Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Technology Continuance: A Theoretic Extension and Empirical Test

This paper proposes a theoretical extension of the information technology (IT) continuance model by linking continuance intention to behavior and elaborating the contingent factors that shape IT continuance intention and behavior. Drawing on recent findings in the cognitive psychology literature, it conceptualizes perceived behavioral control as consisting of two dimensions — IT self-efficacy and facilitating conditions — and links these two dimensions respectively to IT continuance intention and behavior. Field data from a longitudinal survey of document management system usage among administrators and staff personnel at a governmental agency in Ukraine provides empirical support for our extended model. Our study advances the emerging body of research on IT continuance by extending the theoretical boundaries of the IT continuance model, and contributes to IT acceptance and usage research by clarifying the conceptualization and effect of the PBC construct.
Durable antibacterial and UV-protective Ag/TiO2@ fabrics for sustainable biomedical application

A facile method was developed to endow cotton fabric with remarkable antibacterial and ultraviolet (UV)-protective properties. The flower-like TiO2 micro-nanoparticles were first deposited onto cotton fabric surface via hydrothermal deposition method. Then, the Ag NPs with a high deposition density were evenly formed onto TiO2@cotton surface by sodium hydroxide solution pretreatment and followed by in situ reduction of ANO3. This work focused on the influence of different hydrothermal reaction durations and the concentration of AgNO3 on antibacterial activity against relevant microorganisms in medicine as well as on the UV-blocking property. Ag NPs-loaded TiO2@cotton exhibited high antibacterial activity with an inhibition rate higher than 99% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Moreover, the as-prepared cotton fabric coated with Ag NPs and TiO2 NPs demonstrated outstanding UV protective ability with a high ultraviolet protection factor value of 56.39. Morphological image of the cells revealed a likely loss of viability as a result of the synergistically biocidal effects of TiO2 and Ag on attached bacteria. These results demonstrate a facile and robust synthesis technology for fabricating multifunctional textiles with a promising biocidal activity against common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Poverty, Income Growth and Inequality in Paraguay During the 1990s: Spatial Aspects, Growth Determinants and Inequality Decomposition

The Paraguayan economy did not suffer debt crises in the eighties and had significant growth rates in the second half on the seventies, but poverty remained a problem. Understanding the performance and spatial distribution of poverty and inequality over a period of more than ten years can shed new light on structural causes behind what seems to be a low growth - high poverty - high inequality trap in Paraguay. How did poverty and inequality change during the 1990s. Did inequality reduce income growth? What were the growth determinants and what are the main forces driving inequality changes? These are the questions being answered in this book.
Gait Speed and Variability for Usual Pace and Pedestrian Crossing Conditions in Older Adults Using the GAITRite Walkway

Objectives: To determine gait characteristics of community-dwelling older adults at different speeds and during a crosswalk simulation. Methods: Twenty-two older adults completed walking trials at self-selected slow, usual, and fast paces, and at a crosswalk simulation, using the GAITRite walkway. These objective measures were complemented by self-report health and mobility questionnaires. Results: Gait speeds at self-selected slow, usual, and fast paces were 98.7 (18.1) cm/s, 140.9 (20.4) cm/s, and 174.0 (20.6) cm/s, respectively, and at simulated crosswalk conditions was 144.2 (22.3) cm/s. For usual pace, right step length variability was 2.0 (1.4) cm and step time variability was 13.6 (7.2) ms, compared with 2.4 (1.3) cm and 17.3 (9.7) ms, respectively, for crosswalk conditions. Discussion: Our sample of healthy older adults walked at a speed exceeding standards for crossing urban streets; however, in response to a crosswalk signal, participants adopted a significantly faster and more variable gait.
The Nature and Neural Correlates of Semantic Association versus Conceptual Similarity

The ability to represent concepts and the relationships between them is critical to human cognition. How does the brain code relationships between items that share basic conceptual properties (e.g., dog and wolf) while simultaneously representing associative links between dissimilar items that co-occur in particular contexts (e.g., dog and bone)? To clarify the neural bases of these semantic components in neurologically intact participants, both types of semantic relationship were investigated in an fMRI study optimized for anterior temporal lobe (ATL) coverage. The clear principal finding was that the same core semantic network (ATL, superior temporal sulcus, ventral prefrontal cortex) was equivalently engaged when participants made semantic judgments on the basis of association or conceptual similarity. Direct comparisons revealed small, weaker differences for conceptual similarity > associative decisions (e.g., inferior prefrontal cortex) and associative > conceptual similarity (e.g., ventral parietal cortex) which appear to reflect graded differences in task difficulty. Indeed, once reaction time was entered as a covariate into the analysis, no associative versus category differences remained. The paper concludes with a discussion of how categorical/feature-based and associative relationships might be represented within a single, unified semantic system.
Harrod – Balassa – Samuelson Effect and the Role of Distribution Sector: An Empirical Case Study of Serbia and EMU

