Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Market Channel Choice and Its Impact on Farm Household Income: A Case Study of 243 Apple Farmers in Shaanxi province, China

Although Shaanxi province is the largest in China, both in terms of apple production and cultivated areas, with local farmers’ income mainly sourced from apples, the per-capita net income of farmers in Shaanxi province remains behind the national average. Since the market channel choice of farmers could be perceived as one of the available income strategies, this paper provides empirical evidence to measure the impacts of market channel choice on farmers’ income using a Heckman sample selection model and an OLS model based on a farm household survey of 243 apple farmers in Baishui and Luochuan counties of Shaanxi province, China. Moreover, this paper discusses the different impacts of market channel choice on household income among farmers who are cooperative members and those who are not. Discipline: Agricultural Economics Additional key words: small-scale farmers, marketing channel, farmer cooperatives Present address: No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, China *Corresponding author: e-mail yujin@nwsuaf.edu. cn Received 4 January 2013; accepted 14 February 2014.
Perceptual Categories for Musiclike Sounds: Implications for Theories of Speech Perception

Sawtooth acoustic stimuli of different rise times are identified as coming from a plucked string instrument (pluck) or a bowed one (bow). Like stop consonants, these sounds are perceived categorically—discrimination is poor for stimuli identified as belonging to a single class but good for those identified as members of different classes. Varying the interval between two successive musiclike stimuli hardly alters discrimination. Sawtooth stimuli lasting 750 ms are clearly perceived categorically; those lasting 250 ms are not. Prolonged exposure to a pluck or bow stimulus can shift the rise-time boundary between categories. Shifts due to such selective adaptation decrease as adapting and test stimuli share fewer characteristics. Adaptation of postulated “feature detectors” therefore may occur in input systems prior to the detectors themselves. Our findings contradict previous claims that categorical perception and selective adaptation are manifestations of psychological processes unique to speech perception.
Ambidexterity and performance in multiunit contexts: Cross‐level moderating effects of structural and resource attributes

Research suggests that unit‐level ambidexterity positively impacts subsequent unit performance but theory and testing on this impact remain impoverished. We develop a cross‐level model suggesting that structural and resource attributes of the organizational context significantly shape the relationship between unit ambidexterity and performance. Using multisource and lagged data from 285 organizational units located within 88 autonomous branches, results from hierarchical linear modeling show that this relationship is boosted when the organization is decentralized, more resource munificent, or less resource interdependent. We also find that structural differentiation of the organization does not condition the unit ambidexterity‐performance relationship. Through this cross‐level theory and testing, we develop a richer explanation of the effectiveness of ambidextrous units operating in multiunit contexts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marathons in altitude.

PURPOSE We examined the effect of altitude up to 5200 m on marathon (42,195 m) performances. METHODS Eight elite and four good runners participated in a marathon at 4300-m altitude (A1), and five elite runners participated both in A1 and in a marathon at 5200-m altitude (A2). The maximal aerobic power (VO2max) was determined indirectly in altitude during A1 and A2 expeditions from the scores of a 12-min running test. The fractions of VO2max utilized during both races were calculated from the linear relationship between running speed and VO2 described by Costill and Fox (1969). RESULTS VO2max significantly decreases with altitude (P<0.001). We found a linear relationship (R2 = 0.73, P<0.001) between the speed of each participant in the sea level marathon and the speed of A1. The mean difference between the sea level and the A1 speed was 35+/-9% (P<0.001). In A1, elite runners utilized 63+/-8% whereas good runners utilized 52+/-8% of VO2max (P<0.001). The five elite runners utilized 74+/-6%; 67+/-1% (P< 0.01), and 71+/-3% (P<0.01) of their VO2max at sea level, A1, and A2, respectively. In Al, the mean heart rate (HR) was higher in elite than in good runners (P<0.001), whereas the percentage of maximum theoretical HR was 83+/-3% and 81+/-5%, respectively (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Marathon performance in altitude is mainly affected by the lower VO2max. The better performance of elite marathoners in altitude compared with good runners was related to the higher % of VO2max maintained during every marathon. The differences between the expected and the observed performances at high altitude depend on the uneven running path and on a poorer economy of running that is related to the higher mechanical work of breathing. The fractional utilization of VO2max seems lowered by acute exposure to altitude and slightly increases with acclimatization.
Characterization of the Motor Activity of Mammalian Myosin VIIA*

