Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Optimization of Information Systems Outsourcing Strategies: A Constraint-Based Evolutionary Approach

Information systems (IS) outsourcing is an important issue of IS practices in organizations. To achieve better IS outsourcing performance, it is critical for organizations to develop appropriate outsourcing strategies. A prediction model is useful to forecast the possibility of a failure or to point out unforeseen problems. Based on a prediction model of IS outsourcing success, this study applied an constraint-based evolutionary approach for backward tracking the optimal values of organizational IS attributes that best approximate the target success level of IS outsourcing. One hundred forty-six real IS outsourcing cases, each with 22 features and 8 outcome features, are collected. The proposed system demonstrated that valuable suggestions can be made regarding the increase or decrease levels of adjustable IS attributes for organizations outsourcing their IS functions.
Introduction to Nanotechnology

From the Publisher: Nanotechnology has become one of the most important and exciting fields in the forefront of engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. Using technology operating at 1 billionth of a meter levels, it shows great promise for providing us in the near future with many breakthroughs that will change the direction of technological advances in a wide range of applications from chemcial to electronical to medical. This introduction to the subject of nanotechnology readers with a broad, practical overview of the subject and gives researchers in different areas an appreciation of developments in nanotechnology outside their own fields of expertise.
International Journal of Food Engineering Effect of Variable Sugar Concentrations on Glycogen and Ethanol Content in Saccharomyces sp .

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC-12) maintains two pools of glycogen, one soluble and the other cell wall bound insoluble glycogen. Effect of variable concentrations of sugar on the insoluble pool of glycogen linked to wall β-glucan component was found to be more significant than that observed for soluble pool of glycogen. The study revealed that cells exhibit exponential increase in the amount of insoluble glycogen with corresponding increase in sugar concentration from 2-10 % (w/v). Ethanol content as well as concentration of insoluble glycogen in yeast cells, which were grown in sucrose medium, shows higher values than in glucose medium. Parallel increase in glycogen and ethanol content indicates their correlation with each other. Exponential increase in insoluble glycogen content serves as a protective measure against ethanol stress created across the plasma membrane of yeast cell.
Effects of water stress on the growth of spiderplant (Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.) and African nightshade (Solanum spp.), two traditional leafy vegetables in Kenya

Plant growth, relative water content, osmotic potential, water potential and transpiration of spiderplant (Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. ) were investigated in a glasshouse study. Two fast growing genotypes (P-landrace and P-commercial), and a slow growing landrace (G-landrace) were grown under droughted and watered conditions. The fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) was used as an indicator of water availability. Transpiration was determined by changes in daily pot weights and the ratio of transpiration of droughted to watered plants expressed as normalized transpiration ratio (NTR). The rate of soil drying depended largely on the rate of leaf area development. The fast growing genotypes had a higher rate of soil drying due to a higher rate of leaf area development. Consequently, they were more sensitive to drought stress with NTR beginning to decline at FTSW thresholds of 0.55-0.77 as compared to 0.29 for the slow growing genotype. Leaf expansion in the fast growing genotypes was equally sensitive to drought stress with an FTSW threshold of 0.56. In both genotype groups, leaf appearance was similarly affected by drought stress, with FTSW thresholds of 0.38-0.59. On the other hand, the fast growing genotypes had FTSW thresholds for the stem elongation rate of 0.35-0.55 as compared to 0.20 for the slow growing landrace. In all the genotypes, the relative water content (RWC) remained relatively unchanged at the onset of drought, but declined as FTSW fell below 0.3-0.4. Also, osmotic adjustment (OA) was similar in all genotypes and ranged from 0.10-0.33 MPa at the highest drought stress (FTSW = 0). Under severe stress (FTSW<0.40), there were significant reductions of plant leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA) and dry matter production. On the other hand, root to shoot ratio increased under severe stress in both genotype groups. There was an increase in transpiration efficiency of 16-21% for fast growing genotypes and 8% for the slow growing landrace. Thus, spiderplant is mainly a drought avoiding species. In general, it is necessary to keep FTSW above 0.6 in order to maintain leaf expansion, stem elongation, plant water status and transpiration high, and hence to achieve high leaf yields. Adaptation of Spiderplant to Drought, Glasshouse Experiments
Education For Changing Unions

