the parameter space. A formulation using “cause-specific hazards” can be treated in the same way. Consistent estimators also exist when the parameters are on the boundary of the parameter space, as is the case for example when testing for exhaustiveness of causes. The “deviance” statistic for testing this hypothesis is shown to have as its large-sample distribution a 50-50 mixture of a chi-square distribution with 1 degree of freedom, and a point mass at 0. Competing risks data with no censoring can be analyzed similarly. The large-sample results we give allow many of the data-analytic questions for competing risks data to be formulated and answered in a satisfying way. The methods and approaches are illustrated on a set of criminological (re-arrest) data from Western Australia.
A multi-dimensional multi-level approach to measuring the spatial structure of U.S. metropolitan areas

For many years, attempts to measure the urban structure and physical form of metropolitan areas have been focused on a limited set of attributes, mostly density and density gradients. However, the complex nature of the urban form requires the consideration of many other dimensions to provide a comprehensive measure that includes all aspects of the urban structure and growth pattern at different hierarchical levels. In this paper, a multi-dimensional method of measuring urban form and development patterns in urban areas of the United States is presented. The methodology presented here develops several variables and indices that contribute to the characterization and quantification of the overall physical form of urban areas at various hierarchical levels. Cluster analysis is performed to group metropolitan areas based on their urban form and land-use pattern. This allows for a better utilization of land-use transportation planning and policy analyses used by planners and researchers. This clustering of urban areas could eventually help policymakers and decision makers in the decision-making process to evaluate land-use transportation policies, identify similar patterns, and understand how similar policies implemented in urban areas with similar urban form structure would result in more efficient and successful planning in the future.
A Chemical and Morphological Study of Cassava Peel: A Potential Waste as Coagulant Aid

This study investigates the chemical and morphological characteristics of cassava peel (CP) biomass as a potential coagulant aid for turbidity, heavy metals and microbial removal. FE-SEM micrograph shown the surface of the CP samples was covered with smooth and globular in shaped of bound starch granules. FTIR spectra demonstrated that carboxyl and hydroxyl groups were present in abundance. Whereas analysis by XRF spectrometry indicated the CP samples contain Fe 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 which might contribute to its coagulation ability. The features of CP obtained from this study promotes the feasibility of CP to be further developed and studied to produce effective coagulant aid as sustainable alternative to reduce the usage of chemical coagulants.
The effects of the duration of cold maceration on the composition and sensory properties of Smederevka wines

Although the composition of the grapes depends on its variety, the soil and climatic conditions, there is little variation in the actual cell structure of the plant. The control of maceration or skin contact conditions is vital for obtaining high quality white wines. In practice, a classical the maceration at the temperature of 20-25 °C and a cold maceration at 5-10 °C are commonly used. The aim of this work was to investigate the changes in the composition and sensory properties of Smederevka wines obtained with different cold skin contact times at 8 °C, during 12 and 24 hours. A chemical analysis wines includes basic chemical compounds, organic acids, total phenols and higher alcohols. A sensory analysis of the wines by 100 points method was carried out. The results showed a significant increase in the dry extract, ash, total phenol and a decrease in tartaric acid and a higher alcohol content in Smederevka wines obtained by 12 or 24 hours cold maceration period. These results indicate that cold maceration positively influences the quality of Smederevka wines. The best organoleptic quality of Smederevka wines was obtained by cold maceration at 8 °C during 24 hours.
Board of Directors’ Composition and Capital Structure

The present study empirically analyses the association between board of directors’ composition and capital structure. Particularly, the fraction of independent directors on the board, the fraction of female directors, the board size, and whether the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is also the chairman of the board are analysed. Consistent with the pecking order theory of Myers (1984) and Myers and Majluf (1984) the results provide strong evidence that firms with a larger fraction of independent directors on the board have a capital structure composed with more external capital when compared with retained earnings; have more short term debt in relation with retained earnings; have more long term debt compared with short term debt; and have more external equity than long term debt. The results also provide some evidence that a more gender diversified board of directors and where the chairman is non-executive (i.e. the CEO is a different person from that of the chairman) can improve the board of directors’ independence and efficiency and therefore lead the firm to have a capital structure composed with more long term sources of financing.
Embedding Systems Thinking into EWB Project Planning and Development: Assessing the Utility of a Group Model Building Approach

