Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High glutamic and aspartic region in nonhistone protein HMG(1+2) unwinds DNA double helical structure.

A high mobility group (HMG) nonhistone protein fraction HMG(1+2) from pig thymus, composed of HMG1 and HMG2, has an activity to unwind the double helical structure of DNA (Yoshida, M. and Shimura, K. (1984) J. Biochem. 95, 117-124; Makiguchi, K. , Chida, Y. , Yoshida, M. , and Shimura, K. (1984) J. Biochem. 95, 423-429). The HMG(1+2) was cleaved with trypsin, followed by peptide separation by ionic exchange column chromatography with Polybuffer exchanger PBE94. The effects of five peptide fractions thus obtained on the thermal denaturation of DNA were measured. A peptide containing a high glutamic and aspartic (HGA) region, of the composition Glu34Asp15Lys3, unwound DNA depending on the presence of Mg2+ or Ca2+, while other peptide fractions did not, suggesting that the HGA region in HMG(1+2) is an active site in the unwinding reaction of the double helical structure of DNA.
Nano-oxidation of silicon surfaces by noncontact atomic-force microscopy: Size dependence on voltage and pulse duration

Local oxidation of silicon surfaces by noncontact atomic-force microscopy is an emerging and promising method for patterning surfaces at the nanometer scale due to its very precise control of the feature size. Here, we study the voltage and pulse duration conditions to generate a motive of a given height with the minimum lateral size. We find that for a fixed tip–sample separation, the combination of short pulses and relatively high voltages (∼20 V) produces the highest height:width ratio. The application of relatively high voltages produces a fast growth rate in the vertical direction while the lateral diffusion of oxyanions is inhibited for short pulses. The above results are applied to generate lines of tens of microns in length with an average width at half maximum of about 10 nm.
Employing a Dichotomous Choice Model to Assess Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Organically Produced Products

Abstract This study employs a dichotomous choice model to identify the socio-economic characteristics and attitudes that influence consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for organically produced products (OPP). Considering consumers' growing interest in quality and safety of food, the study attempts to identify consumers level of awareness on OPP, the intention to buy OPP and the WTP a higher price for OPP. Results highlight consumers awareness and intention, revealing useful information for the development of OPP market. The estimated maximum WTP indicates that consumers are willing to pay a substantial extra price to purchase OPP. Finally, WTP seems to be affected by certain consumer attitudes and socio-economic factors.
ASSESSING AND MODELING THE READINESS OF ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT

The purpose of this study is to assess various instruments, including Information System Assessment (ISA), Information Technology Governance (ITG), and Organization Information System Alignment (IS-ALIGN) to examine their ability to measure the readiness of electronic government. The E-Government (EGOV) instrument was adapted from the study of the Action-Audience Model to measure how well the government is prepared to usher in E-Government in terms of various success factors at the planning, system and data levels. An on-line survey was conducted in Denton, Texas. An invitation letter of the survey was sent out to the 1100 employees of the City of Denton via email, 339 responses were received, yielding a response rate of 31%. Although the modified models were in line with the theoretical hypotheses, the confirmation of the relationships among the constructs still needs researchers to pursue more reliable models, either by replication of this research or by establishing a new theoretical model. However, the significant validity and reliability measures discussed in this study indicate that the instrument of this E-Government readiness model has the potential for use in further adoption studies. To cite this document: Shin-Ping Liu Tucker, "Assessing and modeling the readiness of electronic government", International Journal of Electronic Commerce Studies, Vol.3, No.2, pp. 251-270, 2012. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi. org/10.7903/ijecs.1094
Factors That Influencing Consumer Purchasing Behaviour Among Youth's Generation In Malacca

Nowadays, with the rapid development of Internet technology, online shopping is becoming common and even inevitable among young people in different age. Consumers choose online shopping which is another shopping channel that is more convenient and express than the traditional shopping pattern, and these also attracts more and more people sell products online, from chain store to small individual business . Due to the increasing amount of online sellers, the competition among sellers on the internet will become more and more intense. To stand out, it is useful for sellers to find out what factors affect a potential consumer’s purchasing behaviour of online shopping. Consumer behaviour study how consumers choose between products or services when facing more than one alternative. There were two objectives in this study: (1) to investigate the factors influencing online shopping among youth’s, (2) To find out to extent the factor influencing youth’s to purchase online. To this end, a survey was conducted and the 150 questionnaires were distributed among the youth of different universities and the general public in Malacca. The replies have been analysed by means of frequency distribution, average and chart analysis. From the results of the survey, convenience and save time is significant influence and have moderate positive correlation with consumers’ online purchase behaviour. While the three factors including price, trust and website based, are no significant to affect the consumers’ online purchase behaviour in Malacca. Thus, it is suggested that online sellers should pay more attention to attract online consumers and increase their trust towards online stores.
Building Cellar Door Business through Accreditation — Victoria's Perspective

