Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Extent of E-Commerce Adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi, Kenya

The study set out to determine the extent of e-commerce adoption in small and medium enterprises in Nairobi, Kenya. The target population for the study was small and medium enterprises with official premises within the eight (8) divisions in Nairobi County. The study is a descriptive survey; a sample size of 176 firms was used. Out of the 176 small and medium enterprises targeted, 163 firms responded translating to 93% response rate. The study was successful in determining the extent of e-commerce adoption in SMEs in Nairobi, Kenya. While ecommerce was found to provide strategic value to adopters, it was noted that a good number of SMEs in Nairobi had not embraced the technology. It was established that e-commerce is not widespread. 43% of all the firms surveyed had no functioning websites. 31% of the firms had static websites, while 22% of the firms had active websites that allowed interactive communication with customers. The study findings also indicate that over 80% of all firms surveyed did not have a specific e-commerce strategy.
The origin and structure of clumps along molecular outflows: the test case of CB3

We investigate the origin of the small, chemically rich molecular clumps observed along the main axis of chemically rich outflows such as CB3 and L1157. We develop a chemical model where we explore the chemical evolution of these clumps, assuming that they either partially pre-exist before the outflow, or are newly formed by the impact of the outflow on the surrounding medium. The effects of the impact of the outflow are reproduced by density and temperature changes in the clump. We find that the observed abundances of CH3OH, SO and SO2 are best reproduced by assuming a scenario where the dense molecular gas observed probably pre-exists in the interstellar medium before the formation of their exciting (proto)stars. We also find that the clumpiness and the rich chemistry of the clumps are a consequence of a pre-existing density enhancement and of its interaction with the outflow.
A statistical framework for fair predictive algorithms

Predictive modeling is increasingly being employed to assist human decision-makers. One purported advantage of replacing human judgment with computer models in high stakes settings-- such as sentencing, hiring, policing, college admissions, and parole decisions-- is the perceived "neutrality" of computers. It is argued that because computer models do not hold personal prejudice, the predictions they produce will be equally free from prejudice. There is growing recognition that employing algorithms does not remove the potential for bias, and can even amplify it, since training data were inevitably generated by a process that is itself biased. In this paper, we provide a probabilistic definition of algorithmic bias. We propose a method to remove bias from predictive models by removing all information regarding protected variables from the permitted training data. Unlike previous work in this area, our framework is general enough to accommodate arbitrary data types, e.g. binary, continuous, etc. Motivated by models currently in use in the criminal justice system that inform decisions on pre-trial release and paroling, we apply our proposed method to a dataset on the criminal histories of individuals at the time of sentencing to produce "race-neutral" predictions of re-arrest. In the process, we demonstrate that the most common approach to creating "race-neutral" models-- omitting race as a covariate-- still results in racially disparate predictions. We then demonstrate that the application of our proposed method to these data removes racial disparities from predictions with minimal impact on predictive accuracy.
Statistical Distribution of EVM Measurements for Direct-Modulation Radio-Over-Fiber Links Transporting OFDM Signals

The effect of distortion on the error vector magnitude (EVM) performance of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signals with different numbers of subcarriers and the connection to the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of such signals is investigated. A low-cost and low-complexity directly modulated radio-over-fiber link is used in experiments as an example of a link limited by distortion. Statistical distributions of the EVM over a large number of transmitted OFDM frames are gained from experimental measurements and analyses of idealized processes. The measurement results show that as the number of subcarriers is reduced, the distribution means are more affected by extreme values. This effect results in mean EVMs for signals with different numbers of subcarriers that are not dependent in the expected way on the statistical PAPR of the transmitted OFDM signals. Instead, it is shown that in regions of moderate distortion, the median of the EVM is more closely related to the statistical PAPR and to the required back-off for signals with different numbers of subcarriers.
Diferencias en el aprendizaje según el método de enseñanza-aprendizaje en el baloncesto

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las diferencias en el aprendizaje del baloncesto ensenado bajo dos metodologias de ensenanza. La muestra estuvo conformada por 40 escolares, (57.5% chicas), distribuidos en dos grupos de quinto de educacion primaria. A cada grupo se le aplico un programa de intervencion, a un grupo bajo una metodologia alternativa (n = 18) y a otro bajo una metodologia tradicional (n = 22). Ambos programas de intervencion fueron validados previamente por un panel de expertos. La codificacion de las variables y el calculo de los indicadores de aprendizaje se realizaron con el Instrumento para la Medida del Aprendizaje y el Rendimiento en Baloncesto. Se realizo un analisis descriptivo de los indicadores de aprendizaje, una prueba t para muestras independientes para identificar las diferencias entre programas y un ANCOVA para analizar el post-test tomando como covariable el pre-test. Los resultados muestran mejoras en ambos programas. Las puntaciones del alumnado que recibio el programa bajo una metodologia alternativa fueron significativamente mayores al alumnado bajo la metodologia tradicional en los indicadores de rendimiento de toma de decision (p ≤ .01), de eficacia (p ≤ .05), e indicador de rendimiento total (p ≤ .05).
Robustness and bootstrap approaches to SSD portfolio efficiency testing

