Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental Turbulence, Service Marketing Mix, Marketing Orientation and Microfinance Performance: A Conceptual Model

The study proposes a framework for the moderating effect of environmental turbulence on the relationship between service marketing mix, market orientation and microfinance performance in Nigeria. However, there is scarcity of research that have considered the relationship between market orientation, service marketing mix and microfinance performance. most studies conducted on the direct relationship revealed inconsistencies. Due to the inconsistencies in the literature on this relationship, a moderating variable of environmental turbulence was proposed. The study will add to the literature on microfinance performance in a developing country like Nigeria which is relatedly unexplored.
PMU based centralized adaptive load shedding scheme in power system

One of major contingencies of an electric power system is due to imbalance between loads and generated electric power. This leads to instability in the power system and hence to a blackout. Conventional Under frequency Load Shedding Schemes have been widely used, to restore power system stability. However, the analysis of recent blackouts suggests that voltage collapse and voltage related problems are also important concerns in maintaining system stability The aim of this work is to develop a new approach applied to a load shedding scheme based on both parameters frequency and voltage that can be provided by smart sensor named Phasor Measurement Unit. All generator buses frequencies and voltages are sent to center where a magnitude of disturbance will be calculated and hence the amount of load to be shed as well as its location will be determined.
Donors Thrombocytapheresis with Last Generation Cell Separators

An exciting, fast moving and promising field remains the use of plasma-free synthetic medium for platelet storage (10, 11), that along with the potential for getting more plasma for therapeutic needs, might also improve the quality of stored platelets. Addition of acetate to solution, may be the way to obtain these results. An astonishing fact is that citrate remains the only anticoagulant for platelet collection, and remains as well the only real cause of donor disconfort during thrombocytapheresis.
Evidence for Symbiont‐induced Alteration of a Host's Gene Expression: Irreversible Loss of SAM Synthetase from Amoeba proteus

ABSTRACT. Symbiont‐bearing xD amoebae no longer produce a 45‐kDa cytoplasmic protein that functions as S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase in symbiont‐free D amoebae. The absence of the protein in xD amoebae is attributable to xD amoeba's failure to transcribe the corresponding gene as a result of harboring bacterial symbionts. However, xD amoebae have about half the level of enzyme activity found in D amoebae, indicating that they use an alternative source for the enzyme. xD amoebae originated from D amoebae by bacterial infection and now depend on their symbionts for survival. xD amoebae exhibit irreversible nucleolar abnormalities when their symbionts are removed, suggesting that X‐bacteria supply the needed enzyme. A monoclonal antibody against the 45‐kDa protein was produced and used as a probe in cloning its corresponding cDNA. The product of the cDNA was found to have S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase activity. These results show how symbiotic X‐bacteria may become essential cellular components of amoebae by supplementing a genetic defect for an amoeba's house‐keeping gene that is brought about by an action of X‐bacteria themselves. This is the first reported example in which symbionts alter the host's gene expression to block the production of an essential protein.
Superoxide enhances tubuloglomerular feedback by constricting the afferent arteriole.

BACKGROUND Superoxide (O(2) (-)) has been shown to augment tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) both in vivo and in vitro by scavenging nitric oxide (NO) in the macula densa (MD). We hypothesized that in addition to this mechanism O(2) (-) potentiates TGF by acting directly on the afferent arteriole (Af-Art). METHODS Microdissected Af-Arts and adherent tubular segments containing the MD were simultaneously microperfused in vitro, maintaining Af-Art pressure at 60 mm Hg. TGF response was determined by measuring changes in Af-Art diameter while increasing NaCl in the MD perfusate from 11/10 to 81/80 mmol/L Na/Cl. RESULTS To determine whether O(2) (-) acts at the MD in the absence of MD NO, we inhibited MD nNOS with 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) and added Tempol to the lumen. When 7-NI was added to the MD lumen, it increased TGF from 2.3 +/- 0.2 to 4.2 +/- 0.2 microm (P < 0.01). When Tempol was added to the MD lumen in the presence of 7-NI, it had no effect on TGF. To investigate whether O(2) (-) has any effect via the Af-Art in the absence of MD NO, we inhibited MD nNOS with 7-NI and added Tempol to the bath to scavenge O(2) (-) in the Af-Art. Adding Tempol to the bath with 7-NI in the MD lumen reduced TGF from 3.9 +/- 0.3 to 2.8 +/- 0.5 microm (P < 0.05 vs. 7-NI). To see if this effect was due to O(2) (-) scavenging NO production by the endothelium, we repeated the experiment in Af-Arts with damaged endothelium and found that adding Tempol to the bath lowered TGF from 3.4 +/- 0.9 to 1.2 +/- 0.6 microm (P < 0.01). When catalase was added to the bath together with Tempol, TGF response was not modified. CONCLUSION We concluded that it is O(2) (-) rather than H(2)O(2) that enhances TGF response, both directly by constricting the Af-Art and indirectly by scavenging NO in the MD.
New light on Myc and Myb. Part II. Myb.

