Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ERP adoption: a technological evolution approach

In a competitive environment, firms continually need to establish new business objectives to fulfill their corporate visions. A whole organization should be structured to achieve these objectives. In order to support the objectives, information technology (IT) needs to be aligned to the organization’s mission. IT professionals have provided systems for the organization and, in most cases, these systems consist of individual function, which should be used in an integrated manner. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software has emerged to offer an integrated IT solution. It is suggested that ERP could facilitate achieving compatibility between task characteristics and technology characteristics, a long overdue IT solution. ERP has become one of the major IT investments for many organizations. Unfortunately, little research has been done to provide managers guidance on ERP potential for their organizations. Some useful information about ERP can be found by examining the technological evolution of ERP from MRP.
Aptamer-based Resonance Light Scattering for Sensitive Detection of Acetamiprid

In this work, an aptasensor-based resonance light-scattering (RLS) method was developed for the sensitive and selective detection of acetamiprid. The ABA (acetamiprid binding aptamer)-stabilized gold nanoparticles (ABA-AuNPs) were used as a probe. Highly specific single-strand DNA (ssDNA, i.e , aptamers) that bind to acetamiprid with high affinity were employed to discriminate other pesticides, such as edifenphos, kanamycin, metribuzin et. al. The sensing approach is based on a specific interaction between acetamiprid and ABA. Aggregation of AuNPs was specifically induced by the desorption of the ABA from the surface of AuNPs, which caused the RLS signal intensity to be enhanced at 700 nm. The alteration of AuNPs’ aggregation has been successfully optimized by controlling several conditions. Under the optimal conditions, the RLS intensity changes ( I/I0 ) of AuNPs were linearly correlated with the acetamiprid concentration in the range of 0–100 nM. The detection limit is 1.2 nM (3σ). This method had also been used for acetamiprid detection in lake water samples.
A stochastic convergence analysis of random number generators as applied to error propagation using Monte Carlo method and unscented transformation technique

This paper compares the stochastic convergence of the Uniform Random number generators of two simulation software namely Matlab and Python and establishes the significance in choosing the right random number generator for error propagation studies. It further discusses about the application of Gaussian type of these random number generators to nonlinear cases of Error propagation using the Monte Carlo method and unscented transformation technique by means of a nonlinear transformation of one dimensional random variable of nuclear data.
An empirical investigation of organizational learning through strategic alliances between SMEs

Approaches such as the theory of resources and capabilities, the theory of dynamic capabilities, and the theory of knowledge, present knowledge as a fundamental resource to reach sustainable competitive advantages. Therefore, it is clear the importance that has been granted to manage the knowledge as generating motor of intellectual capital in organizations. In this process, cooperation between companies constitutes one of the main forms to acquire knowledge that the company needs and does not possess. Using data of 139 companies of the Spanish optical sector and through two structural equation models, this work analyses the opportunities that strategic alliances offer as source of knowledge. The results indicate that ‘organizational learning’ is unlikely on an organization basis without being fostered by exploration and exploitation of knowledge among partners.
Recruitment of the Nucleotide Excision Repair Endonuclease XPG to Sites of UV-Induced DNA Damage Depends on Functional TFIIH

ABSTRACT The structure-specific endonuclease XPG is an indispensable core protein of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) machinery. XPG cleaves the DNA strand at the 3′ side of the DNA damage. XPG binding stabilizes the NER preincision complex and is essential for the 5′ incision by the ERCC1/XPF endonuclease. We have studied the dynamic role of XPG in its different cellular functions in living cells. We have created mammalian cell lines that lack functional endogenous XPG and stably express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-tagged XPG. Life cell imaging shows that in undamaged cells XPG-eGFP is uniformly distributed throughout the cell nucleus, diffuses freely, and is not stably associated with other nuclear proteins. XPG is recruited to UV-damaged DNA with a half-life of 200 s and is bound for 4 min in NER complexes. Recruitment requires functional TFIIH, although some TFIIH mutants allow slow XPG recruitment. Remarkably, binding of XPG to damaged DNA does not require the DDB2 protein, which is thought to enhance damage recognition by NER factor XPC. Together, our data present a comprehensive view of the in vivo behavior of a protein that is involved in a complex chromatin-associated process.
The Integration of Cost and Profit Efficiencies in the European Union Banking Markets

This paper aims to investigate whether financial integration has taken place in the EU banking markets after stages of financial deregulation and transition period. We first measure bank cost and profit efficiencies using the stochastic frontier approach (SFA) for commercial banks operating in the 27 EU countries, and then we investigate the integration of EU banking efficiency over the period 2004-2010. By employing β- convergence and σ- convergence we assess the speed at which banking markets are integrated with regard to banking cost and profit efficiencies. The results seem to provide a solid evidence of convergence of cost and profit efficiency levels towards the averages in the entire EU, the old EU countries and the new EU countries groups. Nonetheless, the results also show that banks within the old EU countries are more integrated over the study period than their counterparts in the new EU countries particularly in the case of cost efficiency.
Differences in serotonergic neurotransmission between rats displaying high or low anxiety/depression‐like behaviour: effects of chronic paroxetine treatment