This research aims to test the functionality of the standard and the modified HBS model, with the intention to discover whether sectoral differences in labor productivity affect the dinar/euro real exchange rate. The first part of the analysis is based on the standard HBS model, which mathematically formalizes the dependence of the real exchange rate on the difference in the relative labor productivity in the open sector between Serbia and the EMU. The second part of the research relies on a modified version of the HBS model which differs from the standard HBS model since the effect of the distribution sector is separately analyzed. The empirical testing of both models was performed by applying the Johansen and the Engle-Granger tests. The results obtained by analyzing the standard HBS model indicates that there is no reliable evidence based on which it can be concluded that either the difference in the relative labor productivity in the open sector between Serbia and the EMU translates onto the difference in the relative prices of non-tradable goods or that the difference in prices affects the real exchange rate of the dinar against the euro. Furthermore, the analysis of the modified HBS model does not affect the previous results. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the real euro/dinar exchange rate is not determined solely by sectoral differences in labor productivity, and that in future perspective Serbia will not have to choose between the dynamic economic growth and the membership in the EMU.
Computing the Topological Entropy of unimodal Maps

We derive an algorithm to determine recursively the lap number (minimal number of monotone pieces) of the iterates of unimodal maps of an interval with free end-points. The algorithm is obtained by the sign analysis of the itineraries of the critical point and of the boundary points of the interval map. We apply this algorithm to the estimation of the growth number and the topological entropy of maps with direct and reverse bifurcations.
A two-level investigation of information systems outsourcing

O UTSOURCING is the contracting of various systems to outside information systems (IS) vendors. Ever since the Eastman Kodak--IBM partnership was reported in 1989 [15], outsourcing has emerged and has been recognized as a key method of managing IS. In previous studies of outsourcing [4, 5, 12, 15, 17, 20], two gaps are noticeable. The first relates to the fact that requirements for outsourcing are not uniform, and managers have different approaches to the process. Yet most previous research studies have phrased their inquiries unidimensionally in terms of the extent or degree of outsourcing: either as a binary variable or as size of contract in terms of the percentage of total IS budget [5, 15]. Neither unidimensional gauge is sufficiently expressive; neither allows representation of diverse patterns of outsourcing. Second, even though the IS industry had not used the term “outsourcing” explicitly in the past, outsourcing is not a new concept and has existed for many years in one form or another. Even though firms have repetitively used outside vendors for years, researchers have neither considered prior relationships in their studies of IS outsourcing nor studied the intentions of client firms to continue the partnership with the outsourcing vendors in the future. In this study, IS outsourcing decisions are investigated at two levels. The first level deals with the initial outsourcing decision of client firms. The second level pertains to the intention to continue the relationships with current outsourcing vendors in the future. The following three research questions are explored at these two levels (in contrast to the singlelevel approach taken by most researchers): • What are the dimensions of outsourcing decisions? Two dimensions, extent of substitution by vendors and strategic impact of IS applications, are proposed in order to conceptualize the diverse types of outsourcing relationships between clients and vendors. Based on these two dimensions, four types of outsourcing relationships are proposed. • What are the determinants that affect the dimensions of outsourcing decisions at the first level? The concepts derived from incomplete contracts [2, 9] and transactions cost economics [23, 24] theory are used with information technology (IT) organizational contexts and processes as a foundation to study the determinants of the two dimensions of outsourcing decisions. Information Syst
TM4SF1 promotes the self-renewal of esophageal cancer stem-like cells and is regulated by miR-141

Cancer stem-like cells have been identified in primary human tumors and cancer cell lines. Previously we found TM4SF1 gene was highly expressed in side population (SP) cells from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines, but the role and underlying mechanism of TM4SF1 in ESCC remain unclear. In this study, we observed TM4SF1 was up-regulated but miR-141 was down-regulated in SP cells isolated from ESCC cell lines. TM4SF1 could stimulate the self-renewal ability and carcinogenicity of esophageal cancer stem-like cells, and promote cell invasion and migration. In miR-141 overexpression cells, the expression of TM4SF1 was significantly reduced. We also found that overexpression of miR-141 could abolish the self-renewal ability and carcinogenicity of esophageal cancer stem-like cells and decrease cell invasion and migration by suppressing TM4SF1. Consequently, TM4SF1 is a direct target gene of miR-141. The regulation of TM4SF1 by miR-141 may play an important role in controlling self-renewals of esophageal cancer stem-like cells. It may also promote the development of new therapeutic strategies and efficient drugs to target ESCC stem-like cells.
Numeric and graphic risk information processing of high and low numerates in the intuitive and deliberative decision modes: An eye-tracker study

