Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The mediating effect of empowerment in the relationship between transformational leadership and service quality

Transformational leadership has two salient characteristics: intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration. Recent studies in this area reveal that the effect of such leadership characteristics on job performance is indirectly affected by empowerment. The nature of this relationship is interesting, but little is known about the mediating effect of empowerment in leadership management models. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure the effect of transformational leadership characteristics and empowerment on service quality by using 110 usable questionnaires gathered from employees working in a city based local authority (CBLAUTHORITY) in Sarawak, Malaysia. Outcomes of a stepwise regression analysis showed that the relationship between empowerment and selected transformational leadership characteristics (i.e. intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration) is positively and significantly correlated with service quality. The result confirms that empowerment does act as a full mediating variable in the leadership model of the organization under study. This paper also discusses implications and limitations, as well as directions for future research.
Rapid Quantitation of Recombinant Retroviruses

A method for measuring the concentration of recombinant retrovirus encoding the Escherichia coli LacZ gene is described. The assay is based on the quantitative measurement of β‐galactosidase activity in extracts of cells infected with the LacZ‐encoding retrovirus. LacZ‐encoded β‐galactosidase activity in transduced cells is measured using the colorimetric substrate, O;‐nitrophenyl β‐D‐galactopyranoside (ONPG), and the results are read using an ELISA plate‐reader. Because the entire assay is performed in a 96‐well plate, large numbers of samples are easily measured, and the assay has the advantages of rapidity, precision, and ease of data collection. The assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of polybrene, a polycation known to enhance the infectivity of retroviruses, and can be used to evaluate other factors that affect infection, as well as the optimal conditions for production of the recombinant retrovirus.
Variation in Vertebrate Cis-Regulatory Elements in Evolution and Disease

Much of the genetic information that drives animal diversity lies within the vast non-coding regions of the genome. Multi-species sequence conservation in non-coding regions of the genome flags important regulatory elements and more recently, techniques that look for functional signatures predicted for regulatory sequences have added to the identification of thousands more. For some time, biologists have argued that changes in cis-regulatory sequences creates the basic genetic framework for evolutionary change. Recent advances support this notion and show that there is extensive genomic variability in non-coding regulatory elements associated with trait variation, speciation and disease.
Assessment of growth inhibition by aldehydic lipid peroxidation products and related aldehydes by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The effect of pretreatment with aldehydes on the subsequent colony forming efficiency (CFE) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. All 21 aldehydes tested inhibited CFE in a dose‐dependent manner. The effective doses, however, differed markedly from 300 mM to 0·07 mM depending on the functional groups and chain length of the aldehydes. Amongst the nine representatives of n‐alkanals, formaldehyde was the most potent inhibitor, reducing CFE to 50 per cent at a dose of 0·3 mM (IC50). In the series of 2‐trans‐alkenals, acrolein was most effective with an IC50 of 0·08 mM and amongst the 4‐hydroxy 2‐trans‐alkenals, 4‐hydroxynonenal was most effective with IC50 of 0·07 mM. In general, effectiveness decreased in the order: 4‐hydroxyalkenals > 2‐alkenals ≫ n‐alkenals. It is proposed that S. cerevisiae is a promising target cell to elucidate further the molecular mechanisms by which aldehydes, particularly the lipid peroxidation product 4‐hydroxynonenal, inhibits cell proliferation.
Improving Salient Object Subitizing

In this study, we investigate the work of [1] on Salient Object Subitizing — the ability to quickly detect a small number of objects in an image. We firstly apply the method described by [1] with a bigger model to show that performance is improved. We than look at how data augmentation and additional data affects our system. We improve the (recently established) state-of-the-art in Salient Object Subitizing and conclude that the task benefits significantly from additional data and augmentation methods.
Low complexity MIMO receiver based on adaptive duplicated filters and interference canceller

