Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localized Repression of Two bHLH Genes is Involved in the Formation of White Margins and White Abaxial Surfaces in Carnation Petals by Inducing the Absence of Anthocyanin Synthesis

Flower color patterns are attractive traits of floricultural plants. However, the mechanisms underlying these traits remain mostly unknown. Carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.) and interspecific hybrids thereof exhibit many flower color patterns involving white margins on reddish petals, as observed in the cultivar ‘Minerva’. Flowers with white margins also have white abaxial surfaces. We studied the factors regulating the formation of white margins and a white abaxial surface in flowers through analyses of pigments and related gene expression. HPLC analysis revealed an absence of anthocyanins in white margins, although the accumulation of other flavonoid pigments (flavonols) was almost identical between the dark-red central and white marginal regions of petals. RNA-seq analyses of the dark red central regions and white marginal regions of ‘Minerva’ petals resulted in the extraction of 18 genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis and transportation, including some transcription factors, as candidate regulatory genes for the formation of white margins. Further analysis of the expression of these genes by real-time RT-PCR and a comparison of two white-margin-flowered cultivars and three red-unicolor-flowered cultivars indicated that the expressions of two bHLH transcription factor genes and seven structural genes were positively correlated with anthocyanin accumulation. Although DcbHLH1 , which is a homolog of JAF13 in Petunia × hybrida , was expressed in both flower color groups, DcbHLH2 , a homolog of AN1 , was expressed only in white-marginal-flowered cultivars. Moreover, in the petals of ‘Minerva’, the expression of those nine genes was repressed in the abaxial epidermal layer without red pigmentation conferred by anthocyanins. Therefore, we could postulate that the localized repression of both bHLH genes is involved in the formation of white margins in carnation petals by inducing the absence of anthocyanin synthesis and that the white abaxial surface of the petals may result from similar regulatory mechanisms. In particular, DcbHLH2 could act as a key gene because of its restricted expression only in cultivars with white-margined flowers.
Talin2 regulates invasion of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells via alteration of the tumor microenvironment

The talin proteins are a key component of the extracellular matrix-integrin-cytoskeleton system, and our previous study suggested that talin2 contributes to the tumor invasion and metastasis processes regulated by the tumor microenvironment. In the present study, the specific effects of talin2 on the invasive ability of breast cancer cells, as well as the underlying mechanism, were investigated by creating two MDA-MB-231 cell lines with stable talin2 knockdown by specific RNA interference. Initially, it was confirmed that the expression levels of talin2 in human breast cancer tissues were upregulated compared with in normal adjacent tissues. Subsequently, invasion and wound healing assays revealed that depletion of talin2 in MDA-MB-231 cells decreased their migratory and invasive abilities. Western blot analysis demonstrated that knockdown of talin2 in MDA-MB-231 cells caused marked downregulation of the tumor microenvironment markers hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 kinase, phosphorylated protein kinase B and phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin. Furthermore, knockdown of talin2 decreased the basal contents of glucose and lactic acid in the breast cancer cell line. In conclusion, the findings of the present study demonstrated that talin2 knockdown may inhibit the invasive ability of human breast cancer MDA-MB-23l cells via alterations in the tumor microenvironment.
Great apes and FSC: Implementing 'ape friendly' practices in Central Africa's logging concessions

The objective of this document is to outline a framework within which logging companies adhering to Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification can be the catalyst needed to ensure the long-term preservation of African great apes. Specific guidelines and practical considerations are provided as to how and why forestry and conservation practitioners should col-laborate in maintaining wildlife.
Literature review of e-assessment.

The purpose of this report is: • to assert the centrality of assessment in education systems • to identify ‘drivers’ of assessment, and their likely impact on assessment, and thence on education systems • to describe current, radical plans for increased use of high-stakes e-assessment in the UK • to describe and exemplify current uses of ICT in assessment • to explore the potential of new technologies for enhancing current assessment (and pedagogic) practices • to identify opportunities and to suggest ways forward • to ‘drip feed’ criteria for good assessment throughout (set out explicitly in an appendix). This report has been designed to: present key findings on research in assessment; describe current UK government plans, and likely future developments; provide links to interesting examples of e-assessment; offer speculations on possible future developments; and to stimulate a debate on the role of e-assessment in assessment, teaching, and learning.
Efficacy of Ar in reducing the kink effect on floating-body NFD/SOI CMOS

