Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti‐herpesvirus activity of an extract of Ribes nigrum L.

An extract of Ribes nigrum L. , known as blackcurrant in Europe and Kurokarin® in Japan, has been used as an ingredient in a variety of foods and folk medicine. In this study, the anti‐herpesvirus activity of this extract was examined in vitro. The extract inhibited herpes simplex virus type 1 attachment on the cell membrane completely at a 100‐fold dilution, as well as the plaque formation of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, and varicella‐zoster virus by 50% at a 400‐fold dilution or lower concentrations. This latter activity, which inhibits virus replication in cells, was due to the inhibition of protein synthesis in infected cells from the early stage of infection. Kurokarin is a possible candidate as a herbal medicine for herpesvirus infectious diseases. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conductimetry in enzyme studies.

An improved multichannel conductivity apparatus is described. Techniques are reported for measuring single ion conductances and the quantitative nature of the method is demonstrated. The role of buffers is examined and the Good buffers are found to be particularly satisfactory. Reactions with metal chelates are examined critically and the possibility of artefacts is discussed. Assays are described for deaminases, amidases, oxidases, proteases and nucleases. The assay of decarboxylases is discussed. Kinetic data has been obtained for some of these enzymes and compared with published results. The enzymic hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate is suggested as the basis of a coupled assay for a wide range of enzymes.
A Novel Pilot Aided Time of Arrival (TOA) Estimation Algorithm for Vehicular OFDM Systems in Specular Wireless Channels

Channel estimation is vital for implementing schemes such as coherent detection and adaptive bit loading, which make OFDM an attractive PHY layer technology for vehicular wireless communications. However, knowledge of the exact time of arrival (TOA) information of the multi-path components of the vehicular wireless channel is required to achieve efficient channel estimation. Super-resolution algorithms which use embedded pilot information, such as ESPRIT and MUSIC have been used to estimate this information in the case of sparse multi-path channels. In this paper, we propose a new efficient algorithm based on the matrix pencil method which uses averaged covariance matrices and requires just a single eigen value finding routine to yield the TOA values.
Family ownership and acquisition behavior in publicly-traded companies

Much of the literature on corporate acquisitions has focused on managerial incentives for making acquisitions but has underemphasized the role played by the social context of major shareholders. This study of Fortune 1000 firms argues that the priorities and risk preferences of family owners can have important implications not only for the volume but also for the diversifying nature of their acquisitions. Agency and family business perspectives are used to derive expectations concerning the acquisitions behavior of family owners. Consistent with both perspectives, and owners' desire to reduce business risk, we find that family ownership is inversely related to the number and dollar volume of acquisitions. However, whereas agency theorists differ about how ownership concentration influences whether acquisitions are diversified, the family firm literature is more definitive. The latter suggests that given family owners' desire to retain control of their firms for offspring, their wealth must remain concentrated. Hence they can most easily reduce the risk of their wealth portfolio by diversifying the business—that is, through diversifying acquisitions. Consistent with this logic, we found the propensity to make diversifying acquisitions to increase with the level of family ownership. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Secondary metabolites from ornamental flowers : A study of common avenue trees of the family Caesalpiniaceae

To explore the phytochemical constituents of the aq ueous, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and ace tone extracts of petals of Cassia siamea Lam. , Cassia fi tula Linn. , Delonix regia Linn. and Peltophorum pt erocarpum (DC.) Baker ex. Heyne. Fresh fallen petals (50 g) w ere collected and 200 ml of water, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and acetone were added in separate conical flasks, which were kept in a shaker at room tempera ture for 24 hours. After incubation, the extracts were filtered through Whatman No.1 filter paper, and collected a n stored at 4°C. The extracts were concentrated using vacuum ev aporator and dried at 60°C. Preliminary phytochemic al screening was performed by the Harborne method. Scr eening of the petals of C. fistula and D. regia pro ved the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, pheno lic c mpounds, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, te rpenoids, steroids, coumarins, quinones, phytosterols, protei ns and carbohydrates. Alkaloids were found to be ab sent in petals of D. regia, alkaloids, saponins and glycosides wer e absent in the petals of P. pterocarpum, and petal s of C. siamea were devoid of glycoside and phenolic compounds. Th e petal extracts studied here can be used as broadspectrum antimicrobial agents after extensive investigation.
Investigation and analysis of electrical aging of XLPE insulation for medium voltage covered conductors manufactured in Brazil

