Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation of IIIGlc of the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent glucose phosphotransferase system of Salmonella typhimurium

We report a procedure for the isolation of IIIglc of Salmonella typhimurium, a protein component of the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent sugar phosphotransferase system. IIIGlc is a soluble protein with a molecular weight of 21,000, as determined by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified protein is involved in the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation of methyl alpha-glucoside in vitro. Its affinity for octyl-Sepharose may be an indication of the partial hydrophobic nature of IIIGlc. A specific antiserum against purified IIIGlc was prepared. Growth on different carbon sources did not affect the synthesis of IIIGlc, as determined by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis. Mutations which lower the adenosine 3',5'-phosphate level, such as cya and pts, do not alter the IIIGlc level. The closely related enteric bacteria Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes contain a protein factor which is closely related to IIIGlc of S. typhimurium, whereas Staphylococcus aureus does not.
What Do Owner-Managers In Small Firms Really Do? Differences In Managerial Behavior In Small And Large Organizations

Abstract The research presented is a replication of Mintzberg’s on managerial work. The article focuses on owner-managers in small manufacturing firms in an initial attempt to reveal the nature of the work undertaken by this type of managers. The purpose is to describe what they do and to compare their behaviour with that of managers in large and intermediate organizations as described by Mintzberg and Kurke & Aldrich. Our study compliments an earlier small-scale study on managerial behavior in small firms and includes sufficient data to test Mintzberg’s propositions on managerial work. Empirically this paper draws on an observational study that deployed the method of structured observation. The daily activities of the small-firm owner-managers in our study are characterized by, among other things, informality and constant interruption as the process by which their work is organized. This differs partly from the results found in the studies of managers’ work in larger organizations, where formal and planned activities serve more often as the procedure through which the managers design their work. Of Mintzberg’s seven propositions, we found support for four, although with some hesitation. This calls into question the asserted generality of several such propositions. Our study indicates that there seem to be certain myths about what small-firm owner-managers really do, myths that need to be considered in future research.
Separation of cephalosporins using ionic and neutral polimeric resins

In this paper, cephamycin C purification using column adsorption processes was investigated. Two polymeric resins were used, Q-Sepharose XL, an ionic resin, and Amberlite XAD-4, a neutral one. The column process using QXL separated two fractions with antibacterial activity. Cephamycin C was present only in the first fraction, called F1, but was not pure. In the column process using the resin XAD-4, it was not observed any separation of different compounds when the feed was the ultrafiltered broth. Nevertheless, the system was able to separate two fractions when the feed was the fraction F1. When cephalosporin C was added to F1, the column with XAD-4 also separated cephamycin C from cephalosporin C.
Identification and Characterization of an N-Acylhomoserine Lactone-Dependent Quorum-Sensing System in Pseudomonas putida Strain IsoF

ABSTRACT Recent reports have shown that several strains of Pseudomonas putida produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). These signal molecules enable bacteria to coordinately express certain phenotypic traits in a density-dependent manner in a process referred to as quorum sensing. In this study we have cloned a genomic region of the plant growth-promoting P. putida strain IsoF that, when present in trans, provoked induction of a bioluminescent AHL reporter plasmid. Sequence analysis identified a gene cluster consisting of four genes: ppuI and ppuR, whose predicted amino acid sequences are highly similar to proteins of the LuxI-LuxR family, an open reading frame (ORF) located in the intergenic region between ppuI and ppuR with significant homology to rsaL from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a gene, designated ppuA, present upstream of ppuR, the deduced amino acid sequence of which shows similarity to long-chain fatty acid coenzyme A ligases from various organisms. Using a transcriptional ppuA::luxAB fusion we demonstrate that expression of ppuA is AHL dependent. Furthermore, transcription of the AHL synthase ppuI is shown to be subject to quorum-sensing regulation, creating a positive feedback loop. Sequencing of the DNA regions flanking the ppu gene cluster indicated that the four genes form an island in the suhB-PA3819 intergenic region of the currently sequenced P. putida strain KT2440. Moreover, we provide evidence that the ppu genes are not present in other AHL-producing P. putida strains, indicating that this gene cluster is so far unique for strain IsoF. While the wild-type strain formed very homogenous biofilms, both a ppuI and a ppuA mutant formed structured biofilms with characteristic microcolonies and water-filled channels. These results suggest that the quorum-sensing system influences biofilm structural development.
Systemic Liquidity Crisis in a Banking System with Dynamic Haircuts

