Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Engineering Haloferax mediterranei as an Efficient Platform for High Level Production of Lycopene

Lycopene attracts increasing interests in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries due to its anti-oxidative and anti-cancer properties. Compared with other lycopene production methods, such as chemical synthesis or direct extraction from plants, the biosynthesis approach using microbes is more economical and sustainable. In this work, we engineered Haloferax mediterranei, a halophilic archaeon, as a new lycopene producer. H. mediterranei has the de novo synthetic pathway for lycopene but cannot accumulate this compound. To address this issue, we reinforced the lycopene synthesis pathway, blocked its flux to other carotenoids and disrupted its competitive pathways. The reaction from geranylgeranyl-PP to phytoene catalyzed by phytoene synthase (CrtB) was identified as the rate-limiting step in H. mediterranei. Insertion of a strong promoter PphaR immediately upstream of the crtB gene, or overexpression of the heterologous CrtB and phytoene desaturase (CrtI) led to a higher yield of lycopene. In addition, blocking bacterioruberin biosynthesis increased the purity and yield of lycopene. Knock-out of the key genes, responsible for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biosynthesis, diverted more carbon flux into lycopene synthesis, and thus further enhanced lycopene production. The metabolic engineered H. mediterranei strain produced lycopene at 119.25 ± 0.55 mg per gram of dry cell weight in shake flask fermentation. The obtained yield was superior compared to the lycopene production observed in most of the engineered Escherichia coli or yeast even when they were cultivated in pilot scale bioreactors. Collectively, this work offers insights into the mechanism involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in haloarchaea and demonstrates the potential of using haloarchaea for the production of lycopene or other carotenoids.
A Comprehensive View of IndividualProblem Solving Performance

Problem solving is the cognitive process of finding solutions to complex issues, and one could say that the job of almost every information systems (IS) professional is problem solving. In the IS profession the types of situations individuals encounter can present an ever-changing range of environments which have different information-processing and problem solving requirements. This can be a challenge for individuals and organizations trying maximize problem solving performance. While researchers have explored individual problem solving within the IS field for decades (e.g., Agarwal et al. 1996; Khatri et al. 2006), the body of literature remains disjointed. The model presented here is grounded in three literature streams: cognitive fit (Vessey, 1991), cognitive load (Sweller 1988), and task-technology fit (Goodhue and Thompson 1995). Due to the complex and varied nature of the problems IS professionals are asked to solve, we assert a combination of theories is more useful for understanding the potential impacts on problem solving performance as the weaknesses in the individual theories can be minimized by integrating them. Cognitive fit
Kamu Kurumlarında Toplam Kalite Yönetimi Uygulamalarının Deming Yönetim Metodu ile Analizi

Toplam Kalite Yonetimi (TKY) yonetim dusuncesindeki en onemli degisimlerden biri olarak gorulebilir. Son yillarda kamu sektorunde yonetim felsefesi de degismistir ve TKY bu degisimin de onemli bir parcasi haline gelmistir. TKY kamu sektoru icin tasarlanmis olmadigindan kamu sektorunde TKY uygulanmasi da ozel sektordeki kadar kolay degildir. Bu nedenle kamu kurumlari, uygulamak icin en uygun TKY yaklasimlarini arastirmaktadirlar. TKY yaklasimlarindan birisi olan Deming Yonetim Metodu TKY degiskenleri arasinda bazi iliskileri ongoren model onermektedir. Bu modele gore en sonda musteri tatmini bulunmaktadir ve TKY degiskenleri arasindaki iliskiler, sonunda bir baska TKY degiskeni olan musteri tatminini etkilemektedir. Bu calismanin temel amaci kamu sektorunde TKY degiskenleri ve musteri tatmini arasindaki iliskiyi Deming Yonetim Metodu acisindan incelenmesidir. Bunun icin dort kamu kurumunun calisanlarindan anket yontemi ile veri toplanmistir. Kurumlardan birisi ISO belgesine sahipken tum kurumlarda belirli olcude kalite uygulamalari gerceklestirilmektedir. Sonuclara gore model tarafindan onerilen pek cok iliski desteklenmistir. TKY degiskenlerinin kurumlara ve calisanlarin demografik ozelliklerine gore nasil farklilastigi ve TKY ile ilgili calisanlarin tutumlari da analiz edilmistir. Elde edilen bulgular literatur ile uyumludur.
Simulation Levels of Detail for Real-time Virtual Worlds