Today the knowledge of the ageing status of an electrical installation and its components is of fundamental interest for correctly inferring on the network economics. In Brazil, covered conductors must withstand an ageing test combining the stresses of heat, voltage to ground and corona. The observed failures indicate the necessity of complementary tests. In this paper Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron spin resonance (ESR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements on artificially aged and unaged cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation of medium voltage covered conductors is reported. The ESR spectroscopy results show clear evidence of the presence of free radicals in all unaged and aged XLPE insulation cables suggesting inadequate manufacture and processing conditions. The FTIR showed the presence of carbonyl groups in both, unaged and aged XLPE insulation indicating that oxidation process occurred during the manufacturing process. The TGA analysis demonstrates that the decomposition temperature of XLPE insulation did not change significantly except for one of the manufactures. It was observed in DSC analysis that the ageing of the XLPE insulation causes a decrease in intensity and broadening of the peak corresponding to fusion heat, indicating the bond scission in the backbone of the XLPE. The contact angle measurements showed hydrophilic character for all unaged and aged XLPE insulation possibly due to some oxidation during cables manufacturing. After ageing the contact angle is about 23.1° and 52.4°, indicating a significant increasing in the hydrophilicity of the XLPE insulation. The increase in hydrophilicity of aged XLPE insulation appears to be due to the increase in oxygen functional groups and the results are consistent with the FTIR spectroscopy measurements. The defects observed in SEM analysis of unaged XLPE insulation indicate a nonuniform mechanical and thermal stresses during cables manufacturing.
Condition monitoring and diagnostics of twelve-pulse LCI drive systems

This paper addresses the condition monitoring and diagnostics of twelve-pulse load commutated inverter drive systems, focusing on the occurrence of faults of the open-switch type in the power converters. The results presented are based on different monitoring techniques, namely, mechanical vibrations, axial leakage flux and temperature measurements. The goal of this study is to analyse the variations imposed by a fault in some critical parameters, related to the operating conditions and electromechanical limits of the drive, in order to introduce fault-tolerant characteristics and, therefore, increasing its survivability.
A Decision Support Framework to Assess Grocery Retail Supply Chain Collaboration: A System Dynamics Modelling Approach

 Abstract—Supply chain collaboration contributes to improving overall performance through increasing sales, refining forecasts, reducing inventory costs, and improving customer service. In order to be efficient and cost effective, total costs have to be minimized across the entire supply chain. Collaboration efforts run into many practical challenges, both internal and external among small retailers. This paper proposes a framework of retailer supply chain collaboration to identify better understanding of collaboration benefit. A system dynamics simulation modelling approach is used to represent the collaboration effect on the dynamics of this complex system that helps retailer supply chains to obtain maximum benefit of collaborative relationships and reduce the bullwhip effect. This work helps researchers to use supply chain collaboration dynamic modelling to examine how information sharing across a supply chain can result in the identification and prioritization of better order decisions that can be aligned with the retail supply chain's value proposition for further supply chain integration.
Outsourcing strategies of accounting functions in developing economy : a study of the determinants by a triangulated approach

This study puts forward an explanatory model for the probability of a business having internal or external accounting at a specific moment. It is supported by resource- and skill-based theory, contingency theory and transaction cost theory which is considered as a main theory. With a triangulation method, we were able to identify the determinants of accounting outsourcing in Cameroon. The study's results emphasise the influence of differentials in skills and costs as the main factors explaining the probability of accounting outsourcing. Greater uncertainty in the external environment also seems to reinforce the decision, thus confirm the flexible nature attributed to external forms. The make-or-buy decision depends on contextual factors such as the size of the business, training systems and accounting referential.
Novel VLSI implementation of Peano-Hilbert curve address generator

This paper presents a fast algorithm for generating Hilbert address for hardware implementation with low storage requirement. This work avoids the use of recursive functions as compared with Quinqueton's work, and eliminates complicated bit manipulations as proposed by Butz, and does not use any look-up-tables as implemented by Kamata. Each address can be obtained in one clock cycle by one-to-one mapping using a simple incremental counter and cascading of multiplexers. The merit of our method is that it achieves very high speed when computing the Hilbert address which requires little memory storage.
Wireless network based control with time varying delay

This paper describes a control scheme for a wireless networked system with variable time delay. Especially, the paper focuses on a packet based network in which subsequent packets catch up the preceding packet. The paper reveals that the forward delay and the backward delay, which are the delay from the local to the remote system and vice versa, are needed for the precise system identification and the control method. If only the round trip time is used, the identification and the control for time varying delay lead unexpected results. To measure the time delay, time synchronization of the local and remote system is required and this paper proposes to use a timing synchronization function (TSF) of IEEE 802.11 based wireless network Performance evaluation by simulation studies for system identification and delay compensated controller are shown. The simulation results verified that the proposed method effectively performed.
Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Dgat2 gene and beef carcass and quality traits in commercial feedlot steers.

