Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In silico mining and characterization of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from Euphorbia esula expressed sequence tags (ESTs): A potential crop for biofuel

Euphorbia esula (leafy spurge) is a perennial noxious weed native to Eurasia, which can also be potentially useful as a biofuel, medicine, or a pest control agent. In this study, we analysed publicly available ESTs of ‘NCBI dbEST’ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/dbEST) using in silico tools to have an insight into the genetic makeup of the plant. Mining of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) was performed by MISA, primer designing by Primer3 while functional annotation, gene ontology and enrichment analysis were performed by Blast2GO. SSR mining from 47543 ESTs revealed a total 3248 SSRs, of which di-, triand hexa-nucleotide repeats were 352 (10.83%), 822 (25.30%), 17 (0.52%) respectively. A total of 527 primer pairs were designed for the annotated SSR-Contigs. About 77.07% SSR-ESTs could be assigned a significant match to the protein database. 210 unique SSRFDM (Functional Domain Markers) were assigned for significant functional domains by InterProScan. The gene ontology (GO) analysis provided 1213 number of unique GO terms which were subjected to enrichment analysis to obtain 95 statistically significant GO terms mapped to the SSR containing ESTs. Most frequent enriched GO terms were GO:0005886 for cellular component, GO:0003677 for molecular function and GO:0044255 in case of biological process, indicating the potential of the species as a fuel crop. Many SSR markers were functionally annotated to various biotic and abiotic stress responsive genes. Further studies may help us to understand these traits of extreme adaptive features. This will provide opportunity to genetically manage and modify crops for resistance to these stresses.
Employment Status and Job-Studies Relevance of Social Science Graduates: The Experience from a Greek Public University

Research on social science graduates' employment prospects reaches contradictor conclusions intensifying the scepticism on the value of these disciplines in the labour market. The paper examines two important labour market outcomes of these graduates, employment status and job-studies relevance taking into account gender and time of graduation. This is put into the Greek context, then examined further in a case study on graduates of a public University that exclusively serves social sciences. Results indicate deterioration of the graduates' employment opportunities, lower employment status of female graduates, and persistence of a high degree of 'job-studies no relevance' over time.
TAKES: Two-step Approach for Knowledge Extraction in Biomedical Digital Libraries

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a novel knowledge extraction system, TAKES (Two-step Approach for Knowledge Ex -traction System), which integrates advanced techniques from Information Retrieval (IR), Information Extraction (IE), and Natural Language Processing (NLP). In particular, TAKES adopts a novel keyphrase extraction-based query expansion technique to collect promising documents. It also uses a Conditional Random Field-based machine learning technique to extract important biological entities and relations. TAKES is applied to biological knowledge extraction, particularly retrieving promising documents that contain Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) and extracting PPI pairs. TAKES consists of two major components: DocSpotter, which is used to query and retrieve promising documents for extraction, and a Conditional Random Field (CRF)-based entity extraction component known as FCRF. The present paper investigated research problems addressing the issues with a knowledge extraction system and conducted a series of experiments to test our hypotheses. The ndings from the experiments are as follows: First, the author veri ed, using three di erent test collections to measure the performance of our query expansion technique, that DocSpotter is robust and highly accurate when compared to Okapi BM25 and SLIPPER. Second, the author veri ed that our relation extraction algorithm, FCRF, is highly accurate in terms of F-Measure compared to four other competitive extraction algorithms: Support Vector Ma -chine, Maximum Entropy, Single POS HMM, and Rapier.Keywords
Convergence in house prices across OECD countries: A panel data analysis

This study examines whether housing prices converged in OECD countries over the 1996–2015 period. The unconditional and conditional convergence hypotheses are tested via the system-GMM method using five-year span panel data of twenty OECD countries. The results reveal that there exists a significant convergence process within this country group. To test the conditional convergence hypothesis, the convergence equation is estimated also with some control variables that may reflect market activity and demand side impacts such as income level, construction, unemployment rate, permits for dwellings and share prices. The findings show that the speed of convergence is even higher when the above-mentioned variables are controlled.
Attitude Towards Contract Farming Among Malaysian Agriculture Learning Institution Students