The group of proto-oncogen es found to encode nuclear proteins now includes myc, myb, fos, jun, ski, cbl, eibA, members of the ets family^ and possibly several others. Given that so many cytoplasmic and membrane-asso­ ciated oncoproteins are involved in signal transduction pathways, one rather appealing notion has been that some or all of the nuclear oncoproteins encoded by these genes might act to mediate specific transcriptional re­ sponses to signals originally generated in the plasma membrane or cytoplasm (for review, see Weinberg 1989). During the last several years, a number of these onco­ proteins, including ErbA, Fos, Jun and, most recently, Ets, have been demonstrated to be directly involved in transcriptional regulation. It is somewhat ironic that Myc and Myb, two of the first oncoproteins to be shown localized to the nucleus, have appeared to elude func­ tional characterization. However, recent evidence has demonstrated that Myb also functions in transcription and, while Myc has remained a citadel of incomprehen­ sibility, new studies have begun to bring this mysterious protein into sharper focus. At first glance, Myc and Myb would appear to have little in common, aside from the fact that both are predominantly localized in the nu­ cleus. They are quite different structurally and their pat­ terns of expression are also rather distinct, with Myc present in nearly all cell types while Myb is restricted to hematopoietic cells. However, the functions of both of these oncoproteins appear to be linked to proliferation , and these oncoproteins clearly play major roles in cell differentiation. Furthermore, recent work has cast some new light on both oncoproteins, and in what follows we attempt to meld older with more recent evidence re­ lating to possible functions. This review will appear in two segments. In part I we consider studies relating to the structure and potential function of Myc; part II, to appear in the next issue, will discuss recent findings on Myb.
Range-based localisation algorithms integrated with the probability of ranging error in wireless sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks WSNs, location information is regarded as essential information to achieve intelligent monitoring and control. Recently, a large number of range-based localisation algorithms were proposed. Nearly, all of the algorithms are based on least square method, in which the sum of all ranging error is treated as the performance index. The disadvantage is ignoring the probability characteristics of ranging error. This paper aims to integrate the ranging characteristic to improve the localisation accuracy. First, introducing a probability factor represents the credibility of distance measurement. Then, the probability factor is integrated into the optimised performance index, and the location of unknown sensor node are estimated and calculated. In addition, the method of determining the probability factor of the ranging information is also provided. Finally, we have performed many simulations to validate the performance of the localisation algorithms proposed. Experimental results show that the localisation accuracy is improved.
Transcriptional analysis of the Streptococcus mutans hrcA, grpE and dnaK genes and regulation of expression in response to heat shock and environmental acidification

The dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans persists and causes diseases in highly dynamic environments and gains a selective ecological advantage in environmental conditions that frequently exceed the limits for growth of the organism, particularly with regard to environmental pH. The goal of this study was to begin a molecular genetic analysis of a major stress protein, DnaK/Hsp70, to begin to understand how stress responses are regulated in this lactic acid bacterium and to establish a relationship between dnaK gene expression and exposure to acidic environments. Cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the dnaK gene is preceded by, and is in an operon‐like arrangement with, the hrcA and grpE genes, although intergenic spacing was unlike that described in other bacteria. An inverted repeat (a CIRCE element) was identified by sequence analysis and, using primer extensions, a heat shock‐responsive, σA‐type promoter, P1, 5′ to the hrcA gene, and a σB‐type promoter, 5′ to the grpE translational start site, were identified. No promoters were detected between grpE and dnaK. A strain carrying a strongly polar insertion in the hrcA gene had markedly diminished levels of dnaK mRNA, indicating that dnaK was transcribed as part of an operon from P1, and to a lesser extent from P2. Results from physiological manipulation of S. mutans in continuous chemostat culture demonstrated that steady‐state levels of S. mutans dnaK mRNA and DnaK protein were (i) increased in response to acid shock; (ii) elevated in acid ‘adapted’ cells; and (iii) induced in response to alkali shock of acid ‘adapted’ cells. In all cases, increased amounts of dnaK mRNA could be correlated with enhanced transcription from P1. This study provides the first detailed analysis of the expression of a heat shock gene from an oral isolate, and the evidence provided suggests that σB‐like promoters may also be involved in class I heat shock gene expression in some Gram‐positive organisms.
Growth prediction method for new biocompatible piezoelectric thin films

