Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Globalization as ideology: China’s effects on organizational advocacy and relations among US trade policy stakeholder groups

Abstract While literature on US voter trade policy preferences has an established diversity of theories and methods, academic and popular approaches to US organizational trade policy advocacy are underdeveloped. The dominant methodologies in economics conceptualize stakeholder group policy preferences as a continuum from free trade to protectionism. In contrast, this study builds on literature that assumes that organizations have both economic and ideological motivations. I examine China’s effects on US stakeholder group advocacy and intergroup relations (e.g. multinational business associations, domestic manufacturing groups, and labor unions). I use interviews with organizational leaders and content analysis of documents from US stakeholders in manufacturing and services sectors. I argue that US-China issues reshaped organizational advocacy by expanding and evolving ideological interests. As groups increasingly advocate on the basis of their ideological interests, their discrete economic interests are a shrinking share of the content of trade politics, including traditional protectionism. Rather than simply advocating their microeconomic interests, US stakeholder groups organize around their competing ideologies for the future of US-China integration—free trade, strategic trade, and fair trade. China issues led new organizational agreements and disagreements along those ideological lines, which preceded policy outcomes reflective of the convergences and divergences of their goals.
Preparation and sorption property study of Fe3O4/Al2O3/ZrO2 composite for the removal of cadmium, lead and chromium ions from aqueous solutions

Fe-Al-Zr ternary mixed oxides composite was synthesized via co-precipitation method for the removal Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscope hyphenated with energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (SEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The pH at the point of zero charge (pHpzc) of the sorbent and effect of ionic strength on sorption were also determined. The batch tests were conducted to optimize the various sorption parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, speed of agitation and initial metal concentration. The experimental results showed that the adsorbed amounts of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) tend to decrease with increase in pH. Freundlich isotherm model fits better the equilibrium data for the adsorbent. Kinetic data correlated better with both pseudo first order and pseudo second order kinetic models. The spontaneous nature of the adsorption process was also confirmed from thermodynamic grounds. The nanosized adsorbent exhibited an adsorption efficiency of 96.65%, 96.55% and 97.2% for Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Pb(II), respectively, at optimum condition. Experimental results showed that the nanocomposite was effective for the removal of the title heavy metals from aqueous solution. Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(1), 105-121. DOI: https://dx.doi. org/10.4314/bcse.v34i1. 10
MiR-181a functions as an oncogene by regulating CCND1 in multiple myeloma

MicroRNA-181a (miR-181a) has been demonstrated to be upregulated in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). In several studies, miR-181a has been demonstrated to be significantly overexpressed in MM; however, its potential role in development and progression of MM remains unknown. In the present study, the functions of miR-181a and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of MM were examined. Increased expression of miR-181a was observed in bone marrow samples from patients with MM and the MM RPMI8226 cell line. The role of miR-181a was examined and it was demonstrated that it participated in the proliferation and migration processes of the MM cell line. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the downregulation of miR-181a inhibited the expression of CCND1, a cell cycle regulatory gene, and caused cell cycle arrest in MM cells. The results of the present study suggested that miR-181a functions as an onco-miRNA in MM, which serves regulatory roles by upregulating expression of CCND1 and may therefore serve as a potential target in patients with MM.
Effects of gelatinization and moisture content of extruded starch pellets on morphology and physical properties of microwave-expanded products

ABSTRACT Extruded pellets were prepared from normal corn starch using a corotating twin-screw extruder (25:1 L/D ratio, 31 mm diameter screw), and then expanded by heating in a conventional microwave oven for 70 sec. The effects of gelatinization level and moisture content of the extruded pellets on the morphology and physical properties of the microwave-expanded products such as puffing efficiency, expansion bulk volume, and bulk density were investigated. The expanded shape and air cell structure differed according to the degree of gelatinization of the pellets. Maximum puffing efficiency and expansion volume with the pellets containing 11% moisture were achieved at 52% gelatinization. For this level of gelatinization, starch was extruded at 90°C barrel temperature. In addition, the moisture content of the pellets critically affected the expansion behavior. The maximum puffing efficiency and expansion volume were achieved in a moisture range of 10~13%. For optimum product shape and uniform air cell dist.
Assessing the competitive effects of marine mammal predation on commercial fisheries

