Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Resource Management (HRM) Practices of the Banking Sector inBangladesh: A Study on Private Commercial Bank

The purpose of this study is to find out HRM practices on the private commercial banking sector in Bangladesh. The researches want to examine the human resources management practices in the field of banking sector. It evaluates and compares existing human resources management activities of the employee like; job analysis, human resource planning, talent acquisition, training d the response rate is 91 percent. The questionnaire consists of individual questions on seven HRM dimensions. The questionnaires were developed by considering five point Liker scale. The collected data were analyzed by applying both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques such as factor analysis and structural equation model (SEM). The SEM results indicated that job analysis, human resource planning, training & development, compensation, and industrial relation significantly and positively associated with overall human resource practices in private commercial banking sectors in Bangladesh. JEL Classifications: M10; M12; M19 Handle: http://hdl.handle. net/20.500. 11903/abr.v6n3. 3
Product quality as competitive priority: Its relationship with total quality management implementation in Indonesia-SCOPUS version

Literature has widely reported the increase of firms competitive advantage resulted from better product quality. However, in some industries product quality does not escalate competitive advantage significantly. Competitive priority stemmed from product quality is presumed to be the driving factor of Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation. This study investigates how product quality as competitive priority influences the implementation of TQM. The results explain the divergence of TQM implementation among manufacturing firms. Empirical data from 152 manufacturing firms in Indonesia are analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that product quality as competitive priority affects TQM implementation positively. In addition, the structural model shows that the relationship between product quality as competitive priority and firm performance is fully mediated by Total Quality Management. The contribution of this study is providing explanation why some firms are more receptive toward Total Quality Management than the others. The strong positive relationship between Total Quality Management and firm performance suggests that, whether the manufacturing firms have product quality as their competitive priority or not, they need to recognize the impact of Total Quality Management on firm performance.
Automated Design of Revenue-Maximizing Combinatorial Auctions

Designing optimal—that is, revenue-maximizing—combinatorial auctions (CAs) is an important elusive problem. It is unsolved even for two bidders and two items for sale. Rather than pursuing the manual approach of attempting to characterize the optimal CA, we introduce a family of CAs and then seek a high-revenue auction within that family. The family is based on bidder weighting and allocation boosting; we coin such CAs virtual valuations combinatorial auctions ( VVCAs ) . VVCAs are the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanism executed on virtual valuations that are affine transformations of the bidders’ valuations. The auction family is parameterized by the coefficients in the transformations. The problem of designing a CA is thereby reduced to search in the parameter space of VVCA—or the more general space of affine maximizer auctions . We first construct VVCAs with logarithmic approximation guarantees in canonical special settings: (1) limited supply with additive valuations and (2) unlimited supply.In the main part of the paper, we develop algorithms that design high-revenue CAs for general valuations using samples from the prior distribution over bidders’ valuations. (Priors turn out to be necessary for achieving high revenue.) We prove properties of the problem that guide our design of algorithms. We then introduce a series of algorithms that use economic insights to guide the search and thus reduce the computational complexity. Experiments show that our algorithms create mechanisms that yield significantly higher revenue than the VCG and scale dramatically better than prior automated mechanism design algorithms. The algorithms yielded deterministic mechanisms with the highest known revenues for the settings tested, including the canonical setting with two bidders, two items, and uniform additive valuations. 1
Nest Predators and Fragmentation: a Review and Meta‐Analysis