Ensuring an excellent visitor experience and meeting customer expectations is a key goal for most tourism businesses and of primary concern to government industry organisations. The Better Business Tourism Accreditation Program, underpinning a broad tourism accreditation initiative, has been implemented in Victoria across a range of tourism sectors. The program provides business management and operational guidelines for tourism businesses. Winery tourism, the process of visiting a Winery and the associated cellar door experience, is now acknowledged as an important part of regional tourism in Victoria. To assist in establishing benchmarks for cellar door operations the Victorian Wineries Tourism Council, in consultation with the industry, has developed Cellar Door sector guidelines. The program assists winery operators to identify and document cellar door operational procedures that contribute to the visitor experience. This article discusses the development of the Better Business Tourism Accreditation Program and Cellar Door sector guidelines, and feedback gained from a series of industry workshops. These workshops addressed concerns raised by participants and provided them with support in completing the accreditation program. A self‐complete questionnaire was administered at the workshops that sought to identify participant views on cellar door activity, the importance of tourism and accreditation. The results suggest that accreditation can provide a useful means of identifying and implementing business and operational practices that will improve the cellar door experience for visitors.
Maps and the representation of urban shopping destinations

Purpose – This paper seeks to investigate the use of town centre guides as a device for the representation of urban shopping destinations.Design/methodology/approach – Following a review of the relevant academic literature in the areas of cartography and place marketing, the paper considers the use of graphic interface elements of scale, projection and symbolisation in the specific context of maps in town centre guides. The guides are drawn from various UK locations reflecting different levels of the retail hierarchy and different locational “archetypes” as identified by URBED.Findings – The level of detail and content of maps in town centre guides studied varied significantly. All the graphic interface elements of scale, projection and symbolisation were incorporated. Projection was usually oblique, and in some maps isometric. Regarding symbolisation, the most important variables were shape and hue.Research limitations/implications – This is an exploratory investigation using a limited number of town cen.
The internet as a labor market matchmaker

Since the internet’s earliest days, firms and workers have used various online methods to advertise and find jobs. Until recently there has been little evidence that any internet-based tool has had a measurable effect on job search or recruitment outcomes. However, recent studies, and the growing use of social networking as a business tool, suggest workers and firms are at last developing ways to use the internet as an effective matchmaking tool.
Nanopaper Properties and Adhesive Performance of Microfibrillated Cellulose from Different (Ligno-)Cellulosic Raw Materials

The self-adhesive potential of nanocellulose from aqueous cellulosic suspensions is of interest with regard to a potential replacement of synthetic adhesives. In order to evaluate the performance of microfibrillated cellulose from different (ligno-)cellulosic raw materials for this purpose, softwood and hardwood powder were fibrillated and compared to sugar beet pulp as a representative non-wood cellulose resource, and conventional microfibrillated cellulose produced from bleached pulp. An alkali pre-treatment of woody and sugar beet raw materials enhanced the degree of fibrillation achieved, same as TEMPO-mediated oxidation of microfibrillated cellulose. Nanopapers produced from fibrillated material showed highly variable density and mechanical performance, demonstrating that properties may be tuned by the choice of raw material. While nanopaper strength was highest for TEMPO-oxidated microfibrillated cellulose, fibrillated untreated sugar beet pulp showed the best adhesive performance. Different microscopic methods (AFM, SEM, light microscopy) examined the interface between wood and fibrillated material, showing particular distinctions to commercial adhesives. It is proposed that fibrillated material suspensions, which achieve bond strength up to 60% of commercial urea-formaldehyde adhesive, may provide a viable solution to bio-based adhesives in certain applications where wet-strength is not an issue.
Empirical Study on the Behaviours of Different Types of Hong Kong Small Investors’ in Their Investment

Lam, et al. (2010, 2012) and Guo, et al. (2015) have developed a new Bayesian approach to explain some market anomalies. In this paper we conduct a survey to examine whether the theory developed in Lam, et al. (2010, 2012) and Guo, et al. (2015) holds in the empirically by studying the behavior of different types of Hong Kong small investors’ in their investment, especially during financial crisis.
Measures and mechanisms of common ground: backchannels, conversational repair, and interactive alignment in free and task-oriented social interactions