Commercial fishermen in many parts of the world perceive marine mammals as competitors for a scarce resource: fish. The importance of predation by marine mammals can be evaluated crudely by considering the marine mammal as a rival fishery whose operation is constrained by physiology and energetic requirements, rather than by catch limits and gear restrictions. Evidence collected from grey seals Halichoerus grypus in the United Kingdom, southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina and beluga whales Delphinapterus leucas shows that published information on distribution, based on the location of breeding sites and sightings in shallow water, may give an unrealistic picture of foraging distribution. Studies of diet and distribution can give an impression of the static nature of the inter-action between a marine mammal and the fishery. However, it is the dynamics of the interaction which are important. A critical question to be posed is how will the consumption of a particular prey species vary with its availabili.
THE NEXUS OF E-GOVERNMENT AND INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY RELATIVE TO INCOME LEVEL COMPARISON

Purpose – this study aims to determine the influence of E-government on productivity in the case of different countries comparing by income level. Research methodology – static (fixed and random) and dynamic (GMM) panel regression. Findings – a disaggregated analysis reveals that middle-income countries are driving global productivity growth by implementing ICTs infrastructure in the public sector. Research limitations – this study focuses on severe developed and developing economies, whereas each country may not benefit from E-government implementation as gains might be offset with the enormous costs of implementation. Practical implications – the government may rely more on online services in the provision of its responsibilities because it enhances the efficiency of public sectors. Originality/Value – the study is a novel measure of E-government that covers additional multiple dimensions.
Changes in the Extent of the Condensation of Nuclear Chromatin and the Localization of RNA During Pollen Development in Nicotiana tabacum

We examined the differentiation of the generative and the vegetative cells of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum SR-1) by a newly developed cytological method using fluorescence microscopy after embedding of samples in Technovit 7100 resin. The extent of condensation of the chromatin in generative and vegetative nuclei was measured semi-quantitatively in sections of uniform thickness by microphotometry. The extent of chromatin condensation in the generative nucleus was about 5 to 10 times as high as the vegetative nucleus throughout pollen maturation which lasted about 5 days. Such a difference was clear immediately after PM I, indicating that the differentiation of the two cells had already started as soon as PM I has finished. Maturing generative cells had almost as much condensed chromatin as chromosomes of PM I. We also examined whether the generative cell has the potential for gene expression. The localization of RNA was visualized by staining with acridine orange. The results revealed the cytoplasm of the generative cell contained RNA and the density of RNA was as high as in the vegetative cell. This result suggests that the generative cell has the potential for gene expression in spite of the highly condensed chromatin in the nucleus. Furthermore, the generative nucleus in the mature pollen retained small nucleoli. Their presence implies that rRNA is synthesized consistently in generative cells.
Change in Molecular Size of Cellulose during Regeneration of Cell Wall on Carrot Protoplasts

Protoplasts isolated from carrot cells were cultured in a chemically defined medium. The majority of them regenerated cell wall and underwent cell division. Cellulose synthesis started without a noticeable lag but the rate of deposition was very low during the initial stage. The degree of polymerization of cellulose was determined by viscosity measurement of the nitrated product. The cellulose formed in the early stage of the wall regeneration consisted mainly of low molecular weight glucan chains. Change in the average molecular weight of cellulose was found during the growth cycle of carrot cells in normal suspension culture.
206 ALPHA6, BETA1, AND BETA3 INTEGRINS EXPRESSED BY SPERM MAY BE INVOLVED IN CATTLE FERTILIZATION