Abstract: Population declines of many avian species are often attributed to increased rates of nest predation in fragmented landscapes, yet mechanisms underlying these effects have rarely been examined. We reviewed the literature to determine the extent to which hypotheses about nest predators and fragmentation have been invoked and compared this to the number of direct tests of predators with respect to habitat edge, patch size, or landscape type. We also conducted a meta‐analysis of tested predator effects to evaluate whether predator responses—numerical, functional, or species richness—to fragmentation depend on spatial scale (edge, patch, or landscape), landscape type, geographic region, or predator taxa. We found 120 papers containing hypotheses about nest predators and fragmentation, but only 31 with hypothesis tests. Most tests were of a single predator species or guild, whereas most cited hypotheses generalized across broader taxonomic groups. Results of predator tests were variable, but some general patterns were evident. Predator effects, including increased abundance, activity, or species richness in edges, small patches, or certain landscapes, were more prevalent (1) in tests conducted at the landscape scale than at the local scale, ( 2) in agricultural landscapes than in predominantly forested landscapes, (3) in certain biogeographic regions, and (4) for avian predators than for mammalian predators. Local‐scale (edge and patch) effects were most common when the land surrounding patches was agricultural and when tests were conducted within agricultural landscapes. The response of nest predators to fragmentation is complex, taxon‐specific, and context‐dependent. Conservation efforts for declining avian species may therefore need to be customized according to the nest‐predator species primarily responsible for local nest mortality and the nature of the landscape mosaic.
The detection of platelet derived growth factor using decoupling of quencher-oligonucleotide from aptamer/quantum dot bioconjugates

High-sensitivity, high-specificity detection of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB was realized using the change in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurring between quantum dot (QD) donors and black hole quencher (BHQ) acceptors. CdSe/ZnS QD/mercaptoacetic acid (MAA)/PDGF aptamer bioconjugates were successfully synthesized using ligand exchange. Black hole quencher (BHQ)-bearing oligonucleotide molecules showing partial sequence matching to PDGF aptamer were attached to PDGF aptamers and photoluminescence (PL) quenching was obtained through FRET. By adding target PDGF-BB to the bioconjugates containing BHQs, PL recovery was detected due to detachment of BHQ-bearing oligonucleotide from the PDGF aptamer as a result of the difference in affinity to the PDGF aptamer. The detection limit of the sensor was ∼0.4 nM and the linearity was maintained up to 1.6 nM in the PL intensity versus concentration curve. Measurement of PL recovery was suggested as a strong tool for high-sensitivity detection of PDGF-BB. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), the negative control molecule, did not contribute to PL recovery due to lack of binding affinity to the PDGF aptamers, which demonstrates the selectivity of the biosensor.
Extract pulse clustering in radar signal sorting

Radar signal sorting is a process of detecting and identifying the target radar emitter. This paper presents an extract pulse clustering algorithm based on support vector clustering, which tremendously reduces the CPU run time without loss of accuracy. The basic idea of the algorithm is to extract part of the radar signal pulses randomly and analyze the extracted pulses. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Profile and behavior of flower consumer: subsidies for marketing actions

Submitted on December 28 , 2015 and accepted on October 2 , 2017. 1 Universidade Estadual do Paraná, Departamento de Administração de Empresas, Paranaguá, Paraná, Brasil. adilson.anacleto@unespar.edu. br 2 Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Botânica, Laboratório de Ecologia, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. negrelle@ufpr.br 3 Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Fitotecnia e Fitossanitarismo, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. francine@ufpr.br 4 FAE Centro Universitário, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. danielmuraro@yahoo.com. br *Autor para correspondência: adilson.anacleto@unespar.edu. br Profile and behavior of flower consumer: subsidies for marketing actions
Everyday Resilience

People experiencing financial hardship often possess resilient and resourceful behaviors when handling their day-to-day activities. Understanding how these individuals manifest resilience during adversity could provide insights into how technologies can support their existing efforts. In a partnership with an Australian community care center, we identified resilient practices of people with low socioeconomic status. Following a strength-based approach, we collected data via home visits and semi-structured interviews involving 14 participants, and observed activities at the care center over 8 months. Our participants exhibited three key facets of resilience: (1) resilience as an integral part of their everyday lives, (2) a spirited phenomenon, and (3) a social and care-focused process. We contribute empirical insights into our participants' situated resilience and articulate ways through which design can support their existing social and collaborative practices. We compare and contrast our findings within and outside CSCW literature and advocate for a strength-based approach.
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Direct Invasion into the Inferior Vena Cava and Through the Right Hemidiaphragm in an Elderly Adult

