Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Dual‐Color Bacterial Reporter Strain for the Detection of Toxic and Genotoxic Effects

To genetically engineer a bacterial whole cell dual‐function toxicity/genotoxicity bioreporter system, a plasmid was constructed containing two independent fusions of stress‐responsive promoters (of the recA and grpE genes) to green and red fluorescent protein reporter genes, respectively. An Escherichia coli strain harboring this plasmid exhibited distinct green fluorescence in response to the presence of the SOS inducing agent nalidixic acid, and red fluorescence in reaction to ethanol. The different fluorescent responses, which exhibited little or no overlap, were quantified by microtiter plate fluorometry, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Mutations in lexA and rpoH, which affected the E. coli SOS and heat shock systems, respectively, abolished the green and red fluorescence. Similar constructs may serve as biological entities in future whole‐cell toxicity/genotoxicity biosensor systems.
Inorganic mercury (Hg2+) uptake by different plankton fractions of Andean Patagonian lakes (Argentina)

The species composition and the size structure of natural planktonic food webs may provide essential information to understand the fate of mercury and, in particular, the bioaccumulation pattern of Hg2+ in the water column of lake ecosystems. Heterotrophic and autotrophic picoplankton and phytoplankton are the most important entry points for Hg in aquatic ecosystems since they concentrate Hg2+ and MeHg from ambient water, making them available to planktonic consumers at higher trophic levels of lake food webs. In this investigation we studied the uptake of 197Hg2+ in natural plankton assemblages from four Andean lakes (Nahuel Huapi National Park, Patagonia, Argentina), comprised in the size fractions 0.2-2.7 µm (picoplankton), 0.2-20 µm (pico and nanoplankton) and 20-50 µm (microplankton) through experiments using Hg2+ labeled with 197Hg2+. The experimental results showed that the uptake of Hg2+ was highest in the smallest plankton fractions (0.2-2.7 µm and 0.2-20 µm) compared to the larger fraction comprising microplankton (20-50 um). This pattern was consistent in all lakes, reinforcing the idea that among pelagic organisms, heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria with the contribution of nanoflagellates and dinoflagellates constitute the main entry point of Hg2+ to the pelagic food web. Moreover, a significant direct relationship was found between the Hg2+ uptake and surface index of the planktonic fractions (SIf). Thus, the smaller planktonic fractions which bore the higher SI were the major contributors to the Hg2+ passing from the abiotic to the biotic pelagic compartments of these Andean lakes.
The effectiveness of IFRS 8: Operating Segments

This master dissertation consists of a literature review about the role of accounting information and the companies' disclosure polices in the financial market, as well as the information asymmetry issues that may occur for a firm. More specifically, we address the segment reporting issue. We present briefly the most important empirical research concerning segment reporting as well as the evolution of the accounting regulations proposed by the FASB and the IASB in USA and in Europe (and other countries) respectively. We focus on the changes that the IFRS 8: "Operating Segments" has brought for companies since its mandatory adoption in 2009. Furthermore, we present a review of the most significant literature regarding Information Asymmetry issues and we present the dominant theories about the proxies for measuring the levels of information asymmetry for a firm. Finally, we conduct a research proposal, during which we will attempt to investigate the impact of IFRS 8: "Operating Segments" on the levels of Information Asymmetry, the extent of the firms' compliance with the new regulation as well as the determinants of the voluntary adoption of IFRS 8. We believe the proposed empirical research will shed light to the effectiveness of the newly imposed regulation and will contribute to the existing literature concerning the relevance of the International Financial Reporting Standards.
Comparison of Meat Quality from Three-way Crossbred Pigs

To compare the pork quality, eight three-way crossbreeds were selected. The pigs with an initial weight of 25 kg were selected and raised to 115 kg under similar nutritional levels. The meat quality, fatty acid composition, and free amino acid contents of loins (longissimus dorsi) and butts (supraspinatus) were compared after the trial. The results showed that the Canadian Duroc × France Landrace × France Yorkshire (GC) pig loins had the highest pH24h value (P 0.05). These results suggest that the GC pig loins had a long shelf life, the GP pig loins were appealing, and the XO pig loins were delicious and nutritious. Thus, while choosing crossbreeds, it is important to recognize that the meat quality relies on the hybridization.
Venture Capital Investment and Labor Market Performance: A Panel Data Analysis

Labor market performance has differed considerably between OECD countries over the last two decades. The focus of the literature so far has been to ask whether these differences can be explained by varying degrees of labor market rigidities and generosity of welfare states. This paper takes a different perspective and analyzes whether differences in venture capital investments have explanatory power with respect to labor market performance across countries and over the last two decades in producing employment growth and in reducing unemployment compared to most continental European OECD countries. As a rule they have also been and are still ahead in developing thriving venture capital markets that are often deemed crucial for the creation of new firms and for successfully managing the ongoing radical structural change away from traditional industrial production toward the so-called "new economy".
Canine lipoprotein separation and characterization of the canine lipidome in healthy and prednisolone treated beagles

