Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CHANGES IN ABSCISIC ACID, STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE, AND ANTIOXIDANTS DURING LOW TEMPERATURE PRECONDITIONING AGAINST SO_2 INJURY IN CONTRASTING CULTIVARS OF COLEUS

The influence of 5 days of low temperature preconditioning (13℃) on SO_2 sensitivity in relationship to abscisic acid (ABA) concentration, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and SO_2 injury was examined in two cultivars of coleus found previously to differ in stress tolerance: SO_2-sensitive 'Buckley Supreme' ('BS') and SO_2-insensitive 'Marty' ('M'). 'BS' plants grown at 20℃ for 5 days and then fumigated with SO_2 for 2hr had 75% overall injury; those grown at 13℃ for 5 days had only 13% SO_2 injury. Corresponding 'M' plants given 20 and 13℃ pretreatment had 17 and 0% injury, respectively. This decrease in SO_2 sensitivity following preconditioning at 13℃ was associated with an increase in ABA concentration and a decrease in stomatal conductance and transpiration (Tn) rate, which presumably decreased the penetration of SO_2 into the leaf. Changes in the levels of several antioxidants and associated enzyme systems were also determined. Stress-insensitive 'M' contained 47% more ascorbate (AsA) and 17% greater ascorbate peroxidase (AP) activity than stress-sensitive 'BS. ' Temperature preconditioning increased AP activity in 'BS' by 11% which was comparable to that found in 'M' at 20℃. Thus, the phytoprotection afforded against SO_2 by temperature preconditioning appears to involve both avoidance and detoxification mechanisms.
The impact of monthly variation of the Pacific–North America (PNA) teleconnection pattern on wintertime surface-layer aerosol concentrations in the United States

Abstract. The Pacific–North America teleconnection (PNA) is the leading general circulation pattern in the troposphere over the region of North Pacific to North America during wintertime. This study examined the impacts of monthly variations of the PNA phase (positive or negative phase) on wintertime surface-layer aerosol concentrations in the United States (US) by analyzing observations during 1999–2013 from the Air Quality System of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-AQS) and the model results for 1986–2006 from the global three-dimensional Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem). The composite analyses on the EPA-AQS observations over 1999–2013 showed that the average concentrations of PM2.5, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, organic carbon, and black carbon aerosols over the US were higher in the PNA positive phases (25 % of the winter months examined, and this fraction of months had the highest positive PNA index values) than in the PNA negative phases (25 % of the winter months examined, and this fraction of months had the highest negative PNA index values) by 1.0 µg m−3 (8.7 %), 0.01 µg m−3 (0.5 %), 0.3 µg m−3 (29.1 %), 0.1 µg m−3 (11.9 %), 0.6 µg m−3 (13.5 %), and 0.2 µg m−3 (27.8 %), respectively. The simulated geographical patterns of the differences in concentrations of all aerosol species between the PNA positive and negative phases were similar to observations. Based on the GEOS-Chem simulation, the pattern correlation coefficients were calculated to show the impacts of PNA-induced variations in meteorological fields on aerosol concentrations. The PNA phase was found (i) to influence sulfate concentrations mainly through changes in planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), precipitation (PR), and temperature; (ii) to influence nitrate concentrations mainly through changes in temperature; and (iii) to influence concentrations of ammonium, organic carbon, and black carbon mainly through changes in PR and PBLH. Results from this work have important implications for the understanding and prediction of air quality in the US.
Assessment of water quality in temperate-plain streams (Argentina, South America) using a multiple approach

We assessed the water quality in two pampean lotic systems (Argentina), the Juan Blanco and Bunirigo streams, subjected to different land uses (i.e., the UNESCO Biosphere Nature Reserve vs. industry and agriculture, respectively) through measurements of physicochemical data and the structural parameters of the macroinvertebrate assemblages in addition to ecotoxicological analyses. The objective was to identify the degree of ecological impairment in adversely affected areas and the consequent effects on the biota. The results obtained allowed the establishment of different water-quality classes within the study area. According to the indices applied, the downstream zone of the Bunirigo stream was categorized as moderately polluted on the basis of losses of sensitive benthic species or changes in their abundance. Likewise, acute ecotoxicological bioassays demonstrated that the water from this site had lethal effects on Caenis nemoralis (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) larvae. This sampling point also exhibited relevant physicochemical features, such as high water conductivity and nutrient levels as well as low contents of dissolved oxygen.
Variability in the maximum height of the ionospheric F2-layer over Millstone Hill (September 1998–March 2000); influence from below and above

