Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Frequent Business Travelers Act as Cognitive Misers?

This study was undertaken to test empirically whether frequent business travelers, the backbone of many hospitality operations, act as cognitive misers in familiar consumption situations. In other words, do these customers fail to evaluate typical hotel experiences? The objective of this study was two-fold: First, to determine whether frequent business travelers devote their limited cognitive efforts to redundant satisfaction evaluations; and second, to re-evaluate the usefulness of expectations management in a hospitality context. An experimental method was applied to investigate the research questions. The subject pool was composed of business travelers staying at a mid-priced business hotel during their participation in the computer-interactive study. Response latency and correlational and qualitative data were collected to test the hypotheses. The results from this study largely support the argument that typically frequent business travelers might act as cognitive misers and therefore be unwilling to devote mental efforts to redundant evaluations until faced with an external request or an actual repurchase choice. This implies that expectations management might be a less useful strategy for repeat customers than previously thought.
The Accuracy of Plain Radiography in Detection of Traumatic Intrathoracic Injuries

Introduction: Rapid diagnosis of traumatic intrathoracic injuries leads to improvement in patient management. This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of chest radiography (CXR) in comparison to chest computed tomography (CT) scan in diagnosis of traumatic intrathoracic injuries. Methods: Participants of this prospective diagnostic accuracy study included multiple trauma patients over 15 years old with stable vital admitted to emergency department (ED) during one year. The correlation of CXR and CT scan findings in diagnosis of traumatic intrathoracic injuries was evaluated using SPSS 20. Screening characteristics of CXR were calculated with 95% CI. Results: 353 patients with the mean age of 35.2 ± 15.8 were evaluated (78.8% male). Age 16-30 years with 121 (34.2%), motorcycle riders with 104 (29.5%) cases and ISS < 12 with 185 (52.4%) had the highest frequency among patients. Generally, screening performance characteristics of chest in diagnosis of chest traumatic injuries were as follows: sensitivity 50.3 (95% CI: 44.8 – 55.5), specificity 98.9 (95% CI: 99.5 – 99.8), PPV 97.8 (95% CI: 91.5 – 99.6), NPV 66.4 (95% CI: 60.2 – 72.03), PLR 44.5 (95% CI: 11.3 175.3), and NLR 0.5 (95% CI: 0.4 – 0.6). Accuracy of CXR in diagnosis of traumatic intrathoracic injuries was 74.5 (95% CI: 69.6 – 78.9) and its area under the ROC curve was 74.6 (95% CI: 69.3 – 79.8). Conclusion: The screening performance characteristics of CXR in diagnosis of traumatic intrathoracic injuries were higher than 90% in all pathologies except pneumothorax (50.3%). It seems that this matter has a great impact on the general screening characteristics of the test (74.3% accuracy and 50.3%sensitivity). It seems that, plain CXR should be used as an initial screening tool more carefully.
Conflict and threat between pre-existing groups: An application of identity to bias, persuasion and belief perseverance

The current research examines the role of identity in the context of threat towards further understanding bias, persuasion, and belief perseverance in what is defined as IRT (Immediately Relevant Threat) conditions. Using pre, middle, and post measurements, four groups of differing ideological student organizations across 4 university or college campuses were presented critical messages that were varied by the source being either an in-group or out-group presenter of the message. Messages were also varied by either presenting a message that criticized the entire group or only a few of its members. With the use of hierarchical linear modeling and conventional ordinary least square statistics, results indicated general and specific effects of source of the message and the inclusiveness of criticism towards predicting bias, persuasion, and belief perseverance in environmental settings. Findings and their practical applications are discussed.
Impact of research on practice in the field of inspections, reviews and walkthroughs: learning from successful industrial uses