Problem statement: The government’s effort in enhancing agriculture productivity cannot be argued. The introduction of contract farming is one of the ways. Contract farming includes a number of new agriculture activities such as leech rearing, worm rearing, vanilla farming, herbs, catfish and many more. However, is the youth who are the pillar of this industry have a positive attitude towards it? This was the main objective of this study, to investigate the attitude of Malaysian agriculture institution students toward contract farming and factors that affect it. Approach: This was a quantitative study and data was gathered through a survey questionnaire. A total of 194 respondents from two main agriculture learning institutions in Malaysia were selected through a simple random sampling. The data collection took almost two months to be completed. Results: As expected, the study revealed that the Malaysian agriculture institution students have a high level of attitude towards contract farming. Further analysis through multiple regression analysis informed us that three factors which are acceptance, support and knowledge are significant predictors of youths’ attitude towards contract farming. Conclusion: In order to enhance the attitude of youth towards contract farming, exposure to contract farming among the youth should be doubled and a specific course on contract farming can be introduced. Besides, establishing contract farming youth club can be introduced.
Direct Neutrino Mass Experiments

With a mass at least six orders of magnitudes smaller than the mass of an electron – but non-zero – neutrinos are a clear misfit in the Standard Model of Particle Physics. On the one hand, its tiny mass makes the neutrino one of the most interesting particles, one that might hold the key to physics beyond the Standard Model. On the other hand this minute mass leads to great challenges in its experimental determination. Three approaches are currently pursued: An indirect neutrino mass determination via cosmological observables, the search for neutrinoless double β-decay, and a direct measurement based on the kinematics of single β-decay. In this paper the latter will be discussed in detail and the status and scientific reach of the current and near-future experiments will be presented.
Do Consumers Learn from Their Own Experiences?

type="main"> It is natural to think that a household may learn from its own experiences and subsequently increase savings. This paper tests empirically the hypothesis that Japanese households learn from their experiences of large expenditure and increase their targets for precautionary savings after such experiences. The results imply that households raise their targets for precautionary savings by 4–5 percent of annual income in response to such experiences. Moreover, data are consistent with the argument that targets for savings affect actual savings. Assuming this holds, the results in this paper suggest that consumers may increase their actual savings following large expenditure.
Ab initio/RRKM approach toward the understanding of ethylene photodissociation

The optimized structures and harmonic frequencies for the transition states and intermediates on the ground state potential energy surfaces of ethylenes, including C2H4, C2D4, D2CCH2, and cis- and trans-HDCCDH, related to the molecular and atomic hydrogen elimination channels of photodissociation in VUV were characterized at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. The coupled cluster method, CCSD(T)/6-311+G(3df,2p), was employed to calculate the corresponding energies with the zero-point energy corrections by the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) approach. Ethylidene was found to be an intermediate in the 1,2-H2 elimination channel. The barrier for the 1,1-H2 elimination was computed to be the lowest (4.10–4.16 eV), while the 1,2-H2 elimination and H loss channels have barriers of a similar height (4.70–4.80 eV). The rate constant for each elementary step of ethylene photodissociation at 193 and 157 nm was calculated according to the RRKM theory based on the ab initio surfaces. The rate equations were subsequently solved, and thus .
Utility Maximization and Optimal Portfolio Selection

Markowitz (1952) has proposed the theory of portfolio optimization in a single period in which he has used the mean-variance estimates of portfolios to judge investment strategies and has employed linear regression to quantify risk and return of the portfolios of stocks and bonds. Tobin (1958) has formulated a separation theorem which has showed a way to identify which efficient portfolio should be held by an individual investor by dividing his/her funds between a safe liquid asset such as cash (or treasury bills) and a risky asset (equity portfolio). He has established that, if portfolio theory based on mean and variance of return distribution should hold, either the distribution of asset returns should belong to the two-parameter family or the utility function should be quadratic. Samuelson (1969) has given a strong foundation for multiperiod models of portfolio selection problems in discrete time by formulating and solving many-period models corresponding to life-time planning of consumption and investment decisions. Merton (1969, 1971) has examined the combined problem of dynamic optimal portfolio selection and consumption rules for an investor in a continuous-time model where his/her income is generated by returns on assets and these returns are stochastic processes. Magill and Constantinides (1976) formalized the portfolio selection problem in the presence of transactions costs and highlighted the effect of transactions costs on the general theory of the capital market. Constantinides (1986) has formulated a twoasset inter-temporal portfolio selection model incorporating transaction costs proportional to the assets and iso-elastic utility of consumption and showed that the demand for the assets was sensitive to transaction costs. Karatzas et al. (1987) have characterized optimum consumption and portfolio decisions for Utility Maximization and Optimal Portfolio Selection
Field Induced Memory Effects in Random Nematics