Abstract. The basic aim of this ‘case study’ is to investigate the variability in the maximum height of the ionospheric F2-layer, hmF2, with periods of planetary waves (2–30 days), and to make an attempt to determine their origin. The hourly data of hmF2 above Millstone Hill (42.6° N, 71.5° W) during 01 September 1998 - 31 March 2000 were used for analysis. Three types of disturbances are studied in detail: (i) the 27- day oscillations observed in the hmF2 above Millstone Hill are generated by the geomagnetic activity and by the global-scale 27-day wave present in the zonal mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) neutral wind. The time delay between the 27-day oscillation in the zonal wind and that in the hmF2 is found to be 5–6 days, while between the 27-day oscillation in the geomagnetic activity and that in the hmF2 is found to be 0.8–1 day; (ii) the 16-day oscillation in the hmF2 observed during summer 1999 is probably generated by the global scale 16-day modulation of the semidiurnal tide observed in the MLT region during PSMOS campaign in June–August. We found that if the modulated semidiurnal tide mediates the planetary wave signature in the ionosphere, this planetary wave oscillation has to be best expressed in the amplitude and in the phase of the 12-h periodicity of the ionosphere; and (iii) the third type of disturbances studied is the quasi-2- day activity in the hmF2 that increases during geomagnetic disturbances. The strong pseudo diurnal periodicities generated during the geomagnetic storms can interact between each other and produce the quasi-2-day oscillations in the ionosphere. Key words. Ionosphere (ionosphere-atmosphere interactions; ionosphere-magnetoshpere interactions; wave propagation)
OWA operators in human resource management

We develop a new approach that uses the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator in different methods for the selection of human resources. The objective of this new model is to manipulate the neutrality of the old methods, so the decision maker can select human resources according to his degree of optimism or pessimism. In order to develop this model, first, a short revision of the OWA operators is introduced. Next, we briefly explain the general model for the selection of human resources and suggest three new indexes for the selection of human resources that use the OWA operator and the hybrid average in the Hamming distance, in the adequacy coefficient and in the index of maximum and minimum level. The main advantage of this method is that it is more complete than the previous ones so the decision maker gets a better understanding of the decision problem. The work ends with an illustrative example that shows the results obtained by using different types of aggregation operators in the new approaches.
Registration of Multiview Echocardiography Sequences Using a Subspace Error Metric

Objective: 3-D$+t$ echocardiography (3DtE) is widely employed for the assessment of left ventricular anatomy and function. However, the information derived from 3DtE images can be affected by the poor image quality and the limited field of view. Registration of multiview 3DtE sequences has been proposed to compound images from different acoustic windows, therefore improving both image quality and coverage. We propose a novel subspace error metric for an automatic and robust registration of multiview intrasubject 3DtE sequences. Methods: The proposed metric employs linear dimensionality reduction to exploit the similarity in the temporal variation of multiview 3DtE sequences. The use of a low-dimensional subspace for the computation of the error metric reduces the influence of image artefacts and noise on the registration optimization, resulting in fast and robust registrations that do not require a starting estimate. Results: The accuracy, robustness, and execution time of the proposed registration were thoroughly validated. Results on 48 pairwise multiview 3DtE registrations show the proposed error metric to outperform a state-of-the-art phase-based error metric, with improvements in median/75th percentile of the target registration error of 21%/31% and an improvement in mean execution time of 45%. Conclusion: The proposed subspace error metric outperforms sum-of-squared differences and phase-based error metrics for the registration of multiview 3DtE sequences in terms of accuracy, robustness, and execution time. Significance: The use of the proposed subspace error metric has the potential to replace standard image error metrics for a robust and automatic registration of multiview 3DtE sequences.
Spectral and mineralogical characterization of inner main-belt V-type asteroids

Context. V-type asteroids in the inner main belt are thought to be genetically related to (4) Vesta as collisional fragments. We investigate their relationship with Vesta observing putative V-type asteroids. Aims. The aim of this work is to observe candidate V-type asteroids, selected in different regions of the inner main belt, to characterize them and hence better understand their relationship with (4) Vesta. Methods. We present new NIR reflectance spectra of 18 V-type candidate asteroids, selected from datasets of possible V-type asteroids. The data were obtained at the 3.6 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, covering the spectral range 0.7 to 2.5 μm. We derive spectral parameters from NIR spectra to infer mineralogical information of the observed asteroids. The spectra of these asteroids are examined and compared to those of Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite meteorites (HED), of which (4) Vesta is believed to be the parent body, and other V-type asteroids observed during previous campaigns. To enlarge the data set and increase the statistical significance of the analysis, we included the data presented in our previous article, obtaining a final data set of 41 V-type asteroids. Results. The V-type asteroids examined here show a higher variability of band parameters with respect to HEDs values, as for (4) Vesta. This result indicates that (4) Vesta and V-type asteroids have mineralogies that are not completely represented in the HEDs collection. Conclusions. An important finding is that some of the observed asteroids show spectral characteristics similar to diogenites, a result that may have relevant implications on their origin. Moreover, most of the diogenitic asteroids are not members of the Vesta classical family.
The Integration between Strategic Cost Management Techniques to Improve the Performance of Iraqi Manufacturing Companies