Despite recent reports of high speed nonfully-depleted (NFD) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) CMOS processes (Assaderaghi et al. 1997), there are growing concerns about SOI scalability due to the off-state leakage current induced by parasitic bipolar effects (Chau et al. 1997). To reduce these, Ar implantation into source/drain regions, creating recombination centers in the silicon, has been proposed (Ohno et al. 1995). In this work, the effects of Ar implantation on device performance at different temperatures and supply voltages are examined for deep submicron technologies.
Awareness Regarding Health Insurance Policy Scheme of Government of Nepal among Local Residents of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City

Background: An expensive care discourages people from using health services. The health insurance policy scheme of the government of Nepal aims to provide quality health care services without a financial burden to its citizens. We aimed to assess its awareness among local people of Dharan and also find its acceptance and association with various demographic variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 households in 5 wards of Dharan sub-metropolitan city. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, a face-to-face interview was taken either from the financial decision maker/ financial supporter of the family. The socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and perception towards the health insurance policy scheme and its acceptance were assessed. The chi-square test was used to find the association of their awareness with different demographic variables. Results: The majority (70.7%) of the families were aware of the health insurance policy scheme. The most frequent source of knowledge was their friends/ family members (43.7%) followed by insurance service providers (32.4%). Only 36.6% of the families were enrolled in the health insurance policy scheme while 34.1% were not enrolled despite their knowledge about the scheme. Elderly (> 60 years), dependent, those without formal education, or those living below the poverty line were less aware regarding the health insurance policy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: About 29% of families had no idea about health insurance policy scheme and 34.1% were not enrolled in it despite being aware of the scheme. Friends/ family members and insurance service providers were common sources of information.
Usage of Cassava Tubers in Bread Production Technology

Egypt is the largest wheat importer globally, the government is aiming to find alternatives to reduce wheat imports and to cultivate reclaimed lands. Comparative studies were conducted to investigate the effect of substituting portions of wheat flour with cassava flour at levels starting from 20% to75%, on chemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of the Egyptian balady bread that is currently produced from wheat only and to enhance its nutritional and baking quality. Substituting wheat with 30% cassava gave the highest carbohydrate content, didn’t change any of the rheological properties and no significant difference was noticed between wheat flour and 30% cassava in all sensory tests. Substituting wheat with 40% cassava resulted in elevating protein, fat and fiber percentages than that of other samples. 75%cassava is acceptable and appropriate in terms of their flavor. Wherefore, we recommend expanding cassava cultivation in Egypt due to its acceptability, suitability to the Egyptian environment, health benefits and more importantly its high carbohydrate and fiber contents.
Figures-of-Merit Of Intrinsic, Standard-Doped And Graded-Channel SOI And SOS MOSFETs For Analog Baseband And RF Applications

Figures-of-merit of non-standard channel engineered devices are presented. We put emphasis on effective analog baseband and RF performance from a circuit designer point of view. Measurements on 0.5 μm Fully-Depleted SOI and SOS processes are discussed. We demonstrate very interesting potential of low-doped and graded-channel devices to lower power consumption and increase gain and frequency performance.
Antecedents of Turnover Intentions: Health Care Staff in Saudi Arabia

This research aims to investigate the antecedents of turnover intentions and the relationship between work stress and job satisfaction among health care staff in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via an online survey, and the sample consists of 143 health care staff both medical and non-medical staff in Saudi Arabia. Results generated using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The results show there is a significant positive effect between work stress and turnover intention, and a significant negative effect between job satisfaction and turnover intentions. The results also show that there is significant positive relationship between work stress and job satisfaction.
Measuring and enhancing the emotional intelligence of built environment students

Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been viewed as a critical factor influencing students' academic achievement, ability to work, and potential to succeed. Previous research has shown that students with high EI perform better academically than those with low EI, as well as being better equipped for their professional careers. However, despite the acknowledged importance of EI, little work has explored the construct within the context of built environment education and relatively little is known about how built environment curricula should be designed to enhance EI. This research explores the EI levels of built environment undergraduates and its relationship to their specific programmes, and investigates the types of pedagogic interventions which appear to influence EI in a positive way. This research adopts a multimethodological research design and a mixed methods approach, involving a combination of both quantitative and qualitative datasets to explore students' experiences and learning enhancements. These include a questionnaire survey of 420 respondents, a secondary examination of built environment programmes, interviews with construction professionals and 45 in-depth interviews with placement students and other undergraduates. The results reveal that the existing built environment education inhibits students' EI development, but that EI is shown to increase during industrial placements. The results also reveal that EI development differs by the types of programme taken, with students studying on Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering & Design Management programmes showing a propensity for higher EI scores in comparison with those studying on a Commercial Management & Quantity Surveying programme. An analysis of the modular content of programmes, together with the mode of teaching, learning and assessment used, reveals the types of pedagogic intervention which can enhance EI development. Group work and student-centred learning in particular were found to have a positive effect on EI development. These findings form the basis of recommendations for how current built environment education can be enhanced in a way to develop students' EI. It is suggested that a better understanding of students' EI levels and the ability of such programmes to influence students' EI may help to produce graduates better able to meet the future requirements of the construction industry.
Dynamic pavement loads measured for a variety of truck suspensions

All vehicles bounce as they travel along a road. This increases the loads applied to the road and hence road wear. Some types of suspension bounce more than others. The dynamic loads on roads and bridges have been measured for a rigid truck and a number of articulated goods vehicles. Measurements were made on the TRRL track, on public roads and on a number of bridges at speeds of up to 96 km/h. Semi-trailer bogies produce relatively higher dynamic load factors than tractor drive axles. Air suspensions almost always produce lower dynamic loads than do other types. Dynamic loads under steel leaf suspensions increase with speed more than do loads under air suspensions. The implications for road wear are considered and the possibility of rating suspensions for road wear potential is discussed. (A)
Characterisation and modelling of the shear-tension coupling and variability of woven engineering fabrics

Woven engineering fabrics generally serve as advanced composite preforms and are an important class of engineering material. This thesis focuses on improving the accuracy of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools for simulating the deformation of such materials during the press-forming manufacture process. Specifically, this has involved better understanding: (i) the material behaviour during deformation and (ii) the extent and influence of material variability on forming behaviour. To this end, the use of a novel fabric shear test, the BBE test, capable of characterising the shear-tension coupling of engineering fabrics has been used for the first time in an extensive characterisation program, involving three different woven engineering fabrics. Results show a strong dependence of shear compliance on in-plane tension. Wrinkling behaviour during shear has also been characterised using two new analysis methods, a transmitted backlighting technique and a tracer line analysis technique. The onset of wrinkling is clearly shown to be an increasing function of the in-plane tension applied to the deforming fabric. Variability of fibre orientation, otherwise known as ‘tow meander’ can degrade the final mechanical properties of a textile composite part and can also influence measurements of the fabric’s shear compliance. Accordingly, variability of tow orientation in a pre-consolidated textile composite and three engineering fabrics has been characterised using two different image processing methods: a simple manual method and a semi-automated method. The latter has been found to be a promising tool in terms of increasing accuracy and in reducing manual effort during the characterisation process. Modelling tow meander has also been conducted using a numerical code, VarifabGA, that has been developed during the course of this work. The code has allowed the effects of tow meander on shear compliance to be investigated in numerical simulations using a technique of assigning an initial fibre orientation to each element in a Finite Element (FE) mesh before conducting shear test simulations. The experimentally measured shear-tension coupling has also been modelled by enhancing a pre-existing Non-Orthogonal Constitutive Model (NOCM). A comparison between model predictions and experimental results of the sensitivity of this shear-tension coupling has shown that the model provides good results. Finally, a novel geometrically complex 3D forming tool of a kart wheel has been designed and manufactured for use in experimental and numerical forming studies. The part provides a challenging modelling problem with which to demonstrate the use of the new computational tools developed during the course of this work.
PBL on line: a proposal for the organization, part-time monitoring and assessment of PBL group activities

This report presents the organisation of PBL (Project Based Learning)for a subject included in the IT engineering degree course. It is the result of 10 years of experience of the implantation and continuous improvement of the PBL class structure. The latest innovations include the experience of part-time monitoring with PBL groups using the OpenMeetings tool in Moodle 2.0, the adoption of activities that improve learning and interdependence such as the jigsaw classroom, the clear definition of deliverables that students should present along the semester and the assessment criteria, both on groups and individuals. As a result of this experience, we present PBL student enrolment indexes, student assessment surveys and lecturers’ opinions. We conclude with some topics for discussion about the PBL methodology
The Cross-National Diffusion of Work Systems: The Translation of Japanese Operations in the UK