Conflict of Interest: None of the authors have any financial or personal relationships with people or organizations that could inappropriately influence (bias) their work. As a result, we have no conflict of interest to report. Author Contributions: All authors made substantial contributions to the information submitted for publication; all have read and approved the final manuscript. Sponsor’s Role: None.
Periostin is expressed within the developing teeth at the sites of epithelial–mesenchymal interaction

Periostin was originally isolated as an osteoblast‐specific factor that functions as a cell adhesion molecule for preosteoblasts and is thought to be involved in osteoblast recruitment, attachment, and spreading. The protein was renamed “periostin” because of its expression in the periosteum and periodontal ligament, indicating a potential role in bone and maintenance of tooth structure. Periostin has structural similarity to insect fasciclin‐I and can be induced by TGF‐β and Bmp2. Because tooth and periodontium development is a well‐described genetic model for organogenesis governed by a reciprocal set of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions, thought to be controlled by various TGF‐β superfamily members, we investigated whether periostin is present during tooth morphogenesis. Both periostin mRNA and protein expression were analyzed throughout normal tooth development (embryonic day [E] 9.5–newborn) and within both Bmp4‐ and Msx2‐null embryos. Periostin mRNA is initially present within the E9.5 first branchial arch epithelium and then shifts to underlying ectomesenchyme. Both mRNA and protein are asymmetrically localized to the lingual/palatal and buccal side during the early epithelial–mesenchymal interactions. Periostin is also present in dental papilla cells and within the trans‐differentiating odontoblasts during the bell and hard tissue formation stages of tooth development. We suggest that periostin plays multiple roles as a primary responder molecule during tooth development and may be linked to deposition and organization of other extracellular matrix adhesion molecules during maintenance of the adult tooth, particularly at the sites of hard‐soft tissue interface. Developmental Dynamics 229:857–868, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of PV MPPT performance and DC link voltage ripples compensation using a duty cycle modifier

A number of algorithms have been proposed for the MPPT of PV modules, but the performance of these algorithms depends on the environmental conditions and also on the type of load (resistive and battery). In this paper, a duty cycle modifier is introduced which optimizes the performance of the existing MPPT techniques by modifying the duty cycle obtained from the MPPT algorithm. The duty cycle modifier also takes into account the variation in the output voltage to provide DC link voltage ripple compensation in grid connected PV systems providing a solution to the reliability issues due to the use of electrolytic capacitors.
Analyzing The Determinants Of Attitude, Behavior, And Satisfaction On Imported Products: Implications For The Growing Food And Beverage Industry

The aims of this study are to determine the influences of attitude formation, behavior, and satisfaction, with specific reference to the products of the food and beverage industry of Southeast Asia. This study employs the theoretical frameworks of the Theory of Planned Behavior and others to understand the psychological processes that take place between forming beliefs and actual consumption. The key findings reveal that consumers are influenced by both the traditional food attributes such as quality, price, and availability, while also extraneously influenced both by perceived family influence and perceived societal influence in their attitude formation. These factors, through the proposed model of study, were also statistically proven to influence behavioral intention of the sample group through willingness to purchase. In addition, satisfaction with prior purchase was also shown to be a determinant of consumer attitude, while the determinants of expected satisfaction were inconclusive. The results of the modelling and analyses of this study indicate the necessity for the concurrent development of innovative marketing strategies and quality improvements in the industry as it follows its projected growth course and outward expansion.
Characterization of the Sialic Acid-binding Site in Sialoadhesin by Site-directed Mutagenesis (*)