Changes in the lipid metabolism are known to mediate several diseases (e.g. atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease). The potential of lipidomics is increasingly recognized as clinical tool to assess pathomechanisms and biomarkers for several of these diseases. The purpose of this study was first, to evaluate canine lipoprotein separation and second, to characterize the canine lipidome using an untargeted lipidomic approach. After ultracentrifugation or precipitation of plasma and serum, fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGES, indicating associated apoproteins. No accurate separation of the different lipoproteins was possible. Lipidome analysis revealed a total amount of 561 different lipids from eight of eight categories in plasma and serum; 246 of them were identified in both matrices. The relative mean abundance was different in 11/246 lipids between the two matrices. Prednisolone treatment induced a significant increase of seven and a significant decrease of three lipids in plasma and a significant increase of two and a significant decrease of one lipid in the serum. In conclusion, complete lipoprotein separation is still not possible in dogs, presumably due to their overlapping densities. Untargeted lipidomic analysis revealed marginal differences between lipids found in both, serum and plasma. Prednisolone treatment induced significant changes in the plasma lipidome, which should be evaluated in further studies.
Primer Design to Sequence Analysis - a Pipeline for a Molecular Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory

Confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of a heritable disorder usually involves the analysis of the coding exons of a gene, plus surrounding intronic sequences. Variants that are identified using this strategy can be classed as either disease-causing or non-pathogenic polymorphisms. The variants comprise point mutations, micro insertions and deletions (indels), and copy number changes. The detection of small variants (such as substitutions and indels) can be identified using a number of techniques including SSCP (Orita et al., 1989), DHPLC (Yu et al., 2006) and highresolution melt-curve analysis (Garritano et al., 2009; Montgomery et al., 2010; NgyyenDumont et al., 2009). These techniques can de difficult to optimise and can result in both false negative and false positive results. The accepted gold standard of mutation detection, however, is dideoxy-based sequencing. This is the most direct approach and can be the most sensitive of all techniques. However, it is also the most expensive option and can be the most time-consuming due to bottle-necks arising from designing appropriate primers, the analysis of subsequent sequence data, and the interrogation of data to filter out sequence variants that are not disease-causing. Within our laboratory, we experienced difficulties in three principal areas: standardising the primer design; objectively evaluating sequence data that can be performed in an automated manner thereby addressing the bottle-neck of trace sequence evaluation; and responding to the increasing need for in-depth analysis of sequence variants to inform referring physicians as to the clinical significance of the data. To resolve the above issues, we developed a system that addressed each of these areas. The first involved designing primers that are assessed for unique amplification of targeted genomic regions using standard conditions. The aim here was not to tailor PCR conditions to a primer pair, but to force all primer designs to satisfy only one condition. The ancillary design feature of this module was to tail all primers such that all amplicons could be sequenced bi-directionally using only two primers (the “tail” sequences), thereby avoiding sequencing using amplicon-specific primers. The second area involved the wholesale adoption of Variant ReporterTM software (Applied Biosystems Ltd) for the automated analysis of all sequence data. This decision led to a significant initial investment in time to establish appropriate reference sequence projects for each of the genes analysed by our
Sense Smart, Not Hard: A Layered Cognitive Radar Architecture

In this chapter, we present a cognitive radar architecture based on the three-layer model by Rasmussen. The skill-based-layer is characterized by adaptive signal-processing approaches and target matched waveforms. The rule-based-layer comprises reactive execution of optimal illumination policies and resource-management. The knowledgebased layer allows for long term, goal-oriented missionand trajectory planning. Each layer is illustrated by example algorithms and applications for implementation.
Comparative analysis of antibacterial activity of leaf aqueous extracts of Kangra tea [Camellia sinensis (L) O Kuntze] on pathogens

Extracts of leaves from the tea plant Camellia sinensis contain polyphenolic components with activity against a wide spectrum of microbes. Studies conducted over the last 20 years have shown that the green tea polyphenolic catechins, in particular (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECg), can inhibit the growth of a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species with moderate potency. Evidence is emerging that these molecules may be useful in the control of common oral infections, such as dental caries and periodontal disease. Though catechins have been found in other plants derivatives such as grapes, pomegranates, those found in tea have proven to be the most effective antioxidants known. The catechins epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is found in the greatest concentration and most studied for its health benefits. In the present study, the aqueous extracts of green tea shoots and tea powder solutions which had higher concentrations of EGCG and ECG were potent growth inhibitors of selected bacterial pathogens: L. monocytogenes (MTCC-839), P. auroginosa (MTCC-741), B. cereus (MTCC-1272), S. aureus (MTCC-96) and E. coli (MTCC-443). Teas of summer and rainy flush seasons exhibited superior biological activity compared to first and winter flush.
A comparative analysis of non-linear techniques in South African stock selection

