Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison on Predictive Model of Intention to Use Smartphones through iPhone User: Centered on TAM, TPB & Integrated Model

After introducing iPhone in Korea, the craze for iPhone was perceived to be extraordinaire phenomenon and the mobile businesses and researchers paid attention to it. This research purposes to explore more predictive model that explain to adopt the smartphones in Korea. This research show that all of models, TPB, TAM and the integrated model, are significant to explain intention to use the smartphones. TPB explains the higher than TAM, and the integrated model explains the slightly higher than TPB. These results suggest that researcher explore and build the more predictive model that comprise social influences and personal attributes than TAM that is employed broad to study new information communication systems and devices.
Understanding perceptions of citizen demeanour: using an experimental design to understand the impact of encounter and observer characteristics

ABSTRACT Systematic social observations of police-citizen encounters have revealed that citizen demeanour is an important predictor of outcomes (e.g. arrests and searches). Drawing from research on stereotypes and impression formation, we examine whether characteristics of the encounter and/or observer affect how respondents perceive demeanour. We exposed undergraduates (n = 255) to a randomly rotated series of five between-subjects design, in which characteristics of the encounter (citizen race, gender, or age; officer gender; neighbourhood context) and the level of demeanour displayed were manipulated. OLS regression was used to examine how these manipulations interact to produce our dependent variable – perceptions of demeanour – and whether characteristics of the observer matter for perceptions, independent of the manipulations. We find that some aspects of the encounter, specifically officer gender and the socio-economic context of the neighbourhood, influence perceptions of demeanour. Previous victimisation, observers’ race, and perceptions of the police also impact how demeanour is perceived. These findings suggest that understanding the impact of citizen demeanour on police-citizen encounters requires consideration of encounter and observer characteristics.
INTRINSIC COMPRESSION CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EXPANSIVE CLAY FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Intrinsic compression behaviour of an expansive clay from Western Australia is investigated using the intrinsic framework in this study. Oedometer results conform with the intrinsic concept at post-yield phase. However, there is a great impact of initial water content on the compression curves at pre-yield stage. It specifies that there is an initial structure similar to a natural clay structure which resists applied forces at this phase and it is related to the amount of initial water content at the preparation stage. Nonetheless, this interparticle bonding is demolished when vertical stress becomes greater than remoulded yield stress. The findings also show that the remoulded yield stress of a reconstituted clay decreases non-linearly with the increase of initial water content, and is remarkably affected by its clay mineralogy. The remoulded yield stress of a soil with the predominant clay of smectite is far greater than those of other clay minerals despite having
Antihyperglycemic activity of Zanthoxylum chalybeum stem bark extract in diabetic rats

Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. (Rutaceae) stem bark is used by communities in Africa and Asia to manage diabetes mellitus. This study determined the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Z. chalybeum aqueous stem bark extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. The plant was obtained from Machakos County, Kenya and a stem bark extract prepared. Rats were divided into experimental (n=5), negative control (n=5) and positive control groups (n=5). Diabetes was induced in each rat in experimental groups by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin at 45mg/kg body weight. The plant extract was administered orally to the experimental rats at dosages of 10, 100 and 1000mg/kg body weight for 14 days. The negative control group was left untreated while the positive control group was treated orally with glibenclamide (10mg/kg body weight). The effect of the extract on blood glucose, body weight, food and water intake and oral glucose tolerance were determined in all rats in the experimental and control groups. The aqueous stem bark extract exhibited significant antidiabetic activity compared to the untreated diabetic controls (P<0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference between the extract fed diabetic rats and the normal controls. Furthermore, extract treated diabetic animals recorded a comparatively decreased weight loss which was dose dependent. These results suggest that the aqueous stem bark extract of Z. chalybeum possesses significant antihyperglycemic activity. This study thus corroborates the traditional use of the plant for the management of diabetes. However, further studies are required to identify the active ingredient(s) and determine the mode of action.
Dating late Cenozoic erosional surfaces in Victoria Land, Antarctica, with cosmogenic neon in pyroxenes

