Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter sp. microorganisms do not alter proliferative activity of gastric epithelial cells in naturally infected swine

In the presented study, an evaluation of influence of different Helicobacter species and gastritis on intensity of cellular proliferation in pyloric glands of pigs’ stomach was performed. Samples of gastric antral mucosa obtained from 38 slaughtered pigs with known Helicobacter sp. and gastric inflammation statuses were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemically, for Ki67 antigen expression. Proliferative activity of epithelial cells was assessed by determination of: a ratio of proliferative zone length to gastric crypts length, an average percentage of cells showing Ki67 expression in proliferative zones of antral glands, and value of mitotic index in glands’ proliferative zones. None of the comparisons revealed statistically significant differences between animal groups with or without gastric inflammation, as well as between groups with or without Helicobacter colonisation. Additionally, no statistically significant differences were found between the group of animals that were infected with Candidatus Helicobacter suis, and that with the stomach colonised by different species of Helicobacter microorganisms.
Physiological effects of swim bladder overexpansion and catastrophic decompression on red snapper

Abstract The commercial and recreational harvests of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus in the Gulf of Mexico have declined over the past five decades, prompting strict regulations. Release mortality associated with catastrophic decompression (CD) is a possible cause for the continuing decline, although to date no physiological data exist to support this assumption. Using a flow-through high-pressure chamber, subadult red snapper were acclimated to 101.2, 405.3, 608.0, and 1,215.9 kPa, simulating depths typical of their distribution (as deep as 200 m), and then decompressed at a rate of 10.1 kPa/s. Lateral and dorsal X-ray imaging in combination with necropsy showed that swim bladders expanded in a predictable manner. Ventral expansion into the caudal body cavity space occurred at lower pressures, whereas expansion into the cranial portion of the body cavity occurred at the highest pressure. Expansion patterns resulted in over 70 different overexpansion injuries, the most severe being to vital organs. Our r.
The Impact of Trade Promotion Services on Canadian Exporter Performance

We evaluate the impact of the export promotion program delivered by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service on various dimensions of export performance. Over the 1999-2006 time period we study, Canadian firms successfully diversified their exports to destinations beyond the United States and smaller firms increased their share of total exports. Both of these achievements are explicit aims of the program, but in order to make causal inferences we rely on various identifying assumptions from the treatment effects literature. The results indicate very robustly that the program had an effect at the intensive margin, boosting the average level of exports to given product-destination markets. Effects at the extensive margins of trade, increasing the number of export destinations or number of products exported, are smaller and more sensitive to the identification assumption. This finding differs from previous studies for several Latin American countries where extensive margin effects were most robust. One reason is that the Canadian program was most effective for larger firms and for firms already active on several export markets.
Psychological capital, work engagement and organisational commitment amongst call centre employees in South Africa

Orientation: The development of psychological capital amongst call centre employees could have an impact on positive work-related attitudes and behaviour; such as work engagement and organisational commitment. Research purpose: The purpose of the research was to determine the relationship between psychological capital, work engagement and organisational commitment amongst call centre employees; and further, to determine whether psychological capital and work engagement hold predictive value for the organisational commitment of call centre employees. Motivation for the study: There is a gap in research in understanding and enabling positive resource capacities in highly stressful work contexts such as call centres. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used. A sample of 106 call centre employees from a South African organisation participated in the research. The measuring instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Main findings: Significant positive relationships were found between psychological capital, work engagement and organisational commitment. The results showed work engagement as being the only significant predictor of organisational commitment. Practical/managerial implications: Call centre employers need to develop and implement workplace interventions that would increase the psychological capital of call centre employees. Contribution/value-add: The research findings will benefit both call centre employees and management. The study highlighted the importance of the role of optimism as a subdimension of psychological capital in developing work engagement and organisational commitment amongst call centre employees.
Evaluation of The Effect of Using Computer Audit Systems on Audit Quality

