Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumer Acceptance of Electronic Commerce: Integrating Trust and Risk with the Technology Acceptance Model

This paper aims to predict consumer acceptance of e-commerce by proposing a set of key drivers for engaging consumers in on-line transactions. The primary constructs for capturing consumer acceptance of e-commerce are intention to transact and on-line transaction behavior. Following the theory of reasoned action (TRA) as applied to a technology-driven environment, technology acceptance model (TAM) variables (perceived usefulness and ease of use) are posited as key drivers of e-commerce acceptance. The practical utility of TAM stems from the fact that e-commerce is technology-driven. The proposed model integrates trust and perceived risk, which are incorporated given the implicit uncertainty of the e-commerce environment. The proposed integration of the hypothesized independent variables is justified by placing all the variables under the nomological TRA structure and proposing their interrelationships. The resulting research model is tested using data from two empirical studies. The first, exploratory study comprises three experiential scenarios with 103 students. The second, confirmatory study uses a sample of 155 on-line consumers. Both studies strongly support the e-commerce acceptance model by validating the proposed hypotheses. The paper discusses the implications for e-commerce theory, research, and practice, and makes several suggestions for future research.
Reinforcement Hybrid Evolutionary Learning for TSK-Type Neuro-Fuzzy Controller Design

Abstract This paper proposes a recurrent TSK-type neuro-fuzzy controller (TNFC) with reinforcement hybrid evolutionary learning algorithm (R-HELA). The proposed R-HELA combines the compact genetic algorithm (CGA) and the modified variable-length genetic algorithm (MVGA) to perform the structure/parameter learning for constructing the TNFC dynamically. The evolution of a population consists of three major operations: group reproduction using the compact genetic algorithm, variable two-part crossover, and variable two-part mutation. Illustrative example is conducted to show the performance and applicability of the proposed R-HELA method.
Wage Posting or Wage Bargaining? Evidence from the Employers' Side

Dieser Aufsatz analysiert erstmals mit Hilfe einer repra-sentativen Betriebsbefragung die Verbreitung von fixen Lohnangeboten der Arbeit-geber und von Lohnverhandlungen bei Neueinstellungen. Wir zeigen, dass sowohl individuelle Lohnverhandlungen als auch fixe Lohnangebote in Deutschland vor-kommen, wobei bei rund zwei Drittel der Neueinstellungen ein fixer Lohn angeboten wird. Besonders haufig gibt es fixe Lohnangebote im offentlichen Dienst, in tarif-gebundenen Firmen und bei Teilzeit- oder befristeter Beschaftigung. Mit Personen, die vorher nicht erwerbstatig waren oder eine Ausbildung beendet haben, wird seltener uber den Lohn verhandelt. Wahrscheinlicher ist eine Lohnverhandlung, wenn die eingestellte Person hoher qualifiziert ist, wenn spezielle Qualifikationen verlangt werden oder wenn die regionale Arbeitslosigkeit gering ist.
Automating the Assessment of the Performance Quality Attribute for Evolving Software Systems: An Exploratory Study

This paper describes an exploratory study for the evaluation of the performance quality attribute for releases of the same system. The main aim is to reveal performance degradations of architectural scenarios and their possible causes. Three software systems from different domains are used in our study, including a large-scale web system (SIGAA), a UML modeling tool (Argo UML), and a client-server framework for development of network applications (Netty). The data collection of the study is accomplished using a scenario-based approach that uses dynamic analysis and code repository mining to provide an automated way to reveal degradations of scenarios on releases of software systems. The results of our study show the feasibility of the approach to determine the causes of the performance degradations of scenarios, including the degraded and changed methods of scenarios, and the issues that have affected them.
DBI skyrmion, high energy (large s) scattering and fireball production

