Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PSYCHO-SOCIAL PREDICTORS OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AMONG SOME SELECTED BANK EMPLOYEES IN NIGERIA

Organizational Commitment of bank employees is lesser than its expected level and has become a major threat to the existence of most post– consolidation banks in Nigeria. However, there is paucity of research as regard the psychosocial predictors of organizational commitment. This study therefore, investigated the extent to which gender and achievement motivation predicts organizational commitment among banks workers in Ondo state. Using purposive and simple random sampling technique, a total number of 214 of banks employees (90 males: 124 females) whose ages ranged from 1960 years were selected from 12 commercial banks in Ondo state, Nigeria. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using a descriptive statistics and a 2×3 ANOVA. The result shows that gender did not exert a significant influence on organizational commitment. However, achievement motivation had a significant influence on organizational commitment. This study confirmed that achievement motivation served as a strong factor that determines organizational commitment of bank employees. In order to enhance organizational commitment of bank workers, Nigeria banking sector should train its workers on how to exert more efforts on their job in order to achieve the desired growth as it is a major factor predicting organizational commitment.
Phenomenological study of decline of personal health records: Empirical evidence from thematic analyses of blogs’ content

Abstract This study examines the current state of personal health records (PHRs) in electronic health care. Surveys report that the PHR usage is generally increasing, and yet, even an influential organization such as the Google decided to end its “Google Health” venture. If the potential for use and future growth is high, why are there so many obstacles to the adoption of PHRs? We analyze comments to articles and blogs related to PHRs in order to identify the current status, barriers to adoption, and future potential of PHRs. This study identifies issues of PHRs clustering mainly around certain key ideas: trust, communication, markets, standards, usability, politics, usefulness, and data ownership. It appears that disparity among the multiple stakeholders as to the expected benefits is the main barrier to its adoption.
Studies on poly (acrylamide)/Starch/Bentonite superabsorbent composites: Synthesis and characterization

A polyacrylamide/Bentonite/Starch superabsorbent composite was synthesized by solution polymerization of acrylamide (AAm) on Bentonite and Starch using N,N -methylene bis acrylamide (MBA) as a cross linker and potassium persulphate (KPS) as an initiator in aqueous solution followed by hydrolysis with sodium hydroxide. The effects of variable factors such as initialmonomer concentration, amount of cross linker, initiator, and bentonite clay on water absorbencywere investigated. The graft copolymerization reaction ofAAm on Bentonite and Starch was characterized by FTIR. The morphology of prepared superabsorbent composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The water absorbencies for these superabsorbent composites in water and saline solutions were investigated. The super absorbent composite synthesized under optimal conditions with Bentonite exhibits absorption of 980g/g in distilled water and 163g /g in saline solution.
Optimization of lipid production by oleaginous yeast in continuous culture

Abstract Oleaginous yeasts are microbial factories capable of converting carbohydrates and fat substrates into lipids. The transesterification of these lipids results in the production of biodiesel, a renewable energy source that has emerged as a promising and sustainable alternative to overcome the eminent depletion of fossil fuels and to reduce the environmental impacts of petroleum exploitation. To bring biodiesel production as a realistic technology to respond to the worldwide energy demand, process optimization is to be pursued. In this paper, we performed a model-based optimization of lipid productivity in continuous mode operation. It is considered that two input flow rates at different carbon/nitrogen ratio are available as manipulated variables. The optimal control problem was solved numerically by using the control vector parameterization approach. A simple parameterization with piecewise linear functions was found to be suitable for providing optimal performances. We showed that by driving the carbon/nitrogen ratio along the process adequately, optimal performances are attained. The control strategy here developed excels substantially an operation with a single input flow rate with fixed C/N ratio. This work sets up useful guidelines towards optimal bioprocesses for microbial lipid production.
Further Thoughts on Strategic Trade Policy under Asymmetric Information

We study the informational impacts of multilateral voluntary export restraints (henceforth VERs) in an international trade model with differentiated products [1]. We first show that with competing mechanisms, the two firms’ lying intentions are strategic complements and will increase with the degree of product differentiation. Next, we show that each government will design their VERs menus to allow for only partial revelation. Contrary to the single intervention case [2], a separating equilibrium where each country’s domestic firm truthfully reveals its private information does not exist under multilateral policy interventions. Finally, we demonstrate that trade retaliation, when the two governments’ VERs are positively related, will happen when the government believes that its domestic firm is more likely to be inefficient.
Characterizing the Gas-phase Organochlorine Pesticides in the Atmosphere over the Pearl River Delta Region