Software inspections, reviews, and walkthroughs have become a standard process component in many software development domains. Maturity level 3 of the CMM-I requires establishment of peer reviews [12] and substantial sustained improvements in quality and productivity have been reported as a result of using reviews ([16], [21], [22], [27]). The NSF Impact project identifies the degree to which these industrial success cases have been instigated and improved by research in software engineering. This research identifies that there is widespread adoption of inspections, reviews or walkthroughs but that companies do not generally exploit their full potential. However there exist sustained industrial success cases with respect to the wide-spread and measurably successful application of them. It also identifies research in software engineering that can be credibly documented as having influenced the industrial success cases. Credible documentation may exist in the form of publications or documented reports by witnesses. Due to the semi-formal nature of inspections, reviews, and walkthroughs, a specific focus is given to empirical research results as motivators for adoption. Through the examination of one detailed case study, it is shown that software engineering research has had a significant impact on practice and that the impact can be traced in this case from research to that practice. The case study chosen provides evidence of both success and failure regarding sustained application in practice. Thus the analysis of historic impact chains of research reveals a clear impact of software engineering research on sustained industrial success for inspections, reviews and walkthroughs. More importantly, in impact chains where the empirical results have not been established, we conclude that success has not been achieved or has not been sustained. The paper closes with (1) lessons learned for creating the sustained use and impact of semi-formal software engineering processes, (2) a request for researchers and practitioners to further consider how their work can improve the effectiveness of research and practice, and (3) a request to contribute additional success cases and impact factors to the authors database for future enhancements of this paper.
MHD wave propagation in the neighbourhood of a two-dimensional null point

The nature of fast magnetoacoustic and Alfven waves is investigated in a zero β plasma. This gives an indication of wave propagation in the low β solar corona. It is found that for a two-dimensional null point, the fast wave is attracted to that point and the front of the wave slows down as it approaches the null point, causing the current density to accumulate there and rise rapidly. Ohmic dissipation will extract the energy in the wave at this point. This illustrates that null points play an important role in the rapid dissipation of fast magnetoacoustic waves and suggests the location where wave heating will occur in the corona. The Alfven wave behaves in a different manner in that the wave energy is dissipated along the separatrices. For Alfven waves that are decoupled from fast waves, the value of the plasma β is unimportant. However, the phenomenon of dissipating the majority of the wave energy at a specific place is a feature of both wave types.
r-Modes in the Ocean of a Magnetic Neutron Star

We study the dynamics of r-modes in the ocean of a magnetic neutron star. We model the star's ocean with a spherical rotating thin shell and assume that the magnetic field symmetry axis is not aligned to the shell's spin axis. In the magnetohydrodynamic approximation, we calculate the frequency of l = m r-modes in the shell of an incompressible fluid. Different r-modes with l and l ± 2 are coupled by the inclined magnetic field. Kinematical secular effects for the motion of a fluid element in the shell undergoing the l = m = 2 r-mode are studied. The magnetic-corrected drift velocity of a given fluid element undergoing the l = m r-mode oscillations is obtained. The magnetic field increases the magnitude of the fluid drift produced by the r-mode oscillations. The drift velocity is strongly modulated by the inclined magnetic field. We show that the magnetic field is distorted by the high-l magnetic r-modes more strongly than by the low-l modes. Furthermore, because of the shear produced by the r-mode drift velocity, the high-l modes in the ocean fluid will damp faster than the low-l ones.
Learning the structure of large-scale bayesian networks using genetic algorithm

Bayesian networks are probabilistic graphical models representing conditional dependencies among a set of random variables. Due to their concise representation of the joint probability distribution, Bayesian Networks are becoming incrementally popular models for knowledge representation and reasoning in various problem domains. However, learning the structure of the Bayesian networks is an NP-hard problem since the number of structures grows super-exponentially as the number of variables increases. This work therefore is aimed to propose a new hybrid structure learning algorithm that uses mutual dependencies to reduce the search space complexity and recruits the genetic algorithm to effectively search over the reduced space of possible structures. The proposed method is best suited for problems with medium to large number of variables and a limited dataset. It is shown that the proposed method achieves higher model's accuracy as compared to a series of popular structure learning algorithms particularly when the data size gets smaller.
Relation between childhood experiences and adults' self-esteem: A sample from Baghdad

Background: Adverse childhood experiences are associated with significant functional impairments and loss of life in adolescence and adulthood. Literature documents the conversion of traumatic emotional experiences in childhood into psychological disorders later in life. The family is one of the most critical risks and resilient factors for mental health in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Objective: To estimate the effect of childhood experiences on self-esteem during adulthood in a sample from Baghdad city. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Baghdad city during the period from January 2013 through to January 2014. Multistage sampling techniques were used to choose 13 primary healthcare centers and eight colleges from three universities in Baghdad. Childhood experiences were measured by applying a modified standardized Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) form. Results: A total of 1040 subjects were surveyed and 1000 responded giving a response rate of 96.2%. The results revealed that 82.7% of the participants were confident within themselves, 14.9% (149) reported to feel a failure, while 28.3% of subjects expressed feeling useless at times. The score for family bonding is expected to significantly increase the score for self-esteem by a mean of 21.48. University, diploma and higher education are expected to significantly decrease the self-esteem score by a mean of − 6.31 compared to those with less than secondary school education. Parents education show statistically insignificant association with the mean score for self-esteem. Conclusion: The findings of this study give an insight into the essential role of childhood experiences in building self-esteem and adaptation later in their life. National health programs are suggested for intervention targeting early adverse childhood experiences and their consequences.
Agricultural Progress and Poverty Reduction: Synthesis Report