The influence of numeracy on information processing of two risk communication formats (percentage and pictograph) was examined using an eye tracker. A sample from the general population (N = 159) was used. In intuitive and deliberative decision conditions, the participants were presented with a hypothetical scenario presenting a test result. The participants indicated their feelings and their perceived risk, evoked by a 17% risk level. In the intuitive decision condition, a significant correlation (r = .30) between numeracy and the order of information processing was found: the higher the numeracy, the earlier the processing of the percentage, and the lower the numeracy, the earlier the processing of the pictograph. This intuitive, initial focus on a format prevailed over the first half of the intuitive decision-making process. In the deliberative decision condition, the correlation between numeracy and order of information processing was not significant. In both decision conditions, high and low numerates processed pictograph and percentage formats with similar depths and derived similar meanings from them in terms of feelings and perceived risk. In both conditions numeracy had no effects on the degree of attention on the percentage or the pictograph (number of fixations on formats and transitions between them). The results suggest that pictographs attract low numerates’ attention, and percentages attract high numerates’ attention in the first, intuitive, phase of numeric information processing. Pictographs thus ensure low numerates’ further elaboration on numeric risk information, which is an important precondition of risk understanding and decision making.
Alcohol Ingestion Impairs Maximal Post-Exercise Rates of Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis following a Single Bout of Concurrent Training

Introduction The culture in many team sports involves consumption of large amounts of alcohol after training/competition. The effect of such a practice on recovery processes underlying protein turnover in human skeletal muscle are unknown. We determined the effect of alcohol intake on rates of myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) following strenuous exercise with carbohydrate (CHO) or protein ingestion. Methods In a randomized cross-over design, 8 physically active males completed three experimental trials comprising resistance exercise (8×5 reps leg extension, 80% 1 repetition maximum) followed by continuous (30 min, 63% peak power output (PPO)) and high intensity interval (10×30 s, 110% PPO) cycling. Immediately, and 4 h post-exercise, subjects consumed either 500 mL of whey protein (25 g; PRO), alcohol (1.5 g·kg body mass−1, 12±2 standard drinks) co-ingested with protein (ALC-PRO), or an energy-matched quantity of carbohydrate also with alcohol (25 g maltodextrin; ALC-CHO). Subjects also consumed a CHO meal (1.5 g CHO·kg body mass−1) 2 h post-exercise. Muscle biopsies were taken at rest, 2 and 8 h post-exercise. Results Blood alcohol concentration was elevated above baseline with ALC-CHO and ALC-PRO throughout recovery (P<0.05). Phosphorylation of mTORSer2448 2 h after exercise was higher with PRO compared to ALC-PRO and ALC-CHO (P<0.05), while p70S6K phosphorylation was higher 2 h post-exercise with ALC-PRO and PRO compared to ALC-CHO (P<0.05). Rates of MPS increased above rest for all conditions (∼29–109%, P<0.05). However, compared to PRO, there was a hierarchical reduction in MPS with ALC-PRO (24%, P<0.05) and with ALC-CHO (37%, P<0.05). Conclusion We provide novel data demonstrating that alcohol consumption reduces rates of MPS following a bout of concurrent exercise, even when co-ingested with protein. We conclude that alcohol ingestion suppresses the anabolic response in skeletal muscle and may therefore impair recovery and adaptation to training and/or subsequent performance.
Application of high frequency broadband ultrasound for high resolution blood flow measurement

Flow estimation approaches using high frequency ultrasound (20-150 MHz) are compared in conjunction with broadband transmit signals. Simulations show that estimation strategies matched to broadband transmit signals, known as wideband techniques, lead to a high resolution and a robust flow estimation. We implemented a high frequency Pulsed Wave Doppler system (center frequency 50 MHz, bandwidth 40 MHz). Using this setup the simulation results are confirmed and a reliable velocity estimation is obtained.
Trading Volume, Price Autocorrelation and Volatility Under Proportional Transaction Costs

We develop a dynamic model in which traders have differential information about the payoff of the risky asset and trade the risky asset with proportional transaction costs. Firstly, trading volume provides useful information on the asset fundamental value which cannot be inferred from the equilibrium price. Secondly, price autocorrelation can be generated only by proportional transaction costs. Thirdly, we show that return volatility may be and generally is increasing in proportional transaction costs, which is contrary to Stiglitz 1989, Summers & Summers 1989's reasoning but is consistent with Umlauf 1993 and Jones & Seguin 1997's empirical results.
Methylglyoxal-Derived Advanced Glycation Endproducts in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The activation of inflammatory cells is crucial for the development of MS and is shown to induce intracellular glycolytic metabolism in pro-inflammatory microglia and macrophages, as well as CNS-resident astrocytes. Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are stable endproducts formed by a reaction of the dicarbonyl compounds methylglyoxal (MGO) and glyoxal (GO) with amino acids in proteins, during glycolysis. This suggests that, in MS, MGO-derived AGEs are formed in glycolysis-driven cells. MGO and MGO-derived AGEs can further activate inflammatory cells by binding to the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE). Recent studies have revealed that AGEs are increased in the plasma and brain of MS patients. Therefore, AGEs might contribute to the inflammatory status in MS. Moreover, the main detoxification system of dicarbonyl compounds, the glyoxalase system, seems to be affected in MS patients, which may contribute to high MGO-derived AGE levels. Altogether, evidence is emerging for a contributing role of AGEs in the pathology of MS. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the involvement of AGEs in MS.
Marriage and divorce: informational constraints and private contracting

