Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arctic-alpine and serpentine differentiation in polyploid

Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution, Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt/Main, Germany, email: juraj.paule@ senckenberg.de; National Centre for Biosystematics, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Blindern 1172, NO-0318, Oslo, Norway; Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, CZ-128 01 Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Zámek 1, CZ-252 43 Průhonice, Czech Republic, e-mail: filip.kolar@gmail.com; Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacobotany, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A–1090 Vienna, Austria; current address: Austrian Research Centre for Forests, Department of Forest Genetics, Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg 8, A-1131 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: christoph.dobes@bfw.gv. at
Untersuchung des Einflusses sozio-emotionaler Faktoren auf die soziale Akzeptanz und Nutzungsintention bei Lotsenrobotern

﻿In the course of emerging service robotics research, this dissertation consists of three empirical studies to investigate how an extrovert robot personality, a tactile ability to interact and a humanoid robot appearance of robots with a hostess function impact on their social acceptance and intention to use. A field experiment has been conducted with 194 test persons. The experiment compared two versions of a shopping robot (standard version vs. extrovert version). Thereby, the standard version of the shopping robot has been adopted based on a developed extrovert concept. Next, based on a laboratory experiment with 48 students, two versions of the robot Nao have been compared with regards to their tactile ability to interact (Nao with tactile interaction vs. Nao without tactile interaction). Tactile interaction means the reaction of the robot to human contact. Finally, an online experiment with 131 students has been conducted by means of an online questionnaire. The students evaluated two shopping robots with different appearances (less humanoid vs. more humanoid shopping robot) with the help of two interactive videos. The results show that an extrovert robot personality, ability for tactile interaction and a more humanoid appearance of robots with a hostess function have a positive influence on their social acceptance and intention to use.
A new hybrid evolutionary algorithm for three - dimensional packing problems

This paper presents a novel hybrid evolutionary algorithm (HEA) based technique to solve container loading problem which is a knapsack type. In this problem, there exists a set of different types of boxes, and those boxes are tried to stow into a 3D container. Within our approach, the container loading patterns are represented by choromosomes related with the problem. It includes specialized operators for hybridization, which are problem-specific heuristics, intelligent variation operators which comprise problem specific knowledge, and a local search phase. In the experimental study, comparison of results with existing algorithms justifies the potential of our method for solving strongly heterogeneous boxes.
Characterizing the Pyocin Activity of Diverse Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile Gram-negative pathogen that can infect a diversity of immunocompromised patients. Interest in alternatives to traditional antibiotics has inspired our investigation of Rand F-type pyocins as novel therapeutics. These phage taillike bacteriocins are produced by P. aeruginosa to kill competing strains via pore formation in target cells. We aimed to characterize the diversity of pyocins and bacteriophages generated by diverse P. aeruginosa strains so as to identify pyocins of therapeutic value. Strategies to delineate pyocin and phage activities included physical methods, the modulation of pyocin regulation, and antibody-based detection of tail-like pyocins. We have identified the dominance of Rand F-type pyocins in impacting P. aeruginosa populations and revealed a small number of strains producing particularly potent pyocins. In addition, the co-regulation of phages and pyocins, the dependence of pyocins on pili for activity, and the striking diversity of pyocin susceptibility have all been recognized.
A proposed framework of corporate governance andinvestment strategy impacts on occupational pensionsustainability: the moderating effects of risk management

Recently, sustainability has emerged among major concerns in a broad range of fields.Comparatively, little research attention has been paid to sustainability of occupation pension (OP) scheme despite its significance on public finance. The widespread nature of pension reforms triggered by occupational pension crisis has led to privatization of management of pension funds among approaches of reforms. Grounded in institutional and agency theories, this paper proposes a theoretical framework of the influences of corporate governance and investment strategies on the sustainability of OP and the moderating role of risk management. The framework focuses on the Nigerian contributory pension scheme (CPS) which came into effect in 2004. Review of extant literature indicates that with good corporate governance and optimal investment strategies, the sustainability of Nigerian CPS would be enhanced. Furthermore, the moderating effects of risk management were established based on evidences from literature. The review has significant implication on the management of CPS not only in terms of the stewardship roles entrusted with privately firms (pension operators) managing the CPS fund, but also for the employees and other stakeholders to reap the benefits of well regulated CPS.
EFFECT OF EARNINGS MANAGEMENT ON COST OF DEBT BEFORE AND AFTER INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FINANCIAL REPORTING IMPLEMENTATION