Animating numerous human-like gures in large virtual spaces makes it diicult to provide users with an interactive simulation rate. The prob-lems mainly consist in the large numb e r o f w alk-ers required to simulate realistic virtual spaces and in the accuracy of the model needed to ac-count for complex environments. We propose a new approach of model design in order to mini-mize the computation cost according to the kind of simulation and environment. A l o w-cost sim-pliied walking model is designed for at ground while a more complex one is proposed for com-plex terrains. We also describe how and when the transitions between these models occur while ensuring a visually realistic motion. The re-sults show that using simulation levels of detail is specially suitable for simulations in large virtual spaces and makes it possible to visualize realistic motions of walkers with a controlled computation cost.
Cohesive conjunctions in English and German: systemic contrasts and textual differences

The present paper contrasts strategies of cohesive conjunction in English and German system and text. We clarify the notion of cohesive conjunction by discussing conceptualizations in the literature and by comparing cohesive conjunctions to other cohesive strategies. Using theory-informed methodologies we contrast the resources available in the two languages for explicitly establishing conjunctive relations of cohesion. Moreover, we discuss the first findings from our analysis of an English - German corpus of translations and originals, which reveal differences in the textual realizations in terms of frequencies and functions. Our study complements insights about other types of cohesion investigated in the frame of a larger research project.1
A Statistical Analysis of Subjective and Objective Methods of Evaluating Fabric Handle:Part 1: Analysis of Subjective Assessments

A survey of the fabric handle preferences of panels of expert judges drawn from the textile and clothing industries of Japan, Australia, New Zealand and India has been undertaken . These data have been analysed using two statistical techniques, the first to select the most reliable judges and the second to analyse national judging characteristics.The technique for selecting the most reliable judges employs a linear model in which each judge's performance is tested against an orthogonal basis of fabric judgment calculated from the assessments of the remaining judges.In an iterative process, the judge whose handle assessments are least explained by all the other expert judges is then sequentially eliminated until 8 of the original 53 judges remain. This final group was comprised of 4 judges from Japan, 3 from Australia and 1 from India . The results for the New Zealand judges indicate that they may include some different characterisitics when assessing fabric handle . The results from a principal component analysis of variance indicate that although a single factor can account for a substantial amount of the observed variability in the data, additional factors are clearly implicated.The three most significant of these additional factors can be related to distinctive national handle preferences by the Japanese, New Zealand and Australian judging panels.
llc: a collection of R functions for fitting a class of Lee-Carter mortality models using iterative fitting algorithms

We implement a specialised iterative regression methodology in R for the analysis of age-period mortality data based on a class of generalised Lee-Carter (LC) type modelling structures. The LC-based modelling frameworks is viewed in the current literature as among the most efficient and transparent methods of modelling and projecting mortality improvements. Thus, we make use of the modelling approach discussed in Renshaw and Haberman (2006), which extends the basic LC model and proposes to make use of a tailored iterative process to generate parameter estimates based on Poisson likelihood. Furthermore, building on this methodology we develop and implement a stratified LC model for the measurement of the additive effect on the log scale of an explanatory factor (other than age and time). This modelling methodology is implemented in a publically available collection of programming functions that facilitate both the preparation of mortality data and the fitting and analysis of the given log-linear modelling structures. Also, the package incorporates methods to produce forecasts of future mortality rates and to compute the corresponding future life expectancy.
Key components in planning implementing and monitoring a behavior change communication campaign that increased condom use among male clients of sex workers in Southern India.

India is home to nearly 10% of all people living with HIV worldwide or approximately 2.5 million people. The primary mode of HIV transmission in India is heterosexual commercial sex. In conjunction with the Avahan India AIDS Initiative funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Population Services International (PSI) developed and implemented an intervention to reduce HIV incidence in part by increasing consistent condom use among heterosexual male commercial sex clients in southern India. The project focused on 100 "high priority" towns in the provinces of Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The intervention targeted heterosexual male commercial sex clients of low socio-economic status in the high priority towns. Communication activities focused on interpersonal methods such as street plays contests and group discussions. The project was largely successful in meeting its objective. Clients of commercial sex workers increased their reported consistent condom use during commercial sex from a baseline of 63% in May 2006 to 81% in May 2007 following the intervention. This 18% increase is strongly correlated with exposure to PSIs communication activities (p<0.01) and indicates a high level of achievement as compared to other voluntary behavior change communications campaigns.
In Vitro Rooting of Apple MM 106 ( Malus domestica Borkh . ) and Pear ( Pyrus calleryana ) Rootstocks