Disturbances in serotonergic neurotransmission have been suggested to be closely interlinked with hyperactivity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) system, and are likely to be involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders and major depression. We therefore investigated markers of serotonergic transmission and their modulation by chronic paroxetine in rats selectively bred for high (HAB) or low (LAB) anxiety‐related behaviour, both under basal conditions and in response to emotional stress. Hippocampal serotonin 1 A (5‐HT1A) receptor mRNA expression was reduced in HAB rats, whereas 5‐HT concentrations in hippocampal microdialysates did not differ between HAB and LAB rats under basal conditions. In the hippocampus, overall expression of serotonin transporter binding sites was increased in HAB compared with LAB rats. Exposure to emotional stress failed to increase intrahippocampal 5‐HT release in HAB rats whereas LAB rats displayed a physiological, albeit small rise. Chronic paroxetine treatment markedly increased the stress‐induced rise in hippocampal 5‐HT in HAB, but not LAB rats. This effect may be (at least in part) related to a greater down‐regulation of hippocampal serotonin transporter binding sites by paroxetine in HABs compared with LABs, while 5‐HT1A receptor expression remained unaffected in this brain area. The findings indicate reduced hippocampal serotonergic transmission in HAB rats as compared with LAB rats, which is evident both at the presynaptic (5‐HT release) and the postsynaptic (5‐HT1A receptor) level. Chronic paroxetine enhanced the presynaptic responsivity in HAB rats, but not LAB rats, pointing to a preferential efficacy of paroxetine in rats with enhanced anxiety/depression‐related behaviour.
Skill learning based catching motion control

Learned biomechanical strategies prepare the human body in kinematics and kinetics terms during interception tasks, such as throwing and catching, in real world. Based on this, we present a real‐time physics‐based approach that generates natural and physically plausible motions for a highly complex task ball catching. We showed that ball catching behavior could be achieved with the proper combination of rather simple motor skills, such as standing, walking, and reaching. The character learns some policies to know how and when to react by using reinforcement learning in order to use time accurately. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method with some of the catching animation results in different catching strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capital Flows, Macroeconomic Management, and the Financial System: Turkey, 1989-97

Recent developments in a number of emerging economies have heightened interest in the relationship between macroeconomic management and financial regulation, in an environment of open capital accounts and large-scale movements of private capital. The authors analyze the Turkish experience with capital flows in a macro-economy characterized by chronically high inflation and fiscal deficits. They study the relationship between capital flows, macroeconomic management, and vulnerability in the financial system. Their analysis highlights the importance of fiscal policy in an era of large capital flows. Fiscal imbalances contributed both to real exchange rate appreciation and high real interest rates in Turkey. The high interest rates the government must pay on domestic debt have become one of the key issues of Turkey's macroeconomic management. Only by reducing its interest expenses can fiscal deficits be reduced and greater stability be achieved. The Turkish banking system, in becoming increasingly integrated with international financial markets, has become vulnerable to shifts in market confidence. Banks borrowed abroad in response to macroeconomic imbalances to benefit from high interest rates on domestic loans and government paper. In the process, the banks have exposed themselves to interest rate risk, to foreign-exchange risk, and to large credit risks. To reduce the Turkish economy's vulnerability to external shocks, financial regulation must be strengthened simultaneously with the achievement of macroeconomic stability.
Diagnostic Management of Benign and Malignant Pheochromocytoma

As rare and thus often overlooked hormone-secreting tumors, pheochromocytomas pose a particular diagnostic challenge. Difficulties involve biochemical confirmation, localizing, and detection of malignancy. Measurement of free plasma metanephrines, genetic testing and specific imaging procedures--such as MIBG and octreotide scintigraphy or fluorodopamine PET--represent a considerable progress, and the management of benign pheochromocytomas has become very effective. However, a comparable improvement in the prognosis of malignant chromaffin cell tumors, which occur in approximately 10-15% of all cases, has not yet been achieved. Here, telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) activity and heat shock protein 90 expression could serve both as molecular markers allowing an earlier diagnosis of malignancy and as therapeutic targets. Familial syndromes should be considered both in benign and malignant pheochromocytoma, and should be tested for prior to surgery in selected patient groups.
Bushman, Hottentot and South African Negro crania studies by distance and discrimination.