A business environment with high competition requires higher efficiency, not just operating efficiency but also the funding efficiency. One of the causes of funding inefficiency is the high cost of debt as a result of earnings management practices that can reduce investor confidence in the company's financial statements. The practice of earnings management has attracted practitioners, researchers, and regulators by develop various detecting models and develop standards such as International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS). To analyze influence the effect of earnings management on cost of debt, this study uses three approaches: competing-component model, business model, and discretionary revenue model. The approach used is to review the capability of the linear regression model that is formed and to perform comparative analysis among the regression models formed by data from manufacturing companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the years 2007-2011 as data before the IFRS implementation and 2012-2015 for data after the IFRS implementation. Based on the results of data processing obtained evidence that earnings management negatively affect the cost of debt using the three approaches but the model formed with business model approach has stronger than the regression equation formed with other models. When compared to the period before and after the implementation of IFRS, seen earnings management practices have decreased and the effect on the cost of debt becomes smaller.
Prenatal Health Promotion Content and Health Behaviors

To improve the effectiveness of prenatal care, there is a need to understand the association between health promotion content and health behaviors during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between prenatal health promotion content and health behaviors during pregnancy among low-income African American and Mexican American women. Twenty-two recommended health promotion topics and their related health behaviors were measured. Structured interviews on health promotion topics and health behaviors were conducted with 159 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a low-risk urban clinic. Wide variation was found in the number of health promotion topics discussed. Bivariate and regression analyses examined the association between content topics and behaviors. Healthier behaviors were associated with women's reports of discussing more health promotion topics, using fewer substances prepregnancy, and having a more positive attitude toward pregnancy. Data suggest that increasing prenatal health promotion content during routine visits might improve the effectiveness of prenatal care.
Intimate Violence Among Underrepresented Groups on a College Campus

Rape, sexual violence, psychological violence, and physical violence, among college students have been a concern. Lifetime events are often studied but not violence that specifically transpires while one is in college. Underrepresented groups such as Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, students who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual, and students who are members of racial and ethnic minorities have not been studied as extensively as White, heterosexual females. The authors used several measures to investigate the incidence of sexual violence, physical and psychological abuse among underrepresented groups in a random sample of 1,028 college students at a private, northeastern, technological campus in upstate New York, United States and analyzed victimization rates by gender, race/ethnicity, auditory status, and sexual orientation. Binary logistic regression analyses found that statistically significant differences are likely to exist between members of underrepresented groups and groups in the majority. The study found statistically significant associations between Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and students who were gay, lesbian, bisexual, or other sexual orientation with psychological abuse and physical abuse. Racial and ethnic minorities and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other sexual orientation students were significantly more at risk for sexual abuse. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other sexual orientation students, students who were members of a racial or ethnic minority, and female students were significantly more likely to be raped. Female heterosexual students were more likely to be the victim of an attempted rape. Suggestions for further research and policy implications are provided.
Intraduodenal Free Fatty Acids Rather than Triglycerides Are Responsible for the Release of CCK in Humans

Exocrine pancreas from different species behaves differently in response to the presence of intact or digested nutrients in the duodenum. A failure of cholecystokinin (CCK) release after a meal has been shown among patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This abnormality could be restored by the administration of pancreatic extracts, suggesting that digested rather than intact nutrients are responsible for the release of CCK and subsequently gallbladder contraction in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the specific role of different lipidic stimuli in humans. Seven male patients (mean age, 52 years) with pancreatic insufficiency secondary to chronic pancreatitis were selected. Pancreatic insufficiency was considered severe in five of them (lipase output, < 1,000 IU/min) and moderate in another two (lipase output, > 1,000 and <2,300 IU/min). Plasma CCK (by bioassay), gallbladder contraction (by ultrasound), and enzyme output (chymotrypsin) in response to duodenal administration of either oleic acid as free fatty acids or 20% Intralipid as triglycerides were measured in each patient with at least a 48-h interval between each test. In all these patients with pancreatic insufficiency, duodenal perfusion of free fatty acids generated a more pronounced (91 ± 11 vs. 49 ± 21 pM) and faster (15 vs. 30 min) (p < 0.05) CCK release than triglycerides. Furthermore, gallbladder contraction was more efficient when free fatty acids instead of triglycerides were administered in the duodenum (86 ± 5 vs. 69 ± 4%) at 10 min (p < 0.05) and (73 ± 8 vs. 51 ± 5%) at 15 min (p < 0.03). Among patients with measurable residual pancreatic function, enzyme outputs were shown to be higher during free fatty acid than triglyceride perfusion. In humans, free fatty acids rather than triglycerides, when present in the duodenum, stimulate CCK release and gallbladder contraction. In patients with moderate pancreatic insufficiency this phenomenon may increase residual enzymatic secretion. These results allow us to encourage the development of enzymatic preparations as acid-resistant lipases that cause a fast release of free fatty acids in the duodenum.
Notice of RetractionChallenges of mobile learning in 4G era