We studied numerically external field induced memory effects in randomly perturbed nematic liquid crystals. Random anisotropy nematic-type lattice model was used. The impurities imposing orientational disorder were randomly spatially distributed with the concentration below the percolation threshold. Simulations were carried for finite temperatures, where we varied , interaction strength between LC molecules, and impurities and external field . In the plane we determined lines separating short range—quasi long range and quasi long range—long range order. Furthermore, crossover regime separating external field and random field dominated regime was estimated. We calculated remanent nematic ordering in samples at as a function of the previously experienced external field strength .
INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC GOODS THROUGH INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT RESEARCH IN CGIAR PARTNERSHIPS

The CGIAR System conducts research to produce international public goods (IPG) that are of wide applicability, creating a scientific base which speeds and broadens local adaptive development. Integrated natural resources management (INRM) research is sometimes seen to be very location specific and consequently does not lend itself readily to the production of IPGs. In this paper we analyse ways in which strategic approaches to INRM research can have broad international applicability and serve as useful foundations for the development of locally adapted technologies. The paper describes the evolution of the IPG concept within the CGIAR and elaborates on five major types of IPGs that have been generated from a varied set of recent INRM research efforts. CGIAR networks have both strengths and weaknesses in INRM research and application, with enormous differences in relative research and development capacities, responsibilities and data access of its partners, making programme process evolution critical to acceptance and participation. Many of the lessons learnt regarding challenges and corresponding IPG research approaches are relevant to designing and managing future multi-scale, multi-locational, co-ordinated INRM programmes involving broad-based partnerships to address complex environmental and livelihood problems for development.
Virtual Engine - A Tool for a Powertrain Dynamic Solution

The paper presents computational and experimental approaches to a powertrain vibration analysis. A complex computational model of a powertrain - a virtual engine is a powerful tool for a solution of structural, thermal and fatigue problems. The virtual engine results should answer different questions, mainly those concerning the area of noise, vibrations and component fatigues. The paper also includes a description of fast algorithm for a hydrodynamic solution of a slide bearing incorporating pin tilting influences. The main contribution is the fact that all models, that is those of a cranktrain, a valvetrain, a gear timing mechanism and a fuel injection pump are solved simultaneously, using a complex computational model. Synchronous solutions can have a fundamental effect on results of powertrain dynamics solutions. Additionally, it might help to understand influences among powertrain parts. The virtual engine is assembled as well as numerically solved in Multi Body System. Virtual engine results are validated by measurements on Diesel in-line six-cylinder engine.
MICROFLUIDIC SENSOR USING RESONANCE FREQUENCY MODULATION FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF SINGLE CELLS

This paper reports on a novel impedance-based sensor, which uses the shift in resonance frequency of a microfluidic channel, as measured by a phase-locked loop (PLL), to characterize single cells or particles passing through the channel. The use of an actively controlled resonator allows for higher sensitivity in comparison to existing statically controlled impedance-based methods. We demonstrate the functionality of the sensor by discriminating yeast cells from beads of two different sizes by only using the measured frequency shifts, which reflect the correlated dielectric properties.
Modeling the free energy surfaces of electron transfer in condensed phases

We develop a three-parameter model of electron transfer (ET) in condensed phases based on the Hamiltonian of a two-state solute linearly coupled to a harmonic, classical solvent mode with different force constants in the initial and final states (a classical limit of the quantum Kubo–Toyozawa model). The exact analytical solution for the ET free energy surfaces demonstrates the following features: (i) the range of ET reaction coordinates is limited by a one-sided fluctuation band, (ii) the ET free energies are infinite outside the band, and (iii) the free energy surfaces are parabolic close to their minima and linear far from the minima positions. The model provides an analytical framework to map physical phenomena conflicting with the Marcus–Hush two-parameter model of ET. Nonlinear solvation, ET in polarizable charge-transfer complexes, and configurational flexibility of donor-acceptor complexes are successfully mapped onto the model. The present theory leads to a significant modification of the energy .
New Peak Temperature Constraints using RSCM Geothermometry on the Hajjar Zn-Pb-Cu Mine and its Surroundings (Guemassa Massif, Morocco)

This study aims at precising the thermal history of the Guemassa massif and that of the Hajjar polymetallic deposit, by using a recently-developed method: the Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Material (e.g. Beyssac et al 2002; Lahfid et al 2010). The Guemassa massif belongs to the Moroccan Meseta domain and is mainly composed of Palaeozoic rocks folded during the Hercynian orogeny. This area underwent tectonic, metamorphic and hydrothermal events that explain the presence of several base metal deposits like Hajjar. The application of Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Material geothermometry (RSCM) has revealed new temperature peaks superior to 500°C that were unrevealed by other methods (fluid inclusion, chlorite thermometry). This new data set will allow a better understanding of the thermal history and of the mineralization processes in the Guemassa massif.
A Study of Management Skills with Indian Respondents: Comparing their Technical, Human and Conceptual Scores based on Gender