We analyze the high energy scattering of hadrons in QCD in an effective theory model inspired from a gravity dual description. The nucleons are skyrmion-like solutions of a DBI action, and boosted nucleons give pions field shockwaves necessary for the saturation of the Froissart bound. Nuclei are analogs of BIon crystals, with the DBI skyrmions forming a fluid with a fixed inter-nucleon distance. In shockwave collisions one creates scalar (pion field) ``fireballs'' with horizons of nonzero temperature, whose scaling with mass we calculated. They are analogous to the hydrodynamic ``dumb holes,'' and their thermal horizons are places where the pion field becomes apparently singular. The information paradox becomes then a purely field theoretic phenomenon, not directly related to quantum gravity (except via AdS-CFT).
Thurston's Spinning Construction and Solutions to the Hyperbolic Gluing Equations for Closed Hyperbolic 3-Manifolds

We show that the hyperbolic structure on a closed, orientable, hyperbolic 3-manifold can be constructed from a solution to the hyperbolic gluing equations using any triangulation with essential edges. The key ingredients in the proof are Thurston's spinning construction and a volume rigidity result attributed by Dunfield to Thurston, Gromov and Goldman. As an application, we show that this gives a new algorithm to detect hyperbolic structures on closed 3-manifolds.
Current Benefits and Optimal Level of Provision

The discrepancy between transit’s large share of local transportation resources and its generally low share of local trips has raised questions about the use of scarce transportation funds for this purpose. We use a regional transport model consistent with utility theory and calibrated for the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area to estimate the travel benefits of the local transit system to transit users and the congestion-reduction benefits to motorists. We find that (i) rail transit generates congestion-reduction benefits that exceed rail subsidies; (ii) the combined benefits of rail and bus transit easily exceed local transit subsidies generally; (iii) the lowest-income group receives a disproportionately low share of the transit benefits, both in absolute terms and as a share of total income; and (iv) for practical purposes, the scale of the current transit system is about optimal.
Examining the Increased Rates of Deceased Donor Kidney Nonutilization in Australia: What Has Changed?

BACKGROUND From 2013, Australia has experienced a sustained increase in the proportion of deceased donor kidneys that are retrieved but not utilized for transplantation. We aimed to determine whether this could be explained by changes in donor characteristics over time. METHODS Registry data were used to examine predictors of kidney nonutilization over the period 2005-2017. Multilevel mixed effect logistic regression modeling and propensity score analysis were used to determine whether era of donation (2013-2017 versus 2005-2012) was an independent predictor of organ nonutilization after controlling for donor characteristics. RESULTS A total of 7810 kidneys were retrieved for the purpose of transplantation with 334 (4.3%) not utilized. The nonutilization rate was 5.8% in 2013-2017 compared to 2.7% in 2005-2012. Despite adjustment for donor characteristics, donation in the more recent era remained a significant predictor of kidney nonutilization (adjusted odds ratio, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-2.54; P < 0.001). This finding was confirmed in the propensity score analysis. CONCLUSIONS Kidneys retrieved in Australia since 2013 were more likely not to be utilized for transplantation even after adjusting for changes in donor characteristics. The abrupt increase may be explained by increased clinical risk aversion, changes in unmeasured donor factors or logistical issues. Although nonutilization rates in Australia remain low by international standards, further clinical auditing of the reasons for offer decline may help to optimize resource utilization and maximize transplant opportunities.
Antifungal Activity and Composition of Essential Oils of Conyza canadensis Herbs and Roots

Essential oils from herbs and roots of Conyza canadensis (horseweed), collected in Hungary, were obtained by hydrodistillation. The chemical compositions of the oils were analysed by combination of GC and GC/MS. The major constituent of the oil obtained from the aerial parts of horseweed was limonene (78%), while the main component of root oil was 2Z,8Z-matricaria ester. The antimicrobial activities of the oils were tested on Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, reference fungal strains, and fungal strains isolated from patients (Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichophyton, Rhodotorula, and Aspergillus) by agar disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. None of the oils showed any activity against the tested bacterial strains, but exhibited moderate-to-strong activity against all fungi with the only exception of A. fumigatus. The highest zone of inhibition was observed in case of Cryptococcus neoformans and Trichophyton interdigitalis
Arenavirus Glycan Shield Promotes Neutralizing Antibody Evasion and Protracted Infection