The wireless/mobile world will going into 4G era which means faster of uploading and downloading speed, wider of bandwidth and easier using of mobile device. Mobile learning is more and more populate in the world which can learn any place, any time and any person. There are still some challenges which are shown in current practice of mobile learning. In this paper, these challenges will be discussed to see if they still exist in 4G era or not.
Deletion of the alpha7 nicotinic receptor subunit gene results in increased sensitivity to several behavioral effects produced by alcohol.

BACKGROUND The finding that most people with alcoholism are also heavy smokers prompted several research groups to evaluate the effects of ethanol on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) function. Data collected in vitro indicate that physiologically relevant concentrations of ethanol inhibit the functional activation of homomeric alpha7 nAChRs, which are one of the most abundant nAChR subtypes expressed in the mammalian brain. The studies outlined here used alpha7 gene knockout (null mutant) mice to evaluate the potential role of alpha7 nAChRs in modulating selected behavioral and physiological effects produced by ethanol. METHODS Current evidence indicates that many responses to ethanol are not genetically correlated. Therefore, the authors measured the effects of acute administration of ethanol on several behaviors that are altered by both ethanol and nicotine: two tests of locomotor activity, acoustic startle, prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, and body temperature. Ethanol-induced durations of loss of righting reflex and ethanol elimination rates were also determined. These studies used null mutant (alpha7(-/-)) and wild-type (alpha7(-/-)) mice. RESULTS Relative to alpha7(+/+) mice, alpha7(-/-) mice were more sensitive to the activating effects of ethanol on open-field activity, ethanol-induced hypothermia, and duration of loss of the righting response. Deletion of the alpha7 gene did not influence the effects of ethanol on Y-maze crossing or rearing activities, acoustic startle, or prepulse inhibition of startle. Gene deletion did not alter ethanol metabolism. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that some but not all of the behavioral effects of ethanol are mediated in part by effects on nAChRs that include the alpha7 subunit and may help to explain the robust association between alcohol consumption and the use of tobacco.
Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 Is the Essential Nuclease during Immunoglobulin Class Switch Recombination

ABSTRACT Immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch recombination (CSR) is initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) that catalyzes numerous DNA cytosine deaminations within switch regions. The resulting uracils are processed by uracil base excision and/or mismatch repair enzymes that ultimately generate switch region DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Uracil glycosylase 2 (UNG2) is required for CSR, most likely by removing uracils to generate abasic sites. Although it is presumed that the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) generates DNA strand incisions (a prerequisite for CSR) at these abasic sites, a direct test of the requirement for APE1 in CSR has been difficult because of the embryonic lethality of APE1 ablation in mice. Here, we report the successful deletion of the APE1 gene in a mouse B cell line (CH12F3) capable of robust CSR in vitro. In contrast to the general assumption that APE1 is essential for cellular viability, deletion of APE1 in CH12F3 cells has no apparent effect on cell viability or growth. Moreover, CSR in APE1-null CH12F3 cells is drastically reduced, providing direct evidence for an essential role for APE1 in switch region cleavage and CSR. Finally, deletion of AP endonuclease 2 (APE2) has no effect on CSR in either APE1-proficient or -deficient cells.
Corporate environmental disclosure in the Arab Middle Eastern and North African region : an institutional perspective