ABSTRACTThe organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the atmosphere were measured at four sampling sites located in Guangzhou (GZ), Zhaoqing (ZQ) and Hong Kong (HK) over the Pearl River Delta Region (PRDR) in one year duration from August 2006 to August 2007. Total 14 OCP species in the gas phase including 6 DDTs, 2 Chlordanes, 4 HCHs, HCB and heptachlor (HEP) were studied. It was found that Guangzhou had the highest concentration of DDTs and the mean concentrations of OCPs at these sampling sites were higher than those obtained in other rural/urban regions in the world. The concentrations of most OCPs in summer were higher than those in winter excluding TC, HCB and HCH. The ratios of α- to γ-HCH and o,p′- to p,p′-DDT showed that HCHs in GZ and ZQ might come from the current usage of lindane and dicofol, but in HK might be from other sources. The results using 5 days backward air trajectory analysis indicated that the high concentrations of γ-HCH and HCB were mainly related to air mass through the potential source regions through long-range transport and local usage should not be overlooked.
Environmental risk factors contributing to childhood overweight and obesity

The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and teenagers is a major challenge for public health. Obesity is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, affected by many interacting genetic and non-genetic factors. The aim of this article was to focus on the environmental risk factors for childhood obesity. Among different factors contributing to an increase in BMI, we highlighted the role of exposure to cigarette smoke, DDT, bisphenol A, pesticides, and noise. The correlation between exposure to environmental toxins during prenatal period and obesity development in later life was underlined. According to obesogenic environment hypothesis, some features of distal and proximal neighbourhood also have a pivotal impact on children's behaviour and may contribute to increasing the risk for overweight. The area of residence (urban or rural) may affect access to sports facilities or other opportunities for physical activity. Therefore, for designing adequate prophylaxis, it is essential to take into account modifiable risk factors present in residential neighbourhood. Prevention of childhood obesity should integrate activities for both microand macro-environment surrounding the child.
3D QSAR STUDY OF PYRIMIDINES AS HIV ENTRY INHIBITORS

Computation based QSAR study has been becoming a powerful tool in understanding the structural requirements for chemicals to bind with HIV entry receptors. A study was performed on a series of pyrimidienes derivatives as anti-HIV agents against HIV-1 (RP) by using molecular design suite - Vlife MDS. The study was performed on a series of 14 compounds (data set) using using random selection method for training and test data set. In this study multiple regression approach was applied to generate models. A significant model was obtained with r 2 = 0.9322, q 2 = 0.8261, r 2 pred = 0.6759 and with electrostatic descriptor E_594 and E907. QSAR Equation is concluded that less electronegative groups are required in region of E594 * E907. The molecular field analysis (MFA) contour plots provided further understanding of the relationship between structural features of substituted pyrimidines darivatives and their activities which should be applicable to design newer potential anti-HIV agents.
Eskiçağ Toplumlarının Mitolojisinde Ölümsüzlük Arayışı (Ölümsüzlük Sembolü Olarak Bazı Bitki, Su ve Hayvanlar)

Evren tum canli varligin hayat kaynagidir. Insanoglu yaradilisin itibaren bu kaynagin ve onun sundugu hayatin gizemini anlama cabasi icerisinde olmustur. Soz konusu durtu genc kalma ve olume karsi direnme gayesinin temelini olusturmustur. Nitekim insan hayal gucunun urunu olan ve bazen icerisinde gercek olaylarin kanitlarini da barindiran mitsel anlatilarda genc kalma ve olumsuzlesmenin sirlarina erismeye calismistir. Bu amacla mitsel dusuncede bazi bitki, hayvan ve su gibi evrenin temel varliklarinin genclestirici veya ebedilik saglayan ozellikler tasidiklarina inanilmistir. Bu noktada Sumerlerin efsanevi kahramani Gilgamis’in buyuk ugras sonucu elde ettigi ve sonra yilana kaptirdigi “yasam otu” olumsuzluk arayisinin sembolik ilk halkasidir. Bu sembolik bitki zamanla form degistirerek farkli toplumlarin mitolojilerinde, mantar, elma, asma ve hayat agaci olarak islenmistir. Olumsuzluk halkasinin ikincisini ise “su”dur. Ilk olarak evren ve insanin yaradilis destanlarinda karsimiza cikan suya genclestirici ve ebedi hayati saglayici bir fonksiyon da yuklenmistir. Hayvan turleri ise olumsuzluk arayisinin son halkasini olusturmaktadir. Nitekim Eski On Asya toplumlarinin mitlerinde, Turk mitolojisinde, Yunan ve daha bircok toplumun mitolojilerinde yilan basta olmak uzere bazi hayvanlara ayni gorev ve fonksiyon yuklenmistir.
Prospective Role of Indian Medicinal Plants in Inhibiting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) mediated Pathological Angiogenesis