In this paper, using network tools, I analyse systemic impacts of liquidity shocks in interbank market in case of endogenous haircuts. Gai, Haldane and Kapadia (2011) introduce a benchmark for liquidity crisis following haircut shocks, and Gorton and Metrick (2010) reveal the evidence from 2007-09 crisis for increasing haircuts with banking panic. In the benchmark model, I endogenize and update haircuts dynamically during the period of stress. The results significantly differ from static haircut case. I show that the gap in the impacts of haircut shocks between dynamic and static haircuts is persistent for different experiments. I analyse the effects of connectivity, balance sheet and network positions of banks, and liquidity level and distribution on crisis. As well as aggregate and idiosyncratic shocks, by considering possible correlations on the asset sides of banks, I also introduce a shock hitting several banks at the same time. This study may be useful for policy makers to predict the consequences of liquidity shocks more accurately. The findings are also related to microprudential regulation on liquidity surcharge for systemically important financial institutions (SIFI’s) and produce policy recommendations on minimum liquidity requirements.
Optimizing Common Spatial Pattern and feature extraction algorithm for Brain Computer Interface

Brain Computer Interface is the communication channel between the brain and the computer for recording of electrical activity along the scalp produced by the firing of neurons within the brain. The brain signals which are also known as Electroencephalography (EEG) can be used to direct and control some external activity. This work reports a methodology for acquisition and detection and of EEG signals, and extraction of useful information in order to differentiate the signals related to particular type of movement. A modified Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) algorithm has been used at preprocessing stage. Logarithmic transform along with the information theoretic feature extraction has also been used for feature extraction. KNN, SVM and Artificial Neural Networks are employed for classification. The proposed methodology is tested on publically available data sets and the results are found to be comparable with the published approaches.
Universal Influenza B Virus Genomic Amplification Facilitates Sequencing, Diagnostics, and Reverse Genetics

ABSTRACT Although human influenza B virus (IBV) is a significant human pathogen, its great genetic diversity has limited our ability to universally amplify the entire genome for subsequent sequencing or vaccine production. The generation of sequence data via next-generation approaches and the rapid cloning of viral genes are critical for basic research, diagnostics, antiviral drugs, and vaccines to combat IBV. To overcome the difficulty of amplifying the diverse and ever-changing IBV genome, we developed and optimized techniques that amplify the complete segmented negative-sense RNA genome from any IBV strain in a single tube/well (IBV genomic amplification [IBV-GA]). Amplicons for >1,000 diverse IBV genomes from different sample types (e.g., clinical specimens) were generated and sequenced using this robust technology. These approaches are sensitive, robust, and sequence independent (i.e., universally amplify past, present, and future IBVs), which facilitates next-generation sequencing and advanced genomic diagnostics. Importantly, special terminal sequences engineered into the optimized IBV-GA2 products also enable ligation-free cloning to rapidly generate reverse-genetics plasmids, which can be used for the rescue of recombinant viruses and/or the creation of vaccine seed stock.
An evaluation of demonstration and industrial attachment as strategies in implementing clothing curriculum: A case of a Masvingo Polytechnic in Zimbabwe

This study examined demonstration and industrial attachment as strategies in implementing national certificate in clothing design and construction curriculum. A qualitative approach utilizing a case study of Masvingo Polytechnic in Zimbabwe was used. The population comprised of national certificate second year students, production managers in industry and clothing lecturers. The participants were drawn using purposive and convenience sampling. The participants were 10 second year students, 5 production managers and 4 clothing lecturers. Data were collected through interviews, observation and document analysis. It was established by the study that lecturers mostly used the demonstration method and supervised practice. However the effectiveness of the methods was sometimes hampered by the quality and quantity of facilities and equipment. Industrial attachment was found to be a useful strategy in exposing students to the requirements of the job. The study recommends use of field trips as a teaching strategy to make learning realistic where equipment is lacking. Moreover, more than one phase of industrial attachment could be effective in consolidating knowledge and skills learnt. Key words: Evaluation, industrial attachment, demonstration, acquisition, skills, competences.
Correlates of Depression in First-Year College Students.

Abstract This study aimed to identify and rank the personal, family-related, social, and academic correlates of depressive symptoms in first-year college students. A questionnaire that included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was administered to 389 first-year college students (mean age = 18.9; SD = 3.38; 59.4% female). Eight variables contributed uniquely to the variance of depressive symptoms and were, in decreasing order of importance: (1) the absence of personal goals, (2) a high level of anxiety and (3) of dysfunctional thoughts regarding success, (4) a lack of emotional adjustment to college, (5) being female, (6) receiving little warmth and encouragement of autonomy from one’s mother and (7) from one’s father, and (8) being attracted to members of the opposite or both sexes. These results suggest that a multimodal intervention is required to support students’ mental health. Resume Cette etude visait a identifier et a hierarchiser les correlats personnels, familiaux, sociaux et academiques des symptomes de depression chez des eleves en premiere annee d’etudes collegiales. Ainsi, 389 etudiants inscrits en premiere annee d’etudes collegiales (âge moyen : 18,9 ans; ecart-type : 3,38 ans; 59,4 % de jeunes femmes) ont rempli un questionnaire comprenant l’Inventaire de depression de BeckII. Huit facteurs ont contribue de facon unique a la variance des symptomes de depression et sont, par ordre decroissant d’importance : (1) l’absence d’objectifs personnels, (2) un niveau d’anxiete eleve, (3) des pensees dysfonctionnelles a propos de la reussite, (4) un faible niveau d’adaptation emotionnelle au Cegep, (5) le fait d’etre une femme, (6) le fait de recevoir peu d’affection et d’encouragement vers l’autonomie de la part de sa mere et (7) de son pere, et (8) le fait etre attire par des personnes du sexe oppose ou des deux sexes. Ces resultats semblent indiquer qu’une intervention multimodale est requise pour soutenir la sante mentale des eleves.
Korea's Monetary Policy Responses to the Global Financial Crisis