Amongst growing sociotechnical efforts, engineering students and professionals both in the international development sector and industry are challenged to approach projects more holistically to achieve project goals. Engineering service learning organizations must similarly adapt their technological projects to consider varying cultural and economic structures, ensuring more resilient social progress within development efforts. In practice, systems thinking approaches can be utilized to model the social, economic, political, and technological implications that influence the sustainability of an engineering project. This research assesses the utility of integrating systems thinking into Engineers Without Borders (EWB) project planning and development, thereby improving project impact and more effectively engaging members. At a workshop held at an EWB-USA 2016 Regional Conference, the authors presented a planning and evaluation framework that applies group model building with system dynamics to foster systems thinking through factor diagramming and analysis. To assess the added value of the framework for EWB project planning and development, extensive participant feedback was gathered and evaluated during the workshop and through an optional post-workshop survey. Supported by thoughtful observations and feedback provided by the EWB members, the model building workshop appeared to help participants reveal and consider project complexities by both visually and quantitatively identifying key non-technical and technical factors that influence project sustainability. Therefore, system dynamics applied in a group model building workshop offers a powerful supplement to traditional EWB project planning and assessment activities, providing a systems-based tool for EWB teams and partner communities to build capacity and create lasting change.
Investigating ownership structure, company characteristics and online environmental disclosure in Malaysia

This paper focuses on environmental disclosure on the Internet and empirically examines whether ownership structure and company characteristics have a significant association with the level of Internet environmental disclosure (IED) amongst Malaysian companies. Six variables – management ownership, government ownership, firm size, level of technology, industry type, and profitability – have been chosen to be examined in this study. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine these relationships by analysing the data of 201 online annual reports on the websites of Malaysian companies. The results indicate that government ownership, firm size, level of technology and industry type are positively and significantly associated with IED; management ownership is negatively and significantly associated with IED, and profitability did not show a significant relationship. The results of this paper can be used by regulators to enhance and regulate online environmental reports as it is still voluntary based.
Using Gambusia affinis growth and condition to assess estuarine habitat quality: A comparison of indices

Numerous indices have been used to estimate fish growth and condition; however, differences in sensitivity and reliability of the methods have hampered efforts to identify appropriate indicators for routine evaluation of habitat quality in the field. We compared common morphometric (length, weight, somatic growth, length-weight condition) and biochemical (RNA:DNA ratio, relative DNA content, energy density) growth indices on the same wild-caught mosquitofish Gambusia affi- nis to examine their usefulness as indicators of habitat quality. A laboratory experiment was used to quantify growth rates of wild-caught G. affinis under different feeding treatments. Field studies con- sisted of both a short-term enclosure experiment (10 d) and weekly (7 wk) fish collections to compare growth indices in managed inflow and reference marshes during a winter/spring freshwater pulse event in upper Breton Sound, Louisiana, USA. Marshes flooded by restored freshwater pulses were capable of producing optimum growth (0.001 g DW d -1 ; DW = dry weight) and energetically valuable habitat (>6000 cal g -1 DW) for trophic transport. Because of differences in timing of response, morphometric and biochemical indices were generally not directly correlated, but there was clear agreement in direction and magnitude of response. The most striking difference in timing was that biochemical indices (RNA:DNA) responded more slowly to treatments than did morphometric growth indices. While gross patterns are comparable between indicators, differences in sensitivity and response time between indicators suggest that choice of indicator needs to be accounted for in inter- pretation and analysis of effects.
Repeating Pattern Extraction Technique(REPET);A method for music/voice separation

With the popularity of multimedia applications, a large amount of music data has been accumulated on the Internet. Automatic classification of music data becomes a critical technique for providing an efficient and effective retrieval of music data. In this paper, we propose a new approach for classifying music Data based on their contents. In this approach, we focus on monophonic music features represented as rhythmic and melodic sequences. Moreover, we use repeating patterns of music data to do music classification. For each pattern discovered from a group of music data, we employ a series of measurements to estimate its usefulness for classifying this group of music data. According to the patterns contained in a music piece, we determine which class it should be assigned to. We perform a series of experiments and the results show that our approach performs on average better than the approach based on the probability distribution of contextual information in music.
What about university leadership in a developing country context? : unraveling the nature of transformational leadership and participative decision making