Sperm-egg interaction is a complex molecular process leading to gamete fusion mediated by a series of molecular interactions. Some integrin subunits, which are adhesion molecules, are expressed on human and mouse sperm, but major questions about the roles of integrins in sperm-oocyte fusion remain unsolved. This study was conducted to determine the presence of integrin subunits on cattle (Bos indicus and Bos taurus) sperm, and whether fertilization might be affected by treating sperm with antibodies to integrin subunits. Frozen–thawed sperm, donated by ABS Pecplan, were centrifuged at 700g for 10 min and washed once in warm PBS (Nutricell®, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil). Sperm were resuspended in PBS and treated with an equal volume of cold 4% paraformaldehyde (prepared fresh from formaldehyde) for 15 min on ice. All subsequent steps were conducted at RT. Fixed sperm were washed twice with PBS (10 000 rpm, 5 min) in an IEC Micromax (Needham, MA), and the pellet was resuspended in PBS containing 5% BSA. Samples of 1 mL, each containing 5 × 106 spermatozoa, were incubated overnight at 4°C with a monoclonal anti-integrin α6 immunoglobulin G (IgG), monoclonal anti-integrin β1 IgG, and monoclonal anti-integrin β3 IgG (Chemicon®). The next day, sperm were resuspended in Alexa Fluor® 488 goat anti-mouse IgG (Invitrogen). After being washed 3 times in PBS-BSA as before, a drop of sperm suspension was smeared on a slide, air-dried, mounted with antifade reagent with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (Invitrogen), and covered with a coverslip for analysis. Frozen–thawed spermatozoa were washed by a 45/90% layered Percoll gradient centrifugation and incubated for 1 h in fertilization medium (FM; 1), FM with a monoclonal anti-integrin α6 IgG (2), FM with monoclonal anti-integrin β1 IgG (3), and FM with monoclonal anti-integrin β3 (4). In vitro-matured cattle oocytes were incubated (39°C, 5% CO2 in air) with 10 × 104 washed pretreated spermatozoa per 25 oocytes for 18 h. The oocytes were fixed in acid alcohol, stained with 1% acetate-orcein, and observed to determine the presence of pronuclei. Immunoreactive α6, β1, and β3 were concentrated at the apical segment of the acrosome in all bulls tested. There was no detectable fluorescence in any of the controls, and not all the sperm in an ejaculate were immunoreactive. Addition of anti-integrin α6, anti-integrin β1, and anti-integrin β3 decreased fertilization (P < 0.05) compared with the control: (1) 91.2 ± 2.0%; (2) 17.4 ± 2.0%; (3) 14.3 ± 2.0%; (4) 24.3 ± 2.0%. These findings show that α6, β1, and β3 integrins are expressed by cattle spermatozoa and may be involved in sperm-oocyte fusion and fertilization. This study was supported by FAPESP grants (2007/00363-5 and 2006/06008-0, Brazil). We acknowledge Nutricell and ABS Pecplan for their generous contribution.
A NEW SPECIES OF SALAMANDER (CAUDATA: PLETHODONTIDAE: BOLITOGLOSSA) FROM THE SUBANDEAN FOREST WESTERN CORDILLERA OF COLOMBIA

A new species salamander of the genus Bolitoglossa is described. It is a member of the alpha group, subgenus Eladinea that occurs in relict subandean forests in the buffer zone area of Tatamá Natural National Park (PNN) on the Eastern slope of the Western Andes of Colombia in the Departamento of Risaralda. This species differs from other species of Bolitoglossa by having basal digital webs with digital depressions on tips of plantar and palmar regions. The basal digital webs are interpreted as adaptation for terrestriality in high mountain salamanders.
Multiplex boundary work in innovation projects: the role of collaborative spaces for cross-functional and open innovation

PurposeThis study investigates the role of collaborative spaces as organizational support for internal innovation through cross-functional teams and for open innovation with external stakeholders. In particular, the study focuses on collaborative spaces as tools for multiplex (i.e., simultaneous internal and external boundary management in innovation projects). Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a qualitative study in a multi-divisional organization that set up in its headquarters a collaborative space for collaborative product development. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observations.FindingsFindings highlight that the relation between expectations and experiences about the collaborative space impact on employees' ability to perform boundary work inside and outside the organization. In addition to the collaborative space's affording role for expectations about hands-on collaborative innovation (space as laboratory), the study also highlights a set of collaboration constraints. These latter are generated by perceived boundary configurations (i.e. degree of boundary permeability and infrastructure in internal and external collaborations) and by discrepancies between expectations (space as laboratory) and actual collaboration experiences in the space (i.e. space as maze, cloister, showcase and silo). We show that space-generated constraints slow down internal and external boundary work for innovation and generate a trade-off between them.Originality/valueUsing the process-based perspective of boundary work, the paper connects studies on cross-functional teaming and open innovation through the concept of “multiplex boundary work. ” It also contributes to the literature on boundary work by showing the challenges of using collaborative spaces as organizational support tools for multiplex boundary spanning.
Adaptive behaviour of Drosophila adults in relation to temperature and humidity