This publication gathers together the collective experiences of educators working in Canada’s labour movement and considers three dimensions of union education: the job of union education itself; the craft of union education; and the ways in which union education can employ education as a strategy for change. Part one describes the job of union education and situates it in the union culture. Part two considers the craft of union education and covers program design, successful workshop activity planning, favourite union education activities, facilitation to achieve objectives of education sessions and move social change work forwards, and the power of co-facilitation. Part three considers how union education might strengthen democracy and participation across unions in terms of organisational practices. A framework and strategies for evaluating union education work and ways of developing worker educator programs are discussed. Strategic planning initiatives are also covered along with how education can strengthen them. This section concludes with some thoughts on how to do such work over a long period of time without burning out.
The Monomolecular and Rectangular Hyperbola as Empirical Models of the Response of Photosynthetic Rate to Photon Flux Density, with Applications to Three Veronica Species

This paper discusses and formalises the use of the monomolecular function as an empirical model of the photosynthetic rate/PFD relationship. We shall treat this model, and the rectangular hyperbola in a three-parameter form which describes net photosynthesis and allows dark respiration and the light compensation point to be estimated
Molecular Identification of Marine Crustacean-pathogenic Peronosporomycetes Using DNA Sequences of ITS1 and their Pathogenicity for Nauplii of Brine Shrimps

—We isolated 27 strains of marine crustacean-pathogenic Peronosporomycetes from various infected marine crustaceans collected in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, and identified them morphologically. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) l region of the nuclear rRNA gene of the 27 strains and 12 reference strains of six peronosporomycete species isolated from marine crustaceans were sequenced. The phylogenic relationship inferred from the sequences corresponded well to the morphological identification, indicating that sequencing of the ITS1 region is a useful tool for identification of marine crustacean-pathogenic Peronosporomycetes. Nauplii of brine shrimp Artemia salina were experimentally challenged by bathing in zoospore suspensions (1 × 10 4 zoospores/mL, 25 o C) with 18 strains belonging to nine species in four genera. The 48-h mortalities varied from 1.1% to 99.4% among the species, though all the strains were isolated from diseased animals.
Estimating causal moderation effects with randomized treatments and non‐randomized moderators

Researchers are often interested in analysing conditional treatment effects. One variant of this is ‘causal moderation’, which implies that intervention upon a third (moderator) variable would alter the treatment effect. This study considers the conditions under which causal moderation can be identified and presents a generalized framework for estimating causal moderation effects given randomized treatments and non‐randomized moderators. As part of the estimation process, it allows researchers to implement their preferred method of covariate adjustment, including parametric and non‐parametric methods, or alternative identification strategies of their choosing. In addition, it provides a set‐up whereby sensitivity analysis designed for the average treatment effect context can be extended to the moderation context. To illustrate the methods, the study presents two applications: one dealing with the effect of using the term ‘welfare’ to describe public assistance in the United States, and one dealing with the effect of asylum seekers’ religion on European attitudes towards asylum seekers.
Tate-Vogel and relative cohomologies of complexes with respect to cotorsion pairs.

We study Tate-Vogel and relative cohomologies of complexes by applying the model structure induced by a complete hereditary cotorsion pair ($\A$, $\B$) of modules. We show first that the class of complexes admitting a complete $\A$ resolution is exactly the class of complexes with finite Gorenstein $\A$ dimension. This lets us give general techniques for computing Tate-Vogel cohomoloies of complexes with finite Gorenstein $\A$ dimension. As a consequence, relative cohomology groups for complexes with finite Gorenstein $\A$ dimension are investigated. Finally, the relationships between Gorenstein $\A$ dimensions and $\A$ dimensions for complexes are given.
New coded caching schemes from placement delivery arrays

Coded caching schemes with low subpacketization and small transmission rate are desirable in practice due to the requirement of low implementation complexity and efficiency of the transmission. Placement delivery arrays (PDA in short) can be used to generate coded caching schemes. However, many known coded caching schemes have large memory ratios. In this paper, we realize that some schemes with low subpacketization generated by PDAs do not fully use the users' caching content to create multicasting opportunities and thus propose to overcome this drawback. As an application, we obtain two new schemes with low subpacketizations, which have significantly advantages on the memory ratio and transmission rate compared with the original scheme.
A randomized trial shows dose-frequency and genotype may determine the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal oxytocin

Abstract Background The neuropeptide oxytocin is proposed as a promising therapy for social dysfunction by modulating amygdala-mediated social-emotional behavior. Although clinical trials report some benefits of chronic treatment, it is unclear whether efficacy may be influenced by dose frequency or genotype. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmaco-functional magnetic resonance imaging trial (150 male subjects), we investigated acute and different chronic (every day or on alternate days for 5 days) intranasal oxytocin (24 international units) effects and oxytocin receptor genotype-mediated treatment sensitivity on amygdala responses to face emotions. We also investigated similar effects on resting-state functional connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Results A single dose of oxytocin-reduced amygdala responses to all face emotions but for threatening (fear and anger) and happy faces, this effect was abolished after daily doses for 5 days but maintained by doses given every other day. The latter dose regime also enhanced associated anxious-arousal attenuation for fear faces. Oxytocin effects on reducing amygdala responses to face emotions only occurred in AA homozygotes of rs53576 and A carriers of rs2254298. The effects of oxytocin on resting-state functional connectivity were not influenced by either dose-frequency or receptor genotype. Conclusions Infrequent chronic oxytocin administration may be therapeutically most efficient and its anxiolytic neural and behavioral actions are highly genotype-dependent in males.
Flow cytometry multiplexed method for the detection of neutralizing human antibodies to the native SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein

