Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo biocontrol of soil-borne phytopathogenic fungi by certain bioagents and their possible mode of action.

The study aimed to investigate new wide-spectrum biological control agents against soil-borne fungal plant pathogens. Screening of 336 fungal strains and 256 bacterial strains was carried out in vitro to select the most promising isolates for controlling destructive pathogens of greenhouse-vegetables. In dual cultures, Bacillus subtilis JF419701 and Trichoderma harzianum JF419706 (teleomorph: Hypocrea lixii) inhibited the growth of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Exserohilum rostratum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Pythium ultimum and Rhizoctonia solani. Microscopic examination showed the ability of T. harzianum JF419706 to parasitize the hyphae of all pathogens and kill them. T. harzianum produced the cell wall degrading enzymes; α-1-3-glucanase (0.83 U/ml) , β-1-3-glucanase (0.89 U/ml) and chitinase (0.86 U/ml) in high concentrations. However, B. subtilis produced proteases in very high concentrations (9341.64 U/ml) . The culture filtrate of T. harzianum did not show any antifungal effect. The cell free extract of B. subtilis, containing cyano-compounds, suppressed the growth of all phytopathogens, especially M. phaseolina. Results proved the efficacy of the two biological control agents to control the common soil pathogens either singly or in combination. We recommend further field experiments to study either the synergistic or antagonistic interactions between them under natural conditions.
Sex Determination Mechanisms in the Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)

The Calliphoridae or blow flies are a family of insects that occupy diverse habitats and perform important ecological roles, particularly the decomposition of animal remains. Some Calliphoridae species are also important in the forensic sciences, in agriculture (e.g. as livestock pests) and in medicine (e.g. maggot therapy). Calliphoridae provide striking examples in support of the hypothesis that sex determination regulatory gene hierarchies evolve in the reverse order, with the gene at the top being the most recently added. Unlike the model fly Drosophila melanogaster, where sex is determined by the number of X chromosomes, in the Australian sheep blow fly (Lucilia cuprina) sex is determined by a Y-linked male-determining gene (M). A different regulatory system appears to operate in the hairy maggot blow fly (Chrysomya rufifacies) where the maternal genotype determines sex. It is hypothesized that females heterozygous for a dominant female-determining factor (F/f) produce only female offspring and homozygous f/f females produce only sons. The bottom of the regulatory hierarchy appears to be the same in D. melanogaster and L. cuprina, with sex-specific splicing of doublesex transcripts being controlled by the female-specific Transformer (TRA) protein. We discuss a model that has been proposed for how tra transcripts are sex-specifically spliced in calliphorids, which is very different from D. melanogaster.
EUROPCOM - An Ultra-WideBand (UWB)-Based Ad Hoc Network for Emergency Applications

The Information Society Technologies (IST) EUROPCOM project designs and develops an Ultra-WideBand (UWB)-based ad hoc network for search and rescue operations in disaster zones, especially indoors. The primary application of the EUROPCOM system is to provide position tracking of rescue personnel within the disaster zone. Currently no such technologies or systems exist, which can provide the envisaged functionality. The paper presents the network architecture that was proposed in the EUROPCOM project. The network architecture defines new physical entities and includes a complete protocol stack - from the physical layer up to the application layer. Each protocol layer was tailor-made to the operational constraints and requirements of the EUROPCOM system. The resulting protocol layers are lightweight, self- adaptive, bandwidth- and energy-efficient.
Distinguishing between anxiety and depression using the Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (MASQ).

OBJECTIVE To examine the discriminant validity of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ) in a sample of young help-seekers. METHOD 136 young people referred to a psychiatric service completed a diagnostic interview and the MASQ. RESULTS Participants were classified according to diagnostic status: Mood Only; Anxiety Only; Mixed Anxiety-Depression; Other DSM-IV Disorder; and No Axis-I Disorder. Participants in the Mood Only and Mixed groups scored significantly higher than the remaining groups on all MASQ scales. Participants in the Anxiety Only group did not score significantly higher than participants in the Other DSM-IV or No Diagnosis groups for any scale. CONCLUSION Our finding supported the specificity of the depression-specific scale, however the purported anxiety-specific scale did not distinguish between those with and those without Anxiety disorders. It was hypothesised that in clinical samples, the MASQ may measure general psychological distress.
Physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors in university students in the city of Leon, Mexico