Forecasting stock performance has long been one of the primary objectives of financial practitioners. Literature has shown that the classical linear approach to modeling the interactions among company-specific factors and its stock market returns in time have become less suited for capturing the movements of the stock market. Hence, attempts to predict the performance of a stock have become associated with additional layers of complexity. This has led to the adoption of non-linear approaches to forecast stock performance. This dissertation explores the performance of some non-linear models in the South African market. These were classification and regression trees (CART), logistic regression and a random forest approach compared against a linear regression model. Moreover, a hybrid model between CART and logistic regression was considered. The models fell into two categories (i.e., static and dynamic models). Using a set of classification and portfolio performance metrics it was found that that a dynamic modeling approach outperformed a static approach. Overall, the logistic and linear regression models dominated in terms of performance against the tree-based models and hybrid approaches. The results also demonstrated that a hybrid approach offered an improvement over a stand-alone CART.
SIMULATION OF MULTILEVEL INVERTER EMPLOYING CASCADED 3-PHASE TRANSFORMERS WITH COMMON- ARM CONFIGURATION USING DIFFERENT SWITCHING & PWM SCHEMES

In multilevel inverter development for 3-phase applications, total number of transformer in the circuit can be reduced by using of cascaded 3-phase transformer circuit instead of single-phase transformer circuit. In the scheme, total number of switching components in the circuit is still a drawback to achieve lower cost and smaller size of the inverter compared with conventional multilevel inverter. This paper includes a challenging method to reduce total switching components in the multilevel inverter by adopting common-arm structure. In this paper, a common-arm is applied to the 3-phase cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter circuit. By inserting of a common-arm structure in the circuit, we will demonstrate a minimization method of the switching components in the 3-phase cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter circuit. To verify the validity of the proposed approach, here different pulse width modulations with different switching schemes have been applied.
Development of web-based and e-learning media for physics learning materials in senior high school: a pilot study

The impressed by the increase of information and technology that causes adjustments in the approach of learning and required teaching and learning activities are no longer restricted to space and time. This study tried to developing the web-based and e-learning media for physics learning material in school. The design on this research used is research and development (R&D) with the Borg and Gall model. Based on the results on this study, we found: 1) learning model of e-learning on subjects of physics has been set up to applied for teaching and learning settings. 2) The researchers are capable to produce the learning medium of web-based e-learning on subjects of physics in senior high school with suitable criteria. Based on the graphic view, the use of linguistic material, suitability, and sketches of the test material and media experts recover the results that these experts stated 80.8% media created applies to the stable and acceptable to operate by students in school.
Did Equity Market Volatility Increase Following the Opening of Emerging Markets to Foreign Investors

In this paper, we empirically investigate whether deregulation and financial liberalisation resulted in increased equity market volatility, in a sample of eight very important ‘emerging’ markets. More specifically, the sample consists of Argentina, Chile, Mexico, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Philippines and Taiwan. Motivated by the observation of Ross (1989) and Lamoureux and Lastrapes (1990) that increased volatility could reflect increased information flow, we employ a methodology which allows us to (i) account for time variation in volatility, and (ii) examine changes in volatility persistence, i.e., changes in the nature of volatility rather than changes in volatility per se. The results suggest that, for most of the sample markets, the nature of volatility has not changed dramatically after liberalisation.
Notice on a methodology for characterizing emissions of ultrafine particles/nanoparticles in microenvironments

: Bearing in mind the potential adverse health effects of ultrafine particles, it is of paramount importance to perform effective monitoring of nanosized particles in several microen-vironments, which may include ambient air, indoor air, and also occupational environments. In fact, effective and accurate monitoring is the first step to obtaining a set of data that could be used further on to perform subsequent evaluations such as risk assessment and epidemiologic studies, thus proposing good working practices such as containment measures in order to reduce occupational exposure. This paper presents a useful methodology for monitoring ultrafine particles/ nanoparticles in several microenvironments, using online analyzers and also sampling systems that allow further characterization on collected nanoparticles. This methodology was validated in three case studies presented in the paper, which assess monitoring of nanosized particles in the outdoor atmosphere, during cooking operations, and in a welding workshop.
Study on the effect of N-level fertilization on constituents of grape leaves and fruit quality using FT-IR spectroscopy