Abstract We present 21Ne exposure ages of erosional glaciogenic rock surfaces on nunataks in northern Victoria Land, Antarctica: i) in the Prince Albert Mountains and ii) near Mesa Range. These nunataks are located directly at the margin of the polar plateau and therefore provide an immediate record of ice volume changes of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, not biased by ice shelf grounding or narrow valley sections downstream the outlet glaciers. The sampling locations overlook the present ice surface by less than 200 m, but were last covered by ice 3.5 Ma bp (minimum age, not corrected for erosion). This strongly indicates that the ice sheet has not been substantially thicker than today since at least the early Pliocene, which supports the hypothesis of a stable East Antarctic Ice Sheet. First absolute ages are reported for the alpine topography above the erosive trimline that typically marks the upper limit of glacial activity in northern Victoria Land. Unexpectedly low nuclide concentrations suggest that erosion rates on the alpine topography are considerably higher due to the steep slopes than those affecting flat erosional surfaces carrying Antarctic tors.
Modeling the Sediment Fill of the Upper Troy Pre-Glacial Bedrock Valley, McHenry County, Illinois, USA

The Troy Bedrock Valley (TBV) and its tributary valleys are the principal pre-glacial drainage in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, USA. This study focused on the headwaters of a tributary that occurs in McHenry County, IL. Drilling, geophysical surveys, and the analysis of existing geologic and water well data were used to determine the lithologic and geometric characteristics of the sediments that fill the paleovalley. A 3D geologic model of these sediments was then developed in Petrel. More than 65 m of Quaternary sediments filled the paleovalley. The model domain covers approximately 30 km2. The valley drains to the west and meanders, which is distinct from the straight course of the overlying modern Kishwaukee River. The sediments that filled the valley were subdivided into five units. These units include Illinois-age Glasford Formation coarse-grained proglacial outwash and alluvial deposits (GS2, GS1) and fine-grained lacustrine and diamicton deposits (G2 and G1). The Wisconsin-age Henry Formation sand and gravel cap the valley fill, and Cahokia alluvium buries everything.
Inter-Rater and Test-Retest Reliability of Hand Held Dynamometer in Shoulder Dysfunction

Physical Therapists usually test muscle strength in anti-gravity positions that yield inaccurate measurements. The purpose of this study was to examine inter-tester, and test­ retest reliability of hand-held dynamometer in measuring strength of shoulder muscles in gravity-minimized positions. Twenty five participants (10 men and 15 women) with diagnosed shoulder dysfunction participated in this study. Four shoulder muscles were tested: internal rotators, external rotators, middle trapezius and lower trapezius. A hand-held dynamometer was used to determine maximal isometric strength. Participants participated in two sessions. One examiner measured muscle strength in a random order in the first session. Two examiners measured muscle strength separately in a random order. Inter-tester and test­retest strength measurements on the shoulder muscle groups showed excellent reliability (ICC2,1=.83.95). In conclusion, the hand held dynamometer is reliable in measuring strength of shoulder muscles in gravity-minimized positions.
Risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus in the population of western China.

Objective: We aim to explore the risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the population of western China. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study which recruited 908 pregnant females, who were registered in West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from January 1st to December 31st in 2011. Self-designed questionnaires were used to collect related clinical data. The pregnancies were followed up until 42 days postpartum. We analyzed the data with Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-Square Test, logistic regression analysis and rank correlation coefficient analysis. Results: Univariate analysis of the data showed that maternal age, leg-to-height percentage, body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, delivery history, dietary history, family histories of diabetes mellitus (DM), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier status, serum triglyceride and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels at first trimester are closely correlated with the incidence of GDM. In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.081, 95% CI 1.027~1.138), unbalanced diet (OR=3.329, 95% CI 2.167~5.116), fruit intake (OR=2.005, 95% CI 1.447~2.780), fondness for sweet food (OR=1.604, 95% CI 1.129~2.280), pre-pregnancy BMI (OR=1.095, 95% CI 1.008~1.190), gravidity (OR=1.263, 95% CI 1.107~1.442), HBsAg carrier status (OR=3.173, 95% CI 1.387~7.260), family histories of DM (OR=1.798, 95% CI 1.063~3.041), high serum triglyceride level (OR=1.315, 95% CI 1.117~1.548) and HbA1c (OR=10.272, 95% CI 4.719~22.363) are correlated with GDM. Furthermore, bivariate correlation analysis showed that age and pre-pregnancy BMI are positively correlated with the fasting, 1-hour, and 2- hour results of 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) while leg-to-height percentage is negatively correlated with the 2-h result of 75 g OGTT. Conclusion: Advanced maternal age, multigravidity, high pre-pregnancy BMI, low leg-to-height percentage, HBsAg-positive status, matrilineal history of DM, unbalanced diet, high fruit intake, high sweet food intake, and high serum triglyceride and HbA1c levels are risk factors for GDM in western Chinese population.
Characterization of antibiotic metabolites from actinomycete isolates.