This study aims to examine the use of computer audit systems on the quality of audit operations in small, medium and large enterprise. In order to collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire containing 15 questions with 7-grade Likert scale was used. The reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha that was obtained 0.85 for this test. In order to check the content validity, the questionnaire was reviewed by supervisors and advisor and also several specialists in the fields of accounting, management and economics. The results show that the auditing software of organization has poor effectiveness in terms of quality for small enterprise, but it has quite appropriate and appropriate effectiveness for medium and large companies, respectively. In general, it is concluded that the use of auditing software in audit operations of small, medium and large enterprises promotes the quality of audit operations. The results also suggested that there is a direct relationship between the size of audited firms and the effectiveness of computer auditing software on the quality of audit operations; so that the larger are the audited firms, the effectiveness of computer audit software on the quality of audit operations also increases.
From Digital Photography to Photogrammetry for Cultural Heritage Documentation and Dissemination

Digital photography is considered a valuable tool for cultural heritage documentation. Surveying and photogrammetry are required to achieve metric and accurate results in drawings, 2D/3D modelling and texturing. This paper presents the photogrammetric workflow from data acquisition to photorealistic 3D modelling and four heritage documentation case studies in different sites. High resolution and high accuracy photorealistic 3D models allow experts to recreate and interact virtually with cultural heritage either before, during of after intervention. Managers and information experts of cultural heritage monuments and sites should consider photogrammetric by-products not only to enrich knowledge, improve understanding and provide scientific records but to ease dissemination of heritage resources.
Price levels and price dispersion within and across multiple retailer types: Further evidence and extension

In this article, the authors develop hypotheses on how prices and price dispersion compare among pure-play Internet, bricks-and-mortar (traditional), and bricks-and-clicks (multichannel) retailers and test them through an empirical analysis of data on the book and compact disc categories in Italy during 2002. Their results, based on an analysis of 13,720 prkce quotes, show that when posted prices are considered, traditional retailers have the highest prices, followed by multichannel retailers, and pure-play e-tailers, in that order. However, when shipping costs are included, multichannel retailers have the highest prices, followed by pure-play e-tailers and traditional retailers, in that order. With regard to price dispersion, pure-play e-tailers have the highest range of prices, but the lowest standard deviation. Multichannel retailers have the highest standard deviation in prices with or without shipping costs. These findings suggest that online markets offer opportunities for retailers to differentiate within and across the retailer types.
Spatial Stationarity of Ultrawideband and Millimeter Wave Radio Channels

For radio channels with broad bandwidth resource, such as those often used for ultrawideband (UWB) and millimeter wave (mmwave) systems, the Wide-Sense Stationary Uncorrelated Scattering (WSSUS) and spatial stationary assumptions are more critical than typical cellular channels with very limited bandwidth resource. This paper studies spatial stationarity and bandwidth dependency of the Multipath Component (MPC) parameters, and the concept of local region of stationarity (LRS) is used as the measure of the physical stationarity region. LRS calculation results based on channel measurements show that the size of LRS is bandwidth dependent in all measured bands, 2–4 GHz, 14–16 GHz, and 28–30 GHz. The results in this paper point out that an inappropriate choice of bandwidth in channel parameter estimation could violate spatial stationary assumptions. The paper indicates LRS sizes for different bandwidths in the three bands.
Association between Abnormal Electrocardiogram and Less Complex Heart Rate Variability Estimated by the Correlation Dimension