A low complexity receiver named MIMO-ADIC, which is based on an adaptive MUD mixed with interference cancellation (ADIC MUD [6]), is presented and analyzed in the MIMO environment. This proposed adaptive MIMO receiver yields BER results equivalent to those of the MMSE-SIC receiver in perfect knowledge of channel gains as well as improved BER robustness when the channel impulse responses are not perfectly estimated. Its advantage of not employing matrix inversion is particularly obvious in the complexity study. Indeed, compared with most recent reduced complexity versions of MMSE-SIC detection of the V-BLAST system, MIMO-ADIC is up to 2.5 times less complex in term s of number of used antennas in MIMO systems.
SWI/SNF- and RSC-Catalyzed Nucleosome Mobilization Requires Internal DNA Loop Translocation within Nucleosomes

ABSTRACT The multisubunit SWI/SNF and RSC complexes utilize energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to mobilize nucleosomes and render the DNA accessible for various nuclear processes. Here we test the idea that remodeling involves intermediates with mobile DNA bulges or loops within the nucleosome by cross-linking the H2A N- or C-terminal tails together to generate protein “loops” that constrict separation of the DNA from the histone surface. Analyses indicate that this intranucleosomal cross-linking causes little or no change in remodeling-dependent exposure of DNA sequences within the nucleosome to restriction enzymes. However, cross-linking inhibits nucleosome mobilization and blocks complete movement of nucleosomes to extreme end positions on the DNA fragments. These results are consistent with evidence that nucleosome remodeling involves intermediates with DNA loops on the nucleosome surface but indicate that such loops do not freely diffuse about the surface of the histone octamer. We propose a threading model for movement of DNA loops around the perimeter of the nucleosome core.
BST-Varactor Tunable Dual-Mode Filter Using Variable ${Z}_{C}$ Transmission Line

Ferroelectric materials like barium-strontium-titanate (BST) have become attractive for microwave tunable circuit applications. This letter presents an investigation of BST-varactor tunable dual-mode filter using variable characteristic impedance or ZC transmission line. The interdigital BST varactors are fabricated and modeled, which are then deployed to realize a bandpass filter with tunable bandwidth capability. The use of tunable impedance line provides additional flexibilities in the design of microwave tunable circuits. A tunable bandpass filter of this type with a center frequency of 1.8 GHz and a bandwidth tuning ratio of 1.15:1 is demonstrated experimentally.
Strategy, Structure, and Performance of U.S.-Based Multinational Organizations: A Fit Theory Study

The research question addressed by the study asks, "Is international integration strategic and departmental structural fit a predictor of performance in U.S.-based, single-business multinational organizations? " The study is designed to extend existing research in international integration strategy, which is often called "global strategy," "globalization," or "internationalization" in the popular press and academic research literature.
Micrometer-scale resolution imaging of the anterior eye in vivo with optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate a new diagnostic technique, optical coherence tomography, for high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of structures in the anterior segment of the human eye in vivo. Optical coherence tomography is a new, noninvasive, noncontact optical imaging modality that has spatial resolution superior to that of conventional clinical ultrasonography (< 20 microns) and high sensitivity (dynamic range, > 90 dB). DESIGN Survey of intraocular structure and dimension measurements. SETTING Laboratory. PATIENTS Convenience sample. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Correlation with range of accepted normal intraocular structure profiles and dimensions. RESULTS Direct in vivo measurements with micrometer-scale resolution were performed of corneal thickness and surface profile (including visualization of the corneal epithelium), anterior chamber depth and angle, and iris thickness and surface profile. Dense nuclear cataracts were successfully imaged through their full thickness in a cold cataract model in calf eyes in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Optical coherence tomography has potential as a diagnostic tool for applications in noncontact biometry, anterior chamber angle assessment, identification and monitoring of intraocular masses and tumors, and elucidation of abnormalities of the cornea, iris, and crystalline lens.
Speeding up IP lookup procedure in software routers by means of parallelization