Arenaviruses such as Lassa virus (LASV) can cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. As a major impediment to vaccine development, delayed and weak neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses represent a unifying characteristic of both natural infection and all vaccine candidates tested to date. To investigate the mechanisms underlying arenavirus nAb evasion we engineered several arenavirus envelope-chimeric viruses and glycan-deficient variants thereof. We performed neutralization tests with sera from experimentally infected mice and from LASV-convalescent human patients. NAb response kinetics in mice correlated inversely with the N-linked glycan density in the arenavirus envelope protein’s globular head. Additionally and most intriguingly, infection with fully glycosylated viruses elicited antibodies, which neutralized predominantly their glycan-deficient variants, both in mice and humans. Binding studies with monoclonal antibodies indicated that envelope glycans reduced nAb on-rate, occupancy and thereby counteracted virus neutralization. In infected mice, the envelope glycan shield promoted protracted viral infection by preventing its timely elimination by the ensuing antibody response. Thus, arenavirus envelope glycosylation impairs the protective efficacy rather than the induction of nAbs, and thereby prevents efficient antibody-mediated virus control. This immune evasion mechanism imposes limitations on antibody-based vaccination and convalescent serum therapy.
Major autonomic pathways to the atria and S-A and A-V nodes of the canine heart.

GEIS, W. PETER, M. P. KAYE, AND Mr. C. RANDALL. Major autonomic pathways to the atria and S-A and A-V nodes of the canine heart. Am. J. Physiol. 224(l) : 202-208. 1973. -To demonstrate the course and distribution of autonomic nerves to the atria and S-A and A-V nodes, individual mediastinal cardiac nerves were electrically stimulated prior to and following each of 9 paracardiac surgical procedures in mongrel dogs. Sympathetic innervation of the S-A node was along the superior vena cava (SVC), the interatria1 groove (IAG) , and around the great arteries. Parasympathetic pathways entered the S-A node along the SVC, superior left atrium (LA), and IAG. Right-sided sympathetic fibers to the A-V node traversed the great arteries and the inferior left atrium (ILA). Fibers of left-sided origin entered at the junction of inferior vena cava (IVC) with ILA, along the great arteries, and in the ventrolateral cardiac nerve. Parasympathetic pathways to the A-V node entered along WC-ILA junction, and along the superior LA. Atria1 sympathetic innervation was along the SVC, superior LA, and great arteries. Parasympathetic atria1 innervation was along the SVC, great arteries, superior LA, IAG, and IVC-ILA junction.
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) Negatively Regulate Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Growth and Epithelial:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling

Abstract Introduction The androgen receptor (AR) is the most highly expressed steroid receptor in breast cancer with 75–95% of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and 40–70% of ER-negative breast cancers expressing AR. Though historically breast cancers were treated with steroidal androgens, their use fell from favor because of their virilizing side effects and the emergence of tamoxifen. Nonsteroidal, tissue selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) may provide a novel targeted approach to exploit the therapeutic benefits of androgen therapy in breast cancer. Materials and Methods Since MDA-MB-453 triple-negative breast cancer cells express mutated AR, PTEN, and p53, MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells stably expressing wildtype AR (MDA-MB-231-AR) were used to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-proliferative effects of SARMs. Microarray analysis and epithelial:mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) co-culture signaling studies were performed to understand the mechanisms of action. Results Dihydrotestosterone and SARMs, but not bicalutamide, inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231-AR. The SARMs reduced the MDA-MB-231-AR tumor growth and tumor weight by greater than 90%, compared to vehicle-treated tumors. SARM treatment inhibited the intratumoral expression of genes and pathways that promote breast cancer development through its actions on the AR. SARM treatment also inhibited the metastasis-promoting paracrine factors, IL6 and MMP13, and subsequent migration and invasion of epithelial:MSC co-cultures. Conclusion 1. AR stimulation inhibits paracrine factors that are important for MSC interactions and breast cancer invasion and metastasis. 2. SARMs may provide promise as novel targeted therapies to treat AR-positive triple-negative breast cancer.
Chandra X-Ray Observatory Observation of the High-Redshift Cluster MS 1054–0321