Achieving the Millennium Development Goal to halve global poverty by 2015 looks increasingly likely, although many countries may fall far short of this goal. This study compares socio-economic characteristics of twenty-five countries that have posted exceptional progress in reducing poverty to better understand why some countries are doing better than others. Three key questions were addressed: 1) Is agriculture more important than other sources of earned income in reducing poverty? 2) Are the countries most successful in reducing poverty similar in other ways? 3) Which government policy actions seem to have contributed most? Both the overall rate and the sectoral composition of economic growth matter for poverty reduction, but remittances and other kinds of financial transfers are also important sources of income for the poor. The sectoral pattern of growth changes systematically as countries develop, posing challenges for governments searching for the best balance of macroeconomic, social and sectoral policies to foster poverty reduction.
Two Types of Attitudes in ICT Acceptance and Use

Information and communication technology (ICT) acceptance and use is a prolific research stream in the information systems field. Yet studies on attitude have gone through ups and downs yielding inconsistent and inconclusive findings on attitude's role and impact. This article provides clear definitions of two different types of attitudes and details their relationships to each other and to technology use intention. Empirical data confirm the following: (a) At a theoretical level, attitude toward using ITC as a behavior (ATB) is a better predictor of behavioral intention (BI) than attitude toward ICT as an object (ATO) or ICT; ATO has a positive influence on ATB; and ATO's effect on BI is fully mediated by ATB. (b) Attitudes toward a previous version of the ICT and its use have significant impacts on the current attitudes. (c) At the operational level, considering only one aspect of the attitude constructs will lead to different results of the roles of attitudes on intention.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR ON HIV/AIDS AMONGST COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLISTS IN OSOGBO, OSUN STATE, SOUTH WESTERN, NIGERIA

Background: There has been global concern regarding HIV/AIDS epidemic particularly in developing countries. The magnitude of the epidemic result not only in the loss of human life but enormous financial burden to health care system and loss of productivity to the country. It has created unparalleled social and medical challenge. Aims & Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, attitude and risky sexual practices on HIV/AIDS among commercial motorcyclist in Osogbo, Osun States. Material and Methods: A cross- sectional survey of two local government areas in Osogbo town, Osun States, Nigeria was conducted in November, 2007. Study participants were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 298 participants were surveyed using a semi-structured, pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire over a two weeks period. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 11. Results: Over 90% of the participants were aware of HIV/AIDS and a larger proportion (94%) believed in its existence, while comprehensive knowledge on its causative agent, mode of prevention and transmission are inadequate. Many of the respondents have poor attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (61.7%). High-risk behaviours that can predispose to HIV/AIDS are still predominant as 52.5% takes alcohol, 18.0 % smokes and 55.0% indulge in extramarital affairs. Conclusion: The findings in this study showed a high level of general awareness about the existence of HIV/AIDS but comprehensive knowledge remains low. Many of the respondents have poor attitudes towards People Living With Aids and also engage in high-risky behaviours that can predispose to HIV/AIDs. There is need for multi-pronged approach in the dissemination of information on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDs.
New constraints for broadband beamformers without steering delays

In processing broadband signals using an array of sensors, the steering delays are inserted between the sensors and the tapped delay line filter to compensate for the effect of misalignment between the array geometry and the look direction. Selection of steering delay is practically difficult and may cause loss of performance if precise delays are not used. This paper presents a simple set of constraints which completely eliminate the need of steering delays. Using these constraints one is able to formulate a beamforming problem for a broadband element space time domain antenna array with a specified frequency response in any arbitrary direction without using steering delays.
Optimization of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction for Ischemic Stroke Treatment and Mechanistic Study by Metabolomic Profiling and Network Analysis