Performance of software routers is limited by the speed of operating system network protocol stack. A faster network protocol stack can be implemented in user space by utilizing parallelization and different optimization techniques. In this work we will demonstrate an efficient implementation of the IP lookup algorithm in user space with multibit trie structures. Afterwards, we will demonstrate the improvements achieved through parallelization based on the receive side scaling mechanism.
Growth analysis of oilseed crops in India during pre and post - WTO periods*

The research project was formulated to address the impact of World Trade Organisation (WTO) on domestic oilseeds production. The specific objective was to analyze the temporal growth in area, production and productivity of major oilseed crops in India. The formulated hypothesis was growth rate of area, production and productivity of major oilseed crops in the post-WTO period is less compared to pre-WTO era. The results of the study have shown that area under rapeseed and mustard, soyabean, sunflower and castor increased with an overall annual compound growth rate of 2.13, 17.61, 9.15 and 1.85 per cent respectively. The increase in productivity of all nine selected oilseed crops put together from pre-WTO period to post-WTO period, was 140 kg per ha. The overall growth of productivity was positive in all the oilseed crops except sunflower. The mean production of the nine oilseeds put together had increased from 9.99 million tonnes during Pre- Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMO) period to 17.68 million tonnes in pre-WTO period and to 22.33 million tonnes in post-WTO period. To attain self sufficiency in edible oils and to achieve nutritional security, State and Central government should map out programmes on the line of TMO to increase and maintain sustainable growth in productivity of all oilseed crops in rainfed areas.
The Mediating Role of Psychophysic Strain in the Relationship Between Workaholism, Job Performance, and Sickness Absence: A Longitudinal Study

Objective: To test a theoretical model in which workaholism predicts both directly and indirectly, via psychophysic strain, job performance and sickness absences. Methods: A multimethod study was performed examining a sample of 322 workers in a private company. The study was articulated into two phases, over a time period of 15 months. Workaholism was assessed using a self-report measure (time 1). Psychophysic strain was measured by the occupational physician, performance by the supervisor, and data on sickness absences were collected from the company's database (time 2). Results: Results highlighted a positive relationship between workaholism and psychophysic strain. Psychophysic strain was negatively associated with job performance and positively associated with sickness absences. In addition, workaholism predicted sickness absences. Conclusion: Workaholism negatively affects the health of workers. This is associated with lower working performance and greater sickness absences.
Vascular tissue generation in response to signaling molecules integrated with a novel poly(ε‐caprolactone)–fibrin hybrid scaffold

A major constraint in the use of biodegradable polymer scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering is poor cell adhesion and lack of signals for new tissue generation. The presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) within the scaffold is desirable for growth of endothelial cells and in vitro formation of remodelled vascular conduit. In this study, we have produced a hybrid scaffold by coating porous poly‐caprolactone (PCL) film with biomimetic ECM components consisting of fibrin, gelatin, fibronectin, angiogenic growth factors and proteoglycans. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) adhered, spread, proliferated and survived for long periods in culture on the hybrid scaffold. As compared to bare PCL, enhanced cell adhesion, spreading and cytoskeletal organization were demonstrated on the hybrid scaffold, using confocal microscopy of EC‐actin stained with Texas red‐conjugated phalloidin. Population doubling of endothelial cells (ECs) on the hybrid scaffold and bare scaffold was estimated as 42 h and 136 h, respectively, as assessed by a 3H‐thymidine uptake method. Analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) also indicated low proliferation on bare scaffold. Flow cytometric analysis of annexin V‐stained cells showed poor survival of ECs on bare PCL as compared to the hybrid scaffold. Deposition of insoluble collagen and elastin was identified on the hybrid scaffold by cells recovered after 15 days and 30 days of EC culture, using fluorochrome‐tagged specific antibodies and confocal microscopy, and the fluorescence intensity corresponding to elastin and collagen after 30 days was similar to that of 15 days. The results indicate that ECM deposition by endothelial cells is a regulated process without excesive accumulation after 30 days. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collection of mobilized blood progenitor cells for hematopoietic rescue by large‐volume leukapheresis