We focus in this study on the relationship between transformational leadership, participative decision making with self-efficacy, job satisfaction and intrinsic motivation in public and private universities in Pakistan. In a survey study, 218 faculty members were involved from four universities. The results indicate that transformational leadership and participative decision making have a significant impact on job satisfaction of university teachers, both in public and private. The relationship with intrinsic motivation is weak and no significant link with self-efficacy could be found. These results are not in line with available research. In the discussion we focus on explanations that especially build on the particular current status of Pakistan higher education.
Predicting Employees Turnover in Telecom Mobile Communication Call Centers of Pakistan

The aim of this study was to investigate whether call centers work design and structure contributes to raise stress, job dissatisfaction and reduction in organizational commitment amongst client service representatives (CSRs). It was further aimed to prove that employees' intention to quit or stay is affected by perceived organizational commitments, job satisfaction, stress and supervisory support along with the selection of other variables such as self-esteem, stressors and intention to quit. A model used in retail stores and call center environment earlier is replicated here using same survey instrument. Data were collected from a total of ten call centers operating in vicinity of cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore. Total 445 questionnaires were distributed among CSRs and 348 usable questionnaires were used for data analyses. Although the model was supported but the interactions among the variables differed, particularly, organizational stressors and stress played a bigger direct role in employee intention to quit.
Assessment of genetic relatedness of the two Amaranthus retroflexus populations by protein and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

Two populations of Amaranthus retroflexus with different morphology were collected from field of the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, Serbia. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and seed protein analysis were performed to study the genetic differences in two grain Amaranthus populations. The studied populations have different protein and DNA profile. A total of 171 DNA fragments were generated by 31 RAPD primers, with an average of 5.5 fragments per primer. Of these, 61.4% fragments were polymorphic among the two populations. 18 protein fraction were obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE). The populations differed in the four protein fractions of different molecular weight. The seed protein electrophoresis and RAPD markers are useful for genetic determination of A. retroflexus populations and identification of biotypes with atypical morphology.
An experimental technique for sutureless muscle surgery in the rabbit

Introduction: To evaluate in the rabbit model a technique for gluing the extraocular muscles to the sclera. Methods: In 24 eyes of 12 adult rabbits, the superior rectus muscle was fixed to the sclera by means of octyl 2-cyanoacrylate adhesive, which was applied to both sides of a silastic strip inserted beneath the belly of the muscle with the proximal end adjacent to the scleral insertion. After treatment the muscles were subjected to histological examination. Results: After 4 weeks, the muscles presented a tendon-like appearance, and histological examination revealed a leukocyte infiltration followed (8 and 10 weeks) by the appearance of fibrous tissue, which gradually replaced almost all of the muscle fibres in the segment attached to the strip. Conclusions: This technique produces a progressive fibrosis of the portion of the extraocular muscle glued to the silastic strip. We hypothesize that the loss of contractile strength induced by this fibrosis may generate a muscle weakening effect.
External Price Benchmarking vs. Price Negotiation for Pharmaceuticals

External price benchmarking imposes a price cap for pharmaceuticals based on prices of identical products in other countries. Suppose that a regulatory agency can either directly negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers or implement a benchmarking regime based on foreign prices. Using a model where two countries differ only in their market size, we show that a country prefers benchmarking if its agency has considerably less bargaining power compared to the agency in the other country. Assuming that bargaining power is positively correlated to country size, we find that only small countries might have an incentive to engage in external price benchmarking. This incentive shrinks if population size grows.
Decentralization, Local Government Reforms and Perceptions of Local Actors: The Greek Case

Decentralization deployed in the last two decades in Greece via two local government reforms. Kapodistrias Plan and Kallikrates Project amalgamated successively the huge number of 5.775 municipalities and communities into 325 enlarged municipalities, institutionalized the 13 regions as second tiers of local government and transferred an unparalleled set of rights and powers to municipalities and regions. The abovementioned reforms changed the operation of local governments and established new conditions for the role of local actors in regional planning. This paper aims to assess the decentralization process in Greece, by taking into account the perceptions of local actors. A primary research was held in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region, in order to understand the affiliation of local actors to the reforms. Results demonstrate that Kapodistrias reform had bigger social acceptance than Kallikrates, as economic crisis and rough spatial planning deter the effective implementation of the second wave of reforms. Non institutional actors and members of societal and cultural organizations perceived more substantially the reforms, than institutional actors and non members of local organizations did. Further improvements are necessary for the modernization of Greek local governments, in the fields of financial decentralization and administrative capacity