Objectives: Recent changes in life style have increased obesity, smoking and sedentary habits in the entire population. Obesity and overweight frequency have trebled in Mexico in the last few decades. The presence and frequency of cardiovascular risk factors were determined in students at the Universidad DeLa Salle Bajio, both newly admitted and in advanced years. Material and methods: Anthropometric variables, serum glucose, total cholesterol levels, blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were obtained and assessed in 4814 students, 1507 recently admitted and 1507 advanced students. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 15.3%, sedentariness 33.8%, hypercholesterolemia 8.16%, smoking habits 15.8%, and alcohol consumption 12.1%. Body mass index (BMI) (23.5 ± 4 vs. 22.7 ± 4), waist/ abdomen index (0.84 ± 0.06 vs. 0.83 ± 0.06) and serum cholesterol (3.54 mmol/L ± 0.79 vs. 3.98 mmol/L ± 0.77) were greater in the advanced students (p
Use case point estimation technique in software development

Software Projects are developed with the prior requirements and should be capable to complete on time under a fixed budget but it gets late to delivered, gets over-budget and even not able to meet user expectations. In agile approach, the estimation of software depends on expert opinion or on any historical data which is used as the input to previous methods like planning poker. The accuracy in estimation is the primary goal of any development but various factors related to environment and technical complexity which may further alleviate the size and effort of a project. Previously proposed estimation models were successful in estimation but lacks due to some obstacles such as less accuracy and customer satisfaction as per the requirement, other factors such as complexity, risk tracking and estimation. This paper emphasizes on a new algorithmic approach to estimate considering Environment and Technical factors so as to have a more accuracy with the use cases under agile development.
Molecular cloning and partial sequencing of hepatitis A viral cDNA

Hepatitis A virus was purified from infected monkey kidney cell cultures, and the viral RNA was used to synthesize double-stranded cDNA. This cDNA was cloned either after insertion into a plasmid-primed synthesis system or after insertion into the PstI site of pBR322. The resulting clones were mapped by restriction endonuclease analysis and by cross hybridization of the viral inserts to generate a composite map which represented at least 97% of the viral genome, lacking ca. 220 bases from the 5' end of the genome. The clones were verified to be hepatitis A virus specific based on their positive hybridization to viral RNA and to total hepatitis A virus-infected cellular RNA from a heterologous marmoset host system. The nucleotide sequence of 3,054 base pairs of cDNA homologous to the 5' half of the viral genome was determined, and an open reading frame of 854 consecutive coding triplets was identified. In addition, sequences which encode the VP-1 and VP-3 viral structural proteins were located in the nucleotide sequence.
T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL) with overlapping cytomorphological features with T‐CLL and T‐ALL: A Case Initially Diagnosed by Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology and Immunocytochemistry

T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL) is a very unusual form of chronic lymphoproliferative disorder, which has rarely been diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. We report one such case with some overlapping cytomorphological features with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A 91‐year‐old man presented with generalized lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion, ascites, and an ulcerated growth in rectum. FNA smears from the left cervical lymph node showed a monotonous population of small lymphoid cells having small but distinct nucleoli that was initially diagnosed as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Smears from the left axillary lymph node contained both small and medium‐sized lymphoid cells with frequent hand‐mirror cell appearance, which has been described in acute lymphoblatic leukemia (ALL). Immunocyto/histochemical stainings on smears and cell block preparations of the aspirate showed the following immunophenotype: CD3+, CD4+, CD5+, CD7+, CD8‐, CD20‐, CD23‐, and Tdt‐. Total peripheral blood leukocyte count was 26.4 × 109/L and total lymphocyte count, 8.3 × 109/L with predominance of small lymphocytes. T‐cell nature of the neoplasm was confirmed by biopsies from the cervical lymph node (T‐cell lymphoma), bone marrow (T‐cell lymphoid neoplasm/chronic lymphocytic leukemia), and the ulcerated rectal lesion (atypical T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder). The patient developed deep vein thrombosis, heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia and bleeding from duodenal ulcer. By the time the reports of all the investigations were ready, the patient succumbed to bronchopneumonia. To the best of our knowledge, this T‐CLL/T‐PLL which was diagnosed initially by FNA cytology with immunocytochemical support is first of its kind to be reported. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:360–365. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Action research

or is bad research and is now defeated, but that qualitative approaches are now accepted as equal in value to quantitative approaches when used appropriately. Whether or not an approach is appropriate depends on the research topic and the research questions being addressed. A particular strength of qualitative methods is their value in explaining what goes on in organizations. Here, we want to celebrate and recommend action research, because this particular qualitative research method is unique in the way it associates research and practice, so research informs practice and practice informs research synergistically. Action research combines theory and practice (and researchers and practitioners) through change and reflection in an immediate problematic situation within a mutually acceptable ethical framework. Action research is an iterative process involving researchers and practitioners acting together on a particular cycle of activities, including problem diagnosis, action intervention, and reflective learning. We use information systems as the exemplar of how to benefit from action research methods, though software engineering and systems science, among others, could be used because their application domains also include real organizations. For developing information systems, action research has already made five key contributions:
Art for the Sake of the Corporation