This paper deals with portfolio efficiency testing with respect to second-order stochastic dominance (SSD) criteria. Unlike the pair-wise tests the portfolio efficiency tests allow for full diversification across the assets. As usual in SSD testing, the returns of assets are modeled by scenarios. We apply a computationally attractive method to test whether a US market portfolio, proxied by CRSP all share index, is SSD efficient with respect to 48 US industry representative portfolios. Moreover, we present a robust version of SSD portfolio efficiency test that allows for small errors in data and we analyze their impact on the market portfolio SSD efficiency. We enrich the results by the estimation of p-value of market portfolio SSD efficiency when the bootstrap technique to the data is applied.
Listeria monocytogenes growth rates on cold-smoked salmon and evaluation 5 of secondary models

19 Salting and smoking are ancient processes for fish preservation. The effects of salt and phenolic 20 smoke compounds on the growth rate of L. monocytogenes in cold-smoked salmon were 21 investigated, through physico-chemical analyses, challenge tests on surface of cold-smoked 22 salmon at 4°C and 8°C, and a survey of the literature. Estimated growth rates were compared to 23 predictions of existing secondary models, taking into account the effects of temperature, water 24 phase salt content, phenolic content, and additional factors (e.g. pH, lactate, dissolved CO2). The 25 secondary model proposed by Devlieghere et al. [Food Microbiol. 18 (2001) 53] and modified 26 by Giménez and Dalgaard [J. Appl. Microbiol. 96 (2004) 96] appears appropriate. However, 27 further research is needed to understand all effects affecting growth of L. monocytogenes in cold28 smoked salmon and to obtain fully validated predictive models for use in quantitative risk 29 assessment. 30 31
Monitoring Lung Aeration during Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants at Birth

Background If infants fail to initiate spontaneous breathing, resuscitation guidelines recommend respiratory support with positive pressure ventilation (PPV). The purpose of PPV is to establish functional residual capacity and deliver an adequate tidal volume (VT) to achieve gas exchange. Objective The aim of our pilot study was to measure changes in exhaled carbon dioxide (ECO2), VT, and rate of carbon dioxide elimination (VCO2) to assess lung aeration in preterm infants requiring respiratory support immediately after birth. Method A prospective observational study was performed between March and July 2013. Infants born at <37 weeks gestational age who received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or PPV immediately after birth had VT delivery and ECO2 continuously recorded using a sensor attached to the facemask. Results Fifty-one preterm infants (mean (SD) gestational age 29 (3) weeks and birth weight 1425 (592 g)) receiving respiratory support in the delivery room were included. Infants in the CPAP group (n = 31) had higher ECO2 values during the first 10 min after birth compared to infants receiving PPV (n = 20) (ranging between 18–30 vs. 13–18 mmHg, p<0.05, respectively). At 10 min no significant difference in ECO2 values was observed. VT was lower in the CPAP group compared to the PPV group over the first 10 min ranging between 5.2–6.6 vs. and 7.2–11.3 mL/kg (p<0.05), respectively. Conclusions Immediately after birth, spontaneously breathing preterm infants supported via CPAP achieved better lung aeration compared to infants requiring PPV. PPV guided by VT and ECO2 potentially optimize lung aeration without excessive VT administered.
Age-R elated Effects on Syntactic Ambiguity Resolution in First and Second Languages : Evidence from Korean-English Bilinguals 1

