Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Performance in Customer Relationship Management –

The management of customer relationships has become a top priority for companies in the last years. Despite this, little is known about the factors of successful CRM implementations and the role of information technology in this context. This study provides three models for the explanation of CRM performance separated according to the customer relationship phases of initiation, maintenance, and retention. In particular, we analyze the relationship between CRM technology, CRM technology usage and CRM performance. In addition, we identify the drivers that affect implementation success for each phase the most. 1. Purpose of the research In recent years, the management of customer relationships has become a top priority for companies. Sales of CRM implementations in the German market grow from 2005 to 2009 with an average rate of 4.7 % (IDC 2005). Despite the growth rates, practitioners report high implementation failure rates. For example, it is reported that 46.5 % of all implementations in the German market go beyond the budget estimates and 60.5 % off all implementations beyond the estimated timeframe (Frank et al. 2002). Only 10 to 20 % of all implementations meet expectations (Martin 2002). Although there has been much discussion concerning implementation challenges and the advantages of CRM technology, little empirical evidence of the factors that affect economic performance has emerged (Nairn and Bottomley 2003). For example, Reinartz, Krafft and
Experimental Therapy of Hepatoma with Artemisinin and Its Derivatives: In vitro and In vivo Activity, Chemosensitization, and Mechanisms of Action

Purpose: ART and its derivatives, clinically used antimalarial agents, have recently shown antitumor activities. However, the mechanisms underlying these activities remain unclear. This study was designed to determine their antitumor efficacy and underlying mechanisms of action in human hepatoma cells. Experimental Design: The in vitro cytotoxicities of ART, DHA, artemether, and artesunate were compared in human hepatoma cells, HepG2 (p53 wild-type), Huh-7 and BEL-7404 (p53 mutant), and Hep3B (p53 null), and a normal human liver cell line, 7702. Based on their activity and specificity, ART and DHA were further investigated for their in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects and their effects on the protein expression of genes associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results: ART and DHA exerted the greatest cytotoxicity to hepatoma cells but significantly lower cytotoxicity to normal liver cells. The compounds inhibited cell proliferation, induced G1-phase arrest, decreased the levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, cyclin-dependent kinase 4, and E2F1, and increased the levels of Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27. They induced apoptosis, activated caspase-3, increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and down-regulated MDM2. In mice bearing HepG2 and Hep3B xenograft tumors, ART and DHA inhibited tumor growth and modulated tumor gene expression consistent with in vitro observations. DHA increased the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine. Conclusions: ART and DHA have significant anticancer effects against human hepatoma cells, regardless of p53 status, with minimal effects on normal cells, indicating that they are promising therapeutics for human hepatoma used alone or in combination with other therapies.
Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in autism spectrum disorders: Implications for interventions and therapeutics

Abstract Objectives: Imbalance between excitation and inhibition and increased excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) ratio is a common mechanism in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that is responsible for the learning and memory, cognitive, sensory, motor deficits, and seizures occurring in these disorders. ASD are very heterogeneous and better understanding of E-I imbalance in brain will lead to better diagnosis and treatments. Methods: We perform a critical literature review of the causes and presentations of E-I imbalance in ASD. Results: E-I imbalance in ASD is due primarily to abnormal glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission in key brain regions such as neocortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum. Other causes are due to dysfunction of neuropeptides (oxytocin), synaptic proteins (neuroligins), and immune system molecules (cytokines). At the neuropathological level E-I imbalance in ASD is presented as a “minicolumnopathy”. E-I imbalance alters the manner by which the brain processes information and regulates behaviour. New developments for investigating E-I imbalance such as optogenetics and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are presented. Non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as TMS for treatment of the core symptoms of ASD are discussed. Conclusions: Understanding E-I imbalance has important implications for developing better pharmacological and behavioural treatments for ASD, including TMS, new drugs, biomarkers and patient stratification.
Cultural Change, Human Activity, and Cognitive Development

I applaud Gauvain and Munroe for giving the issue of social change and human development center stage. The rapidity of social change in the contemporary world has made cultural and cross-cultural theories of human development that assume static cultures patently outmoded. I very much like the attention that Gauvain and Munroe give to the proximal changes in children’s environments that mediate between more distal, macro features of the sociological environment and children’s
An Improvement on the Estimation of Pseudoresponse Spectral Velocity Using RVT Method