We have focused on MgSiO3 (Magnesium Silicate) which is a new biocompatible piezoelectric material having large spontaneous polarization. Then, crystal thin film growth prediction method was improved in order to predict growth orientation of the non-preferred orientation direction. Calculated total energy in each orientation of distorted crystal by the buffer layer was compared to the value in the stable structure. Total energy difference between the stable state and each crystal orientation pattern showed a trend similar to that of the X-ray peak intensity. Then, energy difference needed to be below 0.001 eV for crystal to be grown.
Generalized URV subspace tracking LMS algorithm

The convergence rate of the least mean squares (LMS) algorithm is poor whenever the adaptive filter input auto-correlation matrix is ill-conditioned. We propose a new LMS algorithm to alleviate this problem. It uses a data dependent signal transformation. The algorithm tracks the subspaces corresponding to clusters of eigenvalues of the auto-correlation matrix of the input to the adaptive filter, which have the same order of magnitude. The algorithm updates the projection of the tap weights of the adaptive filter onto each subspace using LMS algorithms with different step sizes. The technique also permits adaptation only in those subspaces, which contain strong signal components leading to a lower excess mean squared error (MSE) as compared to traditional algorithms. <<ETX>>
Task-based teaching of computer-aided translation in a progressive manner

The teaching of computer-aided translation is commonplace in academic institutions in recent years. More research has been done and more works have been published in this area. While much has been written on the theoretical and conceptual aspects of computer-aided translation and the contents of the course, little has been done on its practical aspect. This workshop will present the classroom practice modules of the Introduction of Computeraided Translation, an MA course at the Department of Translation of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The author will discuss how to teach the use of computer-aided translation systems in a progressive manner through demonstrations and classroom practice, and from basic functions to advanced operations. This workshop will also present some pedagogical reflections on the teaching of computeraided translation systems. It is hoped that it will lead to a rethinking of the way of computer-aided translation systems should be taught. What it intends to propose is to bring the learning of translation technology closer to the real world through systematic training, thus responding to the changing professional requirements that translators face in their workplace.
Determinants of hotel guests’ service experiences: an examination of differences between lifestyle and traditional hotels

ABSTRACT This study explores hotel guest service experiences by analyzing online reviews using big data analytics. We first summarize frequently mentioned words in online reviews, identify the commonalities on the basis of frequency of word use, and use these factors to compare the contributions to the overall guest experience for lifestyle and traditional hotels. Overall, guestrooms, interaction between employees and guests, and hotel services show different magnitudes of coefficients in lifestyle hotels compared with traditional hotels. Applying sentiment analysis, results indicated that attributes representing negative sentiment affected overall review ratings more than those representing positive sentiment. However, positive and negative employee interactions in the lifestyle hotel segment were more important in the overall reviews than in the traditional hotel segment. This study offers beneficial insights into the uniqueness of lifestyle hotels and future research directions.
Executive information systems: their impact on executive decision making

An executive information system (EIS) is a computer-based information system designed to provide senior managers with access to information relevant to their management activities. The use of these systems by executives may become a particularly important component of their decision making behavior. The effects of EIS use on aspects of the decision making process are examined by surveying 46 executive users of EIS. The frequency of EIS use and the length of time of EIS use are shown to increase problem identification speed, decision making speed, and the extent of analysis in decision making. <<ETX>>
Empirical evidence on contract farming in northern Nigeria: Case study of tomato production

This study contributes to the scarce empirical evidence on contract farming in Northern Nigeria using a case study of tomato production. Using data from five Local Government Areas of Kano State in Northern Nigeria, a total of 116 tomato contract farmers and 84 non contract farmers were selected. The econometric result indicated that there was a high level of participation in contract farming. Participation in contract farming generated desirable causal effects on transaction costs, productivity, tomato income, total household income and poverty status of the farmers and this implies that the contract farming arrangement is very appealing to the farmers currently engaged in contract farming. The major factors that swayed the farmers` decision to engage in contract farming were education, farm size and extension indicating that these variables are key policy variables that could be leveraged to influence participation in contract farming in the study area. The study may give detailed information on how contract and non-contract tomato production is currently functioning in northern Nigeria.
Clinical Applications of Cell-Free Fetal DNA From Maternal Plasma