The performance of manufacturing industry in Iraq has been declining over the last few decades. Worst still, many companies in the manufacturing sector in Iraq are yet to adopt Balanced Scorecard (BSC) to improve their performance despite its potency ensure to achieve competitive advantage and better performance. This study examines the integration between Total Quality Management (TQM) and BSC four perspectives in Iraqi manufacturing industry. Data were collected by means of structured questionnaire survey using simple random sampling and a Partial Least Squares (PLS) algorithm and bootstrap techniques were used to test the hypothesis of the paper. The result revealed that TQM had a significant positive effect on BSC through the measurement of customer perspective, financial perspective, innovation and learning perspective, and internal business process perspective. The finding implies that Iraqi manufacturing industries can attain the performance of their companies in the different perspective of BSC by proper implementation of TQM technique.
Entrepreneurial Growth Ambitions: The Case of Finnish Technology Startups

Technology startups are expected to be a major driving force of economic growth in Europe. The search for new high-growth startups has been particularly topical in Finland, the country that is known for its high-tech products – and the fall of Nokia’s mobile phone business. Although a record number of startups has been established in recent years, the previously identified challenge is that only a small percentage of entrepreneurial businesses are responsible for the lion’s share of economic benefits typically associated with entrepreneurial activity. Hence, we need better understanding of what level of growth technology entrepreneurs aim to create and why there may be differences in growth ambitions among them. In this study, we undertook interpretivist case study research in pursuit of rich, empirically grounded understanding of entrepreneurial growth ambitions in the context of Finnish technology startups. We interviewed entrepreneurs at a Finnish startup event and supplemented this information with data available publicly on the Internet related to the growth ambitions of startups. Our study sought to increase understanding of the different aspects of entrepreneurial growth ambitions, and to explore the relationship between context and growth. Based on the findings, we suggest that growth ambitions should be seen as a complex, socially constructed concept. The growth ambitions of entrepreneurs in our study were influenced, at least in part, by their startups' institutional and market contexts, the scalability of their business models, their personal characteristics and experience, and their perceptions of the barriers and constraints of the field. We conclude that startups have very different growth pathways: although the growth of one startup may depend on the talent of a few software developers, the growth of another startup may be based on its success in building international sales networks. As a result, to get most out of the support provided for a startup ecosystem, support activities should be tailored to different types of high-growth startups. Growing up is losing some illusions, in order to acquire others. Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) Author, publisher, and critic
Continuous Environmental Disclosure Obligations under Canadian Stock Market Regulations: The Impact on Analyst Forecasts

This paper investigates whether mandated environmental disclosure enhance the information available to financial analysts. Results show that continuous environmental disclosures released in accordance with CSA National Instrument 51-102 do improve the information set available to financial analysts. Moreover, financial analysts are able to assess if there are inconsistencies between a firm`s disclosure and its actual environmental performance. Our results suggest also a substitution effect between environmental disclosure and the presence of an environmental committee on the board of directors in terms of impact on forecast precision. Similar results are obtained with a more comprehensive definition of governance. While many investors and other stakeholders express concerns that continuous environmental information does not always provide meaningful information, our results suggest that these concerns may not be justified.
A Method for Recruitment of Lead users from Virtual Communities to Innovate IT Enabled Services for Consumers in Global Markets

Contemporary information technologies enable firms to re-think and innovate with their service offerings. The difficult challenge with new service development (NSD) is how to engage the potential new service users in firm’s NSD activities. The lead user method has been a promising approach to tackle this problem. However, the finding and recruiting of the lead users has been found very arduous for the firms. The paper designs and tests a method for identifying and contacting the lead users, and employs laddering interviewing for subsequent data collection. The data consists of 55 laddering interviews conducted in Finland and Hong Kong. Our findings demonstrate that the proposed method can be considered effective. The results of the study show that with the proposed method we can facilitate design activities between new service developers and potential new service users. Our study also reveals interesting differences in the data sets regarding how interviewees provide reasoning for their potential service use. This finding provides basis for future research in understanding how culture affects new service development.
Effect of relationships in supply networks: A long-term analysis in the automotive industry