Optimal drug proportions and mechanism deciphering of multicomponent drugs are critical for developing novel therapies to cope with complex diseases, such as stroke. In the present study, orthogonal experimental design was applied to explore the optimal proportion of the four component herbs in Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction (HLJDD) on the treatment of ischemic stroke. The treatment efficacies and mechanisms were assessed using global and amino acids (AAs) targeted metabolomics, as well as correlation network analysis. The global NMR metabolomics results revealed that AAs metabolism was significantly perturbed in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. The levels of 23 endogenous AAs were then subjected to HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. These results complemented with neurobehavioral evaluations, cerebral infarct assessments, biochemical evaluations, histological inspections and immunohistochemistry observations strongly demonstrated that HLJDD with optimal proportion of 6 (Rhizoma coptidis): 4 (Radix scutellariae): 1 (Cortex phellodendr): 3 (Fructus Gardeniae) had the best efficacy on ischemic stroke, which could be ascribed to its modulation on AA metabolism. This integrated metabolomics approach showed the potential and applicable in deciphering the complex mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine formulae on the treatment of complicated diseases, which provided new means to assess the treatment effects of herb combinations and to further development of drugs or therapies based on these formulae.
The polarized distribution of an apical cell surface glycoprotein is maintained by interactions with the cytoskeleton of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

A monoclonal antibody made against a 135-kD glycoprotein (gp135) on the plasma membrane of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was used to study the development and maintenance of epithelial cell surface polarity. Immunofluorescence microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy of confluent monolayers demonstrated that gp135 had a polarized cell surface distribution and was only localized on the apical surface. The role of membrane contacts in establishing gp135 polarity was determined by plating cells in low Ca++-medium to prevent the formation of intercellular junctions. Quantitative immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated that gp135 had a polarized distribution on cells lacking membrane contacts and was observed on the apical surface at a density 24 times that of the basal membrane contacting the substratum. The possibility that gp135 was associated with components of the apical cytoskeleton was investigated using cytoskeleton-disrupting drugs. Incubation in cytochalasin D produced a clustering of both actin and gp135, and double-label fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that these proteins were colocalized. Experiments using nocodazole had no effect, suggesting that gp135 could be interacting with actin microfilaments, but not microtubules. Treatment with Triton X-100 extracted approximately 50% of the gp135 and immunofluorescence microscopy indicated that the gp135 which remained associated with the detergent-insoluble cytoskeleton had a distribution identical to that of control cells. Experiments demonstrating that gp23, a nonpolarized glycoprotein, was preferentially extracted from the apical membrane suggested that the improperly sorted apical gp23 did not interact with the cytoskeleton. These results provided evidence that the polarized cell surface distribution of gp135 was maintained through its interaction with actin in the apical cytoskeleton.
Anonymous Authentication Protocols for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks: An Overview

According to car crash statistics, over sixmillionmotor vehicle crashes occur onU.S. highways each year. More than 42,000 people are killed in these accidents which injure three million others, and cost more than $230 billion each year. Astonishingly, five people die every hour in these crashes in the United States which is about one death every 12 minutes IVI (2001). In order to alleviate the threats of these crashes and improve the driving experience, car manufactures and the telecommunication industry have made great efforts to equip each vehicle with wireless devices that allow vehicles to communicate with each other as well as with the roadside infrastructure located in critical points of the road, such as intersections or construction sites. Misener (2005); VII (2011). Technologies built on 802.11p and IEEE 1609 standards, 5.9 GHz Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) protocols 1 DSRC (1999), are proposed to support these advanced vehicle safety applications such as secure and effective vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) (also known as Inter-Vehicle Communication (IVC)) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications, which are also known as Vehicle Safety Communications (VSC) technologies. As shown in Fig. 1, the wireless communication devices installed on vehicles, also known as onboard units (OBUs), and the roadside units (RSUs), form a self-organized Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) Lin (2008); Sun (2007). Furthermore, the RSUs are connected to the backbone network via the high speed network connections. In this way, VANETs inherently provide a way to collect traffic and road information from vehicles, and to deliver road services including warnings and traffic information to users in the vehicles. Thus, an increasing interest has been raised recently on the VANETs-based applications Bishop (2000), aiming to improve driving safety and traffic management by the method of providing drivers and passengers with Internet access.
A reward-and-punishment-based approach for concept detection using adaptive ontology rules

Despite the fact that performance improvements have been reported in the last years, semantic concept detection in video remains a challenging problem. Existing concept detection techniques, with ontology rules, exploit the static correlations among primitive concepts but not the dynamic spatiotemporal correlations. The proposed method rewards (or punishes) detected primitive concepts using dynamic spatiotemporal correlations of the given ontology rules and updates these ontology rules based on the accuracy of detection. Adaptively learned ontology rules significantly help in improving the overall accuracy of concept detection as shown in the experimental result.