One of the major questions that have intrigued researchers of language processing is the universality of language processor—are sentence processing operations universal or languagespecific? Recent work on sentence processing of relative clause (RC) attachment preferences (e.g., Someone shot the servant of the actress who was on the balcony) has revealed clear cross-linguistic variation as well as differences in parsing in bilinguals and monolinguals (e.g., Cuetos & Mitchell, 1988; Dussias, 2003; Fernandez, 1999; Papadopoulou & Clahsen, 2003). These cross-linguistic parsing variations constitute primary evidence that some, if not all, aspects of parsing need to be learned. This poses additional problems for language learners because they not only have to acquire the representational knowledge of the target language but also the native-like ways to process sentences. One of the major issues dealt with in research on bilingual language acquisition is the question of language separation. A related question can be asked here; can bilinguals acquire distinct sentence processing strategies when their languages show parsing variations? Other related questions that naturally follow from the previous issues are the variables associated with the development of sentence processor. Similarly to first and second language acquisition studies, it seems reasonable to expect the effect of language-specific properties and learner-based variables in the due process. One variable of such interest is the age at which a bilingual has been exposed to the target language. In other words, would there be age-related effects on the development of language processor as on grammatical acquisition? Nevertheless, there is little data on the relationship of this variable to RC attachment. In addition, any conclusion concerning bilingual processing based solely on speakers of Western languages seems incomplete, calling for experiments designed to reveal the relationship between sentence processing and linguistic development in second language with users of non-Western languages (Juffs, 2001). With these questions in mind, the present studies examine the aspect of sentence processing—the RC attachment ambiguity resolution—comparing monolinguals and bilingual speakers of Korean and English, and addresses the question of how and to what extent the two languages are kept separate in terms of sentence processing and what role the age of language acquisition have on the development of parsing routines.
EXAMINING THE MICROPOLITICAL LITERACY OF SCIENCE INTERN TEACHERS IN TAIWAN

Micropolitical learning constitutes an essential part of the professional development of prospective science teachers. Drawing on interviews, this study applied categories of professional interests as a framework for investigating Taiwanese secondary science intern teachers’ experiences of the micropolitical realities in schools and the meanings that the science interns construct for micropolitical experiences. The professional interests consist of material, organizational, social-professional, cultural-ideological, and self-interests (Kelchtermans & Ballet, 2002a). This study identified the career development interests of science interns beyond the five pre-defined subcategories. To cope with their vulnerability due to the lack of positional authority and role ambiguity in the practicum sites, the pursuit of social-professional interests was the most important. Proactively fitting into the prearranged school environments was the most prevalent micropolitical strategy for the interns because of their lack of professional autonomy and their supervisors’ expectations. However, the efforts of a small number of science interns in challenging the school practices were noteworthy. Key words: micropolitical literacy, professional interests, science intern teachers, Taiwan.
Empirical features of weaving sections

A motorway weaving section is a segment of the road in which an on-ramp is followed by an off-ramp with limited spacing between them. Various equations have been adopted to determine the capacity of such weaving sections. Some of these include factors such as weaving ratio (R), volume ratio (VR) and weaving configuration, all of which influence the weaving capacity. For this paper, drivers’ behaviours at weaving sections were studied in order to assess the effect on capacity of such sections and to aid in the development of a micro-simulation model to evaluate the performance of these sections for various configurations. Factors such as VR, R, the upstream traffic characteristics, the frequency of lane changes (FLC), the percentage of the pre-segregation for the upstream traffic of weaving section, the length of weaving section and a merging point were investigated. For this purpose seven weaving sites with different configurations and lengths were selected. The results of the analysed data indicated that the FLC differed according to the configuration of the weaving section. For example, in the case of ramp weaving sections (i.e. lane gain/lane drop), the results indicated that the maximum FLC in every 76 metres (i.e. equivalent to 250 feet) within the weaving section is up to 1500 per hour. This value was found to be much higher than those reported in other studies. In addition, the effective length that was used by those weaving vehicles was also influenced by the type of weaving configuration. For short weaving sections (i.e. 150 metres or less) the effective length is basically the whole length, whereas, for relatively longer weaving sections (i.e. 300 metres or more), the effective length is found to be equal to 200 metres or less
Automatic Synchronization Correction

(cid:0)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:7)(cid:9) (cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:6)(cid:8)(cid:13)(cid:14) (cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:7) (cid:15)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:14)(cid:2)(cid:16) (cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:15)(cid:7) (cid:3)(cid:11) (cid:14)(cid:16)(cid:15)(cid:17)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:18) (cid:15)(cid:4)(cid:19)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:15) (cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:14)(cid:20) (cid:0)(cid:1)(cid:17)(cid:5) (cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:6) (cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:6)(cid:22) (cid:5)(cid:8)(cid:14) (cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:22)(cid:2)(cid:7)(cid:9) (cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:7)
Incorporating User Utility Into Sponsored-Search Auctions (Short Paper)

We study principled methods for incorporating user utility into the selection of sponsored search ads. We describe variations of the GSP allocation/pricing mechanism that accommodate these user utility functions, we provide interesting and useful parallels of some of the theoretical properties from the traditional GSP mechanisms in the new GSP variations, and we present simulation results that exemplify the use of the ranking system.
Spectral Techniques for Reversible Logic Synthesis

Reversible circuits can lead to low-power CMOS implementations and are also of interest in optical and quantum computing. In this paper, we consider the synthesis of reversible logic assuming a generalized Toffoli gate. We make use of Rademacher-Walsh spectral techniques and in particular a spectral measure of function complexity used as a metric in guiding the search for a solution. The synthesis procedure introduced develops the circuit from inputs to outputs and from outputs to inputs simultaneously taking advantage of the best translation available at each step. No backtracking or lookahead is used. Preliminary results are given for reversible and nonreversible functions together with several ideas for future work.
Wither Agricultural DSS?