Anthropometric, serological and previous skeletal studies bearing on the question of Bushman-Hottentot similarities and the relationships of these populations to South African Negroes are summarized briefly. Measurements of well documented crania representative of these three groups are then examined using the multivariate statistical techniques of generalized distance and discriminant function analysis, and the following points emerge: (1) The Bushman-Hottentot generalized distance as computed on Mahalanobis' D2 for six characters, and again on D2 and Penrose's C2H using 12 measurements, appears small (and non-significant) relative to the Bushman-Negro and Hottentot-Negro separations, which achieve statistical significance at the 5% level; in general the analysis suggests Bushmen and Hottentots to be fully as similar in cranial form as in blood group and serum protein distributions. That these peoples should be “lumped” in a Negro category appears doubtful on the evidence available. (2) Simple two-group discriminant functions, computed on subsets of variables selected from the 35 original measurements, correctly assign “race” in 89% of cases when Bushman and Hottentot males are compared, and in 98–100% of cases when Bushman skulls are paired with those of Zulus. The latter discriminants also perform well when confronted with “new” (Sotho) skulls of both sexes. By showing which measurements or aspects of morphology are important to group separation, discriminant analysis provides an interpretation of differences between these series, and the functions themselves should prove efficient aids for classifying material of unknown of questionable origin, assuming that such skulls in fact belong in one of the parent groups included in the analysis. (3) A multiple discriminant approach, whereby seven groups of Bushman, Hottentot and Negro crania are located in a multidimensional space or statistical framework defined by six 29-variable functions as axes, permits simultaneous discrimination by both sex and race and allows correct assignments to be made for nearly 80% of all (179) individuals tested. Examination of the scaled vector versions of the functions suggests that measurements of over-all vault size are generally important in distinguishing between the sexes, while various aspects of skull form are the more efficient race discriminators. It seems likely that other shape-directed measurements, more sensitive to racial variation in cranial morphology than many currently employed, could and should be devised in order to exploit fully the capabilities of discriminants as tools not only for assigning individual specimens to a population but also for classifying the populations themselves in objective terms.
Enhancing access control with SysGuard, a reference monitor supporting portable and composable kernel module

To install security modules or reference monitors into operating system kernels is a common and effective way for enhancing access control for networks. However, security modules in conventional kernel-level reference monitors are usually not portable to other kernels and require detailed knowledge about kernel internals. Furthermore, different security modules are often not composable and conflict with each other. This paper describes a reference monitor called SysGuard that addresses these problems. SysGuard uses modules called guards that are invoked before or after the execution of system calls. Unlike kernel-specific security modules, guards are attached to standard system calls that enhance their portability. The guard scoping on a per-process basis improves composability of individual guards, and it is implemented efficiently by using a per-process jump table of system calls. This paper describes the implementation of restricted execution environments for networks by composing simple and portable guards, and shows the advantages of the SysGuard security framework.
Does polyploidy facilitate long-distance dispersal?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The ability of plant lineages to reach all continents contributes substantially to their evolutionary success. This is exemplified by the Poaceae, one of the most successful angiosperm families, in which most higher taxa (tribes, subfamilies) have global distributions. Due to the old age of the ocean basins relative to the major angiosperm radiations, this is only possible by means of long-distance dispersal (LDD), yet the attributes of lineages with successful LDD remain obscure. Polyploid species are over-represented in invasive floras and in the previously glaciated Arctic regions, and often have wider ecological tolerances than diploids; thus polyploidy is a candidate attribute of successful LDD. METHODS The link between polyploidy and LDD was explored in the globally distributed grass subfamily Danthonioideae. An almost completely sampled and well-resolved species-level phylogeny of the danthonioids was used, and the available cytological information was assembled. The cytological evolution in the clade was inferred using maximum likelihood (ML) as implemented in ChromEvol. The biogeographical evolution in the clade was reconstructed using ML and Bayesian approaches. KEY RESULTS Numerous increases in ploidy level are demonstrated. A Late Miocene-Pliocene cycle of polyploidy is associated with LDD, and in two cases (the Australian Rytidosperma and the American Danthonia) led to secondary polyploidy. While it is demonstrated that successful LDD is more likely in polyploid than in diploid lineages, a link between polyploidization events and LDD is not demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that polyploids are more successful at LDD than diploids, and that the frequent polyploidy in the grasses might have facilitated the extensive dispersal among continents in the family, thus contributing to their evolutionary success.
IL-6 Receptor Independent Stimulation of Human gp130 by Viral IL-61

