Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of arachidonic acid supplementation in maturation diet on female reproductive performance and larval quality of giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

The giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is one of the most farmed freshwater crustaceans in the world. Its global production has been stalling in the past decade due to the inconsistent quality of broodstock and hatchery-produced seeds. A better understanding of the role of nutrition in maturation diets will help overcome some of the production challenges. Arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6, ARA) is a fatty acid precursor of signaling molecules important for crustacean reproduction, prostaglandins E and F of the series II (PGE2 and PGF2α), and is often lacking in maturation diets of shrimp and prawns. We examined the effects of ARA in a combination of different fish oil (FO) and soybean oil (SO) blends on females’ reproductive performance and larval quality. Adult females (15.22 ± 0.13 g and 11.12 ± 0.09 cm) were fed six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing one of two different base compositions (A or B), supplemented with one of three levels of Mortierella alpine-derived ARA (containing 40% active ARA): 0, 1 or 2% by ingredient weight. The two base diets differed in the percentages of (FO and SO with diet A containing 2% SO and 2% FO and diet B containing 2.5% SO and 1.5% FO, resulting in differences in proportional contents of dietary linoleic acid (18:2n-6, LOA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA)). After the eight-week experiment, prawns fed diet B with 1 and 2% ARA supplement (B1 and B2) exhibited the highest gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), egg clutch weight, fecundity, hatching rate, number of larvae, and reproductive effort compared to those fed other diets (p ≤ 0.05). Larvae from these two dietary treatments also had higher tolerance to low salinity (2 ppt). The maturation period was not significantly different among most treatments (p ≥ 0.05). ARA supplementation, regardless of the base diet, significantly improved GSI, HSI, egg clutch weight and fecundity. However, the diets with an enhanced ARA and LOA (B1 and B2) resulted in the best reproductive performance, egg hatchability and larval tolerance to low salinity. These dietary treatments also allow for effective accumulation of ARA and an n-3 lcPUFA, DHA in eggs and larvae.
Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Commercialization of Local Research in COMESA By

This study investigates the contribution of new knowledge and innovation as measured by the number of patents & scientific journals as well as the impact of total labour force on the manufacturing sector Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It employs the Fixed Effects method on a sample panel of 19 Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Member States for the period 2008 to 2016. FE estimation technique is preferred so as to addresses heterogeneity bias problem resulting from any correlation that may exist between the regressors and the country-specific effects. The results show that number of science journals and mobile cellular subscriptions are important factors in generating growth in manufacturing sector output in COMESA Member States. The young population is expected to gain by undertaking research and
Integration between real estate market and stock market: Evidence from Taiwan

This paper investigates long-run equilibrium relationship between real estate market and stock market in Taiwan using real estate investment trust (REIT) index. Linear cointegration model and recently developed time-varying vector error correction model are applied to explore possible long-run linear and non-linear linkage between the two indexes. The results of both the cointegration tests point to the existence of neither linear nor non-linear cointegration, suggesting that REIT markets are segmented from stock markets. These findings have important implication for investors and policy makers.
Malignancy‐associated hypercalcaemia: resolution of controversies over vitamin D metabolism by a pathophysiological approach to the syndrome

OBJECTIVE Parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) is recognized as a major pathogenetic factor of humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy but Its action on vitamin D metabolism is controversial. Our aim was to study the relation between serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D and humoral activity in malignancy‐associated hypercalcaemia.
Why Do You Trust Me? A Structural Equation Model of Trustworthiness in Financial Advisory

The paper provides a comprehensive model of trust formation in financial advisory using a dataset of 1,184 Italian advisors that differ across some specific characteristics (bank advisors or tied agents, market maturity of the bank/institution they work for, classified as new player or incumbent). The goal is twofold: on one side, we aim at demonstrating the validity of a trust-formation model that explicitly accounts for both a professional and a relational component; on the other, we wish to investigate whether different types of financial advisory induce different trust formation processes. The latter goal is of particular relevance with respect to the introduction of the MiFiD II Directive, as different trust formation processes may rely on features that are differentially affected by the regulatory changes. Through the estimation of a structural equation model, we are able to prove both its validity and the differential impact of the two dimensions in the trust-formation process. In particular, we find that the novelties introduced by the legislator, favouring the anticipated reciprocation dimension, could help increasing competition in the advisory industry. In fact, this dimension is the one that plays a fundamental role for the advisors of new entrant institutions and that could help support their accreditation in the market.
An encoding scheme for indexing XML data