A correct identification of seropositive individuals for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is of paramount relevance to assess the degree of protection of a human population to present and future outbreaks of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We describe here a sensitive and quantitative flow cytometry method using the cytometer‐friendly non‐adherent Jurkat T‐cell line that stably expresses the full‐length native spike “S” protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 and a truncated form of the human EGFR that serves a normalizing role. S protein and huEGFRt coding sequences are separated by a T2A self‐cleaving sequence, allowing to accurately quantify the presence of anti‐S immunoglobulins by calculating a score based on the ratio of fluorescence intensities obtained by double‐staining with the test sera and anti‐EGFR. The method allows to detect immune individuals regardless of the result of other serological tests or even repeated PCR monitoring. As examples of its use, we show that as much as 28% of the personnel working at the CBMSO in Madrid is already immune. Additionally, we show that anti‐S antibodies with protective neutralizing activity are long‐lasting and can be detected in sera 8 months after infection.
How predator hunting-modes affect prey behaviour: Capture deterrence in Drosophila melanogaster

Hunting mode, the distinct set of behavioural strategies that a predator employs while hunting, can be an important determinant of the prey organism’s behavioural response. However, few studies have considered how a predator’s hunting mode influences anti-predatory behaviours of a prey species. Here we document the influence of active hunters (zebra jumping spiders, Salticus scenicus) and ambush predators (Chinese praying mantids, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) on the capture deterrence anti-predatory behavioural repertoire of the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. We hypothesized that D. melanogaster would reduce overall locomotory activity in the presence of ambush predators, and increase activity with active hunters. First we observed and described the behavioural repertoire of D. melanogaster in the presence of the predators. We documented three previously undescribed behaviours-abdominal lifting, stopping and retreat-which were performed at higher frequency by D. melanogaster in the presence of predators, and may aid in capture deterrence. Consistent with our predictions, we observed an increase in the overall activity of D. melanogaster in the presence of jumping spiders (active hunter). However, counter to our prediction, mantids (ambush hunter) had only a modest influence on activity. We also observed considerable intra and inter-individual variation in response to both predator types. Given these new insights into Drosophila behaviour, and with the genetic tools available, dissecting the molecular mechanisms of anti-predator behaviours may now be feasible in this system.
Impressions of Vibrotactile Signals in Older Adults With and Without History of Stroke

Vibrotactile feedback is mechanical stimulation produced using actuators in contact with the body. The stimulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, location, duration) can be adjusted to produce a variety of sensations. By characterizing how users respond to different settings, interaction designers can create more usable and enjoyable haptic interfaces. This form of haptic feedback is being used widely for alerts, gaming, and simulation; however, emerging technologies in the fields of brain health and physical therapy are introducing new users to this stimulation. For applications using vibrotactile stimulation to advance, researchers are studying perceived sensations and affective response. However, these studies often focus on healthy, younger users. It is well known that older adults and those with acquired brain injury have different physiology and different perception than young adults. Here we present a set of vibrotactile signals to adults over 40 years old with and without history of stroke and query affective impression and experienced sensations. Signals on the palm and those with a changing stimulus location were associated with higher valence ratings, while low-amplitude signals showed lowest arousal. Users preferred stimulation that they could perceive, and they could not perceive most signals applied to the forearm. Reported sensations include tickle, tingling, and numbness.
Declining SARS-CoV-2 PCR sensitivity with time and dependence on clinical features: consequences for control

Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on upper respiratory tract (URT) samples is the primary method to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infections and guide public health measures, with a supportive role for serology. However, the clinical sensitivity of RT-PCR remains uncertain. In the present study, Bayesian statistical modeling was used to retrospectively determine the sensitivity of RT-PCR using SARS-CoV-2 serology in 644 COVID-19-suspected patients with varying degrees of disease severity and duration. The sensitivity of RT-PCR ranged between 79-95%; while increasing with disease severity, it decreased rapidly over time in mild COVID-19 cases. Negative URT RT-PCR results should therefore be interpreted in the context of clinical characteristics, especially with regard to containment of viral transmission based on the 'test, trace and isolate' principle.
Formation of Core Set in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) Germplasm using Geographical Origin and Morpho-agronomic Characters

