Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Fine Structure of the Tubifex Egg before and after Fertilization (With 3 Plates)

Taylor, G.T. and E. Anderson 1969. in the gastropod, Ilyanassa Cytochemical and fine structural analysis of oogenesis obsoleta. J. Morph. 129: 211-248. Explanation of Plates XI-XIII Fig. 1. Section through the peripheral region of the ripe egg. Fibrillar vitelline membrane (VM) is traversed by microvilli (m). Finely granulated cortical cytoplasm includes mitochondria (Mt) , endoplasmic reticula (ER), and ribosomes but excludes yolk granules (Y) and lipid droplets (L). Arrows indicate the ooplasmic surface. X 21,000 (bar=1 fim). Fig. 2. Higher magnification of the peripheral region in Fig. 1. The distal portion of the microvilli (m) ends at the external surface of the fibrillar vitelline membrane (VM). Note the fibrillar components radially extending from the distal surface of the microvillus. ER, endoplasmic reticulum; Mt, mitochondria; asterisk, perivitelline space. X 66,800 (bar =0.25 fim). Fig. 3. Multivesicular body located in the cortical cytoplasm of the ripe egg. Note the egg-surface side of the body, where the content of the body continues to its circumambient cytoplasm including mitochondria (Mt) and endoplasmic reticula (ER). X 28,000 (bar= 0.5 fim). Fig. 4. Tangential section of the ripe egg. The section intersects at approximately the medium level of the microvilli (m). X 44,000 (bar=0.25 fim). Fig. 5. Section through the peripheral region of the fertilized egg about 15 min after oviposition. Note the diminishing of most microvilli from the ooplasmic surface (arrows). ER, endoplasmic reticulum; FM, "fertilization membrane"; G, Golgi complex; Mt, mitochondria. X 22,400 (bar=1 fim).
Designing National Identity: An Organisational Perspective on Requirements for National Identity Management Systems

Many National Identity Management Systems today are designed and implemented with little debate of the technologies and information required to fulfil their goals. This paper presents a theoretical framework detailing the organisational requirements that governments should consider to implement effective identity systems. Analysis is based on publicly available documentation on the implementation of National Identity Systems in the countries of Brunei, India, and the United Kingdom. The findings and the framework highlight the importance of clearly defining the purpose of the system, which has implications on the authenticity, uniqueness, and uses of identity; failure to consider these components is likely to lead to ineffective identity systems and policies.
Supporting learning activities in virtual worlds: methods, tools and evaluation

Continuing advances and reduced costs in computational power, graphics and network bandwidth let 3D immersive multi-user Virtual Worlds (VWs) become increasingly accessible while offering an improved and engaging quality of experience. Excited at the prospects of engaging their Net Generation, students and educators worldwide are attempting to exploit the affordances of three-dimensional (3D) VWs. Environments such as Second Life (SL) are increasingly used in education, often for their flexibility in facilitating student-directed, self-paced learning and their communication features. Research on the educational value of VWs has revealed their potential as learning platforms. However, further studies are always needed in order to assess their effectiveness, satisfactorily and social engagement, not only in the general didactic use of the environment, but also for each specific learning subjects, activities and modality. A major question in using VWs in education is finding appropriate value-added educational applications. The main challenge is to determine learning approaches in which learning in a VW presents added value with respect to traditional education, and to effectively utilize the third dimension to avoid using the environment simply as a communication platform. In addition, the educational VW activities become more and more sophisticated, starting from the early ones based only on information displaying and teaching resources to simulated laboratory and scenarios. The more complex the learning activities are, the more the challenge of guiding students during their learning trajectories increases and there is the need of providing them with appropriate support and guidance. The main contributions of this thesis are summarized as follows: (i) we propose an appropriate value-added educational application that supports individual learning activities effectively exploiting the third dimension. In particular, we adopt a VW to support the learning of engineering practices based on technical drawing. The proposed system called VirtualHOP trains the students in the way of learning-by-doing methodology to build the required 3D objects; (ii) we enhance an helping system with the avatar appearance and AI for helping the exploration of environments and fruition of distance didactic activities in SL; (iii) we empirically evaluate the didactic value and the user perceptions concerning both the learning setting and the avatar-based virtual assistant. The results demonstrate the usefulness of both the didactic experiences offered in SL and a positive attitude of the learners in terms of enjoyment and ease-of-use.
Nine Lives: The Up Series and Personality Over Time

