Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of the E-Commerce on Business Pressures in Jordanian SMEs

Organizations today are faced with massive globalization, demanding customers with rapidly changing desires, shrinking response time, shrinking product lifecycles and demanding employees. This requires organizations to become fast, flexible, and participative and focused on customers, competition, teams, time and process. To respond to these forces, it is important to adopt a e-commerce in SMEs. In most developed countries SMEs constitute a highly dynamic and important sector of the economic activity that, nevertheless, has to deal with high competitive pressures and scarcity of resources. In- formation and communication technologies (ICT) offer SMEs significant opportunities to grow and to compete in the current business environment. This study aims to determine the current level of e-commerce adoption by SMEs in Jordan and clarifies the major business pressures facing organizations. Moreover, it gives a clarification of how e-commerce responses to these pressures. This was achieved by circulating a questionnaire to test the perception of e-commerce benefits and e-commerce adoption levels among SMEs from various sectors in Jordan and applying Turban model on SMEs in Jordanian environ- ment. As such, it is required to help SMEs in raising electronic commerce and benefiting increasingly from e-commerce. It goes further to provide SMEs with business services that could make their trading activities. This study also elucidates these expected benefits from e-commerce and compares them with traditional SMEs to encourage all organizations to adopt and use of e-commerce in their businesses to remain competitive in rapidly changing environment. The results of this study indicate that even though a majority of respondents use e-commerce in the business activities and have their own Web site. Many respondents believed that a reduction in business pressures was a result of e-commerce adoption. In addition, external factors, such as customers and competitors had influence on the decision to adopt e-commer ce.
Rate-Dependent Self-Healing Behavior of an Ethylene-Co-Methacrylic Acid Ionomer under High-Energy Impact Conditions

In this work, the mechanical and the self-healing behaviors of an ethylene-co-methacrylic acid ionomer were investigated in different testing conditions. The self-healing capability was explored by ballistic impact tests at low-velocity, midvelocity, and hypervelocity bullet speed; different experimental conditions such as sample thickness and bullet diameter were examined; in all impact tests, spherical projectiles were used. These experiments, in particular those at low and midspeed, allowed to define a critical ratio between sample thickness and bullet diameter below which full repair was not observed. After ballistic damage, the healing effi- ciency was evaluated by applying a pressure gradient through tested samples. Subsequently, morphology analysis of the affected areas was made observing all tested samples by scanning electron microscope. This analysis revealed different characteristic features of the damaged zones affected at different projectile speed. Stress-strain curves in uniaxial tension performed at different temperatures and strain rates revealed yield strength and postyield behavior significantly affected by these two parameters. A rise of temperature during high strain rate tests in the viscoplastic deformation region was also detected. This behavior has a strong influence on the self-repair- ing mechanism exhibited by the studied material during high-energy impact tests. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 000: 000-000, 2013
Factors affecting the choice of type of delivery with breast feeding in Iranian mothers

Objective This study assessed the factors affecting the choice of type of delivery with breast feeding in Iranian mothers. Methods This Cross section descriptive analytic study was performed using a random sampling technique, using data from 400 pregnant women who attended the maternity centers in Borazjan and Kazerun in Iran in 2014. A questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, mode of delivery and postpartum conditions was completed for each mother. Descriptive analysis and Chi square test were used along with SPSS 23 software to statistically analyze the data and p-value less than 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Results In this study, the rate of normal delivery and cesarean operation are considered equal. In the main factors influencing the choice of delivery, mothers’ education level (p=0.028) and pregnancy status (p=0.041) showed a significant relationship. Although no significant association between child nutrition with the type of delivery was found, duration of breastfeeding with the type of delivery showed significant association (p=0.046). Conclusion Although cesarean delivery in many cases is life-saving for mother and fetus; in addition to medical indications, parents with higher education and pregnancy status are also important factors in increasing the rate of cesarean section compared to vaginal delivery. Babies of mothers with normal delivery had a longer time of breastfeeding. Further studies in Iran are necessary, regarding the reasons for high cesarean section and their outcomes.
OPTIMIZED CLUSTERS FOR DISAGGREGATED ELECTRICITY LOAD FORECASTING

• To account for the variation of EDF’s (the French electrical company) portfolio following the liberalization of the electrical market, it is essential to disaggregate the global load curve. The idea is to disaggregate the global signal in such a way that the sum of disaggregated forecasts significantly improves the prediction of the whole global signal. The strategy is to optimize, a preliminary clustering of individual load curves with respect to a predictability index. The optimized clustering procedure is controlled by a forecasting performance via a cross-prediction dissimilarity index. It can be assimilated to a discrete gradient type algorithm.
Symmetry of convex sets and its applications to the extremal ellipsoids of convex bodies