We observed MS 1054-0321, the highest redshift cluster of galaxies in the Einstein Medium Sensitivity Survey (EMSS), with the Chandra ACIS-S detector. We find the X-ray temperature of the cluster to be 10.4 keV, lower than, but statistically consistent with, the temperature inferred previously. This temperature agrees well with the observed velocity dispersion and that found from weak lensing. We are also able to make the first positive identification of an iron line in this cluster and find a value of 0.26 ± 0.15 for the abundance relative to solar, consistent with early enrichment of the ICM. We confirm significant substructure in the form of two distinct clumps in the X-ray distribution. The eastern clump seems to coincide with the main cluster component. It has a temperature of 10.5 keV, approximately the same as the average spectral temperature for the whole cluster. The western clump is cooler, with a temperature of 6.7, and may be a subgroup falling into the cluster. Though the presence of substructure indicates that this cluster is not fully relaxed, cluster simulations suggest that we will underestimate the mass, and we can, therefore, use the mass to constrain Ωm. From the overall cluster X-ray temperature we find the virial mass of the cluster to be at least 4.5 × 1014 h-1 M☉. We revisit the cosmological implications of the existence of such a hot, massive cluster at a relatively early epoch. Despite the lower temperature, we still find that the existence of this cluster constrains Ωm to be less than one. If Ωm = 1 and assuming Gaussian initial perturbations, we find the probability of observing MS 1054 in the EMSS is ~7 × 10-4.
2178 And All That

For integers g >= 3, k >= 2, call a number N a (g,k)-reverse multiple if the reversal of N in base g is equal to k times N. The numbers 1089 and 2178 are the two smallest (10,k)-reverse multiples, their reversals being 9801 = 9x1089 and 8712 = 4x2178. In 1992, A. L. Young introduced certain trees in order to study the problem of finding all (g,k)-reverse multiples. By using modified versions of her trees, which we call Young graphs, we determine the possible values of k for bases g = 2 through 100, and then show how to apply the transfer-matrix method to enumerate the (g,k)-reverse multiples with a given number of base-g digits. These Young graphs are interesting finite directed graphs, whose structure is not at all well understood.
Hazard degree assessment of coastal erosion at Tianlongsi adjacent sandy coast

In order to respond effectively to the needs of coastal erosion disaster prevention and mitigation and emergency management, shoreline positions prediction model were established by using digital shoreline analysis system based on 2011 to 2014 0.5 m high-resolution remote sensing data and geographic information system platform, and validated the model by using the field measurement shoreline data at Tianlongsi adjacent sandy coast, Suizhong, China. The results showed that there are a better coincident between the model results and the field measurement results, meanwhile, shoreline erosion range in future period without outside interference conditions was predicted according to the model, which would be provided a technical support for carrying out the coastal erosion disasters comprehensive management and rational planning of industrial layout along the coast.
On the Dynamics of Small Continuous-Time Recurrent Neural Networks