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. ) germplasm collection involving 4511 accessions at National Active Germplasm Collection Site (NAGS), Project Co-ordination Cell (Small millets), UAS, Bangalore were evaluated for different morpho-agronomic characters over the years. A core set of 551 accessions was formed using this evaluated data by cluster analysis and PCA scoring. Majority of the accessions have Indian origin. The core set formed was true representative of the entire collection and the procedure followed in its formation was appropriate as the statistical analysis indicated that core set did not differ significantly from entire collection. The total diversity present in the entire collection was completely captured in core set. Character association studies revealed that the associations among yield and yield contributing characters found in entire collection were also found in core set. The characters viz., plant height, culm thickness, number of leaves, flag leaf sheath width, flag leaf blade length and width, leaf blade width, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity could be used as indirect selection for high seed yield.
Molecular mechanisms of BMAA stressresponse and detoxification in Mytillus galloprovincialis

BMAA is a putative neurotoxin that, in marine environments, has been shown to find its way from the phytoplankton first producers (e.g. cyanobacteria) to higher trophic levels. In vitro, BMAA has been shown to act as an ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) agonist and to induce excitotoxic effects. Despite the fact that mussels have been shown to accumulate BMAA, toxicity effects have not been yet described. This work aimed at testing the hypothesis that exposure to BMAA results in changes in the expression of iGluR, and in the activity of the enzymes Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, and evaluate their potential as biomarkers of BMAA-induced toxicity. M. galloprovincialis were exposed to 10, 100 and 1000 μg L of BMAA standard in seawater up to 48h, and afterwards depurated until 96h. In another experiment, M. galloprovincialis were fed with BMAA producing cyanobacteria Nostoc sp, BMAA nonproducing cyanobacteria Microcoleus sp. , and the green alga Chlorella sp. , up to 48h. Gills and digestive gland of exposed and unexposed animals were separated for enzymatic analysis and total RNA extraction. Two transcripts, termed GLU4 and GLU5, were selected from Mytibase, a catalogue of M. galloprovincialis expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Relative expression of the transcripts was assessed by qPCR, using the elongation factor alpha-1 (EF-1 α) as internal reference. In mussels exposed to BMAA standard gills showed increased GSTs activity during exposure and depuration. Digestive gland also showed increased GSTs activity during exposure to BMAA. AChE activity decreased its activity during exposure to BMAA in gills, and no effects could be seen for the digestive gland. In mussels fed with cyanobacteria, both AChE and GSTs displayed an increase in activity, in digestive gland, while in gills GSTs activity decreased, and AChE activity increased. Regarding iGluR expression in mussels exposed to BMAA standard, in gills, both transcripts displayed a clear downregulation during the exposure period that was reversed after depuration, while in digestive gland results were not conclusive. The results suggest that GSTs could be considered a potentially useful biomarker of BMAA exposure, when it is known that M. galloprovincialis has been exposed this amino acid, while AChE was considered a poor biomarker. The transcription of iGluR genes can potentially be used as tool to assess BMAA induced toxicity in biomonitoring studies using M. galloprovincialis. Nevertheless, further work is needed to better understand the regulatory mechanisms of iGLuR genes as well as FCUP Molecular mechanisms of BMAA stress-response and detoxification in Mytilus galloprovincialis iii their functional role in mussels. FCUP Molecular mechanisms of BMAA stress-response and detoxification in Mytilus galloprovincialis iv
Molecular dynamics simulation of thermal welding morphology of Ag/Au/Cu nanoparticles distributed on Si substrates

Abstract The behavior of Ag/Au/Cu nanoparticles dispersed on Si substrates during heat treatment was studied by molecular dynamics in this paper. Whether for the thermal welding of homogeneous metal nanoparticles or heterogeneous metal nanoparticles, it was found that the fundamental reason for the contact between the surface of metal nanoparticles is the electron exchange, which reduces the energy of the system and leads to welding contact, then the atoms migrate toward the interior of nanoparticles through nucleation and growth process, resulting in the decrease of the porosity and the shrinkage of the sample. At the same time, the simulation results show that when the applied temperature rises to a certain extent, the adjacent nanoparticles may condense into isolated structures under their own surface tension and stress, as well as the adhesion of the substrate, which will make the conductive structure discontinuous. However, by adjusting the size and proportion of Ag/Au/Cu metal nanoparticles, besides saving the cost of printing circuits, the conductive structure can be more continuous and the conductivity can be enhanced.