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of personality development in a particular sample of individuals. Using the Up Series documentary as a platform, we collected extensive amounts of data with the use of personal narratives, the California Child and Adult Q-sort assessments, and a series of personally constructed trait rating scales to produce nine longitudinal case studies. The Up Series follows the lives of fourteen Britons of varying social and economic backgrounds from age seven in the early 1960s to the present day. After synthesizing all of our singular data, contrary to what the directors of the film initially postulated, we found that childhood socioeconomic circumstances do not necessarily dictate the levels of success and failure that these individuals experience throughout their lives. This research will likely impact the perception of social class effects in personality development.
Bacterivorous nematodes stimulate microbial growth and exopolymer production in marine sediment microcosms.

The cohesive strength of intertidal soft sediments depends on a large range of physico- chemical parameters, but the production of exopolymers by the inhabiting organisms is increasingly recognized as a major stabilizing factor. It is likely that the vast majority of these polymers are pro- duced by microorganisms but very few studies have addressed the impact of benthic meiofauna on this microbial production. The major aim of this study was thus to estimate the impact of nematodes (often the main contributor to meiofauna abundance and biomass in temperate intertidal habitats) on the EPS (extracellular polymeric substances) production of marine sediments. Bacterivorous nema- todes Diplolaimelloides meyli Timm, 1961 and D. oschei Meyl, 1954, bacteria and diatoms were grown in laboratory experiments both separately and together to estimate their respective influence. Our experiment revealed a positive impact of bacterivorous nematodes on microbial density and EPS production. Surprisingly, the biofilm structure (in terms of microbial abundance/biomass and EPS content) was better explained by the complexity (i.e. the number of trophic levels) of the assemblages rather than by any specific types of organisms involved in the experiment.
Spatial Segregation, Redistribution and Welfare: A Theoretical Model

This paper develops a theoretical model focusing on the effect that different neighborhood compositions can have on the formation of individual beliefs about economic opportunities. Specifically we highlight two effects that spatial segregation may have: (1) it can efficiently separate the individual effort choices of highly and low productive individuals, (2) it may imply that the median voter imposes a level of redistribution that is inefficient from the aggregate point of view. The trade-off implies that segregated and non-segregated cities may present very similar levels of aggregate welfare. We employ this framework to discuss how the structure of cities can play a role in the determination of US-type and Europe-type politico-economic equilibria and the implications for planning policies.
The Rise of the Active Exchange Traded Fund

This thesis analyses the performance of actively-managed Exchange Traded Funds. Active ETFs are a new phenomenon and they were only incepted in April 2008. Besides pioneering research on this new product this thesis adds to the existing literature on the ongoing debate about active vs. passive management. The sample covers the period May 2008 till October 2009 and five active ETFs are examined. The empirical results uncover that, as endorsed by results from the mutual fund industry, active ETFs do underperform both their corresponding passive ETFs and their underlying benchmarks. The risk-adjusted performance, as expressed by Jensen’s alpha, indicates no significant excess returns for both active and passive ETFs, which is an expectable conclusion for the latter, but not for the active ETFs, who aim to beat the market. A rating performance analysis shows that active ETFs have a worse performance than their passive equivalents; however these results are not unanimous. Finally, the tracking error of active ETFs is, as expected, higher than the tracking error of its passive counterparts. Actively-managed ETFs do not try to replicate the performance of their underlying benchmark. JEL classifications: G11, G15
Isolation and Partial Characterization of Heterophyllin , a New Lectin from Artocarpus heterophyllus Seeds

Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. Universidade Federal do Ceará, Caixa Postal, 1065,60001 -970. Fortaleza, Ceará-Brasil. Laboratório de Química e Funcíio de Protefnas e Peptfdios. Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense. Av. Alberto Lanzego, 2000.28015-620, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Suipacha, 531.2000. Rosario, Argentina. "nité d'lmmunoallergie, Institut Pasteur. 25, Rue du Docteur Roux. 75015. Paris, Frunce.
Comparing asynchronous and synchronous interaction using online technology

The move from traditional face-to-face classroom learning to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) has been implemented by universities in Malaysia and abroad vigorously with computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems. These technologies promote interaction among tertiary level students in collaboration where they can have discussions with peers for collaborative tasks by means of posting messages (asynchronous) and instant messaging (synchronous). This review paper focused on comparative studies of asynchronous and synchronous interaction among university students using online tools. The quantitative and qualitative research studies were reviewed preliminarily based on the types of CMC used, looking at the theories, methods, respondents, and findings. This paper also discusses the online tools used for interaction such as Wiki and Skype, and concludes with an understanding of students’ experience of different online systems and tools in their communication that may affect their learning.
Benchmarking Hive on Spark and SQL Server with the Real Time Data Warehousing Chain