A convex body K in ℝ n has around it a unique circumscribed ellipsoid CE (K) with minimum volume and within it a unique inscribed ellipsoid IE (K) with maximum volume. The modern theory of these ellipsoids is pioneered by Fritz John in his 1948 seminal paper. This paper has two related goals. First, we investigate the symmetry properties of a convex body by studying its (affine) automorphism group Aut (K) and relate this group to the automorphism groups of its ellipsoids. We show that if Aut (K) is large enough, then the complexity of determining the ellipsoids CE (K) and IE (K) is greatly reduced, and in some cases, the ellipsoids can be determined explicitly. We then use this technique to compute the extremal ellipsoids associated with some classes of convex bodies that have important applications in convex optimization, namely when the convex body K is the part of a given ellipsoid between two parallel hyperplanes and when K is a truncated second-order cone or an ellipsoidal cylinder.
Are Saddles Good Enough for Deep Learning?

Recent years have seen a growing interest in understanding deep neural networks from an optimization perspective. It is understood now that converging to low-cost local minima is sufficient for such models to become effective in practice. However, in this work, we propose a new hypothesis based on recent theoretical findings and empirical studies that deep neural network models actually converge to saddle points with high degeneracy. Our findings from this work are new, and can have a significant impact on the development of gradient descent based methods for training deep networks. We validated our hypotheses using an extensive experimental evaluation on standard datasets such as MNIST and CIFAR-10, and also showed that recent efforts that attempt to escape saddles finally converge to saddles with high degeneracy, which we define as `good saddles'. We also verified the famous Wigner's Semicircle Law in our experimental results.
Online mobile Micro-Task Allocation in spatial crowdsourcing

With the rapid development of smartphones, spatial crowdsourcing platforms are getting popular. A foundational research of spatial crowdsourcing is to allocate micro-tasks to suitable crowd workers. Most existing studies focus on offline scenarios, where all the spatiotemporal information of micro-tasks and crowd workers is given. However, they are impractical since micro-tasks and crowd workers in real applications appear dynamically and their spatiotemporal information cannot be known in advance. In this paper, to address the shortcomings of existing offline approaches, we first identify a more practical micro-task allocation problem, called the Global Online Micro-task Allocation in spatial crowdsourcing (GOMA) problem. We first extend the state-of-art algorithm for the online maximum weighted bipartite matching problem to the GOMA problem as the baseline algorithm. Although the baseline algorithm provides theoretical guarantee for the worst case, its average performance in practice is not good enough since the worst case happens with a very low probability in real world. Thus, we consider the average performance of online algorithms, a.k. a online random order model.We propose a two-phase-based framework, based on which we present the TGOA algorithm with 1 over 4 -competitive ratio under the online random order model. To improve its efficiency, we further design the TGOA-Greedy algorithm following the framework, which runs faster than the TGOA algorithm but has lower competitive ratio of 1 over 8. Finally, we verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods through extensive experiments on real and synthetic datasets.
Fast track rehabilitation programme enhances functional recovery after laparoscopic colonic resection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Fast track (IT) rehabilitation programmes have demonstrated advantages over traditional perioperative care after open colonic surgery; however. their contribution in recovery after laparoscopic colonic surgery is not clearly defined. This study was conducted to estimate the value of FT rehabilitation programme in laparoscopic colonic resections. METHODOLOGY This is a randomized prospective controlled clinical trial. Ninety-nine consecutive patients underwent elective laparoscopic colonic resection between February 2008 and March 2009. Forty-nine patients received FT multimodal rehabilitation programme as FT group and 50 patients underwent traditional perioperative care as non-FT group. Postoperative hospital stay, return of gastrointestinal function, postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS Postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the FT group, a median duration of 4.0 days versus 5.0 days in the non-FT group (p<0.01). Gastrointestinal functional recovery occurred 1 day earlier in FT group (passage of flatus after 2.0 days vs. 3.0 days, p<0.01). There were no significant differences in complications within 30 postoperative days (12% in FT group vs. 20% in non-FT group, p=0.295). CONCLUSIONS When applied after laparoscopic colonic surgery, FT rehabilitation programme is feasible, safe and may lead to accelerated functional recovery and reductions in postoperative hospital stay.
The Correlation of Low-Velocity Impact Resistance of Graphite-Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Matrix Properties