The sialoadhesins are a distinct subgroup of the immunoglobulin superfamily, comprising sialoadhesin, CD22, the myelin-associated glycoprotein, and CD33. They can all mediate sialic acid-dependent binding to cells with distinct specificities. Sialoadhesin is a murine macrophage-restricted cell-surface molecule with 17 extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains that recognizes NeuAcα2-3Gal in N- and O-glycans and interacts preferentially with cells of the granulocytic lineage. Its sialic acid-binding site is located within the NH-terminal (membrane-distal) V-set domain. Here we have carried out site-directed mutagenesis in an attempt to identify the binding site of sialoadhesin. A subset of nonconservative mutations disrupted sialic acid-dependent binding without affecting binding of three monoclonal antibodies directed to two distinct epitopes of sialoadhesin. A CD8α-based molecular model predicts that these residues form a contiguous binding site on the GFCC′C” β-sheet of the V-set domain centered around an arginine in the F strand. A conservative mutation of this arginine to lysine also abolished binding. This amino acid is conserved among all members of the sialoadhesin family and is therefore likely to be a key residue in mediating sialic acid-dependent binding of sialoadhesins to cells.
Hedonic Contamination of Entertainment

ABSTRACT These three studies found support for a process termed hedonic contamination, whereby exposure to advertisements before a movie or television show activates persuasion knowledge, directs attention to the product placements, and reduces consumption enjoyment. Study 1 showed that exposure to in-theater commercials led to more negative attitudes toward product placements in the feature movie and reduced overall enjoyment of the movie. Study 2 implemented an eye-tracking experiment showing that advertising exposure increased eye fixations on product placements in a subsequent television episode. Study 3 identified the activation of persuasion knowledge as the underlying process driving hedonic contamination. The collective results suggest new research directions for understanding the interplay between advertising exposures and how consumers respond to subsequent entertainment content and marketing messages.
ent-Kaurene Biosynthesis Is Enhanced by Long Photoperiods in the Long-Day Plants Spinacia oleracea L. and Agrostemma githago L

The effect of photoperiod on ent-kaurene biosynthesis was determined in the long-day (LD) plants spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and Agrostemma githago L. Further metabolism of ent-kaurene was blocked by application of the growth retardant tetcyclacis, and ent-kaurene accumulation was measured by isotopic dilution using gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring (GC-SIM) (E. Gro[beta]elindemann, J.E. Graebe, D. Stockl, P. Hedden [1991] Plant Physiol 96: 1099–1104). In spinach, the rate of ent-kaurene accumulation in shoots grown under LD conditions was 3 times higher than in shoots grown under short-day (SD) conditions. ent-Kaurene also accumulated in fully expanded leaves, but at a lower rate than in shoots (15 and 55 pmol g-1 dry weight h-1, respectively). In Agrostemma, ent-kaurene accumulated at a rate 2.5 times higher in plants grown under LD conditions than in those grown under SD conditions. In spinach, enhanced ent-kaurene accumulation was detectable after 1 long day, and with exposure to additional long days, the rate of ent-kaurene accumulation increased further. Conversely, when plants were exposed to LD conditions and then returned to SD conditions, the rate of ent-kaurene accumulation decreased. Following tetcyclacis application, ent-kaurene accumulation was observed in all parts of spinach that were analyzed, but there were large quantitative differences between organs of different ages. As the leaves matured, ent-kaurene biosynthesis declined. Petioles accumulated more ent-kaurene than the corresponding leaf blades. It is concluded that stimulation of ent-kaurene biosynthesis by LD conditions leads to a higher rate of gibberellin biosynthesis, which is essential for stem elongation in rosette plants.
Endoscopic transpedicular thoracic discectomy.