BACKGROUND: Mobilized blood progenitor cells rapidly reconstitute hematopoiesis in patients after dose‐intensive chemotherapy. However, optimal timing and methods of mobilized blood progenitor cell collection have yet to be fully defined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The utility of large‐volume leukapheresis (LVL; > 15 L blood processed) in collecting target doses of mononuclear cells (7 × 10(8)/kg) for use in autologous hematopoietic rescue was investigated. LVL was begun at a standardized interval (14 days) after a course of limited chemotherapy and subsequent daily recombinant human granulocyte‐macrophage‐colony‐ stimulating factor administration to mobilize blood progenitor cells into the circulation. With each LVL procedure, mononuclear cells, colony‐forming units‐granulocyte‐macrophage (CFU‐GM), burst‐forming units‐erythroid, mixed colonies, total clonogenic progenitor cells, and CD34+ cells collected per kg of patient weight were counted. After high‐ dose chemotherapy and infusion of cryopreserved mobilized blood progenitor cells, the days needed for neutrophils to reach levels of > 0.5 × 10(9) per L and for platelets to reach levels of > 20 × 10(9) per L were recorded. RESULTS: In 14 previously treated cancer patients, an average of 28.9 +/− 4.9 L of blood was processed per LVL (n = 35) to collect medians of 2.5 × 10(8) mononuclear cells per kg (range, 1.0‐ 7.4), 14 × 10(4) CFU‐GM per kg (0‐208), 27 × 10(4) clonogenic progenitor cells per kg (0‐370), and 2.8 × 10(6) CD34+ cells per kg (0‐ 112.5). Fifty‐seven percent of patients (8/14) required one or two LVL procedures to collect adequate blood progenitor cells (range, 1–4). After dose‐intensive chemotherapy, 13 patients received medians of 6.8 × 10(8) mononuclear cells per kg (range, 5.1‐9.9), 53 × 10(4) CFU‐GM per kg (9‐208), and 12 × 10(6) CD34+ cells per kg (3.6‐112.5). Rapid hematopoietic reconstitution occurred with 10 days (range, 8–12) and 9 days (6‐15), respectively, for neutrophil and platelet recoveries. CONCLUSION: Scheduled LVL, beginning on Day 14 after the administration of granulocyte‐macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor following chemotherapy, is a convenient and efficient method of collecting blood progenitor cells. The mononuclear cells so obtained effected consistent and rapid hematopoietic reconstitution in a highly reproducible manner in a group of heavily treated patients.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 regulates astrocyte differentiation in a region‐specific manner in the hindbrain

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 is known to have important pleiotropic effects in neuronal and glial cells during various physiological and pathological events. To investigate the role of endogenous FGF‐2 in the differentiation of astrocytes, we studied the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hindbrain of the FGF‐2 null mouse. GFAP was drastically decreased in a region‐specific manner in the hindbrain of the adult and developing FGF‐2 null mouse without an associated change in the expression of alternate markers for astrocytes. The deficit was evident in the astrocytes of pontine and medullary gray matter but not in the white matter. The astrocytes of the gray and white matter were seen to express FGF‐2 and FGF receptors in a distinct pattern. The methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 residue (H3K4me2) associated with the STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription)‐binding site of the GFAP promoter was significantly decreased in the gray matter of the FGF‐2 null mouse, suggesting a role for FGF‐2 in the epigenetic regulation of astrocyte differentiation in vivo. These observations underscore the importance of FGF‐2 in astroglial differentiation in the hindbrain and the heterogeneity of astrocytes in their requirement for FGF‐2 as a differentiation inducing signal. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melfi’s Choice: Morally Conflicted Content Leads to Moral Rumination in Viewers