Dynamical neural networks are being increasingly employed in a variety of contexts, including as simple model nervous systems for autonomous agents. For this reason, there is a growing need for a comprehensive understanding of their dynamical properties. Using a combination of elementary analysis and numerical studies, this article begins a systematic examination of the dynamics of continuous-time recurrent neural networks. Specifically, a fairly complete description of the possible dynamical behavior and bifurcations of one- and two-neuron circuits is given, along with a few specific results for larger networks. This analysis provides both qualitative insight and, in many cases, quantitative formulas for predicting the dynamical behavior of particular circuits and how that behavior changes as network parameters are varied. These results demonstrate that even small circuits are capable of a rich variety of dynamical behavior (including chaotic dynamics). An approach to understanding the dynamics of circuits with time-varying inputs is also presented. Finally, based on this analysis, several strategies for focusing evolutionary searches into fruitful regions of network parameter space are suggested.
Quick Minds Don't Blink: Electrophysiological Correlates of Individual Differences in Attentional Selection

A well-established phenomenon in the study of attention is the attentional blinka deficit in reporting the second of two targets when it occurs 200500 msec after the first. Although the effect has been shown to be robust in a variety of task conditions, not every individual participant shows the effect. We measured electroencephalographic activity for nonblinkers and blinkers during execution of a task in which two letters had to be detected in an sequential stream of digit distractors. Nonblinkers showed an earlier P3 peak, suggesting that they are quicker to consolidate information than are blinkers. Differences in frontal selection positivity were also found, such that nonblinkers showed a larger difference between target and distractor activation than did blinkers. Nonblinkers seem to extract target information better than blinkers do, allowing them to reject distractors more easily and leaving sufficient resources available to report both targets.
Homogeneous row-continuous bivariate markov chains with boundaries

The matrix-geometric results of M. Neuts are extended to ergodic row-continuous bivariate Markov processes [J(t), N(t)] on state space B = {(j, n)} for which: (a) there is a boundary level N for N(t) associated with finite buffer capacity; (b) transition rates to adjacent rows and columns are independent of row level n in the interior of B. Such processes are of interest in the modelling of queue-length for voice-data transmission in communication systems. One finds that the ergodic distribution consists of two decaying components of matrix-geometric form, the second induced by the finite buffer capacity. The results are obtained via Green's function methods and compensation. Passage-time distributions for the two boundary problems are also made available algorithmically.
Hidden Suicidal Ideation or Intent Among Asian American Pacific Islanders: A Cultural Phenomenon Associated With Greater Suicide Severity

“Hidden suicidal ideation” (HSI)—the concealment or nondisclosure of suicidal distress to others—is often cited in suicide and ethnic minority research as a phenomenon that occurs frequently among ethnic minorities. Yet, there has been limited research to further understanding of this phenomenon, particularly in a within-group investigation among Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI). The aims of the current study were to characterize HSI in a community sample of 73 actively suicidal AAPI adults. Results indicated that a majority of participants (N = 44, 60.30%) hid their desire to kill themselves from others. A logistic regression showed that AAPI respondents who endorsed HSI reported greater severity of suicidal distress than their non-HSI counterparts and that HSI among AAPIs was associated with culturally salient suicide risk. These results provide critical information that highlights HSI as a “cultural phenomenon” (defined as having a relationship with cultural risk factors) and potential indicator of suicide disparities and may have implications for culturally responsive detection and management of suicide risk for AAPI populations. The current study represents the first dedicated examination of the phenomenon of HSI among AAPI individuals.
The brinker gradient controls wing growth in Drosophila

The Decapentaplegic (Dpp) morphogen gradient controls growth and patterning in the Drosophila appendages. There is recent evidence indicating that the Dpp gradient is converted into an inverse gradient of activity of the gene brinker (brk), which encodes a transcriptional repressor and is negatively regulated by the Dpp pathway. We have studied how alterations in the Brk gradient affect the growth of the wing disc. We find that there is a negative correlation between brk activity and growth of the disc: high levels of brk prevent or reduce growth, whereas loss of brk activity results in excessive growth. This effect is concentration dependent: different amounts of Brk produce distinct rates of growth. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that although brk is able to induce apoptosis where there is a sharp difference in Brk levels, its role as a growth repressor is not achieved by inducing apoptosis but by reducing cell proliferation. Brk appears to downregulate the activity of genes that control cell proliferation, such as bantam.