ABSTRACT This article examines whether exposure to a company's sponsorship of cultural activities such as “high-brow” arts—including classical music, literature, art exhibitions, and museums—provides a long-term increase in the general public's assessment of corporate reputation. As corporate reputation has been found by previous studies to be composed of two primary dimensions (i.e., the likeability of the firm, the competence of the firm), it is of particular interest to examine whether sponsorship of cultural events affects one or both of these dimensions. A two-dimensional model of image transfer is used as the theoretical basis for a study of more than 3,000 German consumers conducted in collaboration with 10 major multinational companies (e.g., BMW Group and Siemens). Results show that some significant effects of culture-sponsoring activities can be demonstrated for the likeability dimension of corporate reputation and some of its antecedents. However, no significant link between culture sponsorships and consumer perceptions of firm competence is found.
Identification of a Homeodomain Binding Element in the Bone Sialoprotein Gene Promoter That Is Required for Its Osteoblast-selective Expression*

Bone sialoprotein is a 70-kDa extracellular matrix component that is intimately associated with biomineralization, yet the cis-acting elements of the Bsp gene that restrict its expression to mineralizing cells remain uncharacterized. To identify such elements, we analyzed a 2472-base pair fragment of the murine promoter that directs osteoblast-selective expression of a luciferase reporter gene and found that the region between –338 and –178 relative to the transcriptional start is crucial for its osteoblast-selective activity. We identified an element within this region that binds a protein complex in the nuclear extracts of osteoblastic cells and is required for its transcriptional activity. Introduction of a mutation that disrupts a homeodomain binding site within this sequence eliminates both its in vitro binding and nearly all of the osteoblastic-selective activity of the 2472-base pair promoter. We further found that the Dlx5 homeoprotein, which is able to regulate the osteoblast-specific osteocalcin promoter, can bind this element and stimulate its enhancer activity when overexpressed in COS7 cells. These data represent the first description of an osteoblast-specific element within the bone sialoprotein promoter and demonstrate its regulation by a member of a family of factors known to be involved in skeletogenesis.
Accountants' attitudes toward advertising: a longitudinal study

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the attitude of accountants towards advertising and to investigate changes in attitude that may have occurred between 1993 and 2004.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from accountants using a mail survey approach in 1993 and using an e‐mail survey approach in 2004. Questions on the two surveys were identical and a random sample of accountants was selected for each study. Statistical tests were used to compare responses from 1993 with responses in 2004.Findings – Analysis of the results revealed significant positive shifts in the attitudes accountants have toward advertising of accounting services. Negative attitudes toward various aspects of advertising shifted to either a neutral or a positive position. This dramatic, positive shift in advertising attitudes by accountants occurred while skepticism towards advertising remained relatively high, overall, among the general public. Between the two time periods, changes in the use of various mark.
The Distribution of Employment Growth Rates in Canada: The Role of High-growth and Rapidly Shrinking Firms

This paper uses data from Statistics Canada's Longitudinal Employment Analysis Program database to study the distribution of annual employment growth rates in Canada over the 2000-to-2009 period, with a special emphasis on firms in the tails of the distribution, referred to here as High-Growth Firms (HGFs) and Rapidly Shrinking Firms (RSFs). The study has three objectives. First, it describes the distributions of employment growth rates in Canada to see whether they are consistent with observations in other countries. Second, it quantifies the contribution of HGFs and RSFs to aggregate job creation and destruction. The third objective is to examine, using quantile regression techniques, the role of firm size and firm age in the performance of HGFs and RSFs.
Back From the Brink: Why Customers Stay

Much research has explored the customer’s decision to switch from one service provider to another and the impact of this decision. Less research, however, has explored the other possible decision the customer can make when considering switching—the decision to stay—and the reasons behind this decision. In light of this, the authors research customers who remained with their service provider after a recent “switching dilemma. ” The dilemma requires the customer to consider carefully whether they should stay or leave. The authors collect data from 24 in-depth interviews and nearly 700 questionnaires. These are gathered from two divergent cultures and reveal seven categories of “reasons to stay,” which are present across many different service industries. The main discovery is that switching barriers, unearthed in previous research on why customers stay, only tell half the story; the other half is told by what we call the “affirmatory” factors.
Technical Efficiency of Commercial Banks in India