Objetivo: Comparar la dimension de correlacion (DC) de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (VFC) entre adultos con electrocardiograma (ECG) normal y anormal. Metodos: Se registro un Holter de 24 horas y un electrocardiograma (ECG) estandar de 100 trabajadores universitarios. Despues de la exclusion de 10 registros con mas de 5% de intervalos RR falsos, se incluyeron en el estudio a 90 sujetos (edad 46.2±8.7 anos, 45 mujeres). Dos cardiologos clasificaron 29 ECG estandar como anormales. La DC se calculo en series de tiempo de VFC de 10,000 latidos en la manana (desde las 11:00), tarde (desde las 17:00) y noche (desde las 2:00). Las caracteristicas demograficas fueron comparadas mediante analisis de varianza (considerando diagnostico de ECG y sexo como factores independientes) o con prueba exacta de Fisher. Los valores promedio de DC fueron comparados con analisis de varianza considerando como factores independientes el diagnostico de ECG, sexo y hora del dia. Resultados: Las caracteristicas demograficas fueron similares excepto por mayor proporcion de hombres con ECG anormal (69%) que normal (41%). La DC no fue diferente con respecto a la hora del dia, pero fue mayor en sujetos con ECG normal (10.86 ± 2.41) que con ECG anormal (10.20 ± 2.48), y tambien fue mayor en mujeres que en hombres: 11.04 ± 2.14 vs 10.63 ± 2.71 (grupo de ECG normal), 10.84 ± 2.41 vs 9.92 ± 2.44 (grupo de ECG anormal). Conclusion: El hallazgo de ECG anormal en adultos esta asociado con menor complejidad de la VFC
The Use and Impact of Manufacturing Productivity Improvement Tools and Methodologies within the Automotive Component Industry

This paper presents the results of a study which was undertaken with the overarching objective of investigating the use and impact of manufacturing productivity improvement approaches within automotive component suppliers. It has the specific aims of identifying (i) the level of understanding and use of continuous improvement tools and management methodologies within organisations and (ii) the factors which could contribute to them failing to achieve the results expected. The results of a survey of 161 automotive suppliers are presented. The survey investigated all elements of selection, training and implementation of tools and methodologies. This paper highlights that the adoption of continuous improvement tools and methodologies is widespread and discusses the relatively high failure rates. The reasons which may contribute to failure are presented and discussed, with the major findings being a lack of suitable resources, a lack of understanding and training within senior personnel and a non-strategic approach to the application of tools and methodologies.
ALLUVIAL FACIES AND PALEOSOLS IN THE CRETACEOUS NANUSHUK FORMATION, KANAYUT RIVER, NORTH SLOPE, ALASKA: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM THE 2001 FIELD SEASON

Paleosols are increasingly viewed as an important, if not critical component in nonmarine sequence stratigraphic analyses where they mark interfluve sequence boundaries and provide at least qualitative information on relative rates of accommodation change within intervening alluvial strata. However, the application of detailed paleopedological analyses to nonmarine sequence stratigraphic studies is still relatively rare. This study focuses on alluvial and coastal plain deposits of the Cretaceous Nanushuk Formation exposed in outcrop along the Kanayut River south of the NPRA. During the 2001 field season, this site was logged and sampled for subsequent micromorphological, geochemical and mineralogical analyses. Preliminary observations indicate that pedogenic modification of alluvial deposits is common, however, rapid deposition of sediment and generally wet conditions resulted in a preponderance of weakly-developed and poorly-drained paleosols similar to modern Entisols, Inceptisols, Gleysols and Histosols. Sandstone and mudstone paleosols may contain a few large root traces, sometimes expressed as vertical to subhorizontal coalified structures or as surface cradle knolls, but they maintain evidence of primary stratification and cumulic development. Coalified and carbonaceous root traces, organic fragments, blocky structures and abundant siderite nodules provide further evidence of waterlogged conditions. By combining field observations, paleosols micromorphology, geochemistry and mineralogy with regional stratigraphic information, it is possible to pin-point the exact position of sequence boundaries in nonmarine rocks. Further work is planned in an attempt to better understand the regional distribution of paleosols in the Nanushuk Formation in order to better characterize significant nonmarine depositional hiatuses (sequence boundaries) and Cretaceous high latitude paleoenvironmental conditions. Introduction The purpose of this paper is to document the characteristics of Cretaceous alluvial facies and paleosols in the Nanushuk Formation (Mull et al., in prep.) exposed in outcrop in the Brooks Range foothills along the Kanayut River south of the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska (NPRA). Increasingly, paleosols have been identified in ancient alluvial successions and used as paleoenvironmental indicators, for paleogeographic reconstructions, and as stratigraphic markers. More recently, paleosols have been shown to provide essential information for use in determining the accurate positioning of sequence boundaries in nonmarine successions, for qualitative determinations of ages of key surfaces, and for assisting in accurately identifying incised valley deposits. They also provide an additional data source for use in reconstructing basin evolution. Despite their potential, well-documented case studies of alluvial paleosols from the North Slope of Alaska are still rare, and most published
Groundwater flow inverse modeling in non-MultiGaussian media: Performance assessment of the normal-score Ensemble Kalman Filter