Myosin VIIA was cloned from rat kidney, and the construct (M7IQ5) containing the motor domain, IQ domain, and the coiled-coil domain as well as the full-length myosin VIIA (M7full) was expressed. The M7IQ5 contained five calmodulins. Based upon native gel electrophoresis and gel filtration, it was found that M7IQ5 was single-headed, whereas M7full was two-headed, suggesting that the tail domain contributes to form the two-headed structure. M7IQ5 had Mg2+-ATPase activity that was markedly activated by actin with K actin of 33 μm andV max of 0.53 s−1head−1. Myosin VIIA required an extremely high ATP concentration for ATPase activity, ATP-induced dissociation from actin, and in vitro actin-translocating activity. ADP markedly inhibited the actin-activated ATPase activity. ADP also significantly inhibited the ATP-induced dissociation of myosin VIIA from actin. Consistently, ADP decreased K actin of the actin-activated ATPase. ADP decreased the actin gliding velocity, although ADP did not stop the actin gliding even at high concentration. These results suggest that myosin VIIA has slow ATP binding or low affinity for ATP and relatively high affinity for ADP. The directionality of myosin VIIA was determined by using the polarity-marked dual fluorescence-labeled actin filaments. It was found that myosin VIIA is a plus-directed motor.
RISK RETURN RELATIONSHIP: A STUDY OF SELECTED MUTUAL FUNDS

"Saving" and "investing" are often used interchangeably. However, there are differences between the two. Saving refers to funds kept for making specific purchases in the relatively near future and for emergencies. Investing, on the other hand, focuses on increasing net worth and achieving long-term financial goals. Investing involves risk of loss of principal and is more concerned on the return of investment. This total risk, measured by standard deviation, can be divided into two parts: Unsystematic risk, systematic risk. Unsystematic risk is also called diversifiable risk. Systematic risk may be called non-diversifiable risk, unavoidable risk or market risk and can be measured by Beta. The objective of the present study is to test whether the relationship between total risk and return is positive on selected mutual funds schemes during the study period. And whether there is a positive relationship between return E (Ri) and systematic risk. The study found a positive relationship between risk and return on selected mutual funds during the study period.
Restorative Dentistry and Papilla Reconstruction in Reduced Periodontium

Restoring the loss of periodontal soft and hard tissues represents a unique challenge for the dental team. The interdental papillae in the esthetic zone can be a dilemma for both the patient and the therapist. A multidisciplinary approach is critical for the successful treatment of lost papillae. This article reports on the successful long-term papillae reconstruction using a combined approach: Plastic surgery and restorative dentistry in one case and restorative dentistry alone in another case.
Building a strategy document based on international project : “Innovation in regional policy” study case

Tampereen Ammattikorkeakoulu Tampere University of Applied Sciences Degree Programme in International Business CICHACZ, KAROLINA: Building a strategy paper based on international project “Innovation in regional policy” study case Bachelor’s thesis 66 pages, appendixes 9 pages June 2012 Thesis supervisor: Mikel Garant Commissioned by: Baltic Institute of Finland The aim of this thesis was to analyze the current situation of the Baltic Sea Region after year 2008, when the global crisis has hit the economy. The thesis described the socio-demographic and economic aspects of the eight European countries having a direct access to the Baltic Sea and three non-EU members (Norway, Russia, Belarus) who also play a supportive role because of their closeness and interest of keeping the entire Baltic Sea area clean, prosperous and safe place to live. The thesis was prepared for the purpose of the EU Baltic Sea Region QUICK project and the results were presented on the Hanseatic Conference in May 2012, in Hamburg. The theoretical framework included practicalities regarding international integration, strategic policies, their progress and development. The thesis covered topics related to management and challenges of building a strategy document based on European Union-financed projects. The study case research was conducted through quantitative methods and driven by the constructive feedback of the managers from the Baltic Institute of Finland as well as partners of the QUICK project with leading Hanseatic Parliament. The research followed the mission of the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 and included indicators of Europe 2020 Strategy as well as European Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The outcome of the research indicates that building an international policy document is a time-taking process because of the challenges related to the geographical scope of the project. Moreover, it requires constant assistance of the interest groups in order to make the final strategy transparent, understandable and in favour of all the participating parties.
The legitimising power of regulation for Australian banks: an institutional approach

The history of the Australian banking system has been one of a striving for legitimacy, against a cycle of boom, bust and public antagonism. Despite a series of banking inquiries and ensuing regulatory reform, banks continue to announce unexpected results. Over the past 15 years, each of the four major Australian banks, while complying with the increasingly stringent requirements of regulatory bodies, reported at least one major financial blunder. An institutional perspective demonstrates that rules and regulations play a powerful legitimising role in assisting banks to maintain their public image in the face of such disasters.
Effect of a Multi-Nutrient Over-the-Counter Supplement on Changes in Metabolic Rate and Markers of Lipolysis

