A framework for molecular biology databases integration using context graph keying.

This paper proposed a novel framework for integrating public domain molecular biology databases with the aid of a context graph. A context graph is used to map data in order to establish an integration domain for the participating multi-resource database federation. Data are presented in a consolidated form upon retrieval from the multiple databases. The approach presented in this paper is novel in the sense that, it can be implemented within a component database and can initiate data consolidation collected from multiple sources without users' intervention. The approach has received considerable interest from the research community

Integration of biological data resources using image object keying.

This paper proposes a novel concept of ‘image object keying'. The work builds on earlier research in this area and shows how the 3D structure of a protein can be retrieved interactively from a gel electrophoresis protein spot. It uses intelligent image matching operations like the Hough Transform and Edge Detection techniques. Unique aspects are that searches may be initiated from multiple biological resources but with the results being integrated into a single page. A significant outcome of this work is that it enables researchers to search the database without the need to write and complex script

Mountain-Shaped Coupler for Ultra Wideband Applications

This paper demonstrates a novel mountain-shaped design for a compact 3-dB coupler operating at ultra-wideband (UWB) frequencies from 3.1GHz to 10.6 GHz. The proposed design was accomplished using multilayer technology in which the structure is formed by three layers of conductors interleaved by a layer of substrate between each conductor layer. Simulation was carried out using CST Microwave Studio; the result was then compared with results from rectangular and star-shaped couplers that implemented the same technique. The results obtained show that the proposed new coupler has better performance compared to both rectangular and star-shaped coupler designs in terms of return loss, isolation, and phase difference. The coupler was fabricated and measured; the measurement results satisfactorily agree with the simulation results

From local laboratory data to public domain database in search of indirect association of diseases: AJAX based gene data search engine.

This paper presents an extensible schema for capturing laboratory gene variance data with its meta-data properties in a semi-structured environment. This paper also focuses on the issues of creating a local and task specific component database which is a subset of global data resources. An XML based genetic disorder component database schema is developed with adequate flexibilities to facilitate searching of gene mutation data. A web based search engine is developed that allows researchers to query a set of gene parameters obtained from local XML schema and subsequently allow them to automatically establish a link with the public domain gene databases. The application applies AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript and XML), a cutting-edge web technology, to carry out the gene data searching function

The development of reputational capital–How social media influencers differ from traditional celebrities

Social media influencers (SMI) have grown in importance as a promotional channel. However, little is known about how they build reputational capital and thus endorsement effectiveness, particularly compared to traditional celebrity endorsers. From a consumers' perspective, this research investigates both types of endorsers in different stages of the Celebrity Capital Life Cycle (CCLC). Across three studies, we find that parasocial relationships and interactions with consumers are paramount for SMIs reputational capital and endorsement effectiveness, yet not critical for traditional celebrities. Further, a consumer's perceived weak parasocial relationship/interaction with SMIs can be detrimental to their effectiveness yet has little impact on traditional celebrities' influence. We find that the positive effect of a SMI with high parasocial relationship/interaction with consumers on Word of Mouth (i.e., endorsers effectiveness) is mediated by expectation fulfillment and brand endorsers' credibility (i.e., reputation capital). This research discovers how important parasocial relationships with consumers are for SMIs in comparison to traditional celebrities; importantly this is the first research that empirically identifies how SMIs can gain and maintain reputation capital and subsequently be more effective as brand endorsers. Our findings have important implications for marketing professionals who are managing SMIs.fals

The shape of equality: discourses around the Section 28 repeal in Scotland

This article focuses on conceptualizations of equality in the discourses deployed in the campaign to repeal Section 28 in Scotland. I use the parliamentary debates and two newspapers: the Daily Record, which supported the campaign to Keep the Clause, and The Guardian, which supported repeal, to exemplify the different discursive articulations around equality and citizenship. I suggest that the Scottish example provides further evidence of the ways in which liberalism naturalizes heterosexuality as the standard for citizenship and thus bequeaths a hierarchy of 'equality' and citizenship in the realm of sexuality, wherein lesbian and gay citizenship is either rendered invalid or characterized as 'special rights'. However, within the narrow confines of the parliamentary debates, more expansive and differentiated notions of citizenship and equality are evident. Whilst I conclude that the 'shape' of equality achieved through the repeal has been moulded to support institutionalized heterosexuality - with Section 28 replaced by statutory guidelines on sex education which advocate marriage - I also suggest equality is contested, both through the recognition of transformations in heterosexual family forms and the appeal to non-discrimination as a democratic principle. It is possible, therefore, that current destabilizations of the heterosexual social order simultaneously destabilize the precepts of liberal democracy

Metacognitive skills of Malaysian students in non-routine mathematical problem solving

Metacognitive skills play an important role in solving mathematical problems. However, there is a lack of empirical studies on the role of metacognitive skills in solving mathematical problems, particularly non-routine ones. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify students' metacognitive skills and the impact of such skills on non-routine mathematical problem solving. By using a quantitative method, a total of 304 students in Johor Bahru district were involved in the study. A Self-Monitoring Questionnaire (SMQ) and a mathematical test were used in data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results showed that the level of the students' performance in solving non-routine mathematical problems was very low. There was also a significant difference in the metacognitive skills among students with different performance levels in solving non-routine mathematical problems, and we concluded that these metacognitive skills should be emphasised in this process

Influenced factors in the delignification process of red meranti wood sawdust

Lignocellulosic biomass are plants that include forestry residue and agricultural residues that are mainly composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Red Meranti wood sawdust (RMWS) are one of lignocellulosic biomass that rich-cellulose content. To obtain cellulose, the pretreatments are needed to extract it from outer layer of lignin and hemicellulose by using the acid-chlorite delignification procedure aided with design of experimental from Design Expert 7.1 software. Four factors were selected in design of experiment using two level with half fraction factorial analysis were came out with total of 8 runs. The factors contributed were ratio acetic acid (AC) to RMWS (0.45 and 0.6), ratio sodium chlorite to RMWS (0.6 and 1.64), reaction time (4hr and 6hr) and temperature (55°C and 75°C). The results obtained were showed that the design model was substantial resulting with a coefficient of determination value of 0.9963. Two factors that generated the highest to the process were ratio SC to RMWS (B) and temperature (D). The percentage error between the actual and predicted value for lignin removal at 0.79% and 4.92%, which found to be less than 5%, and thus, the model was successfully validated