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays an important role in physiological as well as pathological angiogenesis. Physiologically, VEGF is essential for embryonic vasculogenesis, endochondral ossification, neovascularisation following injury and collateral circulation to bypass blocked vessels. Solid neoplasms need adequate blood supply to grow in size. Thus, Neoplasm cells over-express VEGF and promote pathological angiogenesis. By virtue of various mechanisms including release of VEGF, the cancer cells grow and metastasize. VEGF also acts as survival factor for endothelial cells and tumor cells and protect them from apoptosis. Drugs which inhibit VEGF can control or slow down the disease process associated with VEGF mediated pathological angiogenesis. VEGF inhibitors from plant sources are matter of great interest in recent times. It was evident from the present study, that Indian medicinal plant like, Tinosporacordifolia, Ocimum sanctum, Azadirachtaindica, Calotropisprocera, Withaniasomnifera, Curcuma longa, Commiphoramukul, Piper longum, Andrographispaniculata, Peganumharmala, Vernoniacinerea, Boswelliaserrata described in ancient texts of Ayurvedainhibits VEGF mediated pathological angiogenesis. Anti-VEGF agent from natural sources may complement the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy without much toxicity.
Why ‘Fiscal Austerity’?: A Review of Recent Evidence on the Economic Effects of Sovereign Debt

Concerns about the economic effect of high sovereign debt levels have motivated policy makers to constrain or reduce the growth of fiscal deficits, a practice commonly known now as “fiscal austerity. ” However, what do we know about the economic impacts of sovereign debt? This article provides an overview of some recent empirical economic research into this question. The article first discusses data and estimation challenges confronted by empirical research into the impact of sovereign debt on economic growth. The article then reviews several studies, which vary by country sample, time period studied, and estimation technique employed. The article also reviews recent empirical studies of the economic consequences of sovereign default. The results of this article’s survey suggest that while the bulk of the evidence shows a negative relationship between sovereign debt levels and economic growth, the evidence to date is mixed on whether higher debt burdens cause or are merely correlated with lower economic growth, and on whether there exists a certain ‘threshold’ beyond which this negative relationship arises. Only a few studies have provided evidence on the economic mechanism through which higher debt burdens impact economic growth. This review of the research does, however, reveal stronger evidence that sovereign default episodes have negative impacts on an economy’s growth. The article concludes by raising some important questions to be addressed if we are to better understand the economic impacts of debt.
Detection Methods of Nanoparticles in Plant Tissues

The increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs) in the world has raised significant concerns about their potential impacts on ecosystems, food safety and human health, leading to an emerging research theme about the interaction between crop plants and NPs. Therefore, a full understanding of plant-NP interaction and phytotoxicological mechanism is required for accurate risk assessment to ensure the safe use of nanoparticle. A range of analytical techniques have been developed to detect and characterize the uptake, translocation, cellular internalization and intracellular biotransformation of nanoparticles in plants. Imaging methodologies, including various electron microscopy, spectrometry-based techniques, together with ICP-based techniques such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS and SP-ICP-MS, have been widely used to obtain information about NPs size, morphology, size distribution, cellular localization, elemental speciation, mass concentration and so on. Due to the complexity of biological samples to be analyzed, these techniques are often combined accordingly to provide complementary information regarding plant-NP interaction. This review provides an introduction to the most widely used techniques in the study of interactions between plants and nanoparticles. In addition, applications of these techniques in the study of plant-NP interaction from recent works are exemplified to illustrate how the understanding of plant-NP interaction is achieved through these techniques. showed the presence of localized Ag accumulation regions with a size of 1–4 μm adhering on the epidermis. Nano-CT technique capable of higher spatial resolution revealed that these
4Ps: A Strategy to Secure Customers' Loyalty via Customer Satisfaction