This study included the effect of three-auxin types (IAA, IBA and NAA) with different concentrations each at (0.0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg.l -1 ) on microshoots rooting ability. The highest mean number of roots per shoot, mean root length and rooting percentage (3.99 roots, 3.5 cm and 90%) and (3.50 roots, 3.20 cm and 90%) for both apple and pear were recorded respectively at 2 mg.l -1 NAA. While IAA or IBA were less effective than NAA on shoot rooting ability at the same concentrations. The study also included the effect of different concentrations of MS salts strength medium on rooting ability. In apple, the best number of roots per shoot, mean root length and rooting percentage (1.95 roots, 2.23 cm and 90%) were obtained on the half strength salt of MS medium, which were significantly differed from other treatments. In pear, the highest mean number of roots per shoot and rooting percentage (1.84 roots and 80%) were obtained on the half strength salts MS medium. Finally, at the acclimatization stage, 85% of both apple and pear plantlets were survived.
Claims That Anthropogenic Stressors Facilitate Jellyfish Blooms Have Been Amplified Beyond the Available Evidence: A Systematic Review

The perception that anthropogenic stressors cause jellyfish blooms is widespread within the scientific literature and media but robust evidence in support of these claims appears scarce. We used a citation analysis of papers published on “jellyfish blooms” to assess the extent to which such claims are made and the robustness of the evidence cited to support claims. Our search of the Web of Science returned 365 papers on “jellyfish blooms”. Each paper was searched for statements linking jellyfish blooms to specific anthropogenic stressors. For each statement we recorded the affirmation afforded to the claim, identified the stressors purported to cause blooms, the sources cited to support the statement, the type of study cited and the species studied in the cited source. Almost half the papers claimed that blooms were facilitated by anthropogenic stressors but most (70%) afforded a low degree of affirmation to the claim. We identified three major limitations in the evidence used to support claims: 1) evidence was dominated by studies of two wide-spread and highly invasive taxa (Aurelia aurita and Mnemiopsis leidyi) that may not represent the responses of jellyfishes more generally; 2) the empirical studies cited were dominated by correlative studies which, whilst useful for generating hypotheses, cannot attribute causation; and 3) the most commonly-cited reviews often cited circumstantial evidence and other reviews and provided conceptual models of how stressors could influence blooms, rather than robust evidence. We conclude that, although anthropogenic stressors could enhance jellyfish blooms, robust evidence is limited. Claims that strongly affirm anthropogenic stressors as causes of jellyfish blooms appear to be amplifying the evidence beyond that available. As a community we need to strike a better balance between perpetuating perception and accurately portraying the state of knowledge. Moreover, we should consider that anthropogenic stressors may adversely affect some species of jellyfish.
PENGUKURAN FUNGSIONALITAS PERANGKAT LUNAKMENGGUNAKAN METODE FUNCTION POINTBERDASARKAN DOKUMENTASI DESAIN

Estimated value of software as agreed by the end user and the developer team should be expressed in a certain magnitude, one of which is the measure of functionality (functional size measurement / FSM). Function Point (FP) Method is one of the methods used to obtain the size of the functionality, first introduced by Allan Albrecht and then further developed by the International Function Point User Goup (IFPUG). FP is a method used to get a measure of the cost, duration, and amount of resources required by a software project and can be done at any stage of software development. However, Function Point measurement requires expertise in software analysis and the results of the calculation are valid if done by someone with IFPUG certification. This study realizes a system that is convenient for actors in analyzing software using Function Point method based on IFPUG CPM 4.3. 1. The system helps users to perform FP analysis in a faster way and confers accurate results. The system is able to count FP based on software design documentation and uses XMI document exported from use case diagrams, class diagrams, and diagrams illustrating the use cases and classes relationship as an input. The study also indicates that the more complete software UML (Unified Modeling Language) documents, the more accurate the FP calculation results obtained.
OBJECT ORIENTED DESIGN OF ANTHROPOMORPHIC PHANTOMS AND GEANT4-BASED IMPLEMENTATIONS

Various models of anthropomorphic phantoms have been developed in the past decades for usage in Monte Carlo simulation for radiation protection and other medical physics applications; they adopt two alternative approaches, either modelling the body components through analytical geometrical representations or through voxelized geometries. An original system has been developed associated with the use of the Geant4 simulation toolkit. It exploits Geant4 advanced capabilities to model geometrical components, and the object oriented technology to provide a variety of models of the human body usable in a simulation application. The flexible software design allows the creation of both analytical and voxel phantoms. The system allows the creation of phantoms of different sex and age; phantoms based on established models are provided, as well as the option for the user to assemble customized phantoms.
Perivascular Adipose Tissue of the Descending Thoracic Aorta, Vascular Calcification, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Aims: Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Traditional CVD and disease related risk factors have been implicated, but do not fully account for this increased risk. Visceral adipose is most strongly associated with vascular dysfunction and metabolic disorder than other adipose regions. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is a visceral adipose depot in close proximity to blood vessels, which may have more direct influence over vascular function and progression of CVD. We hypothesized that SLE patients have increased PVAT surrounding the descending thoracic aorta than healthy control subjects. For both SLE and control subjects, we examined the relation between PVAT and vascular calcification of the aorta (AC) and coronary arteries (CAC). Methods: Using EBT, we quantified the PVAT of the descending thoracic aortic PVAT in SLE (n=135) and age/race matched controls (n=152). Participants were non-diabetic and free of CVD. CAC and AC were quantified using Agatston scores and the PVAT was quantified using standard attenuation values for adipose tissue (–190 to –30 HU) on commercially available software. The total PVAT volume (tPVAT) was calculated by summing the areas and multiplying by the length of the participant’s aorta. Results: The SLE women were more likely to be hypertensive (p 0.075) and attenuated with MS (p<0.047) when adjusted for CVD or inflammatory factors. Conclusions: Total PVAT is greater in clinically CVD-free SLE versus control participants and is associated with AC independent of overall adiposity. This work contributes to the field of public health elucidating the mechanisms of CVD progression through PVAT in SLE patients and ultimately in the general population.
Tweeting Questions in Academic Conferences: Seeking or Promoting Information?