The normal-score ensemble Kalman filter (NS-EnKF) is tested on a synthetic aquifer characterized by the presence of channels with a bimodal distribution of its hydraulic conductivities. This is a clear example of an aquifer that cannot be characterized by a multiGaussian distribution. Fourteen scenarios are analyzed which differ among them in one or various of the following aspects: the prior random function model, the boundary conditions of the flow problem, the number of piezometers used in the assimilation process, or the use of covariance localization in the implementation of the Kalman filter. The performance of the NS-EnKF is evaluated through the ensemble mean and variance maps, the connectivity patterns of the individual conductivity realizations and the degree of reproduction of the piezometric heads. The results show that (i) the localized NS-EnKF can characterize the non-multiGaussian underlying hydraulic distribution even when an erroneous prior random function model is used, (ii) localization plays an important role to prevent filter inbreeding and results in a better logconductivity characterization, and (iii) the NS-EnKF works equally well under very different flow configurations.
Integrated Management of Anthracnose (Colletotrichum capsici (Syd.)): Implications to Disease Reactions, Quality and Growth Parameters of Three Genotypes of Chili

Anthracnose ( Colletotrichum spp ) is one of the most important disease that decimate chili production in Ethiopia. The efficacy of three Trichoderma isolates viz., AAU-37, AAU-Th and AAU-69 with aqueous leaf extracts Onion, Garlic, Neem and Cassia spp were harmoniously applied on Oda Haro, Mareko Fana and Melka zala pepper varieties, with the aim to manage chili anthracnose in rainy season of 2013. The treatments were arranged in RCBD replicated thrice. Data on disease reaction, quality and growth characteristics of chili had been collected. Analysis of data was carried out using ANOVA. The lowest plant infection (12.8%), leaf infection per plant (15.2%), percent diseased leaf area(15.2%)and infected fruits per plot (17.4%) was observed on combined application of isolates Trichoderma spp, plant extracts and Ridomil in Maraqo fana variety. Regarding the growth parameters, viz. the highest Mean Percent establishment (81.67), mean days to 50% flowering (65.33), mean days to 50% maturity (82) days to first harvest (106.3) in was observed in T16, T16, T4, and T8, respectively. From the quality parameters, the highest mean number of branches per stem (9), mean canopy diameter (24.8), mean number of flowers per plant (9.6) and mean plant height (61.4) in T10, T15, T6 and T7, respectively. Both negative and positive control showed higher incidence and severity as compared to single and combined application of isolates Trichoderma spp, plant extracts and Ridomil. Therefore, integrated use of Trichoderma spp and plant extracts can be recommended. Conventional fungicides will be replaced by antagonists and botanicals. This will improving crop quality and growth maximize profitability of chili and ultimate sustenance.
A Study to Predict Age from Ear Morphometry