The Korean monetary authorities have implemented several policies on inflation, foreign exchanges and capital flows during and after the global financial crisis. The inflation target has been missed during the global financial crisis, as the Bank of Korea (BOK) was more lenient to supply shocks’ inflation in order not to impose the additional contractionary pressures on the economy during the global financial crisis. The Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the BOK tried to sustain the exchange market to be available for the public and to prevent the currency crisis. The monetary authorities have succeeded in preventing the currency crisis, but it is hard to say that the exchange market has been stabilized during the global financial crisis. The monetary authorities have imposed three macroprudential measures in order to prepare for the sudden stops. Those measures were not effective on reduction the volatility in the financial markets however they seem to have effect on the capital flows and lengthening the banks foreign debts.
Speckle Interferometry at the US Naval Observatory. VI.

The results of 1068 speckle interferometric observations of double stars, made with the 26 inch (0.66 m) refractor of the US Naval Observatory, are presented. These observations are averaged into 841 means of 815 binary stars. The systems range in separation from 0. ″22 to 6. ″01 with a mean separation of 2. ″21 and have a limiting secondary magnitude of V = 12.5. This is the sixth in a series of papers presenting measures obtained with this system, and it covers the period 1999 January 1 through 2000 January 9.
Does Ifrs Improve the Usefulness of Accounting Information in a Code-Law Country?

This study investigates whether IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) improves the usefulness of accounting information in a chosen code-law country (i.e. Finland) that has a strong system of legal enforcement and high quality domestic accounting standards. Empirical analyses based on three surveys, run by financial analysts, managers and auditors, support the hypothesis that new information provided by IFRS is relevant. Even though the results show that managers and auditors deem information prepared under many IFRS/IAS-standards reliable, the results show that they are, overall, neutral towards the reliability of information prepared by using judgment under IFRS.
Globalization and reluctant buyers

This study attempted to empirically test a debatable hypothesis that globalization entails homogenization in consumers’ mind and behavior. Using samples from two countries (USA, n = 120 and Korea, n= 128), this study explored a path model centered on consumers’ reluctance to purchase foreign goods. The findings indicated that, in the US sample only, consumer ethnocentrism plays a mediating role between global openness and the reluctance to buy, although it is on the decrease with the increasing level of global openness. Consumer ethnocentrism is still an important factor in determining the magnitude of reluctance to buy a foreign product in both samples, while product judgment also plays an important role, but only in a certain cultural context (i.e. the USA). It is concluded, therefore, that consumers in a different culture, who are different in their attitudes and perceptions, tastes and preferences, and values, are still different even after being exposed to the massive wave of globalization.
Exploring dualities of service innovation: implications for service research

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore three paradoxes of service innovation and provide a way forward for fresh thinking on the topic. Design/methodology/approach - Through a conceptual model of service innovation research, the authors challenge the "pro-change" bias and explore what can be learnt from the duality of service innovation. Findings - This paper suggests that research moves beyond a firm perspective to study service innovation on multiple levels of abstraction. A conceptual model based on two dimensions, level (individual, organization and society) and outcome (success, failure), is used to pinpoint and explore three dualities of service innovation: adopt-reject, change-static and good-bad. Originality/value - By challenging the traditional perspective on service innovation, the authors present new avenues for fresh thinking in research on service innovation. In this paper, the authors encourage researchers and managers to learn from failures and to acknowledge the negative effects of service innovation.
The influence of acute rejection on long-term renal allograft survival: a comparison of living and cadaveric donor transplantation.