EXTENDED ABSTRACT Agricultural decision support systems (DSS) may be argued to have passed sequentially through phases of unbelief, euphoria and disappointment and to be passing into either a phase of maturity with realistic expectations of the technology or to abandonment. This paper proposes that agricultural DSS in their widest sense still have a signiﬁcant role to play in shaping land use and management to meet society’s changing requirements. The paper draws its conclusions from the experiences of a team developing farming-systems models and from market research into the commercial potential of such models as DSS.
Current research: Cause-specific cardiovascular risk associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among myocardial infarction patients: a nationwide study

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase mortality and morbidity after myocardial infarction (MI). We examined cause-specific mortality and morbidity associated with NSAIDs in a nationwide cohort of MI patients. Methods and Results: By individual-level linkage of nationwide registries of hospitalisation and drug dispensing from pharmacies in Denmark, patients aged 30 years admitted with first-time MI during 1997-2009 and their subsequent NSAID use were identified. The risk of three cardiovascular specific endpoints: cardiovascular death, the composite of coronary death and nonfatal MI, and the composite of fatal and nonfatal stroke, associated with NSAID use was analysed by Cox proportional hazard analyses. Of 97,698 patients included 44.0% received NSAIDs during follow-up. Overall use of NSAIDs was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-1.49). In particular use of the nonselective NSAID diclofenac and the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor rofecoxib was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death (HR 1.96 [1.79-2.15] and HR1.66 [1.44-1.91], respectively) with a dose dependent increase in risk. Use of ibuprofen was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death (HR 1.34[1.26-1.44]), whereas naproxen was associated with the lowest risk of (e.g., HR 1.27[1.01-1.59]). Conclusion: Use of individual NSAIDs is associated with different cause-specific cardiovascular risk and in particular rofecoxib and diclofenac were associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. These results support caution with use of all NSAIDs in patients with prior MI.
Higher-Rank Numerical Ranges of Unitary and Normal Matrices

Weverify a conjecture on the structure of higher-rank numerical ranges fora wide class of unitary and normal matrices. Using analytic and geometric techniques, we show precisely how the higher-rank numerical ranges for a generic unitary matrix are given by complex polygons determined by the spectral structure of the matrix. We discuss applications of the results to quantum error correction, specifically to the problem of identification and construction of codes for binary unitary noise models.
A 70 Kiloparsec X-Ray Tail in the Cluster A3627

We present the discovery of a 70 kpc X-ray tail behind the small late-type galaxy ESO 137-001, in the nearby, hot (T = 6.5 keV) merging cluster A3627, from both Chandra and XMM-Newton observations. The tail has a length-to-width ratio of ~10. It is luminous (L0.5-2 keV ~ 1041 ergs s-1), with a temperature of ~0.7 keV and an X-ray Mgas of ~109 M☉ (~10% of the galaxy's stellar mass). We interpret this tail as the stripped interstellar medium of ESO 137-001 mixed with the hot cluster medium, with this blue galaxy being converted into a gas-poor galaxy. Three X-ray point sources are detected in the axis of the tail, which may imply active star formation there. The straightness and narrowness of the tail also imply that the turbulence in the intracluster medium is not strong on scales of 20-70 kpc.
Multilevel Modeling and Ordinary Least Squares Regression: How Comparable Are They?

ABSTRACT Studies analyzing clustered data sets using both multilevel models (MLMs) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression have generally concluded that resulting point estimates, but not the standard errors, are comparable with each other. However, the accuracy of the estimates of OLS models is important to consider, as several alternative techniques (e.g., bootstrapping) used when analyzing clustered data sets only make adjustments to standard errors but not to the regression coefficients. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we analyzed 54,000 data sets using both MLM and OLS under varying conditions and we show that coefficients of not just OLS models, but MLMs as well, may be biased when relevant higher-level variables are omitted from a model, a situation that is likely to occur when using large-scale, secondary data sets. However, we demonstrate that by including aggregated level-one variables at the higher level, the resulting bias can be effectively removed.