OBJECT To minimize the invasiveness and maximize the adequacy of the decompressive procedure in thoracic discectomy, a 70 degrees endoscope was adapted to perform transpedicular thoracic discectomy. METHODS A posterior transpedicular approach was performed via a 2-cm transverse skin incision, aided by an operating microscope or a 0 degrees lens endoscope. Using a 70 degrees lens endoscope, discectomy was performed after obtaining direct visualization of the ventral aspect of the spinal cord dura mater. This surgical technique has been used in 25 patients. There were 12 men and 13 women whose ages ranged from 29 to 74 years (median 46 years). Thirteen patients experienced myelopathy, with or without radiculopathy, 10 presented with radiculopathy, and two patients suffered from segmental pain. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 60 months (median 27 months). In 12 of 13 patients with myelopathy, excellent improvement was shown postoperatively. In the remaining patient, symptoms recurred after she was injured in a motor vehicle accident 3 months postsurgery. In nine of 10 patients with radiculopathy, pain resolved completely. In the one patient with right-sided hypochondral pain and in the two patients with segmental pain, no relief was obtained despite excellent discectomy results demonstrated on postoperative magnetic resonance images. The average length of hospital stay was overnight. CONCLUSIONS The use of a 70 degrees lens endoscope through a transpedicular route has made thoracic discectomy comparable with cervical or lumbar discectomy in terms of minimal surgical invasiveness, recovery time, and complexity of the procedure.
Perioperative Desensitization Improves Outcomes Among Crossmatch Positive Recipients of Deceased Donor Renal Transplants

Context: Graft failure due to chronic rejection is greater among renal transplant patients with donor-specific antibody (DSA) than among DSA-free patients. For patients dependent on deceased donor transplantation, preoperative desensitization to eliminate DSAs may be impractical. We speculated that perioperative desensitization might eliminate preexisting DSAs and prevent de novo DSAs and improve graft outcomes. We report that brief perioperative desensitization using either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasmapheresis/IVIG (PP/IVIG) treatment improves clinical outcomes among patients with positive crossmatches. Design: Immediately following deceased donor transplantation, 235 renal recipients were assigned points for PRA and flow crossmatches (FCXM): delayed graft function (DGF) ≤ 1 point received standard therapy; 2 points received high-dose IVIG; and ≥3 points received PP/IVIG. The DSAs were serially monitored by single antigen bead luminex for 1 year. Five-year clinical outcomes were determined from the chart review. Results: All desensitized patients had preoperatively positive FCXM with DSA. Rejection was more common (P < .05) among desensitized than nonsensitized groups. However, overall graft survivals were similar between the groups (P = not significant) and superior to historic untreated patients (P < .05). Treatment with PP/IVIG more effectively eliminated preexisting DSAs (67% vs 33%, P < 0.05) than IVIG, but neither regimen prevented de novo formation of DSA (20%, P = not significant). Graft survival was >90% in all desensitizated patients with DSA elimination as well as PP/IVIG patients with residual DSA. In contrast, IVIG patients with persistent DSA had poorer graft survival (45%, P < .05). Conclusion: Preemptive perioperative desensitization improved overall graft survival of sensitized patients compared to historic untreated patients. Plasmapheresis/IVIG had greater impact on DSA eradication and graft survival than IVIG alone.
Evidence for p53 as Guardian of the Cardiomyocyte Mitochondrial Genome Following Acute Adriamycin Treatment

The present study is an initial analysis of whether p53 may function as guardian of the cardiomyocyte mitochondrial genome, with mitochondrial p53 localization proposed to be involved in both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair and apoptosis. Subcellular distribution, protein levels, and possible function(s) of p53 protein in the response of cardiomyocytes to adriamycin (ADR) were analyzed. Levels and subcellular localization of proteins were determined by Western blot and immunogold ultrastructural analysis techniques. Here we demonstrate that stress caused by ADR induced upregulation of p53 protein in cardio-myocyte mitochondria and nuclei between 3 and 24 hr. Increased expression of PUMA and Bax proteins, pro-apoptotic targets of p53, was documented following ADR treatment and was accompanied by increased levels of apoptotic markers, with elevation of cytosolic cytochrome c at 24 hr and subsequent caspase-3 cleavage at 3 days. Mitochondrial p53 levels correlated with mtDNA oxidative damage. Loss of p53 in knockout mouse heart resulted in a significant increase in mtDNA vulnerability to damage following ADR treatment. Our results suggest that mitochondrial p53 could participate in mtDNA repair as a first response to oxidative damage of cardiomyocyte mtDNA and demonstrate an increase of apoptotic markers as a result of mitochondrial/nuclear p53 localization.