ABSTRACT Using a prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study design, fifteen healthy male (n = 8) and female (n = 7) participants (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 28.3 ± 6.1 yr, 176.3 ± 11.4 cm, 89.8 ± 21.7 kg, 28.5 ± 4.8 kg/m2) completed this study. Two testing sessions occurred after an overnight fast and refraining from physical exercise. Prior to and 60, 120, and 180 minutes after single dose ingestion of placebo (PLA) or a Thermogenic Supplement (TS), visual analog scales (VAS), resting metabolic rate (VO2), and venous blood were collected. Resting heart rate and blood pressures were collected before, and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes after PLA or TS ingestion. Significant group × time interactions were found for VO2 with TS experiencing significant (p < 0.05) increases 60 and 120 minutes after ingestion. Respiratory quotient values tended to be lower 180 minutes (p = 0.07) after TS ingestion. TS group reported increased energy 60 minutes (p < 0.05) after ingestion. No interactions were reported for resting heart rate or blood pressure. Significant within-group reductions in systolic blood pressure were noted for PLA, while resting heart rates were significantly lower in TS 30 and 60 minutes after ingestion. An interaction for epinephrine (p = 0.02) was found, while no changes were reported for norepinephrine and dopamine. Dependent t-tests using area under the curve calculations revealed higher AUC values for epinephrine in TS compared to PLA (p = 0.001). In conclusion, ingestion of a single dose of TS increased oxygen consumption, epinephrine and energy levels, while substrate oxidation tended to change in comparison to a placebo. No adverse responses were reported.
The Effect of Human Resources Planning and Training and Development on Organizational Performance in the Government Sector in Jordan

This paper aimed to examine the human resource (HR) planning, training and development towards organizational performance in the Government Ministry in the Kingdom of Jordan. It investigated the factors that affect HR planning, training and development in Jordanian ministries. The study population, which consisted of employees in the HR departments in 23 Jordanian ministries, comprised 166 respondents. To achieve the study objectives, the researcher developed and distributed a questionnaire, and collected and analyzed the data using SPSS. An overall analysis was performed based on the descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The results indicated that HR planning, training and development significantly correlated with the organizational performance in the Jordanian Ministry. The paper provided recommendations for improving HR in the Jordanian Ministry.
Security Challenges in e-Assessment and Technical Solutions

E-Assessment is an innovative form for the evaluation of learners' knowledge and skills in online education, as well as in blended-learning environments, where part of the assessment activities is carried out online. As e-assessment involves online communication channel between learners and educators, as well as data transfer and storage, security measures are required to protect the environment against system and network attacks. The issue concerning security is challenging from both educational and technical point of views. Such issues are discussed under the scope of the TeSLA project. Educational challenging problems at e-assessment are analyzed and technical architectural recommendations for securing the e-assessment system according to the General Data Protection Regulation are provided.
Identification of a Predominantly Interferon-λ-Induced Transcriptional Profile in Murine Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Type I (α and β) and type III (λ) interferons (IFNs) induce the expression of a large set of antiviral effector molecules via their respective surface membrane receptors. Whereas most cell types respond to type I IFN, type III IFN preferentially acts on epithelial cells and protects mucosal organs such as the lung and gastrointestinal tract. Despite the engagement of different receptor molecules, the type I and type III IFN-induced signaling cascade and upregulated gene profile is thought to be largely identical. Here, we comparatively analyzed the response of gut epithelial cells to IFN-β and IFN-λ2 and identified a set of genes predominantly induced by IFN-λ2. We confirm the influence of epithelial cell polarization for enhanced type III receptor expression and demonstrate the induction of predominantly IFN-λ2-induced genes in the gut epithelium in vivo. Our results suggest that IFN-λ2 targets the epithelium and induces genes to adjust the antiviral host response to the requirements at mucosal body sites.
Comparison of surface mounted high quality filters for combination of substrate integrated and waveguide technology

A comparison of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and substrate mounted waveguide (SMW) filters with focus on the quality factor Q is presented. Two differently coupled K-band SMW filters are compared to stand-alone SIW and waveguide filters, all comprised of five resonators. The SIW and waveguide filters are directly coupled through H-plane discontinuities. The first SMW filter is coupled using an iris while the second one is coupled via a microstrip stub. They are simulated using numerical field solvers and compared to simulated and measured responses of a SIW prototype filter. This comparison shows a Q factor improvement of a factor 3.7 for the SMW filters over the SIW filters.
Shared genomics: A platform for emerging interpretation of genetic epidemiology

The study of the genetics of diseases has been revolutionised by the advent of genome-wide genotyping technologies. Increasingly, genome-wide association studies are being used to identify positions within the human genome that have a link with a disease condition. These new data sets require the use of distributed resources, both for the statistical analysis and for the interpretation of the analysis results. Aiding the latter will be be crucial for the statistical analysis process to be successful. In this paper we report our experiences in developing a user-friendly High Performance Computing (HPC) statistical genetics analysis platform for use by clinical researchers. Specifically, we report work on supporting the interpretation process through the automatic annotation of the statistical analysis results with relevant biological information. Retrieval of the biological annotation is performed by high-volume invocation of multiple web-services orchestrated via pre-existing scientific workflows. We also report work on developing tools to aid the capture and replay of the processes performed by a user when exploring analysis results.
Detectable thyroglobulin with negative imaging in differentiated thyroid cancer patients