Abstract The basic assumption in the prediction of peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and pseudoresponse spectral values by the ran- dom vibration theory (RVT) method is that the ground motion process is a band- limited Gaussian random process (BGRP). However, for the estimation of pseudo- response spectral values, the process is the output of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system subjected to the input of a BGRP. The output process is a narrow- band random process because a SDOF system acts as a narrow-bandpass filter. The property of a narrow-band process is significantly different from that of a bandlimited process. There is an obvious difference in the estimations of the pseudoresponse spectral values based on bandlimited or narrow-band process, especially in the lower frequency part. In this study, we propose an empirical method to improve the esti- mation of the pseudoresponse spectral values by the RVT based on the consideration of properties of a narrow-band Gaussian stationary process. Comparisons of our results with those of previous research studies and the time domain simulation (TDS) shows that our empirical approach improves the estimation of pseudoresponse spec- tral values in the long period range. Introduction The spectral response of ground motion, along with the peak ground acceleration (PGA) and peak ground velocity (PGV) are generally considered to be the characteristics of earthquake ground motion for the seismic design of engi- neering structures. Because of a lack of available strong ground motion recordings, Hanks (1979), McGuire and Hanks (1980), and Hanks and McGuire (1981) proposed a theoretical method to estimate these characteristics. They treated the ground motion as bandlimited finite-duration Gaussian white noise, with a source spectrum given by the omega-square model by Brnne (1970, 1971) for far-field shear radiation. Hanks and McGuire (1981) used Parseval's theorem to predict the root mean square (rms) acceleration
The Attraction of Internet Personalization to Web Users

Numerous companies are taking advantage of interactive technology to personalize their interactions with users. However, in contrast to the proliferation of personalized web services worldwide, Information Systems (IS) research on users' attitudes towards personalized service is minimal. It remains an empirical question as to whether online firms can use personalization as a marketing strategy to attract new users. Our research examines how users' web experience and their perceptions towards personalization influence their attitudes towards switching to a personalized website. A survey study with 238 subjects was conducted. The findings provide empirical evidence showing that if users have involved interactions with their current site, then personalized services are not attractive enough to motivate them to migrate from one site to another. Users want useful personalized services, but at the same time, they are concerned with the manner in which firms use their data for personalization. Practical implicat.
Comparative gene expression profile of mouse carotid body and adrenal medulla under physiological hypoxia

The carotid body (CB) is an arterial chemoreceptor, bearing specialized type I cells that respond to hypoxia by closing specific K+ channels and releasing neurotransmitters to activate sensory axons. Despite having detailed information on the electrical and neurochemical changes triggered by hypoxia in CB, the knowledge of the molecular components involved in the signalling cascade of the hypoxic response is fragmentary. This study analyses the mouse CB transcriptional changes in response to low PO2 by hybridization to oligonucleotide microarrays. The transcripts were obtained from whole CBs after mice were exposed to either normoxia (21% O2), or physiological hypoxia (10% O2) for 24 h. The CB transcriptional profiles obtained under these environmental conditions were subtracted from the profile of control non‐chemoreceptor adrenal medulla extracted from the same animals. Given the common developmental origin of these two organs, they share many properties but differ specifically in their response to O2. Our analysis revealed 751 probe sets regulated specifically in CB under hypoxia (388 up‐regulated and 363 down‐regulated). These results were corroborated by assessing the transcriptional changes of selected genes under physiological hypoxia with quantitative RT‐PCR. Our microarray experiments revealed a number of CB‐expressed genes (e.g. TH, ferritin and triosephosphate isomerase) that were known to change their expression under hypoxia. However, we also found novel genes that consistently changed their expression under physiological hypoxia. Among them, a group of ion channels show specific regulation in CB: the potassium channels Kir6.1 and Kcnn4 are up‐regulated, while the modulatory subunit Kcnab1 is down‐regulated by low PO2 levels.
Resolving Occlusion in Augmented Reality Based on Invariant for Two Views

A new approach to resolving occlusion problem in augmented reality is presented. An invariant for two views is firstly formulated. Based on the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm developed by David Lowe and Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, the point correspondences in any two views are determined. Further, each contour is labeled as being "behind" or "in front of" in the first two frames, depending on whether it is in front of or behind the virtual object. According to the invariant for two views and these point correspondences, the occluding contours can be transferred to any views, so the occlusion is resolved. Two typical experiments in this paper show that this algorithm is feasible for resolving occlusion.
TORSO: Development of a Telexistence Visual System Using a 6-d.o.f. Robot Head

In telexistence master–slave systems, it is important to transmit visual information from remote places to the operator. Conventional imaging devices in head-mounted displays (HMDs) can only express the three-axis rotation of the neck. However, humans can obtain broader visual fields and motion parallax information from the translational motion of their necks. We have proposed a system that can acquire natural and comfortable visual information, and can accurately track the head motion of a person. Our proposed device can express the head motion and the translation movements of the neck. We have developed a robot, called 'TORSO', and constructed a telexistence visual system with a display device, HMD. In this paper, by means of a broader field of view achieved by motion involving looking around, we demonstrate the advantage and novelty of our proposed system. In addition, we suggest the evolution of the TORSO–HMD system.
Investigating the role of a district science coordinator