This work uses cointegration analysis to study the strength of relationships with the partners in supply networks in the Taiwan automotive industry. The purposes of this paper are: (1) to examine how firms form networks and to explore whether firms in supply networks should have long-term relationships; (2) to investigate the strength of relationships with the other partners and illustrate firm behavior in supply networks. The analytical results demonstrate two findings. First, the assembly and the automotive component manufactures have long-term relationships in a supply network. Subsequently, the results of cointegration analysis illustrated firms’ convergent (divergent) behavior. Sharing shareholder value, complementary resources, and sustained competitive advantage enables firms to converge to the long-term equilibrium. Partners will be amalgamated with other firms to construct a financial vision caused divergent behavior. Thus, this study provides empirical evidence of the strength of relationships and contemporaneously examines firm behavior in supply networks. Key words: Supply networks, relationship, cointegration analysis.
Efficacy of Cooling Beef Taco Meat and Steamed Rice in United States School Foodservice Operations

Food is frequently cooked, cooled and reheated for service at a later time in schools and other foodservice operations in the United States [US]. Inadequate cooling of food has been associated with foodborne illness. The purpose of this study was to determine if practices commonly used in school foodservice to cool beef taco meat and steamed rice would meet US Food and Drug Administration [FDA] 2009 Food Code standards. Prepared products cooled at 5.08 cm and 7.62 cm depths in stainless steel counter pans were placed uncovered in a walk-in refrigerator, a walk-in freezer (beef taco meat only), and a walk-in refrigerator with an ice water bath. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean times and temperatures, with standard deviations. Cooling beef taco meat in a walk-in freezer at a depth of two inches and cooling steamed rice in a walk-in refrigerator at a depth of two inches with an ice water bath were the only methods that met both FDA Food Code time and temperature standards. Results suggest that challenges and risks exist with common methods used to cool food, especially if food volume is not reduced before cooling. Specific protocols for cooling procedures based on types of food and equipment are needed. These findings and recommendations are important for foodservice professionals who oversee food services and cooling practices in schools and other operations.
STUDY OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AMONG FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN MASTERSKILL GLOBAL COLLEGE

Objective: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name given to a collection of physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms that experienced by women during their late luteal phase of each menstrual cycle. This study was undertaken at Masterskill Global College to determine the prevalence of PMS, common premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and coping methods. It also highlights the impairment of life, social and emotional well beings. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study using the retrospective method, analyzing the incidence of PMS based on (ACOG) criteria. Results: The outcome of the study showed that 37% out of 300 samples diagnosed with PMS; 22% mild PMS. 9% moderate PMS and 5.3% severe PMS. 7% of the sample was diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The study finding suggested association of PMS severity with younger age group (P value<0.05), stressful lifestyles (P value<0.05), academic stress (P value<0.05) and sleeping problem (P value<0.05). Conclusion: The study outcome showed PMS prevalence in Masterskill Global College and action shall be taken to provide as an educational guideline to increase their awareness and provide a better coping method to alleviate the symptoms of PMS.
Expression of Autophagy-associated ATG8 Genes during Petal Senescence in Japanese Morning Glory

Petal senescence is a highly regulated developmental process that is controlled by multiple genes. We examined the regulation of autophagy, which has been thought to be involved in petal senescence in Japanese morning glory. Five of six isolated autophagy-related gene 8 (ATG8) homologs in Japanese morning glory, InATG8a, b, d, e, and f were highly expressed in senescing petal limbs, indicating that multiple members of the InATG8 gene family are involved in the regulation of autophagy during petal senescence. Suppressed InATG8f expression in transgenic plants altered neither autophagic activity nor petal senescence, suggesting that some members of the InATG8 gene family have redundant function in the induction of autophagy in petal senescence. It was confirmed from these findings that autophagy is induced during petal senescence in Japanese morning glory, suggesting that autophagy plays an important role in petal senescence.
Does Dietary Behavior Mediate the Association Between Hedonic Hunger and BMI in Overweight/Obese Adolescents?

Does Dietary Behavior Mediate the Association Between Hedonic Hunger and BMI in Overweight/Obese Adolescents? Kirandeep Kaur Department of Psychology, BYU Master of Science Heightened reward associated with palatable food, a construct referred to as hedonic reward, can promote excessive energy intake among adults. However, no known studies have examined the influence of hedonic reward on adolescents’ eating behavior and weight status. The present study examined whether there was an association between hedonic hunger and weight status in overweight/obese adolescents and whether dietary behavior (caloric consumption) mediated this association. Baseline measures of body mass index, hedonic food reward, and dietary intake were collected from one hundred overweight and obese adolescents. Data were analyzed using mixture modeling. Mediation at varying levels of hedonic hunger was explored and three heterogeneous sub-classes were identified. Results indicated that for 65% participants there was a positive association between hedonic hunger and zBMI such that one unit of increase in hedonic hunger was associated with a 0.35 unit increase in zBMI. However, no conclusive evidence of caloric intake mediating the association between hedonic hunger and weight-status was found. Overall, our results suggest that exaggerated hedonic responses are associated with higher body mass in adolescents. These results provide a compelling argument that hedonic hunger can potentially override the homeostatic need for energy and may be associated with weight-gain.