This paper summarizes basic studies that were conducted to correlate the impact resistance of graphite-fiber-reinforced composites with polymer matrix properties. Three crosslinked epoxy resins and a linear polysulfone were selected as composite matrices. As a group, these resins possess a significantly large range of mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of the resins and their respective composites were measured. Neat resin specimens and unidirectional and crossply composite specimens were impact-tested with an instrumented drop-weight tester. Impact resistances of the specimens were assessed on the basis of loading capability, energy absorption, and extent of damage.
Alcohol promotes mammary tumor growth through activation of VEGF-dependent tumor angiogenesis

Alcohol consumption has been recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer. Experimental studies demonstrate that alcohol exposure promotes the progression of existing mammary tumors. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. In the present study, the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in alcohol promotion of breast cancer development was investigated using a mouse xenograft model of mammary tumors and a three-dimensional (3D) tumor/endothelial cell co-culture system. For the mouse xenograft model, mouse E0771 breast cancer cells were implanted into the mammary fat pad of C57BL6 mice. These mice were exposed to alcohol in their drinking water. For the 3D co-culture system, E0771 cells and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells were co-cultured with SVEC4-10EE2 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, respectively. The results demonstrated that alcohol increased tumor angiogenesis and accelerated tumor growth. Furthermore, it appeared that alcohol induced VEGF expression in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Blocking VEGF signaling by SU5416 inhibited tumor angiogenesis in the 3D tumor/endothelial cell co-culture system. Furthermore, injection of SU5416 into mice inhibited alcohol-promoted mammary tumor growth in vivo. These results indicate that alcohol may promote mammary tumor growth by stimulating VEGF-dependent angiogenesis.
A Surface Effect Associated with the Use of Oils Containing Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate

It is shown that the operation of engines on crankcase oils containing appreciable amounts of zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate can increase the small-scale roughness of the lifter-foot surfaces. In addition, the small-scale roughness can be reduced by subsequent operation of the same engine parts on oils containing no zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate. This change in roughness coincides with a change in reflectivity that can be detected visually. A similar effect of the additive has been demonstrated in a bench test machine. The increase in roughness which accompanies the operation on the additive-treated oil occurs rapidly and is maintained to high contact loads although some smoothing may occur at high loads. The evidence suggests that the change in roughness results from a reaction of additive decomposition products with the metal surface. The mechanism responsible, however, is not completely understood. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the Lubrication Conference held in Los An.
Elevated Abundance of Bacteriophage Infecting Bacteria in Soil

ABSTRACT Here we report the first direct counts of soil bacteriophage and show that substantial populations of these viruses exist in soil (grand mean = 1.5 × 107 g−1), at least 350-fold more than the highest numbers estimated from traditional viable plaque counts. Adding pure cultures of a Serratia phage to soil showed that the direct counting methods with electron microscopy developed here underestimated the added phage populations by at least eightfold. So, assuming natural phages were similarly underestimated, virus numbers in soil averaged 1.5 × 108 g−1, which is equivalent to 4% of the total population of bacteria. This high abundance was to some extent confirmed by hybridizing colonies grown on Serratia and Pseudomonas selective media with cocktails of phage infecting these bacteria. This showed that 8.9 and 3.9%, respectively, hybridized with colonies from the two media and confirmed the presence of phage DNA sequences in the cultivable fraction of the natural population. Thus, soil phage, like their aquatic counterparts, are likely to be important in controlling bacterial populations and mediating gene transfer in soil.
Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A 10-Year Review Reveals Occupational Risk Factors and the Superiority of the Minimal Surgery Trephine Technique.

OBJECTIVES To identify military occupational risk factors for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) and to compare an Army Clinic minimal surgery with techniques used at public hospitals. METHODS Review of a historical cohort of soldiers (3,407 with PSD) to determine PSD risk factors in military personnel and comparison of postoperative sick leave days between surgical techniques. RESULTS Male and female officers had a lower PSD incidence, whereas male combatants and female drivers were at higher risk compared to administrative personnel. The minimal surgery technique used at the Army Clinic was associated with an average 13 less postoperative sick leave days per patient, as compared to the surgical techniques including wide excision used at public hospitals. Compared to healthy soldiers, the relative risk for PSD recurrence was 7.87 in all males and 9.54 in male combatants. CONCLUSIONS Male combatants and female drivers are at higher risk for PSD, whereas officers and administrative personnel are at lower risk. Compared with surgical techniques used at public hospitals, the Army Clinic exclusive use of the Gips minimal surgery technique is associated with fewer sick leave days. Prior surgery for PSD is a positive predictor of recurrence, and these patients warrant secondary prevention.
Preliminary Analysis of Several Attractants and Spatial Repellents for the Mosquito, Aedes albopictus using an Olfactometer