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the final and rate-limiting step of triglyceride synthesis. Both DGAT1 and DGAT2 genes code proteins with DGAT activity. Studies have shown DGAT1 polymorphisms associate with intramuscular fat deposition in beef cattle, but fewer associations between DGAT2 and beef cattle economic traits have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron3 of bovine DGAT2 and evaluate the associations of that with carcass, meat quality, and fat yield traits. Test animals were 157 commercial feedlot steers belonging to 3 Chinese native breeds (22 for Luxi, 24 for Jinnan, and 23 for Qinchuan), 3 cross populations (20 for CharolaisxFuzhou, 18 for Limousin xLuxi, and 17 for Simmental×Jinan) and 1 Taurus pure breed population (16 Angus steers). In the current study, 15 SNP were discovered in intron3 and exon4 of DGAT2 at positions 65, 128, 178, 210, 241, 255, 270, 312, 328, 334, 365, 366, 371, 415, and 437 (named as their positions in PCR amplified fragments). Only 7 of them (128, 178, 241, 270, 312, 328, and 371) were analyzed, because SNP in three groups (65-128-255, 178-210-365 and 241-334-366) were in complete linkage disequilibrium within the group, and SNP 415 was a deletion and 437 was a null mutation. Frequencies for rare alleles in the 3 native breed populations were higher than in the 3 cross populations for 178 (p = 0.04), 270 (p = 0.001), 312 (p = 0.03) and 371 (p = 0.002). A general linear model was used to evaluate the associations between either SNP genotypes or allele substitutions and the measured traits. Results showed that SNP 270 had a significant association with the fat yield associated with kidney, pelvic cavity, heart, intestine, and stomach (KPHISY). Animals with genotype CC and CT for 270 had less (CC: -7.71±3.3 kg and CT: -5.34±2.5 kg) KPHISY than animals with genotype TT (p = 0.02). Allele C for 270 was associated with an increase of -4.26±1.52 kg KPHISY (p = 0.006) and -0.92±0.45% of retail cuts weight percentage (NMP, Retail cuts weight/slaughter body weight) (p = 0.045); allele G for 312 was associated with an increase of -5.45±2.41 kg KPHISY (p = 0.026). An initial conclusion was that associations do exist between DGAT2 gene and carcass fat traits. Because of the small sample size of this study, it is proposed that further effort is required to validate these findings in larger populations.
Using Entropy in Enhancing Visualization of High Dimensional Categorical Data

The discrete nature of categorical data often confounds the direct application of existing multidimensional visualization techniques. To harness such discrete nature, we propose to utilize entropy related measures to enhance the visualization of categorical data. The entropy information is employed to guide the analysis, ordering, and filtering in visualizations of Scatter Plot Matrix and a variation of Parallel Sets.
The role of emotional aspects in younger consumer‐brand relationships

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the roles of three emotional factors (self‐concept connection, emotional attachment, and brand love) in the context of younger consumer‐luxury brand relationships.Design/methodology/approach – The main data collection was done via a self‐selected online survey of a representative group of younger consumers. Data analysis was performed with structural equation modelling and multidimensional scaling.Findings – Three emotional factors enhance younger consumers' brand loyalty, but the strength of the impact varies. Emotional attachment has the strongest impact on brand loyalty, followed by self‐concept connection and brand love. Self‐concept connection increases brand love as well as emotional attachment. The result of perceptual mapping shows different perceptions of the luxury brands in younger consumers' minds.Research limitations/implications – Generalizability needs to be established with a wider range of younger consumer groups. The insights on younger consumers'.
A Proposal of RM QRM-MLD with Independent Adaptive Control of Surviving Symbol Replica Candidates for MIMO-OFDM System

In this paper, we propose the algorithm that combine RM QRM-MLD algorithm we proposed and independent adaptive control of surviving symbol replica candidates (we call this technique IAC) using Manhattan metric as method of metric calculation, and evaluate the BER performance and computational complexity of this algorithm. Combining RM QRM-MLD and IAC, within a high Eb/No range, the BER performance of the algorithm degrade because of excess reduction of surviving symbol replica candidates at each stage. Thus, in this case, there is a proper value of the parameter X for each Eb/No value. We investigate the value and simulate the BER performance and computational complexity in the case of application of the proper value.
Improved discriminative and evaluative capability of a refined version of Skindex, a quality-of-life instrument for patients with skin diseases.