This paper explores the role of Marketing mix strategy and its overall positive or negative impact on customer’s satisfaction and loyalty. Product, price, place and promotion variables need to be managed by understating psychological traits of customers buying nature. The literary discussion highlights that customer expectations with regards to product quality, price, and product accessibility are managed by communication techniques using advertising agents. The discussion proceeds in analytical style using previous theory as base point to evaluate the role of marketing mix in relation with customer satisfaction turning into loyalty. Inductive data collection approach has proved a great help to extract gist of past research results. A large proportion of data has been gathered from secondary resources including journals, books and old research papers. The results show that all four aspects of marketing mix are equally important and any imbalance among them can damage overall results. Customers’ buying intentions are greatly affected by his/her expectations in context of a product quality, price, and product accessibility. The relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty depends on the elimination of perception gap, service gap, operational gap and behavioural gap that needs to be managed by giving focused attention to these matters. This paper reviews prior literature and proposes to think carefully to use marketing mix strategy to met customer expectations by eliminating any communication or perception gaps that further extend customer loyalty.
Scholarship of Teaching: A model

In this paper we present a model which describes the scholarship of teaching. We first explore what scholarship of teaching means, both in terms of the way it is represented in the literature and also the way it is understood by academic staff themselves. From this information, we derive a multi-dimensional model of scholarship of teaching which captures the variation found in the literature and empirical studies. In the final section, we illustrate how the model is used in informing the design of programs for development of the scholarship of teaching in universities.
Ambient measurement of fluorescent aerosol particles with a WIBS in the Yangtze River Delta of China: potential impacts of combustion-generated aerosol particles

Abstract. Fluorescence characteristics of aerosol particles in a polluted atmosphere were studied using a wideband integrated bioaerosol spectrometer (WIBS-4A) in Nanjing, Yangtze River Delta area of China. We observed strong diurnal and day-to-day variations of fluorescent aerosol particles (FAPs). The average number concentrations of FAPs (1–15 µm) detected in the three WIBS measurement channels (FL1: 0.6 cm−3, FL2: 3.4 cm−3, FL3: 2.1 cm−3) were much higher than those observed in forests and rural areas, suggesting that FAPs other than bioaerosols were detected. We found that the number fractions of FAPs were positively correlated with the black carbon mass fraction, especially for the FL1 channel, indicating a large contribution of combustion-related aerosols. To distinguish bioaerosols from combustion-related FAPs, we investigated two classification schemes for use with WIBS data. Our analysis suggests a strong size dependence for the fractional contributions of different types of FAPs. In the FL3 channel, combustion-related particles seem to dominate the 1–2 µm size range while bioaerosols dominate the 2–5 µm range. The number fractions of combustion-related particles and non-combustion-related particles to total aerosol particles were ∼ 11 and ∼ 5 %, respectively.
Irrigation effects on pds and bch genes expression of the Iranian Saffron

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an indigenous and the most valuable and marginal plant in Iran. However, limited knowledge exists on its molecular biology. The importance of this plant is due to the color, flavor and medicinal properties of its red stigmas. Saffron stigmas contain a high amount of carotenoids such as crocetin and crocin. Two genes, bch and pds, have essential role in carotenoid production. In this study, the effect of four different irrigation regimes was evaluated on the expression of bch and pds genes. Semi-quantitative RTPCR showed no significant difference in the expression levels of genes of interest related to the internal standard (18S rRNA). Results of Real-Time PCR assays showed that the expression of bch and pds genes were affected by irrigation treatments as their expression decreased in irrigated plants in comparison to non irrigated ones, exept for one irrigation treatment (one irrigation in September) where the pds gene expression showed higher level. However, the expression profile of the genes was almost the same in all treatments. The comparison between results of two techniques indicated that the Real-Time PCR is more accurate for determination of the level of transcript in the Iranian saffron. It was interesting that by decreasing of irrigation, the expression level of these two genes increased indicating that abiotic stress and drought can affect on the gene expression relating to the saffron color.
The other half of the picture: post-occupancy evaluation for alignment of space and pedagogy

Prefabricated relocatable learning environments form an important component of school infrastructure in Australia but their light-weight construction means they often require air-conditioning for a comfortable indoor environment quality (IEQ). The ‘envi Sustainable Education Spaces’ were recently constructed by the Department of Education and Technology (DET) in Victoria to showcase a more sustainable alternative to the traditional ‘relocatables'. Evaluation had been undertaken by others to assess the design ambitions to reduce operational energy by 90% and lifecycle emissions of CO2 production by 50%. What was not known was how the spaces accommodated learning and learners. This was the focus of research undertaken by the authors in 2014. In this paper, we present the methodology and findings and argue a case for holistic post-occupancy evaluation in order to paint a more complete picture regarding the costs and benefits of innovative spaces even when innovation is primarily focused on environmental benefits. The research applies a mixed methods approach, utilising quantitative and qualitative data. Commentary by students and staff on the indoor environment quality, including acoustics and temperature, provides useful cross-linking data with earlier studies. This research is part of broader research on prefabricated learning environments undertaken by the authors and others.