The relationship between divorce rates in the United States and laws regulating divorce are analyzed using data from a special Current Population Survey undertaken in 1979 with particular reference to the adoption by many states of no-fault divorce laws. The author "utilizes a contract-theoretic framework to examine the impact of both legal and informational constraints on several aspects of the marriage relationship: 1) the probability of divorce; 2) compensation at divorce (i.e. the terms of the divorce settlement); 3) the probability of entering marriage; and 4) incentives for investment in marriage-specific capital. " Two different models are developed. The first assumes that ex post information about the value of each spouses opportunites at divorce is symmetric and that since divorce would only occur if the joint benefits outweigh the joint costs the law has no effect on the divorce rate. The second model asserts that the existence of asymmetric information results in a fixed wage marriage contract and that divorce would be higher in states that allow unilateral divorce. The evidence supports the first of these hypotheses. (EXCERPT)
Quantification of the Heterogeneity in Breast Cancer Cell Lines Using Whole-Cell Impedance Spectroscopy

Purpose: Quantification of the heterogeneity of tumor cell populations is of interest for many diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including determining the cancerous stage of tumors. We attempted to differentiate human breast cancer cell lines from different pathologic stages and compare that with a normal human breast tissue cell line by characterizing the impedance properties of each cell line. Experimental Design: A microelectrical impedance spectroscopy system has been developed that can trap a single cell into an analysis cavity and measure the electrical impedance of the captured cell over a frequency range from 100 Hz to 3.0 MHz. Normal human breast tissue cell line MCF-10A, early-stage breast cancer cell line MCF-7, invasive human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, and metastasized human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435 were used. Results: The whole-cell impedance signatures show a clear difference between each cell line in both magnitude and phase of the electrical impedance. The membrane capacitance calculated from the impedance data was 1.94 ± 0.14, 1.86 ± 0.11, 1.63 ± 0.17, and 1.57 ± 0.12 μF/cm2 at 100 kHz for MCF-10A, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-435, respectively. The calculated resistance for each cancer cell line at 100 kHz was 24.8 ± 1.05, 24.8 ± 0.93, 24.9 ± 1.12, and 26.2 ± 1.07 MOhm, respectively. The decrease in capacitances of the cancer cell lines compared with that of the normal cell line MCF-10A was 4.1%, 16.0%, and 19.1%, respectively, at 100 kHz. Conclusions: These findings suggest that microelectrical impedance spectroscopy might find application as a method for quantifying progression of cancer cells without the need for tagging or modifying the sampled cells.
Using visual evoked potentials for the early detection of amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a pilot investigation

Amnesic mild cognitive impairment (MCIa) is often characterized as an early stage of Alzheimer's dementia (AD). The latency of the P2, an electroencephalographic component of the flash visual evoked potential (FVEP), is significantly longer in those with AD or MCIa when compared with controls. The present investigation examined the diagnostic accuracy of several FVEP‐P2 procedures in distinguishing people with MCIa and controls.
Growing part-time employment among workers with disabilities: marginalization or opportunity?

Even though part-time jobs offer lower pay, fewer benefits, and less stability, voluntary part-time employment among disabled workers has increased over the past twenty years even as part-time work has declined among nondisabled workers. Does this trend signal that part-time work has become more attractive to disabled workers, or does it mean that disabled workers are being pushed to the fringe in the workforce? ; This article attempts to answer these questions by looking at the part-time employment experience of disabled workers since 1984. Using data from the Current Population Survey, the author first examines how the incidence and nature of part-time jobs among workers with disabilities have changed over time compared with the experiences of nondisabled workers. Second, she analyzes U.S. Labor Department job descriptions for a broad range of occupations to see how the qualitative nature of jobs has changed over time. ; Her analysis indicates that disabled workers are not being marginalized and are finding part-time employment more attractive. One explanation for the latter finding is that employers are increasingly accommodating the needs of disabled workers, offering them part-time jobs that would be available only on a full-time basis to nondisabled workers. Since the data show that the quality of part-time jobs held by disabled workers has not become relatively more attractive, a second, more likely explanation is that policy changes such as extended Medicaid and more generous Social Security Disability Insurance benefits have made part-time employment more financially attractive to disabled workers.