1 Department of Community Medicine, Rama Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Pilakhuwa, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, Pin-245304 2 Department of Anatomy, Rama Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Pilakhuwa, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, Pin-245304 Corresponding Author Pratishtha Potdar Email: dmithila@gmail.com Abstract Background: The ear’s shape and size completes the facial appearance, its morphometry helps to identify the age and gender of a person. It is known that gender dimorphism, difference in right and left ear exists in different ethnic groups. It is also known that the ear morphometry increases proportionally with age. Aim: To measure the ear dimensions in men and women and correlate them with age. To predict age from ear dimensions. Material and Method: Ear dimensions were measured in 100 people (50 men and 50 women) aged 18 to 57 years in a section of North India. Ear dimensions (EL, EW, LL and LW) were measured and statistically analysed with SPSS version 16. Results: The ear morphometry were higher in the men than the women. The right ear dimensions were higher than the left in both the genders. Correlation of age with ear dimensions was done using correlation and regression analysis. Age was predicted from the ear dimension using the generated regression formula. Conclusion: Ear dimensions were higher in men than in women. All the ear dimensions were higher in right ear in both genders, except for the left LL in men. Ear dimensions can serve as an additional tool to estimate age for forensic investigations and for surgical corrections of ear.
A Green Winner ' s Curse ? Investor Behavior in the Market for Eco-Certified Office Buildings

This paper contributes to the growing literature on the economics of green buildings: by merging auction theory and hedonic regression analysis we investigate the relationship between market concentration and price premiums in the American market for eco-certified real estate assets. Auction theory is used to model price formation where eco-investors may differ in their valuation of assets. Controlling for a large number of features, the empirical results provide evidence of a significant and positive relationship between investors’ eco-certified market share and prices of eco-certified space. Contributing to the recent debate over the nature of the green premium, we find that eco-investors are creating clientele effects and that they may be subject to a green winner’s curse. Key-Words: Green Building, Eco-certification premium, Real Estate auctions, Winner’s curse. Acknowledgments: We thank the CoStar Group for their generous support in granting us access to the large dataset needed to perform this analysis. Franz Fuerst gratefully acknowledges the continuous support of the Cambridge University Land Society (CULS) in supporting his research. We are grateful to the editor of this journal and to two anonymous referees who provided substantial comments and guidance to improve the quality of this article. All errors remain our own. *Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge. **Corresponding Author: Bartlett School of Planning, University College London, Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, WC1H 0NN, London, UK. Email: t.gabrieli@ucl.ac. uk ***Real Estate and Planning, Henley Business School, University of Reading.
GENOMIC CONFESSION OF Deinococcus radiodurans: IT STARTED OUT AS A RADIATION RESISTANT ORGANISM

(Abstract) Previously, analyses of ionizing-radiation-sensitive mutants of Deinococcus radiodurans and investigation into the genomic expression profile of the wild-type organism indicated a positive correlation between radiation resistance and desiccation tolerance phenotypes. Mainly because a terrestrial selective force for acquiring resistance to ionizing radiation was unfound, it has been assumed that the radiation resistance of D. radiodurans is an incidental phenotype due to its anhydrobiosis defense abilities. Here, following the stratification of the D. radiodurans genome, we discuss these issues from evolutionary, genomic, and experimental perspectives. Through the data collected we propose a reconciliatory model wherein radiation resistance is a unique molecular reflection of the early Earth resilience and desiccation tolerance is a mark of cells that colonized land during the Archaean epoch.
The Role of Lockups in Initial Public Offerings

In a sample of 2,794 initial public offerings (IPOs), we test three potential explanations for the existence of IPO lockups: lockups serve as (i) a signal of firm quality, (ii) a commitment device to alleviate moral hazard problems, or (iii) a mechanism for underwriters to extract additional compensation from the issuing firm. Our results support the commitment hypothesis. Insiders of firms that are associated with greater potential for moral hazard lockup their shares for a longer period of time. Insiders of firms that have experienced larger excess returns, are backed by venture capitalists, or go public with high-quality underwriters are more likely to be released from the lockup restrictions. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.