ABSTRACT This study investigates if morally conflicted and controversial content, which is often denounced as morally desensitizing, may play an important role in leading to moral rumination in viewers. The results of a quasi-experiment reveal that moral rumination was predicted by transportation into the narrative and was related to increased appreciation for the episode. The results support the notion that media potentially function as a “morality sandbox” in which to play with or test out moral concerns, even regarding controversial and violent content.
Hydrogen Peroxide Causes RAD9-dependent Cell Cycle Arrest in G2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae whereas Menadione Causes G1 Arrest Independent of RAD9 Function*

This study shows differences at the level of cell cycle arrest between the response of yeast cells to hydrogen peroxide and superoxide stress. These include both cell cycle phases at which arrest occurs and the involvement of the RAD9 checkpoint gene. Wild-type and rad9 cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide or the superoxide-generating agent menadione. rad9mutants were up to 100-fold more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide but not affected in their resistance to menadione. Hydrogen peroxide caused G2-phase arrest, whereas menadione-treated cells arrested in G1. G2 arrest, induced by methyl 2-benzimidazil carbamate, increased cellular resistance to hydrogen peroxide but not to menadione. G1 arrest mediated by α-factor caused an increase in survival of wild-type cells treated with menadione but not with hydrogen peroxide. A cdc28mutant arrested in G1 was significantly more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide than other cdc mutants arrested in later phases, including G2. rad9 cells have normal stationary phase resistance to hydrogen peroxide, the ability to adapt to it, glutathione content and induction of genes via the stress responsive element. Although rad9-dependent G2 arrest is important, otherrad9-dependent factors may be involved in the resistance of cells to hydrogen peroxide since arrest in G2did not make rad9 cells fully resistant.
The impact of perceived return policy and website quality on e-customers 'apparel purchase- and return behavior

The development of e-commerce has caused an important change in the flows of goods. A lot of products are bought by means of electronic Business-to-Customer (B2C) transactions, nowadays. To and fro driving vans, delivering products to the end consumer or transporting returns are conquering the city; the consequences are an increased burdening of the logistic web and the environment. The control of the enormous amount of traffic in the cities is really becoming a serious problem. Besides, the costs of dealing with returns are disproportionate compared to forward logistics. An important part of the transport movements is caused by apparel returns and the amount of returns is still increasing. To deploy appropriate avoidance techniques, which can be utilized to decrease the amount of apparel returns, it is important to understand e-customers’ behavior. The main purpose of this investigation is to clarify if and how perceived return policy and perceived quality of information and customer support on websites in apparel e-commerce affect customers’ purchase and return behavior. E-retailers should know on which aspects of return policy e-customers set great store and which aspects of provided information and support on websites e-customers value most. This knowledge can help managers to develop and manage the most effective apparel return policy and website quality, in order to stimulate consumer demand, to increase sales and to reduce returns. The most feasible method of investigation here is doing a survey on consumers. A convenient sample of college students is requested to complete a questionnaire that contained measures of ecustomers’ awareness of return policy, customers’ valuation of quality of information on websites, customers’ satisfaction, customers’ willingness to buy online and product return frequency. The students are an appropriate sample because they are likely to have had experiences with the Internet and are likely to vary widely in their e-purchase and e-return experiences. The most important empirical findings are that return policy has no influence on return behavior and return policy only affects purchase behavior of men. Purchase behavior of men and woman both predict their return behavior. Increased satisfaction and website quality don’t reduce, but increase apparel returns. Thus, purchase behavior, website quality and customers’ satisfaction all seem to have impact on apparel return behavior. The practical implication for managers of online shops therefore is the necessity of keeping focusing on and investing in the leniency and clarity of pursued return policy. And the necessity of keeping focusing on and investing in professional, optimal supporting website quality, to increase sales. To reduce returns, managers should focus on influencing purchase behavior by offering more guidance, by providing more caring and individualized information and attention on websites, leading customers to make purchase decisions more thoughtfully.