The following paper focuses on the field of Data Warehousing in two aspects. The first aspect will review Big Data performance comparing the emerging Hive on Apache Spark with SQL Server to determine when it would be appropriate to switch to a big data platform. The other aspect will investigate current software in the industry and how the continuous support of communities are creating to solve current and future barriers in the profession. A current issue in Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence is the development of Real Time Data Warehousing. This paper documents the research and progress of tools in the automation process of Real Time Data Warehousing.
Imputation of Missing Data in Waves 1 and 2 of SHARE

The Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), like all large household surveys, suffers from the problem of item non-response, and hence the need of imputation of missing values arises. In this paper I describe the imputation methodology used in the first two waves of SHARE, which is the fully conditional specification approach of van Buuren, Brand, Groothuis-Oudshoorn, and Rubin (2006). Methods for assessing the convergence of the imputation process are also discussed. Finally, I give details on numerous issues affecting the implementation of the imputation process that are particular to SHARE.
Equivalence of velocity statistics at constant pressure or constant altitude

The equivalence of spatial velocity statistics calculated from second‐order structure functions on constant pressure or constant altitude surfaces is demonstrated from analysis of numerical weather prediction model output, rawinsonde data, and commercial aircraft wind measurements. These large data sets allow the development of very accurate statistics. Turbulence scaling laws for horizontal velocity statistics are found to be equivalent for either calculation.
Ambipolar Schottky-barrier TFTs

A novel Schottky-barrier metal-oxide-semiconductor thin-film transistor (SBTFT) was successfully demonstrated and characterized. The new SBTFT device features a field-induced-drain (FID) region, which is controlled by a metal field-plate lying on top of the passivation oxide. The FID region is sandwiched between the silicided drain and the active channel region. Carrier types and the conductivity of the transistor are controlled by the metal field-plate. The device is thus capable of ambipolar operation. Excellent ambipolar performance with on/off current ratios over 10/sup 6/ for both p- and n-channel operations was realized simultaneously on the same device fabricated with polysilicon active layer. Moreover, the off-state leakage current shows very weak dependence on the gate-to-drain voltage difference with the FID structure. Finally, the effects of FID length are explored.
The Effect of Website Performance and Online Retailer Status on Consumer Purchase Intention: A Mediator Role of Buyer Perception

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of website performance and online seller status on consumer purchase intention. This study also aims to assess the mediation effect of buyer perception on the relationship between website performance and consumer purchase intention in the context of Internet shopping. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study proposed a conceptual framework and collected a total of 255 samples in the Mainland China to test research hypothesis and investigate the relationship among different predictors. Both measurement model and construct model were established and evaluated using AMOS 21. Findings: Results present that website performance and online seller status significantly affect consumer purchase intention. Buyers’ perception partially mediates the relationship between the website performance and consumer purchase intention. The effect of website performance on purchase intention is greater than the effect of other constructs. There is a reciprocal relation between seller status and website performance. Implication: Website managers should further enhance website quality, customer service, and well acknowledge consumers about the good performance of their website. Online vendors should devote to strengthen their online status. A partial influencing effect impacts on the relation between website performance and consumer purchase intention, thus the buyers’ perception should not be considered as a ‘standalone’ concept. Originality/Value: This study proposed a conceptual model to predict consumer purchase intention in the context of C2C E-Commerce. The primary value lies in a better understanding of consumer behavior and detailed examination of the critical determinants.
English Parallel Corpora and Applications

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HOW DO WORKAHOLICS EXPERIENCE WORKING?1

This exploratory study examined the relationships of workaholism components identified by Spence and Robbins (1992) and the experience of flow or optimal experience among 211 journalists in Norway. Data were collected using anonymous questionnaires. Three workaholism components were considered: work involvement, feeling driven to work because of inner needs, and work enjoyment. Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for personal demographics and work situation characteristics, found that journalists scoring higher on work enjoyment and lower on feeling driven to work indicated higher levels of flow or optimal experience at work.
The Impact of Earth Model in Understanding of Earth Geometry by In-Service Student Teachers: A Case of Mukuba University, Zambia