Abstract Mosquito attractants and spatial repellents hold great promise in controlling mosquito pests. In assessing the effectiveness of mosquito attractants and repellents, a good olfactometer system, and optimized testing conditions, are essential. In this research, we demonstrated the usefulness of an olfactometer system, and optimized testing conditions for Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). We found no significant difference in the biting activity of the insect between 8:00 and 22:00. Furthermore, 5–10 day old mosquitoes were relatively strongly attracted, with bloodsucking rate 75.8%. The random capture rate (entered trap in absence of odor) was less than 20% for the 20–40 tested insects. Capture rates and systematic errors increased as the number of testing insects increased. Wind speed affected the capture rate significantly, whereas variations in temperature between 25–28°C did not result in significant difference. The wind speed of 0.2 m/s exhibited a higher capture rate, which was significantly different from those at either 0.1 m/s or 0.4 m/s (P < 0.05). At the wind speed of 0.2 m/s, time durations within the first 8 minutes correlated positively with capture rates (r2 = 0.997), but further increase in time duration to 10 minutes did not result in further increase in capture rates. One percent of L-lactic acid in dichloromethane resulted in a consistently higher capture rate (43.8%) than that from a human odor (31.2%). Under our testing conditions, eugenol, anisaldehyde, geraniol, citronellal, citral, and linalool all exhibited some inhibition effect on mosquitoes to successfully trace human odor or 1% of L-lactic acid in dichloromethane. The results of these two tests indicate that the L-lactic acid/dichloromethane mixture may be used as an effective attractant to evaluate the effect of possible spatial repellents on Ae. albopictus.
Dietary Fiber and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study

To examine the association of dietary fiber with the risk of colorectal cancer in a population with a high incidence of cancer and a low fiber intake, we analyzed the data from the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. From 1988 to 1990, 43,115 men and women aged 40 to 79 years completed a questionnaire on dietary and other factors. Intake of dietary fiber was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Rate ratios (RR) were computed by fitting proportional hazards models. During the mean follow-up of 7.6 years, 443 colorectal cancer cases were recorded. In all participants, we found a decreasing trend in risk of colorectal cancer with increasing intake of total dietary fiber; the multivariate-adjusted RRs across quartiles were 1.00, 0.96 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.72-1.27], 0.72 (0.53-0.99), and 0.73 (0.51-1.03; Ptrend = 0.028). This trend was exclusively detected for colon cancer: the corresponding RRs were 1.00, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.64-1.26), 0.56 (0.38-0.83), and 0.58 (0.38-0.88; Ptrend = 0.002). The decrease in RRs with increasing intake of dietary fiber was larger in men than in women. No material differences appeared in the strength of associations with the risk between water-soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. For food sources of fiber, bean fiber intake was somewhat inversely correlated with colorectal cancer risk. This prospective study supported potential protective effects of dietary fiber against colorectal cancer, mainly against colon cancer. The role of dietary fiber in the prevention of colorectal cancer seems to remain inconsistent, and further investigations in various populations are warranted. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(4):668–75)
Controlled Gelation and Sintering of Monolithic Gels Prepared from γ‐Alumina Fume Powder

The gelation, phase transformation, and densification of a colloidal monolithic gel made from γ-Al2O3 fume powder are investigated. Among the six gelation agents that we use, formamide and urea are quick in causing gelation and easy to burn off. The densification rate of this gel decreases rapidly after the γ-to-α phase transformation. TiO2 is an effective sintering aid to overcome this bottleneck of densification because (1) it enhances the phase transformation rate so that the sintering of α-alumina occurs at a lower temperature, and (2) it promotes sintering rates at the initial and intermediate stages after phase transformation. On the other hand, MgO has an inappreciable effect on gel sintering. The effect of MgO at the final sintering stage is obstructed by this densification barrier after transformation. The titania-doped gel monoliths can be sintered to high density and fine microstructure at 1400°C.
The Use of Medicinal Plants by Migrant People: Adaptation, Maintenance, and Replacement

Given the importance of studying the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of migrant communities to understand the dynamics of plant resource use, we reviewed the scientific literature concerning the use of medicinal plants by migrant populations engaged in international or long-distance migrations. We considered the importance of two processes: (1) adaptation to the new flora of the host country (i.e., substitution and incorporation of plants in the pharmacopoeia) and (2) continued use and acquisition of the original flora from migrants' home countries (i.e., importation, cultivation, and/or continued use of plants that grow in both host and home environments). We suggest that, depending on the specific context and conditions of migration, different processes that determine the use and/or selection of plants as herbal medicines may become predominant.