OBJECTIVE: To describe our clinical experience with detection and analysis of cell-free fetal DNA derived from maternal plasma for prenatal sexing and fetal rhesus-D typing. METHODS: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) of rhesus-D sequences and the SRY gene were validated and offered to patients with an enhanced risk for sex-linked fetal pathology and patients with rhesus-D antibodies. RESULTS: In the validation group, 72 samples were analyzed. Sensitivity of the rhesus-D real-time quantitative PCR in maternal plasma was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]91.8%, 100%) and specificity was 96.6% (95% CI 82.2%, 99.9%). Sensitivity of the SRY real-time quantitative PCR was 97.2% (95% CI 85.5%, 99.9%), and specificity was 100% (95% CI 88.1%, 100%). The technique was used successfully in a clinical setting in 24 women. Overall, invasive tests were avoided in 41.7% of these patients. CONCLUSION: Detection of cell-free fetal DNA from maternal plasma is a reliable technique that can substantially reduce invasive prenatal tests. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2
MODELING AND ROBUST CONTROL FOR HARD DISK DRIVES

This paper demonstrates modeling and control designs that reflect the performance objectives for hard disk drive actuators in terms of of desired control bandwidth. Control-relevant modeling is accomplished by using information of appropriate weighting functions applied in the control design. The control design is based on standard H∞ optimization and requires an upper bound on the characterization of model uncertainty as well as specification of a performance weighting function that directly relates to the closed-loop transfer functions of interest.
Justify Your Answer: The Role of Written Think Aloud in Script Concordance Testing

ABSTRACT Construct: Clinical reasoning assessment is a growing area of interest in the medical education literature. Script concordance testing (SCT) evaluates clinical reasoning in conditions of uncertainty and has emerged as an innovative tool in the domain of clinical reasoning assessment. SCT quantifies the degree of concordance between a learner and an experienced clinician and attempts to capture the breadth of responses of expert clinicians, acknowledging the significant yet acceptable variation in practice under situations of uncertainty. Background: SCT has been shown to be a valid and reliable clinical reasoning assessment tool. However, as SCT provides only quantitative information, it may not provide a complete assessment of clinical reasoning. Approach: Think aloud (TA) is a qualitative research tool used in clinical reasoning assessment in which learners verbalize their thought process around an assigned task. This study explores the use of TA, in the form of written reflection, in SCT to assess resident clinical reasoning, hypothesizing that the information obtained from the written TA would enrich the quantitative data obtained through SCT. Ninety-one pediatric postgraduate trainees and 21 pediatricians from 4 Canadian training centers completed an online test consisting of 24 SCT cases immediately followed by retrospective written TA. Six of 24 cases were selected to gather TA data. These cases were chosen to allow all phases of clinical decision making (diagnosis, investigation, and treatment) to be represented in the TA data. Inductive thematic analysis was employed when systematically reviewing TA responses. Results: Three main benefits of adding written TA to SCT were identified: (a) uncovering instances of incorrect clinical reasoning despite a correct SCT response, (b) revealing sound clinical reasoning in the context of a suboptimal SCT response, and (c) detecting question misinterpretation. Conclusions: Written TA can optimize SCT by demonstrating when correct examinee responses are based on guessing or uncertainty rather than robust clinical rationale. TA can also enhance SCT by allowing examinees to provide justification for responses that otherwise would have been considered incorrect and by identifying questions that are frequently misinterpreted to avoid including them in future examinations. TA also has significant value in differentiating between acceptable variations in expert clinician responses and deviance associated with faulty rationale or question misinterpretation; this could improve SCT reliability. A written TA protocol appears to be a valuable tool to assess trainees' clinical reasoning and can strengthen the quantitative assessment provided by SCT.
Root-Zone Salinity Alters Raffinose Oligosaccharide Metabolism and Transport in Coleus

Exposure of variegated coleus (Coleus blumei Benth.) plants to a saline root-zone environment (60 mM NaCl:12 mM CaCl2) resulted in a significant decline in elongation growth rate over the 30-d experimental period. During the initial 5 to 10 d of exposure, mature source leaves showed strongly diminished rates of photosynthesis, which gradually recovered to close to the control rates by the end of the experiment. In green leaf tissues, starch levels showed the same transient decline and recovery pattern. Low starch levels were accompanied by the appearance of several novel carbohydrates, including high-molecular-weight raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 5 to 8, and an O-methylated inositol (OMI). New enzyme activities, including galactan:galactan galactosyltransferase, for the synthesis of high-DP RFOs and myo-inositol 6-O-methyltransferase for O-methylation of myo-inositol, were induced by salinity stress. Phloem-sap analysis showed that in the stressed condition substantially more sucrose than RFO was exported, as was the OMI. In white sink tissues these phloem sugars were used to synthesize high-DP RFOs but not OMIs. In sink tissues galactan:galactan galactosyltransferase but not myo-inositol 6-O-methyltransferase was induced by salinity stress. Models reflecting the changes in carbohydrate metabolism in source and sink tissues in response to salinity stress are presented.