Metabolites from three actinomycetes isolates coded CS35, 28P and 14P antagonistic to Pythium spp were produced in shaken liquid media and centrifugation done to obtain cell free culture filtrates. The antibiotic metabolites from each of these isolates was characterized by performing chromatography & bioautography, partial purification, determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and determining the effect of temperature, pH and shelve life on the stability of these metabolites. Rf values from the chromatography work and bioautography showed that, metabolites from CS35 and 14P had only one active compound whereas metabolite from isolate 28P had 2 active compounds. The antibiotic metabolites from isolate 28P and CS35 were stable up to a temperature of 70C but were sparingly stable at 80C. The stability of antibiotic metabolite from isolate 14P was drastically reduced from a temperature of 60C and above. High pH value (above 10) and low pH values (below 4.0) negatively affected the stability of the metabolites. Metabolites from isolate 14P lost stability with time whereas metabolites from isolates CS35 and 28P maintained their activity for the entire duration (5 months) tested. These metabolites were found to be sufficiently stable under different conditions and they possess a high potential to control the disease problems under field conditions.
Anomalous ELF phenomena in the Schumann resonance band as observed at Moshiri (Japan) in possible association with an earthquake in Taiwan

Abstract. The ELF observation at Moshiri (geographic coordinates: 44.29° N, 142.21° E) in Hokkaido, Japan, was used to find anomalous phenomena in the Schumann resonance band, possibly associated with a large earthquake (magnitude of 7.8) in Taiwan on 26 December 2006. The Schumann resonance signal (fundamental (n=1), 8 Hz; 2nd harmonic, 14 Hz, 3rd harmonic, 20 Hz, 4th, 26 Hz etc.) is known to be supported by electromagnetic radiation from the global thunderstorms, and the anomaly in this paper is characterized by an increase in intensity at frequencies from the third to fourth Schumann resonance modes mainly in the BEW component with a minor corresponding increase in the BNS component also. Spectral modification takes place only in the interval of 21:00 UT±1 h, which corresponds to the global lightning activity concentrated in America. While distortions were absent in other lightning-active UT intervals, in particular, around 08:00 UT±1 h (Asian thunderstorms) and around 15±1 h (African lightning activity). The anomaly occurred on 23 December three days prior to the main shock. The results observed were explained in terms of ELF radio wave perturbation caused by the lower ionospheric depression around the earthquake epicenter. The difference in the path lengths between the direct radio wave from an active global thunderstorm center and the wave scattered from the non-uniformity above Taiwan causes interference at higher resonance modes, which is successful in explaining the observational data.
An estimation of oil prices effect on household consumption in Sweden

This study uses a vector autoregressive (VAR) model to examine the impact of oil prices on household final consumption expenditure in Sweden. Due to that international oil prices have been falling since mid-2014, and due to Sweden’s assumed decreased oil dependency, it is of interest to estimate this effect, and whether it has reduced. The empirical results suggest that the price of oil does significantly affect household consumption in Sweden. It is indicated that an increase in international oil prices is associated with a decrease in household consumption. Furthermore, there are indications that the effect of oil prices on consumption was higher before the mid-1990s than in succeeding periods.
Using Skype in a Primary Class: A Case Study