A crucial aspect of everyday conversational interactions is our ability to establish and maintain common ground. Understanding the relevant mechanisms involved in such social coordination remains an important challenge for cognitive science. While common ground is often discussed in very general terms, different contexts of interaction are likely to afford different coordination mechanisms. In this paper, we investigate the presence and relation of three mechanisms of social coordination – backchannels, interactive alignment and conversational repair – across free and task-oriented conversations. We find significant differences: task-oriented conversations involve higher presence of repair – restricted offers in particular – and backchannel, as well as a reduced level of lexical and syntactic alignment. We find that restricted repair is associated with lexical alignment and open repair with backchannels. Our findings highlight the need to explicitly assess several mechanisms at once and to investigate diverse social activities to understand their role and relations.
Debt and cash flow relationship in pecking order theory of corporate financing: dynamic panel evidence

The paper investigates relationship between cash flow and debt. The panel generalized method of moment results reveal that cash flow is negatively related to both long term debt and total debt ratios. Our results support the pecking order theory of corporate financing and imply that there is a need for further development of the capital market to minimize the information asymmetry problem between the firms and the firms’ financiers, to provide firms with easier access to debt and equity financing.
The Flavonoid Isoliquiritigenin Reduces Lung Inflammation and Mouse Morbidity during Influenza Virus Infection

ABSTRACT The host response to influenza virus infection is characterized by an acute lung inflammatory response in which intense inflammatory cell recruitment, hypercytokinemia, and a high level of oxidative stress are present. The sum of these events contributes to the virus-induced lung damage that leads to high a level of morbidity and mortality in susceptible infected patients. In this context, we identified compounds that can simultaneously reduce the excessive inflammatory response and the viral replication as a strategy to treat influenza virus infection. We investigated the anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential activities of isoliquiritigenin (ILG). Interestingly, we demonstrated that ILG is a potent inhibitor of influenza virus replication in human bronchial epithelial cells (50% effective concentration [EC50] = 24.7 μM). In addition, our results showed that this molecule inhibits the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced after the infection of cells with influenza virus. We demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of ILG in the context of influenza virus infection is dependent on the activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma pathway. Interestingly, ILG phosphate (ILG-p)-treated mice displayed decreased lung inflammation as depicted by reduced cytokine gene expression and inflammatory cell recruitment. We also demonstrated that influenza virus-specific CD8+ effector T cell recruitment was reduced up to 60% in the lungs of mice treated with ILG-p (10 mg/kg) compared to that in saline-treated mice. Finally, we showed that administration of ILG-p reduced lung viral titers and morbidity of mice infected with the PR8/H1N1 virus.
Human Resource Information System (HRIS): Important Element of Current Scenario

An HRIS, which is also known as a human resource information system or human resource management system (HRMS), is basically an intersection of human resources and information technology through a HR software solution. This allows HR activities and processes to occur electronically. The Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is a software or online solution for the data entry, data tracking, and data information needs of the Human Resources, payroll, management, and accounting functions within a business. The goal of HRIS is to merge the different parts of human resource, including payroll, labor productivity, and benefit management into a less capital intensive system than the mainframes used to manage activities in the past. Also called Human Resource Management systems (HRMS). A HRIS generally should provide the capability to more effectively plan, control and manage HR costs; achieve improved efficiency and quality in HR decision making; and improve employee and managerial productivity and effectiveness. In most situations, an HRIS will also lead to increases in efficiency when it comes to making decisions in HR. This research paper helps to know about how HRIS help the organization to enhance the efficiency of work.
On the performance of parallel implementations of an ADI scheme for parabolic PDEs on shared and distributed memory systems

In this paper we present two parallel programming approaches to solving parabolic partial differential equations with mixed derivative terms using Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) schemes. The first approach uses the multithreading technique and is suitable for use on Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) machines. The second approach uses multiple processes and the Message Passing Interface (MPI) for interprocess communications. Our primary interest is focused on the performance of our implementations on different platforms. For comparison, we provide performance test results using both approaches.
Dose‐dependent effects of tetraethylammonium on circling spreading depressions in chicken retina

The K+‐channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA) was applied to study its effects in self‐sustaining, circling spreading depression in the chicken retina (RSD). Extracellular K+ (Ke+) activities and the direct‐current (DC) signal were recorded using doublebarrelled microelectrodes. Superfusion of TEA‐concentrations of 10 to 250 μM for 4 to 7 min reduced the RSD‐associated DC amplitude (by 9 to 45%) and the maximum of the Ke+ concentration (by 9 to 34%) in a dose‐dependent manner. Propagation velocity of the RSD was lowered by 24%. At concentrations higher than 250 μM TEA (0.5 to 10 mM), the propagation was slowed by more than 60%, after which the RSD disappeared. Recovery upon reperfusion with Ringer was immediate. These observations illustrate: 1) TEA affects the Ke+ changes during RSD at very low concentrations. 2) The reduced Ke+ transients are accompanied by a reduction of the DC shifts. 3) These changes of the electrical properties of the RSDs are paralleled by a reduction of the propagation velocity. 4) The effects of TEA are reversible. 5) The changes of these parameters occur dose‐dependently. These data suggest a close relationship between the amplitudes of the ionic/electric changes during RSDs and the mechanisms of propagation.
A new gridded parasitic patch stacked microstrip antenna for enhanced wide bandwidth in 60 GHz Band