The reactions of three Drosophila species (D. melanogaster, D. simulans and D. immigrans) were studied in a temperature gradient at different humidities. In a saturation-deficit gradient all three species showed adaptive behaviour which could be related to their physiological resistance to desiccation. This is taken as experimental evidence for similar avoidance of stressful conditions in the field.
Power Loss Characterization and Modeling for GaN-Based Hard-Switching Half-Bridges Considering Dynamic on-State Resistance

Gallium nitride enhancement-mode high electron mobility transistors (GaN E-HEMTs) can achieve high frequency and high efficiency due to its excellent switching performance compared with conventional Si transistors. Nevertheless, GaN HEMTs exhibit a more pronounced dynamic ON-state resistance <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> than silicon transistors. The variation of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is caused by both the static <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> due to junction temperature rise and the dynamic <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> due to the electron trapping. Without a careful decoupling analysis, it is difficult to calculate and model the dynamic <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> portion. This article introduces a comprehensive approach of dynamic <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> evaluation comprising four techniques: 1) a clamping circuit for both the hard-switching (HS) device and synchronous rectification (SR) device; 2) a junction temperature monitoring technique; 3) control of both the pulse test and soak time; and 4) continuous operation of device under test. Based on the dynamic <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> test results, a new model of the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> variation is developed where two coefficients <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k_{T{j}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k_{\mathrm {dR}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> are defined to model the contribution of the heating effect and the impact of the trapping effect, respectively. The <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{\mathrm {DS}(\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON})}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> model is validated by the comparison between the calculated and measured junction temperatures of a 650-V/30-A GaN-based half-bridge. Furthermore, a detailed loss breakdown analysis is conducted for the GaN-based HS half-bridge. The results show that the switching losses, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$E_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$E_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, are the dominant loss factors with high switching frequency. At last, the possible efficiency improvements are also discussed in detail.
Isokinetic testing of muscle strength of older individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An integrative review

BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness, though not the primary impairment accompanying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been documented in patients with the disease. OBJECTIVE: Describe isokinetic testing procedures and clinimetric findings associated with the isokinetic testing of older individuals with COPD. METHODS: Relevant articles were identified by an electronic PubMed search using the search string “isokinet* AND (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease OR COPD)” and by a hand search. RESULTS: Thirty-four potentially relevant articles were identified. Seven were excluded, leaving 27 for review. The articles provide considerable support for the validity of isokinetic strength testing of older patients with COPD. Little data are available that provides specific information on the reliability and responsiveness of the measures. CONCLUSIONS: Research provides considerable evidence for the validity, limited evidence for the reliability, and no statistical evidence for the responsiveness of isokinetic testing of muscle strength among older adults with COPD.
Residents’ social dilemma in sustainable heritage tourism: the role of social emotion, efficacy beliefs and temporal concerns

Abstract Increasingly, residents in world heritage sites (WHS) are facing dilemmas by choosing between the short-term self-interests and long-term collective benefits associated with heritage tourism development. Through the lens of social dilemma theory, this study investigated the role of social emotions in affecting resident dilemma considerations related to supporting sustainable heritage tourism development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, 402 resident samples (Study 1) and 21 semi-structured interviews (Study 2) were conducted with five rounds of investigations in a cultural WHS, Kaiping Diaolou, China. Results found that residents’ support for sustainable heritage tourism were significantly influenced by their perceived collective efficacy and immediate outcomes. Residents’ positive social emotions evoked by WHS designation promote their cooperation by enhancing efficacy beliefs and emphasising current impacts. These findings extend the literature by recognizing emotional and dilemma factors in residents’ sustainable behaviours, which provides managerial implications to encourage public engagement in heritage protection.
Size-Dependent Recovery of Chinook Salmon in Carcass Surveys

Abstract Accurate estimation of the age and sex composition of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. is essential for understanding their population dynamics. Unfortunately, the data collected from spawning ground surveys are generally biased by the probability of recovery. Using 11 years of mark-recapture data for fall chinook salmon O. tshawytscha in the Salmon River, Oregon, I developed logistic models to examine the influences of stream flow and the sex and size of the fish on the probability of carcass recovery from spawning grounds. The results indicated no significant differences in recovery rates for males and females. The probability of recovery generally increased as fish size increased and as stream flow decreased. However, the relationships were nonlinear; the probability leveled off for very large fish and increased slightly at very high stream flow. Directly computed age and sex compositions from survey samples underestimated the ages of small fish and males while overestimating those of large fi.