This study was conducted to show the impact of Earth Model in understanding of Earth Geometry by in-service Student Teachers. The problem of poor performance of the Grade 12 pupils in mathematics especially in Earth Geometry and students at Mukuba University has been a matter of concern. To alleviate this problem a study was conducted because teachers are the ones in charge of responsibility of initiating knowledge. The study population included all third year in-service student teachers of mathematics education (MED 330) pursuing a degree programme by distance learning at Mukuba University. The study was based on three research questions and two hypotheses. The research method used was a mixed approach. The sample size was 35 in-service students Teachers comprising 23 male and 12 female students. The Shapiro-wilks test was used for this purpose because of the small sample size. Also, the design used for the study was a quasi-experimental. The two groups were made from a homogeneous class at random. Particularly, 17 students were assigned to the experimental and 18 students to the control group. These two groups were subjected to a pre-test. The experimental group was taught using the Earth model approach while the control group was taught using conventional approach. The analysis of data was done with the help of SPSS, considering the mean, standard deviation. Also, the Independent sample t-test was conducted at alpha ( = 0.05 to analyse the results of the pre-test and post-test scores. The study showed there was statistically significant difference in the post-test scores for the experimental group (Mean = 60, standard deviation = 19.28) and the control group (Mean = 42.36, standard deviation = 17.98) , p = . 01.Therefore, incorporating Earth Model in teaching Earth Geometry was found to have a positive impact on in-service student teachers understanding Earth Geometry. The study also revealed that learners had challenges in calculating the surface area between two meridians and the shortest distance between points on the same latitude which are not diametrically opposite. Also, the study suggested that the concepts of geometry are abstract in nature and require more visualization tools to the students understanding. Keywords: Earth Geometry, Earth model, Challenges, Conventional approach and in-Service Student Teachers.
THE EFFECT OF SOME ESTIMATORS OF BETWEEN-STUDY VARIANCE ON RANDOM-EFFECTS META-ANALYSIS

There are different methods for estimating the between-study variance, 𝜏 2 in meta-analysis, however each of the methods differs in terms of precision and bias in estimation. Consequently, each of the estimators have a different effect on the estimate of the population treatment effect parameter 𝜃. This paper compares the effect of four estimators by DerSimonian and Laird (1986), Paule and Mandel (1982), Sidik and Jonkman (2005) and the restricted maximum likelihood method (REML). Simulations show that of all estimators, random-effects meta-analysis based on REML yielded the most accurate coverage probability for treatment effect when treatment effects are highly heterogeneous. Keywords: Meta-analysis; random-effects model; between-study variance; and coverage probability
Evaluating non-linear models on point and interval forecasts: an application with exchange rates

The aim of this paper is to compare the forecasting performance of SETAR and GARCH models against a linear benchmark using historical data for the returns of the Japanese yen/US dollar exchange rate. The relative performance of the models is evaluated on point forecasts and on interval forecasts. Point forecasts evaluation over the whole forecast period indicates that the performance of the models, when distinguishable, tends to favour the linear models. However, we show that if the evaluation of point forecasts is conducted over distinct subsamples or specific regimes there is more evidence of forecasting gains, especially from the SETAR models. Moreover, when we evaluate the validity of interval forecasts, the results produce clear evidence of the superiority of the non-linear models, and tend to favour especially the GARCH models.
Biodiversity of Myxomycetes from the Monte Desert of Argentina

A biodiversity survey for myxomycetes was carried out in the Monte Desert (Argentina) and surrounding areas in November 2006 and late February and March 2007. Specimens were collected in seven different provinces (Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, San Juan, San Luis and Tucuman), between 23o and 33o S latitude, and a total of 105 localities were sampled. Cacti and succulent plants were the most common type of substrate investigated, but shrubs and herbs characteristic of this biome were also included in the survey. Almost six hundred specimens of myxomycetes from 72 different species in 22 genera were collected either in the field, or from moist chamber cultures prepared with samples of plant material obtained from the same collecting sites. The results include 1 species new to science, Macbrideola andina three more species recently described based on material from this survey, 5 species cited for the first time for the Neotropics, 11 new records for South America and 38 new records for Argentina. Taxonomic comments on rare or unusual species are included and illustrated with photographs by LM and SEM. Data are presented on the development of some species and microenvironmental factors are discussed. An analysis of the biodiversity of myxomycetes in this area, and a comparison with other desert areas, are included.