Abstract The important role of new technologies to communicate in the globalized world we live in cannot be denied. Teachers must take this fact into account and help their students construct their knowledge through computer-mediated learning in order to better understand how these tools function. In the context of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) has become a powerful tool for learning, as these resources give meaning and real-world relevance to language teaching practices and activities. This small-scale study describes the implementation of an interactional activity, rooted in sociocultural theory, which used Skype as teaching tool. The data stemming from the investigation provides evidence to support the argument that digital resources for foreign language learning hold great potential as mediating tools for increased motivation and enhanced peer interaction. Key words: sociocultural theory, ICT, CMC, interaction, mediation Resum Es dificil negar l’important rol de les noves tecnologies per comunicar-se en el mon globalitzat en el que vivim. Per aquesta rao, els discents haurien de tenir aquest fet en compte i deixar als infants construir els seu coneixement a traves de l’aprenentatge del funcionament d’aquestes eines. En el context del TEFL, la comunicacio a traves dels ordinadors pot convertir-se en una eina potent per l’aprenentatge, ja que dona significat i realitat a les practiques i activitats didactiques. Aquesta recerca, arrelada a la teoria sociocultural, mostra la implementacio d’una activitat interaccional a traves de l’us de l’Skype i aporta dades que recolza el potencial dels recursos digitals per l’aprenentatge d’una llengua estrangera, ja que aquests poden funcionar com una eina mediadora que incrementa la motivacio de l’alumnat i els anima a interactuar entre ells. Paraules clau: teoria sociocultural, TIC, CMC, interaccio, mediacio Resumen Es dificil negar el importante rol de las nuevas tecnologias para comunicarse en el mundo globalizado en el que vivimos. Por esta razon, los discentes deberian tener este hecho en cuenta y dejar a los ninos y ninas construir sus conocimientos a traves del aprendizaje del funcionamiento de estas herramientas. En el contexto de TEFL, la comunicacion a traves de los ordenadores puede convertirse en una herramienta poderosa para el aprendizaje ya que da significado y realidad a las practicas y actividades didacticas. Esta investigacion, arraigada a la teoria sociocultural, muestra la implementacion de una actividad interaccional a traves del uso de Skype y aporta datos que refuerzan el potencial de los recursos digitales para el aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera, ya que estos pueden funcionar como una herramienta mediadora, que incrementa la motivacion del alumnado y los anima a interactuar entre ellos. Palabras clave: teoria sociocultural, TIC, CMC, interaccion, mediacion
CHARACTERIZING HUMAN MISMATCH REPAIR FACTOR MUTLα CHARACTERIZING THE STABILITY AND MECHANISM OF HUMAN MISMATCH REPAIR FACTOR MUTLα By JESSICA WONG, B.Sc.H. A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . vi LIST OF FIGURES . viii LIST OF TABLES . x ABBREVIATIONS . xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 MMR AND GENOME STABILITY . 1 1.2 MECHANISM OF MMR . 2 1.3 ARCHITECTURE OF MUTL . 7 1.4 MUTL ENDONUCLEASE ACTIVE SITE . 10 1.5 REGULATORY ROLE OF ZN IN MUTL . 13 1.6 MUTL ENDONUCLEASE ACTIVITY . 14 1.7 MUTL DNA BINDING . 15 1.8 STABILITY OF HPMS2 . 16 1.9 THESIS OBJECTIVE . 19 CHAPTER 2: MATERIALS AND METHODS . 20 2.1 CLONING OF MUTL VARIANTS . 20 2.2 SOLUBILITY ASSAY . 23 2.3 PROTEIN PRODUCTION AND PURIFICATION . 23 2.4 CIRCULAR DICHROISM (CD) SPECTROSCOPY . 24 2.5 LIMITED PROTEOLYSIS . 25 2.6 ELECTROPHORETIC MOBILITY SHIFT ASSAY (EMSA) . 26 2.7 ENDONUCLEASE ASSAY . 27 2.8 DYNAMIC LIGHT SCATTERING (DLS) . 27 CHAPTER 3: RESULTS . 28 3.1 C-TERMINUS OF ECMUTL AND BSMUTL FORM STABLE DOMAINS . 28 3.2 C-TERMINUS OF HMLH1 FORMS A STABLE DOMAIN . 33 3.3 CHARACTERIZATION OF HMUTLΑ STABILITY AT THE C-TERMINAL DOMAIN . 38 3.3.1 Extending the Linker Region of hMutLα . 38 3.3.2 Secondary Structure Composition of hMutLα . 42 3.3.3 Trypsin Digestion of hMutLα . 44 3.3. 4 Effect of Zn on Trypsin Digestion of hMutLα . 48
Sectoral Inflow of Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Nigeria