E-services are becoming a promising technology for the effective automation of application integration across the Web. They build upon XML, as data format for exchanging messages between applications. Accompanied with WSDL, UDDI, and SOAP, XML has clearly influenced positively the development of applications running on the Web. As the basic technology, indexing scheme for XML data have been studied in recent years to optimize path query processing by summarizing path information. However, most of these schemes based on tree traversals may not meet the processing requirements under heavy access requests. In this paper, we proposed a new scheme for indexing XML data using encoding elements, termed ES-index, and its algorithms. This encoding scheme quickly determines the siblings-siblings and ancestor-descendant relationship in hierarchy of XML data. Our experiment results over a wide range of XML documents demonstrate that ES-index structure is efficient for data access.
The calcineurin‐NFAT axis contributes to host defense during Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection

Infection with the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is effectively controlled through tightly coordinated inflammation in healthy individuals. Dysregulated inflammation in cystic fibrosis greatly increases susceptibility to P. aeruginosa and lung damage. Recently, we identified regulator of calcineurin‐1, a small, conserved protein that suppresses the NFAT pathway by inhibition of calcineurin and functions as a central negative regulator of multiple inflammatory transcription factors after P. aeruginosa lung infection, implying a role for the canonical NFAT pathway in P. aeruginosa infection. Calcineurin is a calcium‐calmodulin–responsive phosphatase that dephosphorylates NFAT and promotes NFAT nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. The contribution of the NFAT pathway to host defense against P. aeruginosa remains poorly characterized. In this study, we found that NFAT was rapidly and transiently activated after P. aeruginosa infection both in vitro and in vivo. Deficiency of calcineurin Aβ caused impaired activation of NFAT and decreased inflammatory cytokine production in vivo. Finally, we demonstrated that the cross‐talk between the NFAT and NFкB pathways coordinately transactivate host response genes during P. aeruginosa infection. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time that NFAT is activated through calcineurin and interacts with NFкB after P. aeruginosa lung infection, and contributes to the host inflammatory response.
On Value-Based Identification in Object-Oriented Data Modelss (Abstract)

Object identity is a fundamental concept of object orientation. Objects are disti nguishable even if they coincide in all their externally visible properties, i.e. val ues and relationships. In data models this abstract concept is usually realized by internal object identifier s to which the query language of the data model does not provide direct access. Therefore, in general, objec ts hav to be accessed or ‘identified’ by their properties. Property-based retrieval of single objects is also of importance if different data models are used together. Examples are given by the combination of object-oriented applications with relational databases or the relational im plementation of objectoriented databases. This thesis addresses value-based identification of obje cts in data models which are similar to the static part of the Object Modeling Technique, a design method frequently used in connection with the object-oriented design of database applications. Obje ct functional dependencies are proposed as a graph-based generalization of functional dependencies, a class of integrity constraints known from the relational data model. They allow the spe cification of constraints between attributes and object types of an object schema and provide a fram work for value-based identification constraints. The semantics of object functional dependencies is defined ‘in the spirit’ of functiona l dependencies with respect to a relation which represents the part of a database s tate that is addressed by a dependency. Different semantics are possible, which are related to dif ferent forms of valuebased access to objects. They arise from two basic requirements for acce ss to objects: reachability and uniqueness. Furthermore total and partial combinations of properties ar e taken into account. Implications between the various notions of access to objects are shown. Some of them correspond to intuitive notions of identification or arise naturally from concepts l ike inheritance hierarchies, which are central to the object-oriented approach. For a strong notion of identification, represented by one of the semantics, inference rules for object functional dependencies are investigated by generalizing rules known f or functional dependencies. Problems that arise in this context are demonstrated. Moreover, additional rules are introduced which become necessary for object functional dependencies.
Product Decision in a Flexible Production System: Pure Standard Product or Mixed Mass Customization

This research examines the effectiveness of mass customization strategies in a production system with unlimited flexible production capacity. The manufacturing firm produces standard products in a flexible factory where mass customization is technologically feasible. We explore whether the manufacturing firm should adopt mass customization. We find that the mixed mass customization strategy dominates the pure standard product strategy when the setup cost for mass customization is negligible in the production system. We identify the parameters that would impact superiority of each product strategy.
A Descriptive Study of Home Modifications for People with Dementia and Barriers to Implementation