In this paper is describe a concept of modification design of gridded parasitic patch stacked microstrip antenna for produce wideband characteristic and high gain which is could operate in around 60 GHz band. The modified antenna has combination of feeding microstrip line with multi tuning stubs, two narrow slots and shorting pin. The antenna is use substrate of taconic TLY with thickness of 0.127 mm and Arlon CuClad with thickness of 0.0762 mm. From the modified antenna can produce bandwidth of 15.6 Ghz around 60 GHz as operate frequency in frequency range around from 49.6 to 65.2 GHz. The antenna gain can reach up to 8.4 dBi at 60Ghz with VSWR of 1.06 and directional radiation pattern. The antenna design will promise for millimeter wave application of mobile communication devices such as 5G and 6G standard.
Acute Coronary Syndrome Antiplatelet Alternatives in Clopidogrel Allergy

No published information exists to support the safe use of ticagrelor in patients with a clopidogrel allergy. This study involved an institutional review board–approved retrospective review of patients with a documented clopidogrel allergy who subsequently received ticagrelor between July 2011 and February 2014. We report the cases of two patients with a history of hypersensitivity to clopidogrel in whom ticagrelor was used successfully without documented incident. In addition, principles suggesting a lack of cross‐sensitivity between ticagrelor and clopidogrel are reviewed. These cases combined with theoretical evidence support the use of ticagrelor in patients with hypersensitivity to clopidogrel.
Opinion: How Should Chronic Medical Therapies be Altered with the Onset of End‐Stage Renal Disease and Initiation of Dialysis?

More than 100,000 patients start dialysis in the US each year. Most nephrologists care for patients with advancing CKD prior to starting dialysis as well as those already on dialysis, and are therefore often involved in the care of patients as they make the transition to dialysis. There is an extensive literature about the care of patients with CKD and patients on dialysis, as if these are two entirely distinct circumstances. Very little has been written about how medical therapies for adults and children making the transition from CKD to ESRD may need to be altered as residual GFR declines, and in response to the change in frequency of physician visits, the effects of dialysis, changes in diet, etc. The following articles provide views on diabetes mellitus and its management; treatment of anemia with erythropoietic stimulating agents and iron; bone and mineral metabolism, vitamin D treatment, and control of phosphorus; management of hypertension, lipid disorders, and cardiovascular disease risk; and then a variety of topics that pertain to the care of children with CKD, including nutrition and growth. More study and discussion of the transition from CKD to ESRD in both children and adults is probably warranted. —KW and JSB
Retting process of some bast plant fibers and its effect on fibre quality: A review

Retting is the main challenge faced during the processing of bast plants for the production of long fibre. The traditional methods for separating the long bast fibres are by dew and water retting. Both methods require 14 to 28 days to degrade the pectic materials, hemicellulose, and lignin. Even though the fibres produced from water retting can be of high quality, the long duration and polluted water have made this method less attractive. A number of other alternative methods such as mechanical decortication, chemical, heat, and enzymatic treatments have been reported for this purpose with mixed findings. This paper reviews different types of retting processes used for bast plants such as hemp, jute, flax, and kenaf, with an emphasis on kenaf. Amongst the bast fibre crops, kenaf apparently has some advantages such as lower cost of production, higher fibre yields, and greater flexibility as an agricultural resource, over the other bast fibres. The fibres produced from kenaf using chemical retting processes are much cleaner but low in tensile strength. Enzymatic retting has apparent advantages over other retting processes by having significantly shorter retting time and acceptable quality fibres, but it is quite expensive.
Web Hosting Service Level Agreements

This paper proposes a model for a relatively simple Web hosting provider. The model assumes the existence of a load-dispatcher and a finite number of Web-servers. We quantify the quality of service towards the clients of this facility based on a service level agreement between the two parts: the web hosting provider and the client. We assume that the client has the knowledge and resources to quantify its needs. Based on these quantifications, which in our model become parameters, the provider can establish a service offer. In our model, this offer covers the quality of service and the price options for it.