This paper investigates the process of cross-national diffusion of work systems to affiliate firms of three Japanese MNCs in the UK. It examines the degree to which structural, cultural and control-related work systems of the source company are adopted by the recipient. The case studies highlight the interplay between institutional forces and organizational action through a process of work systems translation. The study is based on a systematic comparative analysis of the ways in which Japanese work systems are implemented and sustained in the given firms. It concludes that firms attempt to translate alternative work systems rather than submit to environmental pressures towards isomorphism. The process of diffusing work systems is not driven by pre-existing legacies alone. There is room for social action in that actors, through their interaction, contribute actively to shaping the work organization.
Project and facilities management using BIM: University of Salford relocation management to Media City

MediaCityUK is a regeneration project expected to attract media institutions locally and from around the world thus establishing itself as an international centre for excellence. A study has been carried out by the University of Salford to appraise the MediaCityUK project on the extent to which it is expected to contribute to the sustainable cities vision put forward by the UK government. Also there is a planned relocation by some departments of the University of Salford to the allocated building in the MediaCityUK development. This move highlights the need for a well managed cost effective and sustainable relocation process. As part of the above study, this report focuses on the benefits of BIM (Building Information Model) in the project management and consequent facilities management of the planned move. The report addresses the relocation process management under two major heading which reflects the two parts involved which are; project management of the relocation process and facilities management during the occupancy period. The study focused on digital modelling, relocation efficiency and performance benchmarking during life cycle to identify BIM benefits. The BIM tool selected for this study is the Revit Architecture software by Autodesk. There were constraints in quality of data retrieval hence a “what if” scenario which attempts to replicate the accurate data capture was adopted for this study. BIM model contribution to time planning during the relocation was analysed by comparing with generated MediaCityUK model using the identified items from first objective. This satisfied the second study objective. Second objective comparisons revealed the contributions of BIM in FM maintenance operations and space management thus fulfilling third and fourth study objectives.
Wide Area Security Region Final Report

This report develops innovative and efficient methodologies and practical procedures to determine the wide-area security region of a power system, which take into consideration all types of system constraints including thermal, voltage, voltage stability, transient and potentially oscillatory stability limits in the system. The approach expands the idea of transmission system nomograms to a multidimensional case, involving multiple system limits and parameters such as transmission path constraints, zonal generation or load, etc., considered concurrently. The security region boundary is represented using its piecewise approximation with the help of linear inequalities (so called hyperplanes) in a multi-dimensional space, consisting of system parameters that are critical for security analyses. The goal of this approximation is to find a minimum set of hyperplanes that describe the boundary with a given accuracy. Methodologies are also developed to use the security hyperplanes, pre-calculated offline, to determine system security margins in real-time system operations, to identify weak elements in the system, and to calculate key contributing factors and sensitivities to determine the best system controls in real time and to assist in developing remedial actions and transmission system enhancements offline . A prototype program that automates the simulation procedures used to build the set of securitymore » hyperplanes has also been developed. The program makes it convenient to update the set of security hyperplanes necessitated by changes in system configurations. A prototype operational tool that uses the security hyperplanes to assess security margins and to calculate optimal control directions in real time has been built to demonstrate the project success. Numerical simulations have been conducted using the full-size Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system model, and they clearly demonstrated the feasibility and the effectiveness of the developed technology. Recommendations for the future work have also been formulated. « less
Strategies for precompliance measurements using the TDEMI measurement system

A low-cost EMC precompliance test-set is essential to reduce the development costs of any electrical device. In this paper we discuss the advantages of broad-band time-domain precompliance measurement technique applied to all types of electromagnetic interferences. The digital signal processing of EMI measurements allows emulating in real-time the various modes of conventional analogous equipment, e.g. peak-, average-, RMS- and quasi-peak-detector mode. Since time-domain techniques allow processing the whole amplitude spectrum in parallel, the measurement time may be reduced by at least one order of magnitude. Precompliance measurement results obtained with the time-domain electromagnetic interference (TDEMI) system for conducted and radiated emissions and detailed statistical signal descriptions of all classes of electromagnetic interferences are discussed.