This study was carried out during 2005 and 2006 in a private orchard locates at 62 km. of the Cairo - Alexandria desert road.Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic technique was used in the present work to study the effect of N-fertilization levels on the concentrations of chlorophyll, A , B and caretenoids in grape leaves and fruit quality of grapes . Ammonium nitrate (N-fertilizer) was applied after the beginning of vegetation growth to supply 33.3%, 66.6%, 100%, 133.3%, 166.6% of the recommended N-fertilizer level. (The recommended N- fertilizer level according to the ministry of Agriculture is 50 units N and this consider as the level of 100% for comparing during N application). Chlorophyll A, Chlorophyll B and total Carotenoieds were determined by using visible spectroscopic techniques at wave lengths 470nm, 645nm, and 662nm respectively. It was found that for the leaves of the first three samples the concentrations of Chlorophyll A, Chlorophyll B and Total Carotenoieds increase with increasing of N-level. For the forth sample the rate of increasing of the concentration of pigment is characterized by a first sharp increase up to 100% followed by slow increase up to 166%. As the fifth and sixth sample the increases in the pigment concentrations with increasing N-level assumes the maximum values at 100% N-level then decrease with increasing N-level. This results obtained by using visible spectroscopic techniques is in good agreement with the results obtained by FT-IR spectroscopy. The determined values of ash content of leaves indicated that the fraction of ash content increases with the increase of the N-level from 33% to 100% and then slightly decreases with increasing the N-level to 133% and 166%. This means that the ash content of the leaves is influenced by the N-level.The fruiting data give strong evidence that the length of the clusters increases with increasing N-level until reaching the maximum in 100% treatment (the recommended level), also the T.S. S (Total Soluble Solid) and T.S. S/ Acidity ratio recorded the highest values at 100% treatment which reflect the degree of maturity and the quality of the grape production. (Journal of American Science. 2011;7(1):126-134). (ISSN: 1545- 1003).
Sensitivity of cirrus and mixed-phase clouds to the ice nuclei spectra in McRAS-AC: single column model simulations

Abstract. The salient features of mixed-phase and ice clouds in a GCM cloud scheme are examined using the ice nucleation parameterizations of Liu and Penner (LP) and Barahona and Nenes (BN). The performance of both parameterizations was assessed in the GEOS-5 AGCM using the McRAS-AC cloud microphysics framework in single column mode. Four dimensional assimilated data from the intensive observation period of ARM TWP-ICE campaign was used to drive the fluxes and lateral forcing. Simulation experiments were established to test the impact of each parameterization in the resulting cloud fields. Three commonly used IN spectra were utilized in the BN parameterization to describe the availability of IN for heterogeneous ice nucleation. The results showed large similarities in the cirrus cloud regime between all the schemes tested, in which ice crystal concentrations were within a factor of 10 regardless of the parameterization used. In mixed-phase clouds there were some persistent differences in cloud particle number concentration and size, as well as in cloud fraction, ice water mixing ratio, and ice water path. Contact freezing in the simulated mixed-phase clouds contributed to the effective transfer of liquid to ice, so that on average, the clouds were fully glaciated at T 260 K, irrespective of the ice nucleation parameterization used. Comparison of simulated ice water path to available satellite derived observations were also performed, finding that all the schemes tested with the BN parameterization predicted average values of IWP within ±15% of the observations.
Board of Director Characteristics and CEO compensation: Empirical Evidence from Iran

This study aims to investigate the relationship between Board of Director characteristics and CEO compensation. This is semi-empirical study and statistical sample of research was based on 95 companies listed on the Tehran stock exchange from 2010 to 2014. Variables examined include the ratio of non-executive board members, CEO duality, ownership of institutional shareholders and managerial ownership as independent variables. Factors influencing CEO compensation were considered and the relationship between these variables was studied using multivariate regression. The findings indicate that there is a negative relationship between CEO compensation and managerial ownership. There is also a significant positive relationship between CEO compensation and CEO duality. However, there was no evidence for a significant relationship between ratios of non-executive board members and CEO compensation.
Competition Modelling in Multi-Innovation Diffusions: Multivariate Cellular Automata and Differential Approaches

La diffusione di innovazioni in un sistema sociale ` e stata affrontata da vari punti di vista negli ultimi trent’anni: matematici, fisici, esperti di marketing quantitativo, statistici, ingegneri e analisti di sistemi, biologi, economisti evolutivi, epidemiologi ed esperti di sistemi ecologici hanno dato sicuri contributi. Qui si propone una serie di ampliamenti di un modello di Guseo e Bonaldo (1991), lavoro che per la prima volta generalizza il modello univariato di Bass (1969) nella direzione bivariata. La trattazione utilizza un automa cellulare bivariato a tempo discreto e la sua successiva approssimazione continua. I risultati principali si riferiscono alle soluzioni in forma chiusa e alle corrispondenti estensioni per tener conto di una competizione sincronica e diacronica con eventuali interventi.