The paper examined the sectorial inflow of Foreign Direct investment and its impact on Economic Growth in Nigeria. The main objectives of the study are to find out the impact of the sectorial inflow of FDI on Economic Growth and find out the impact of FDI on Poverty Reduction in Nigeria. The study made use of secondary data and discovered that there is a positive relationship between GDP and FDI, meaning that both FDI and GDP changes in the same direction. Also, the study discovered that in the long run, investment in the business and agric sectors can only make meaningful impact on the economy because it takes time to get back investment in these sectors. The conclusion of the study is that the major reason for the low impact of FDI on Economic Growth in the country is that FDI inflow has been towards certain sectors (oil and gas, communication, construction, e.t.c) at the expense of those sectors (agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, e.t.c) that has the greatest potential for poverty reduction and Economic Growth, so while I say FDI is good, it should be encouraged towards those neglected sectors. Keywords : FDI, Economic Growth and Sectoral Inflow
Targeting Promising Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Lines for Cold Climate Growing Environments Using AMMI and SREG GGE Biplot Analyses

Genotype×environment interactions (GEIs) can affect breeding programs because they often complicate the evaluation and selection of superior genotypes. This drawback can be reduced by gaining insights into GEI processes and genotype adaptation. The objectives of this research were to evaluate: (1) the yield stability of promising wheat lines across locations and (2) the relationship among the test environments for selecting superior lines within the cold climate mega-environments of Iran. A total of 35 wheat promising lines were grown at 7 locations during the 2008-2009 cropping season. Combined analysis of variance showed that the environment (E) accounted for 75.7% of the model sum of squares. The magnitude of the GEI sum of squares was about three times larger than that for genotypes. To determine the effects of GEI on yields, the data were subjected to the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype+(genotype×environment) interaction (GGE) biplot analysis. The AMMI1 model was found to explain up to 88% of the main and interaction effects. According to the AMMI1 and GGE biplots, the lines G5 and G4 were found to produce high and stable yields across environments. There were three mega-environments (Euromieh and Ardebil as mega-environment I, Mashhad, Arak, Hamedan and Jolgerokh as mega-environment II, and Karaj as mega-environment III) according to the site regression genotype (SREG) GGE model. Application of AMMI and GGE biplots facilitated visual comparison and identification of superior genotypes for each target set of environments.
The influence of performance appraisal on the psychological contract of the inpatriate manager

This article explores the extent, nature and limitations of performance appraisals, and the subsequent influence that these issues may have on the psychological contract of inpatriate managers in a sector of the health care industry in Australia. Eighteen in-depth interviews using a grounded theory methodology revealed that the process was significantly influenced by multinational organisations’ emphasis on the bottom line and the inpatriate manager’s relationship with his/her supervisor. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the inpatriate manager’s experience of his/her performance appraisal frequently results in a perception of violation of his/her psychological contract with the organisation.
Efficiency of essential oils and nano-malate in reduction of ethylene production and extension of vase life of cut Eustoma grandiflorum Mariachii. cv. Blue flowers

The effect of essential oils and nano-malate in extending the vase-life of Eustoma grandiflorum Mariachii. cv. Blue flower was investigated. The treatment with 3 mM nano-malate increased flower longevity as compared to control. Nano-malate treatment increased chlorophyll, proline and carbohydrate content and membrane stability, while descreasing ACO (ACC-oxidase activity) and MDA (malondialdehyde) content and delay of senescence and peroxidation of lipids. Thyme oil was slightly effective significantly. The application of nano-malate as preservative solutions for E. grandiflorum flowers maintained the vase life of flowers for a longer period.