Present study examines empirical findings pertaining to technical efficiency of commercial banks in India for the period 2001 to2011. To calculate technical efficiency, a non-parametric data envelopment analysis approach has been applied. Technical efficiency has been calculated for all the commercial banks using two models based on different variables. According to empirical findings there is inefficiency to the tune of 7.6 percent as depicted in model I and 18.6 percent as per model II.This suggests that banks can on an average minimize their costs by eliminating the elements of inefficiencies with the best practices and still produce the same level of output. Policy implications of the results is that although efficiency of banks have improved during the reform period, but still there are certain key areas of weakness which need immediate redress by the policy makers. Inefficient use of scarce resources and managerial irregularities are found to be the major cause of concern in emerging technical inefficiency among commercial banks in India.
A new reconfigurable LNA enhanced by programmable load and capacitive feedback for multi-standard applications

By applying two techniques to the single stage common gate architecture, a new area optimized reconfigurable LNA for multi-standard applications is presented in this paper. This is achieved by LC tuning of the output LNA capacitors in different frequency bands with an easily reconfigured new integrated differential variable inductor. The input impedance is matched by a capacitive feedback loop which also improves NF and linearity performance of LNA. Using these techniques, a LNA supporting PCS, UMTS and IEEE802.11 b-g standards is designed in 65nm CMOS technology which achieves S11 and NF better than -13dB and 1.9dB in all mentioned bands.
Increase in density and accumulation of serotonin by human aging platelets

51Cr‐labeled autologous platelets were infused into splenectomized subjects and the specific radioactivities of high‐density (HD) and low‐density (LD) platelet subpopulations were determined sequentially in postinfusion samples. A rapid decrease in the specific radioactivity of LD cohorts (T 1/2 = 2.5 days) was observed, but the specific radioactivity of HD platelets remained constant or increased slightly during the first 4 days and then gradually declined for the next 5 days. No experimental artifacts during the platelet‐labeling steps that could account for these results were demonstrated. These findings confirm previous observations in eusplenic individuals and support the hypothesis that human LD platelets are, on the average, younger than HD platelets.
Exchanging Debt for Health in Africa: Lessons from Ten Years of Debt-for-Development Swaps

Of the dozen or so issues on the agenda when the Group of Seven held its annual meeting in Cologne in June, 1999, few captured the attention of the world as much as debt relief for the poorest and most indebted nations. In the past half-decade, wide-ranging and active support has developed for reducing the debt owed by poor countries to banks, governments, and multilateral institutions in the developed world. Most proposals for debt relief have also called for more resources to be invested in improving the welfare of the poorest people, often through direct investment in social programs of the savings generated by debt relief. The purpose of this paper is to describe and assess one feasible approach to debt relief in sub-Saharan Africa: the debt-for-health exchange. Following up on proposals recently put forward by several international organizations and governments, it presents and assesses the past decade of experience with transactions that involve the exchange of poor country debt for a commitment to invest local resources in a social good, such as environmental protection, child health, or education. From this experience, it draws a set of lessons for designing debt-for-health exchanges for sub-Saharan Africa. The lessons provide guidance on how exchanges should be structured and emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the debt savings funds.
Implementation methods for the European day-ahead electricity market integration

Summary form only given. The route towards an efficient cross-border congestion management in Europe leads to the creation of a truly competitive Internal Electricity Market (IEM), which requires the full integration of the participating national and regional markets. In view of the “Target Model” that will be enforced in all European markets, the three possible integration methods (namely, price coupling, volume coupling and market splitting) are initially discussed. A centralized market splitting algorithm is developed, respecting the standard market regulatory framework of European Power Exchanges, including (a) block offers/bids, linked block offers/bids, flexible hourly offers/bids and convertible block offers. The problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming model, and it is solved using commercial MILP solvers. The performance and computational requirements of an implementation in pan-European level is presented; the model is tested in terms of problem solvability to its limits, considering a day-ahead market clearing time threshold equal to one hour. The results demonstrate that a viable solution to the clearing of the IEM can be attained with the current state-of-the art of computers' processing power. Further discussion is made concerning the viability of the proposed approach and other harmonization issues that should be considered for successful market integration.