Prompted by calls to examine social and environmental disclosure beyond developed countries and, in particular, by studies that have begun to investigate practices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of corporate environmental disclosure (CED) by firms in Arab MENA countries. Using a detailed research instrument consisting of 55 items in five categories, a multi-country content analysis of the annual reports of 180 industrial and service sector companies listed on nine of the region’s major stock markets was conducted for a five-year period from 2010 to 2014. Consistent with previous studies that applied balanced panel data, the further statistical analysis was conducted by using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique and supported by carrying out other estimations including a fixed-effects model, lagged-effects model, a weighted disclosure index model, and a two-stage least square (2SLS) model. Theoretically, an institutional framework has been employed to interpret CED practices in the MENA region using the three isomorphic pressures (i.e., mimetic, coercive, and normative). The calculation of an unweighted disclosure index indicates that, although the level of disclosure might be considered relatively low, it increased significantly over the period 2010 to 2014. There are some differences between countries in any given year, but the growth in disclosure is observed to be a region-wide phenomenon. Analysis of five categories of environmental disclosure and the behaviour of different types of the company not only reveals some interesting patterns but also reinforces the picture of a widespread general increase in disclosure. Although firm-specific characteristics (i.e., firm size, profitability, leverage, industry, auditor type) are positively and significantly related to CED in the MENA region, the influence of country-level governance (i.e., voice and accountability, government efficiency, and control of corruption) is heterogeneous in that they may have enhanced or reduced CED levels in annual reports across the nine MENA countries. Additionally, CED reflects the different region-specific pressures (i.e., business cultures and business environment). By using institutional theory, the study argues that country-level institutional factors, representative of the social context of a company’s operational environment may either encourage or discourage the adoption of CED in the countries across the MENA region. Since a relatively comprehensive disclosure index was used, it is unlikely that the study was biased against any particular country or type of company and so it provides a sound basis for comparison across the Arab MENA region. The study also provides a systematic picture for policymakers in the region as well as future researchers.
Vitamin E and the immune response

Undernourishment has been suggested to be the most frequent cause of secondary immunodeficiency in man (Chandra et al. 1978) and a practical consequence of this is that nutritional deficiency leads to a significantly increased susceptibility to infection. The association of immune deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition is well described and reviewed (Dowd & Heatley, 1984) and there is now increasing awareness as well as published evidence, that individual nutrients may have a major influence on immune function. The number of individual micronutrients reported to have an influence on immune function is ever increasing and includes the elements, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and magnesium, as well as the vitamins, folic acid, B12, C, B6, A, p-carotene and E. Several of these individual micronutrients will be considered in the present symposium and this communication will examine the evidence in relation to vitamin E. Since single nutrient deficiency is uncommon in human populations, the majority of studies reported in relation to vitamin E and indeed other micronutrients, have been performed in experimental animals. One is then immediately faced with the unanswered problem of extrapolating results in animals to humans and since many of the studies in animals have looked at the extremes of nutritional state, either gross depletion or supplementation at levels greatly in excess of recommended intakes, extrapolation becomes even more difficult. Added to these difficulties, the complexity of the immune system, involving processes such as mucosal and cell-mediated immunity, complement function, phagocytosis and intracellular killing, further complicates interpretation of results. Very few studies have been performed on the effect of vitamin E on immune function in man and in earlier studies the numbers of subjects studied have been small and, therefore, it is, as yet, not possible to draw firm conclusions. Also in earlier studies matched control groups were usually not included, making the interpretation of the findings even more difficult. In a retrospective study of 100 apparently healthy subjects over the age of 60 years, a relationship was found between serum vitamin E levels and the incidence of infections, subjects with the highest vitamin E levels (greater than 13.5 mg/l) having the lowest number of infections (Chavance et al. 1985). Baehner et al. (1977) supplemented three subjects with 1600 mg vitamin E/d and reported improved
7α-Hydroxypregnenolone Mediates Melatonin Action Underlying Diurnal Locomotor Rhythms

Melatonin regulates diurnal changes in locomotor activity in vertebrates, but the molecular mechanism for this neurohormonal regulation of behavior is poorly understood. Here we show that 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, a previously undescribed avian neurosteroid, mediates melatonin action on diurnal locomotor rhythms in quail. In this study, we first identified 7α-hydroxypregnenolone and its stereoisomer 7β-hydroxypregnenolone in quail brain. These neurosteroids have not been described previously in avian brain. We then demonstrated that 7α-hydroxypregnenolone acutely increased quail locomotor activity. To analyze the production of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, cytochrome P4507α, a steroidogenic enzyme of this neurosteroid, was also identified. Subsequently, we demonstrated diurnal changes in 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis in quail. 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone synthesis and locomotor activity in males were much higher than in females. This is the first demonstration in any vertebrate of a clear sex difference in neurosteroid synthesis. This sex difference in 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis corresponded to the sex difference in locomotion. We show that only males exhibited marked diurnal changes in 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis, and these changes occurred in parallel with changes in locomotor activity. Finally, we identified melatonin as a key component of the mechanism regulating 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis. Increased synthesis of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone occurred in males in vivo after melatonin removal via pinealectomy and orbital enucleation (Px plus Ex). Conversely, decreased synthesis of this neurosteroid occurred after melatonin administration to Px plus Ex males. This study demonstrates that melatonin regulates synthesis of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, a key factor for induction of locomotor activity, thus inducing diurnal locomotor changes in male birds. This is a previously undescribed role for melatonin.