Summary In the absence of autoantibodies against thyroglobulin (Tg), Tg measurement nowadays is the cornerstone of clinical management of differentiated thyroid cancer patients. DTC patients presenting with a positive Tg measurement without an anatomical correlate on anatomic imaging provide a management challenge to the attending physician. Based on the literature we will provide an overview of the most important steps to undertake in such patients and their potential clinical consequences.
ICP27 interacts with SRPK1 to mediate HSV splicing inhibition by altering SR protein phosphorylation

Infection with some viruses can alter cellular mRNA processing to favor viral gene expression. We present evidence that herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) protein ICP27, which contributes to host shut‐off by inhibiting pre‐mRNA splicing, interacts with essential splicing factors termed SR proteins and affects their phosphorylation. During HSV‐1 infection, phosphorylation of several SR proteins was reduced and this correlated with a subnuclear redistribution. Exogenous SR proteins restored splicing in ICP27‐inhibited nuclear extracts and SR proteins isolated from HSV‐1‐infected cells activated splicing in uninfected S100 extracts, indicating that inhibition occurs by a reversible mechanism. Spliceosome assembly was blocked at the pre‐spliceosomal complex A stage. Furthermore, we show that ICP27 interacts with SRPK1 and relocalizes it to the nucleus; moreover, SRPK1 activity was altered in the presence of ICP27 in vitro. We propose that ICP27 modifies SRPK1 activity resulting in hypophosphorylation of SR proteins impairing their ability to function in spliceosome assembly.
Physical functional capacity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: performance characteristics of the continuous-scale physical function performance test

Background: Physical functional capacity is impaired in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). There is no tool to measure this key clinical outcome. The continuous-scale physical function performance (CS-PFP) test is one that assesses activities of daily living, but it has never been used in IPF. Methods: We determined internal consistency of the CS-PFP. We used correlations to assess the strength of association between CS-PFP scores and various parameters of IPF severity, and compared the CS-PFP scores between patients with IPF and published values from a healthy control group. Results: Sixteen subjects completed the test and retest. Test-retest reliability (0.84, p = 0.003) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) were excellent. Subjects with IPF had significantly worse CS-PFP scores than controls (46.0 ± 11.1 vs 58.7 ± 12.5, p = 0.001). In IPF, the CS-PFP scores correlated moderately to very strongly with several disease severity variables. Conclusion: The CS-PFP is a reliable and valid tool in IPF.
Are Current Insulin Pumps Accessible to Blind and Visually Impaired People?

Background: In 2004, Uslan and colleagues determined that insulin pumps (IPs) on the market were largely inaccessible to blind and visually impaired persons. The objective of this study is to determine if accessibility status changed in the ensuing 4 years. Methods: Five IPs on the market in 2008 were acquired and analyzed for key accessibility traits such as speech and other audio output, tactual nature of control buttons, and the quality of visual displays. It was also determined whether or not a blind or visually impaired person could independently complete tasks such as programming the IP for insulin delivery, replacing batteries, and reading manuals and other documentation. Results: It was found that IPs have not improved in accessibility since 2004. None have speech output, and with the exception of the Animas IR 2020, no significantly improved visual display characteristics were found. Documentation is still not completely accessible. Conclusion: Insulin pumps are relatively complex devices, with serious health consequences resulting from improper use. For IPs to be used safely and independently by blind and visually impaired patients, they must include voice output to communicate all the information presented on their display screens. Enhancing display contrast and the size of the displayed information would also improve accessibility for visually impaired users. The IPs must also come with accessible user documentation in alternate formats.
Speedup of Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Logic Systems Based on GPU for Robot Navigation

As the number of rules and sample rate for type 2 fuzzy logic systems (T2FLSs) increases, the speed of calculations becomes a problem. The T2FLS has a large membership value of inherent algorithmic parallelism that modern CPU architectures do not exploit. In the T2FLS, many rules and algorithms can be speedup on a graphics processing unit (GPU) as long as the majority of computation a various stages and components are not dependent on each other. This paper demonstrates how to install interval type 2 fuzzy logic systems (IT2-FLSs) on the GPU and experiments for obstacle avoidance behavior of robot navigation. GPU-based calculations are high-performance solution and free up the CPU. The experimental results show that the performance of the GPU is many times faster than CPU.
Bisections Reconnaissables

Résumé. - Nous donnons une nouvelle caractérisation des bisections reconnaissables, i. e, des factorisations A* = X* Y* du mono'ide libre, où X et Y sont des codes reconnaissables. Abstract. — We give a new characterization of recognizable bisections, L e. of factorizations of the free monoïd A* = X* Y* where X and Y are recognizable codes.