The genome of human herpes virus 8, which is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma, encodes proteins with similarities to cytokines and chemokines including a homologue of IL-6. Although the function of these viral proteins is unclear, they might have the potential to modulate the immune system. For viral IL-6 (vIL-6), it has been demonstrated that it stimulates IL-6-dependent cells, indicating that the IL-6R system is used. IL-6 binds to IL-6R, and the IL-6/IL-6R complex associates with gp130 which dimerizes and initiates intracellular signaling. Cells that only express gp130 but no IL-6R cannot be stimulated by IL-6 unless a soluble form of the IL-6R is present. This type of signaling has been shown for hematopoietic progenitor cells, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. In this paper we show that purified recombinant vIL-6 binds to gp130 and stimulates primary human smooth muscle cells. IL-6R fails to bind vIL-6 and is not involved in its signaling. A Fc fusion protein of gp130 turned out to be a potent inhibitor of vIL-6. Our data demonstrate that vIL-6 is the first cytokine which directly binds and activates gp130. This property points to a possible role of this viral cytokine in the pathophysiology of human herpes virus 8.
Linking a service‐driven market orientation to service quality

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to empirically develop a service‐driven market orientation construct and test its relationships with service quality.Design/methodology/approach – The researcher employs Critical Incident Technique to generate items for the survey instrument. Then, the quantitative‐based descriptive research uses structured questionnaires to capture the perceptions of 558 university students from Malaysia which are used to understand the nature of the customer‐perceived market orientation and its relationship with service quality.Findings – The results show that the service‐driven market orientation (SERVMO) that consists of six components (customer orientation, competitor orientation, interfunctional orientation, performance orientation, long‐term orientation, and employee orientation) has a significantly strong and positive relationship with service quality.Research limitations/implications – The SERVMO scale is developed using data from the higher education sector and is yet to.
Interface-controlled self-align source/drain Ge pMOSFETs using thermally-oxidized GeO2 interfacial layers

We have found that GeO<sub>2</sub>/Ge MOS structures fabricated by direct thermal oxidation yield significantly low interface trap density (D<sub>it</sub>). Thus, Ge pMOSFETs using the GeO<sub>2</sub>/Ge MOS structures with the superior interface properties have been fabricated for achieving high hole mobility and investigated for examining the impact of the interface properties on the device performance. Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> or SiO films were employed for protecting the GeO<sub>2</sub>/Ge MOS structures during the FET fabrication processes. The relationship between mobility and the fabrication conditions, such as the oxidation temperature, the annealing gas species, the substrate impurity concentration, the thickness of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> cap, and the surface orientation have been clarified.
Transglutaminase Interactionwith a 6 / b 4-Integrin Stimulates YAP 1-Dependent D Np 63 a Stabilization and Leads to Enhanced Cancer Stem Cell Survival and Tumor Formation

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expression is required for epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cell survival. However, the molecular signaling mechanisms triggered by TG2 that mediate this survival action are not well understood. Here we show that TG2 is constitutively expressed in ECS cells, where it interacts with a6/b4 integrin to stimulate FAK and Src signaling, leading to PI3K activation of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1). PDK1 inhibits Hippo signaling, leading to enhanced nuclear accumulation of YAP1, which interacted with and stabilized DNp63a to enhance epidermal squamous cell carcinoma spheroid formation, invasion, andmigration. Overall, these findings suggest that constitutive TG2expression results in stabilizationofDNp63a, leading tomaintenanceof cancer stemcell properties andenhanced tumor formation. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7265–76. 2016 AACR.
IT Y Benefits for Voice Learning Caused by Concurrent Faces Develop over

Recognition of personally familiar voices benefits from the concurrent presentation of the corresponding speakers’ faces. This effect of audiovisual integration is most pronounced for voices combined with dynamic articulating faces. However, it is unclear if learning unfamiliar voices also benefits from audiovisual face-voice integration or, alternatively, is hampered by attentional capture of faces, i.e., “face-overshadowing”. In six study-test cycles we compared the recognition of newly-learned voices following unimodal voice learning vs. bimodal face-voice learning with either static (Exp. 1) or dynamic articulating faces (Exp. 2). Voice recognition accuracies significantly increased for bimodal learning across study-test cycles while remaining stable for unimodal learning, as reflected in numerical costs of bimodal relative to unimodal voice learning in the first two study-test cycles and benefits in the last two cycles. This was independent of whether faces were static images (Exp. 1) or dynamic videos (Exp. 2). In both experiments, slower reaction times to voices previously studied with faces compared to voices only may result from visual search for faces during memory retrieval. A general decrease of reaction times across study-test cycles suggests facilitated recognition with more speaker repetitions. Overall, our data suggest two simultaneous and opposing mechanisms during bimodal face-voice learning: while attentional capture of faces may initially impede voice learning, audiovisual integration may facilitate it
Assessing recruitment limitation: concepts, methods and case-studies from a tropical forest.

Helene C. Muller-Landau,1, 2 S. Joseph Wright,2 Osvaldo Calderón,2 Stephen P. Hubbell2, 3 and Robin B. Foster2, 4 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544-1003, USA; 2Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 2072, Balboa, Ancón, Republic of Panama; 3Botany Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7271, USA; 4The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605-2496, USA