BACKGROUND We investigated whether recipients of living donor grafts who suffer an acute rejection progress to graft loss because of chronic rejection at a slower rate than recipients of cadaveric grafts. METHODS A retrospective review was made of 296 renal transplantations performed at Mount Sinai Hospital. Only grafts functioning for at least 3 months were included in this analysis. Demographic variables of donor and recipient age, race, sex, and serum creatinine at 3 months after transplantation were compared between groups. RESULTS Among the acute rejection-free cohort, the estimated 5-year graft survival was 90% for those receiving transplants from living relatives and 88% for those receiving cadaveric transplants (P=0.76). However, in grafts with early acute rejection, the 5-year survival was 40% for cadaveric recipients compared with 73% for living related graft recipients (P<0.014). Using the proportional hazards model, cadaveric donor source, older donor age, African American recipient race, and elevated 3-month serum creatinine were independent predictors of long-term graft loss caused by chronic rejection. The severity of acute rejection and recipient age had no impact on the risk of graft loss because of chronic rejection. CONCLUSION These data indicate that the benefit of living related transplantation results from the fact that a living related graft progresses from acute to chronic rejection at a slower rate than a cadaveric graft. Furthermore, a cadaveric graft that is free of acute rejection 3 months after transplantation has an equal likelihood of functioning at 5 years as that of a graft from a living related donor.
Integrating Relational Databases with Semantic Web Ontologies : Reasoning and Query Answering using Views

Recently, there has been a growing need for integrating legacy relational databases with semantic web ontologies, however, experience in building such applications has revealed a gap between semantic web languages and relational data model. We present a formal mapping system to bridge the gap and study the problem of reasoning and query answering using view underlying the mapping system. Particularly, we consider a special mapping called “constraint mapping” between database integrity constraints and OWL axioms. We then propose an approach to incorporating these OWL axioms and description logic reasoning into query rewriting using views to enable the algorithm to answer more types of queries. The approach has been used to develop a pilot data integration application for neuroscience community.
A 3-D space vector modulation generalized algorithm for multilevel converters

A three-dimensional (3-D) space vector algorithm of multilevel converters for compensating harmonics and zero sequence in three-phase four-wire systems with neutral is presented. The low computational cost of the proposed method is always the same and it is independent of the number of levels of the converter. The conventional two-dimensional (2-D) space vector algorithms are particular cases of the proposed generalized modulation algorithm. In general, the presented algorithm is useful in systems with or without neutral, unbalanced load, triple harmonics and for generating 3-D control vectors.
Effect of online social networking on employee productivity

The popularity of social networking sites is relatively recent and the effect of online social networking (OSN) on employee productivity has not received much scholarly attention. The reason most likely lies in the social nature of social networking sites and OSN, which is assumed to have a negative effect on employee productivity and not bear organisational benefit. This reseach investigated recent Internet developments as seen in the social Web and specifically investigated the effect of OSN on employee productivity and what some of the consequences would be if employees were allowed unrestricted access to these networks. The findings concerning the nature of employees' OSN activities, employees' attitude or perceptions with regard to OSN in the workplace and how OSN can contribute or affect the productivity of employees are discussed in this article. Some of the basic misconceptions regarding OSN are highlighted and it is concluded that this technology can be used to increase collaboration between individuals who share a common interest or goal. Increased collaboration will stimulate knowledge sharing between individuals, with the possible effect of increased productivity. However, the risks associated with OSN should be noted, such as loss of privacy, bandwidth and storage consumption, exposure to malware and lower employee productivity.
A strong comparison result for viscosity solutions to Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations with Dirichlet condition on a non-smooth boundary and application to parabolic problems

In the framework of viscosity solutions, we give an extension of the strong comparison result for HamiltonJacobi-Bellman (HJB) equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions to the case of some non-smooth domains. In particular, it may be applied to parabolic problems on cylindrical domains. Résumé Principe de comparaison fort pour les solutions de viscosité de l’équation d’Hamilton-JacobiBellman avec condition de Dirichlet sur une frontière irrégulière et application aux problèmes paraboliques. Dans le cadre de la théorie des solutions de viscosité, on donne une extension du principe de comparaison fort pour l’équation d’Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) avec condition au bord de type Dirichlet au cas de certains domaines irréguliers. En particulier, ce résultat est applicable aux problèmes paraboliques posés dans des domaines cylindriques. Mathematics subject classifications (MSC 2000) : 49L25, 49N90, 35G25, 35G30, 35K35, 35K55, 35K60, 35K65.
The Impact of Interorganizational Alliances in Improving Supplier Quality

Examines the interorganizational alliance of a buyer and supplier with the expressed objective of improving the quality of existing purchased parts. Supplier quality can be improved through the implementation of various programmes such as statistical process control (SPC). Supplier quality improvement is viewed as two‐dimensional; there may be improvement owing to the modification of product designs or to implementation of process analysis techniques such as SPC. Examines the relative importance of each dimension of supplier quality improvement. The potential for improvement caused by each type of activity has significant organizational and resource allocation implications for both buyer and supplier.