OBJECTIVE To improve Skindex, a dermatologic quality-of-life instrument. DESIGN Cross-sectional and longitudinal questionnaire study. SETTING Dermatology clinic of a Veterans Affairs hospital and private dermatology practices. PATIENTS Patients waiting for dermatology appointments; 201 patients responded to the original version of Skindex and 692 additional patients to the revised version. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reproducibility, internal consistency reliability, and validity of the revised version of Skindex. The revised version was compared with the original in 3 ways: the amount of time patients need to complete it; discriminative capability, determined as the number of items to which patients chose the same response; and evaluative capability, determined as the number of scales that were responsive to patients' reports of clinical change. RESULTS With the revised 29-item version of Skindex, scale scores were reproducible after 72 hours (r = 0.88-0.92) and were internally reliable (Cronbach alpha = 0.87-0.96). The instrument demonstrated both construct and content validity; patients with psoriasis and eczema responded with higher scores than those with isolated lesions; in an exploratory principal axes factor analysis with an oblique rotation, 97% of the common variance was explained by 3 factors that correlated with the a priori scales; and most patients' responses to an open-ended question about their skin disease were addressed by items in the instrument. The average time to complete the revised instrument was 5 minutes (compared with 15 minutes for the original version). For only 3 items (10%) did 70% or more of patients choose the same response (vs 17 [28%] of items in the original version). All scales changed significantly in the expected direction in patients who reported that their skin had changed after 3 months (vs only 3 of 8 scales originally). CONCLUSION The 29-item version of Skindex remains reliable and valid, but has decreased respondent burden and improved discriminative and evaluative capability.
Correlation among the Indices of High-Resolution Computed Tomography, Pulmonary Function Tests, Pulmonary Perfusion Scans and Exercise Tolerance in Cases of Chronic Pulmonary Emphysema

Background: Mismatched distribution of pulmonary blood flow is a common characteristic in emphysematous patients. But few reports have mentioned the relationships between the morphological changes in the lungs as assessed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary blood flow (PBF) scan and the indices of exercise tolerance. We investigated these relationships. Objective: Pulmonary function tests (PFT), HRCT, single photon emission computed tomography (99mSPECT) and treadmill exercise tests were performed on emphysematous patients, and the correlations between these examinations were studied. Methods: We evaluated 20 patients (M 18, F 2, age 66 ± 8.0 years). CT evaluation was performed according to the grade of emphysematous change. 99mSPECT was performed to evaluate mismatched PBF by the score method. The better flow of the middle lobe was selected to be the standard lobe for the basic PBF. That score was set to 1 when the blood flow was below 60 or above 140%. PBF between 60 and 140% was scored as 0. Results: FEV1 (r = 0.648, p = 0.002) and VC (r = 0.767, p = 0.001) correlated significantly with v̇O2 peak . FEV1 (r = 0.667, p = 0.0018) correlated significantly with anaerobic threshold (AT). CT grade did not correlate with PBF mismatch score (r = 0.266, p = 0.3376). %v̇O2 peak did not correlate with CT grade (r = –0.467, p = 0.0689) or with mismatch PBF score (r = –0.327, p = 0.2377). Conclusions: HRCT and 99mSPECT were advantageous for detecting the progression of disease and emphysematous changes. However, the severity of anatomical emphysematous changes did not necessarily correlate with the indices of exercise tolerance and pulmonary function tests.
Distinguishing Between Neurodegenerative Disease and Disease-Free Aging: Correlating Neuropsychological Evaluations and Neuropathological Studies in Centenarians

Objective In an examination of disease-free aging and neurodegenerative disease in 100-year-olds, the New England Centenarian Study compared data from neuropsychological evaluations with postmortem brain studies of fourteen 100-year-olds to ascertain if the presence or absence of Alzheimer disease changes correlated with measured cognitive abilities. Methods Fourteen of 74 centenarians who underwent annual extensive neuropsychological evaluation proceeded to postmortem neuropathological examination. CERAD criteria, emphasizing neuritic amyloid plaques and Braak and Braak staging of neurofibrillary tangles were used to assess the 14 brains. Results Neuropsychological and neuropathological findings correlated well for four subjects with no dementia on testing (CDR = 0) and for six subjects with CDR scores in the dementia range (CDR = 1–5). In the latter group, Alzheimer’s disease was diagnosed in four brains; Pick’s disease was an etiological factor in the fifth and hippocampal sclerosis in the sixth. Correlation was low for four subjects: two subjects with no dementia on neuropsychological testing met CERAD neuropathological criteria for possible AD; two subjects with dementia on testing did not meet CERAD criteria for definite Alzheimer’s disease and had otherwise minimal changes to correlate with the cognitive findings. Conclusions Lack of correlation between level of cognitive functioning and brain pathology in two subjects with no dementia raised the question of whether a functional reserve delayed the functional expression of pathological changes. For two subjects with dementia on testing, there appeared to be no sufficient pathological explanation for the extent of the cognitive changes; depression and such factors as environment, sensory impairment, and medical illness may all have played a role. There may also have been neuropathologic changes not detected by current methods.