This study describes home environmental features, safety issues, and health-related modifications in a community dwelling sample of 82 elderly people with dementia. Main barriers to the accessibility of the homes were steps both inside and outside the home. The majority of the caregivers had made home modifications that pertained mainly to physical limitations. Home modifications to support cognitive deficits were made to a lesser extent. The main barrier to the implementation of home modifications to accommodate the care recipient's memory loss was skepticism about their usefulness. Regarding the removal of physical barriers, financial constraints were most frequently mentioned.
LEAN STARTUP AND ITS APPLICATION IN BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS STRATEGY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Lean startup is a relatively new concept initially developed to help startups grow their business in a more effective and scientific way. This methodology uses data to help inform decisions such as entering new markets in a fast-changing business environment with several uncertainties. The methodology contrasts with the traditional approach by supporting experimentation over preconceived assumptions and iterative development over linear methods to evaluate new business ventures. This study evaluates the extent to which lean startup principles have been applied across industry in South Africa and how these have been used in conjunction with the corporate and operations strategy. While Lean startup methodology has been applied in other parts of the world, its applicability and extent of application within the South African context is not evident. Prevalence of Lean startup methodology is the desirable state whereas paucity would be a concern. The results of the study show that a number of participants used the methodology to help develop the business and operations strategy. Participants also typically saw value in the concepts for application across industry as long as the right structures are in place to help support the initiative.
Sparsity-based estimation for target detection in multipath scenarios

We propose a sparsity-based estimation approach for detecting a moving target in multipath scenarios. We employ an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radar to increase the frequency diversity of the system. Moreover, the multipath propagation increases the spatial diversity by providing extra looks at the target. First, we exploit the sparsity of multiple paths and the knowledge of the environment to develop a parametric OFDM radar model at a particular range cell. Then, to estimate the sparse vector, we apply a collection of multiple small Dantzig selectors (DS). We use the ℓ1-constrained minimal singular value (ℓ1-CMSV) of the measurement matrix to analytically evaluate the reconstruction performance and demonstrate that our decomposed DS performs better than the standard DS. We provide a few numerical examples to illustrate the performance characteristics of the sparse recovery.
The solution structure of ribosomal protein S4 Δ41 reveals two subdomains and a positively charged surface that may interact with RNA

S4 is one of the first proteins to bind to 16S RNA during assembly of the prokaryotic ribosome. Residues 43–200 of S4 from Bacillus stearothermophilus (S4 Δ41) bind specifically to both 16S rRNA and to a pseudoknot within the α operon mRNA. As a first step toward understanding how S4 recognizes and organizes RNA, we have solved the structure of S4 Δ41 in solution by multidimensional heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The fold consists of two globular subdomains, one comprised of four helices and the other comprised of a five‐stranded antiparallel β‐sheet and three helices. Although cross‐linking studies suggest that residues between helices α2 and α3 are close to RNA, the concentration of positive charge along the crevice between the two subdomains suggests that this could be an RNA‐binding site. In contrast to the L11 RNA‐binding domain studied previously, S4 Δ41 shows no fast local motions, suggesting that it has less capacity for refolding to fit RNA. The independently determined crystal structure of S4 Δ41 shows similar features, although there is small rotation of the subdomains compared with the solution structure. The relative orientation of the subdomains in solution will be verified with further study.
The change in membrane phospholipid composition influences protein secretion and cell envelope biogenesis in Escherichia coli

Secretion of periplasmic alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) encoded by the gene constituent of plasmids and the peculiar properties of cell envelope biogenesis in Escherichia coli strains with controlled synthesis of individual membrane phospholipids have been studied. Alkaline phosphatase secretion across the cytoplasmic membrane declines, while secretion into the culture medium intensifies under changed metabolism. The composition of anionic membrane phospholipids changes due to inactivation of the pgsA gene or regulation of its expression by environmental factor, as well as in the absence of the pssA gene which is responsible for the synthesis of the precursor for zwitter-ionic phospholipid — phosphatidylethanolamine. This correlates with intensified secretion of exopolysaccharides and lower content of lipopolysaccharide and lipoprotein which are responsible for barrier properties of the outer membrane. The results suggest a possible coupling of protein secretion with biogenesis of cell envelope components at a level of phospholipid metabolism.
Determinants of Audit Committees Effectiveness in Enhancing Compliance With Regulations: Evidence From Saudi Context

This paper aims to investigate how effective audit committees are in ensuring compliance with regulations in the Saudi context. Particularly, it examines whether there is an association between the value of fines imposed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) and the size, frequency of meeting, and the financial expertise of the audit committee. Other variables have also been incorporated to control for possible effects, particularly size, leverage, ROA, age of the company, and year of fines. Data has been collected from the archives of CMA and from the annual reports of listed companies from 2014 to 2016. In total, 360 year-observations relating to 120 non-financial listed companies were analyzed among which 95 fines and actions imposed by CMA. The results suggest that the size and financial expertise of the audit committee and the leverage of the company and years of fines have significant association with the value of the fines imposed by CMA. In contrast, the regression analysis does not show significant association between the frequency of meeting of the audit committee and other controlled variables on the value of the fines imposed by CMA. These results suggest that the availability of resources to the audit committee, as suggested by the resource dependence theory, has a significant impact on its effectiveness. Regulators and companies could benefit from these findings to enhance compliance with regulations and to improve the role of audit committees. Moreover, these findings could be valuable to strengthen corporate governance practices in similar emerging markets.
Association between caries, obesity and insulin resistance in Mexican adolescents.