The fast growth of social media has reshaped the traditional way of human interaction and information seeking behavior, which draws research attention on characterizing the new information seeking paradigm. However, results from previous studies might not be well grounded under certain social settings. In this paper, we leverage machine learning techniques to identify different types of question tweets within academic communities as an example of one particular social context. By studying over 160 thousands of tweets posted by 30 academic communities, we discovered a different landscape of information-seeking behaviors, where less tweets are regarded as question tweets, and more real information-seeking tweets are observed. We also found that users respond differently to different types of question tweets. We believe our study would be beneficial for understanding the information seeking behaviors in social media.
Effective Exploration of Web and Social Network Data

Author(s): Cheng, Shiwen | Advisor(s): Christidis, Evangelos | Abstract: The amount of Internet data is rapidly increasing due to the growth of the Web and the success of Online Social Networks. However, it is challenging to users to effectively explore these dynamic and massive data. Search engines offer a convenient way for users to explore Web and Social data through keyword query interfaces.However it is not rare for a keyword search query to return many results not relevant to the user's information need in terms of content, time or structure. A user's information need is hard to be understood by search engines purely based on the query keywords, especially when the query is ambiguous in nature. In Social Networks, in additional to ad-hoc search, subscription is another common way to consume data. For example, a user in Facebook and Twitter can subscribe to other users to have their real-time updates shown in her timeline. However, a user could be overloaded by the large number of posts in the subscription due to the high post rate.In this dissertation we develop solutions to help users effectively explore Web and Social Network data: First, we study the role of the document creation time in Web search queries in relation to the freshness requirement of a query. Second, we study the structural ambiguity of a query and we estimate the hardness of keyword queries over structured data. A search engine can use this technique to decide when to employ query suggestion and query reformulation techniques to offer better user experience. Third, we proposed context-aware ranking models to improve the search of medical literature by leveraging user query sessions. The user query session can help to understand a user's information need.Fourth, we applied novel diversification techniques on Online Social Network data to alleviate the information overload problem and help users to more effectively explore social data through search interfaces or a posts timeline.
Multi-path segmentation network

We present a new type of convolutional network for semantic segmentation here. We tested it on several benchmark datasets, including PASCAL VOC, PASCAL Context and Cityscapes. It achieved superior performance compared to state-of-the-art segmentation methods. To increase segmentation accuracy, we design a special structure with multiple columns. The special structure creates much more paths for information flow. Therefore, it has the potential for more accurate segmentation. We propose the idea of multi-path design here, and hope it can help inspire new ideas.
What Is a "Good" Social Network for a System?: The Flow of Know-How for Organizational Change. Working Paper #48.

This study concerns how intra-organizational networks affect the implementation of policies and practices in organizations. In particular, we attend to the role of the informal subgroup or clique in cultivating and distributing locally adapted and integrated knowledge, or know-how. We develop two hypotheses based on the importance of intra-organizational coordination for an organization’s capacity for change. The first emphasizes the importance of distributing know-how evenly to potential recipient subgroups. The second emphasizes the importance of restricting know-how to flow from high know-how subgroups. We test our hypotheses with longitudinal network data in 21 schools, finding stronger support for the second hypothesis than the first. Our findings can help managers cultivate know-how flows to contribute to organizational change.
Screening Massively Large Data Sets For Non-Responsiveness In Web-Based Personality Inventories

What I would like to do is first present a rationale for placing a personality inventory on the World Wide Web. Next I will present a brief history of my efforts at developing a Web-based inventory. Finally, I will describe several methods I developed for screening the data to weed out protocols with inappropriate response patterns. This is a significant problem for data collected on the web because of the very large number of respondents and the potential for different types of inappropriate responding. This paper ends with a summary of the ensuing discussion about this research.