There are nearly 1.5 billion people in India and over thirty percent of them are well educated and can speak fluent English. This means the world relies on them since Indians provide an educated workforce for today’s competitive and technology-driven workplace. As such, Indian men and women are seen in professional and middle management ranks in various industries across the globe. This study focused on the technical, human and conceptual skills of a selected number of respondents from India to see if gender differences can be a factor. The results of 200 respondents show that these men and women have significantly different skills. Women have an extremely high score on the technical and human skills and men have a high score on the conceptual skills. Implications for researchers, managers, and human resource professionals are presented.
RAPD markers for genetic variability studies in ashgourd Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.

Genetic relationships were estimated among twenty five ashgourd [Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. ] landraces of different types using PCR-based random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Twenty nine primers, out of the forty decamer primers yielded amplification products indicating presence of sequence complementary to these primers in the DNA of ashgourd landraces. Pair-wise genetic similarities among the landraces determined using Jaccard’s coefficient ranged from 0.14 to 1.00. The dendrogram based on clustering matrix separated the landraces with morphologically distinct smooth textured fruits from waxy textured fruits and the former group showed less divergence than the latter. With in the group of waxy textured fruits, limited variation was detected among landraces with small and medium sized fruits. Further, morphologically similar landraces with large fruits form distinct clusters with in the major clusters. The study demonstrated the usefulness of the RAPD marker analysis in effectively assessing the genetic relationship present among the ashgourd landraces examined.
Perceptions of Campus-Level Advocacy and Influence Strategies among Senior Administrators in College and University Libraries

In recent years, interest has grown among academic librarians on developing strategies that garner support for library initiatives and influence campus-level decision-making. This practice has been characterized in the literature on managing academic libraries as increasing advocacy, or the capacity to grow support for library priorities among faculty and administrators using influence and persuasion. As past ACRL president Camila Alire stated in her challenge to the organization’s membership,
What Have We Learned about Success and Its Drivers in Comprehensive Residential Upgrade Programs

Evaluators are called on to assess program success and to identify factors contributing to successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Yet few studies have analyzed sufficient numbers of programs to identify the correlates of success and even fewer studies have attempted to demonstrate what can make or break any residential efficiency upgrade program – regardless of program design intricacies or the varying environments in which the program takes place. This paper attempts to answer these questions: 1. What defines a successful program? 2. What programmatic elements help avoid poor program performance, regardless of program design specifics or regional characteristics? 3. What programmatic elements lead to highly successful program outcomes, regardless of program design specifics or regional characteristics? This paper explores 12 quantitative indicators of successful program outcomes and identifies the drivers and detractors of success based on data from a diverse set of 54 comprehensive residential upgrade programs from across the country. The programs were conducted by 41 state and local grantees in 32 states and territories that received federal funding for development and deployment of energy efficiency upgrade programs through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program (BBNP). Analysis of BBNP data reveals a robust metric for measuring relative program success and demonstrates that: a) contractor training helps prevent sub-par program outcomes and b) offering multiple pathways to participation and achievement of energy savings is critical to programmatic success. This paper fully presents our findings on the factors that define and drive success in widely varying comprehensive residential upgrade programs.
Factors Influencing ME Mal Effort: A Theoretical Overview and Review of Literature

This paper summarizes the theoretical basis of the relationship between preconceptions and the construct of mental effort in order to identify factors that researchers have shown to influence mental effort, and to suggest an agenda for future research in this area. It begins with a discussion of the theoretical bases of the relationship between preconceptions and mental effort which reviews and summarizes four theories of cognition and motivation: (1) reactive theory; (2) active processing theories; (3) curiosity theory; and (4) attribution theory. It is also noted that past experiences, perceptions of the task, and characteristics of the media may each contribute to the preconceptions that learners bring to an instructional setting, and may in turn influence the invested mental effort. The paper then describes research on preconceptions and mental effort in the specific areas of learner preconceptions; mental effort and learning; the influence of the perceived task on mental effort; and the influence of characteristics of the media on mental effort. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research, which include measuring the delay time in responding to some secondary task while attending to the primary task of reading or viewing the stimulus material; studying the role of embedded post-questions in text using a secondary task technique to measure the amount of cognitive capacity used during processing; and using other methods to increase the cognitive capacity used in processing a text-based lesson. (38 references) (CGD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.