AIM To determine the association among dental caries, obesity and insulin resistance in Mexican adolescents. METHODS Body mass index, obesity (OB) blood pressure, insulin level, insulin resistance (IR), triglycerides level, serum HDL-cholesterol (cHDL), DMFT index and salivary flow were measured. RESULTS Anthropometric measures showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05). Insulin level was 8.98 for healthy subjects, whereas for OB-IR group was 25.35, there was a statistical significant difference (p < 0.05). Triglycerides level was 88.50 for healthy subjects and 169.40 mg/dL for OB-IR; cHDL was 52.88 for healthy and 41.82 mg/dL for OB-IR group, both showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Salivary flow was 4.30 for healthy and for OB-IR group was 5.48 ml/min showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05). DMFT index was 3.02 for healthy and for OB-IR adolescents was 4.78, showed a significant statistical diference (p < 0.05). The caries component of DMFT index was 1.84 for healthy and was 3.52 for OB-IR adolescents, showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05). According to the multivariate analysis, DMFT (OR = 3.10; IC 95% = 0.20-1.02, p = 0.042) and decay (OR = 3.30; IC 95% = 0.19-1.0, p = 0.011) were associated with subjects with OB-IR. CONCLUSION OB-IR Mexican adolescents showed a positive association with DMFT.
Analysis of the Bicycle-Sharing Economy : Strategic Issues for Sustainable Development of Society

Purpose - This study posits that sustainable mobility of the sharing economy plays a key role to consider environment benefits. The purpose of this study is to investigate the bicycle-sharing economy as an emerging and alternative mode o f transportation service and provide managerial and policy implications. The bicycle-sharing economy is still at an early stage of introduction as a transportation mode, while the governmental sector is promoting public bicycle-sharing to encourage bicycle as a substitute for private cars. Research design, data, and methodology - This study analyzed the current status of bicycle sharing programs through a survey that was distributed randomly to users and non-users across the country. Using factor analysis, satisfaction and loyalty for the existing users and intention to use and expected satisfaction for the potential users were examined in relation to utility factors. Results – The results show that economic utility affects satisfaction for user, while storage, mobility, and economic utility affects intention to use for potential users. The findings of this study indicate that in order to promote a bicycle-sharing scheme, it would be better to focus on the scheme’s economic advantage to be truly effective. Conclusions - The findings of the study could be applicable to future directions of the sharing economy as a means to achieve the sustainable development of society.
Solar-Cell Metasurface-Integrated Circularly Polarized Antenna With 100% Insolation

A circularly polarized (CP) patch antenna loaded with a metasurface, which is realized with a lattice of 4 × 4 square solar cells, is presented. The antenna is composed of a slotted circular patch sandwiched between the metasurface and the ground plane. This arrangement not only allows for total exposure of the solar cells to sunlight (100% insolation) but also improves antenna performance greatly. The final design, with an overall size of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\text{40}}\,\text{mm}\times \text{40}\,\text{mm} \times \text{3.5}\,\text{mm}\,(\text{0.87}\lambda _{o} \times \text{0.87}\lambda _{o} \times \text{0.076}\lambda _{o}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> at 6.5 GHz) yields a VSWR <2 bandwidth of 6.05–7.33 GHz and 3 dB axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth of 6.0–7.05 GHz. The antenna yields good broadside, right-hand CP radiation with a peak gain of 9.0 dBic, and high radiation efficiency of >85% across its 3 dB AR bandwidth.
Long-term Monitoring of Movements in Bed and Their Relation to Subjective Sleep Quality

Standard sleep polygraphy with EEG, EOG, and EMG recording (1) or the modern polysomnogram including even more physiological parameters has been infrequently applied in long-term follow up studies with an extended number of subjects. These methods usually presuppose a laboratory setting which can be considered as too laborious and expensive for some applications. Additionally, the sleep laboratory can have known effects (first-night effect, FNE) on sleep architecture (2), in some cases even paradoxial ones (3). There is a need for objective methods which are uncomplicated and cost-effective, and which can be applied in natural sleeping Long-term Monitoring of Movements in Bed and Their Relation to Subjective Sleep Quality