This study explored the professional responsibilities of district science coordinators, their professional development (PD) experiences, the relationship between their role, responsibilities, district context, and background, and barriers encountered in their work. A national sample (n = 122) of self-identified science coordinators completed a Science Coordinator Role Survey. Participants’ responses were analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. Following analysis of survey data, 16 participants (13.1%) were purposefully selected for semi-structured follow-up interviews. Results indicated the majority of respondents identified themselves as Caucasian, female, and had served in their position for less than 10 years. The typical science coordinator held a degree in a science content area and was a former science teacher. Respondents without science degrees tended to hold positions at small, remote, or rural school districts with responsibilities in multiple content areas. Participants also reported barriers of not having enough PD opportunities, lack of time, lack of emphasis on science instruction, and a lack of power to enforce policies within a district. Results characterize the professional responsibilities of coordinators, provide insight into the role of a science coordinator, and into how to create targeted PD for coordinators. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54: 914–936, 2017
Bankers’ Bonuses and Speculative Bubbles

We develop a parsimonious model of bubbles based on the assumption of imprecisely known market depth. In a speculative bubble, bankers (traders) drive the price above its fundamental value in a dynamic way, driven by rational expectations about future price developments. At a previously unknown date, the bubble will endogenously burst. We provide a general condition for the possibility of bubbles depending on the risk-free rate, uncertainty about market depth, banks’ degree of leverage, and bankers’ bonus structure. This allows us to discuss several policy measures. Bubbles always reduce aggregate welfare. Households are nevertheless willing to lend to bankers when bubbles are likely. Among others, capping bonuses, minimum leverage ratios, certain monetary policy rules, and a correctly implemented Tobin tax can prevent their occurrence. Implemented incorrectly, however, some of these measures—bonus regulations in particular—backfire and facilitate bubbles.
Musical Motivation: Towards a model synthesising the research

This article explores motivation to participate in music making activities. It examines historical and current theories of motivation and sets out a model describing the way that the characteristics of the individual including, personality, self-concept and personal goals interact with the environment to influence motivation and subsequent behaviour. The environment may include culture and sub-cultures, society, time, place, institutions, family and peers and the rewards and punishments that these offer. The article then explores research relating to motivation to actively participate in music. This supports the notion that musical motivation is determined by complex interactions between the individual and the environment within which they find themselves. The article concludes with a consideration of directions for future research.
MagAO IMAGING OF LONG-PERIOD OBJECTS (MILO). II. A PUZZLING WHITE DWARF AROUND THE SUN-LIKE STAR HD 11112

HD 11112 is an old, Sun-like star that has a long-term radial velocity (RV) trend indicative of a massive companion on a wide orbit. Here we present direct images of the source responsible for the trend using the Magellan Adaptive Optics system. We detect the object (HD 11112B) at a separation of 2. ″2 (100 au) at multiple wavelengths spanning 0.6–4 μm and show that it is most likely a gravitationally bound cool white dwarf. Modeling its spectral energy distribution suggests that its mass is 0.9–1.1 M⊙, which corresponds to very high eccentricity, near edge-on orbits from a Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis of the RV and imaging data together. The total age of the white dwarf is >2σ, which is discrepant with that of the primary star under most assumptions. The problem can be resolved if the white dwarf progenitor was initially a double white dwarf binary that then merged into the observed high-mass white dwarf. HD 11112B is a unique and intriguing benchmark object that can be used to calibrate atmospheric and evolutionary models of cool white dwarfs and should thus continue to be monitored by RV and direct imaging over the coming years.
Image inpainting using sparse approximation with adaptive window selection

In this paper the problem of image inpainting is addressed using sparse approximation of local image patches. The small patches are extracted by sliding square windows. An adaptive window selection procedure for local sparse approximation is proposed, which affects the global recovery of underlying image. Ideally the adaptive window selection yields the minimum mean square error (MMSE) in a recovered image. This framework gives us a clustered image based on the selected window size, each cluster is then inpainted separately using sparse approximation. The results obtained using the proposed framework are comparable with the recently proposed inpainting techniques based on sparse representation.
Design and validation of a questionnaire to measure research skills: experience with engineering students

Universities in Latin American countries are undergoing major changes in its institutional and academic settings. One strategy for continuous improvement of teaching and learning process is the incorporation of methods and teaching aids seeking to develop scientific research skills in students from their undergraduate studies. The aim of this study is the validation of a questionnaire to measure research skills with engineering students. Questionnaire validation was performed by: literature review, semantic and content validation by experts from three Latin American universities, finishing with a factorial and reliability validation. The instrument was applied to 150 students (75,3% men and 24,7% women) that were enrolled in the basic level of engineering. The validated questionnaire has 20 items. The correlations between factors of the instrument, show relationship and dependence between them, indicating the validity of the questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which reached a value of . 91 in the total scale. The statistical results to validate the questionnaire have been significant, allowing us to propose this experience as a starting point to implement further studies about the development of research skills in university’s students from other areas of knowledge
Analysis of cardiac autonomic modulation of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by decreased attention span, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Autonomic nervous system imbalance was previously described in this population. We aim to compare the autonomic function of children with ADHD and controls by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV). Methods Children rested in supine position with spontaneous breathing for 20 minutes. Heart rate was recorded beat by beat. HRV analysis was performed in the time and frequency domains and Poincaré plot. Results Twenty-eight children with ADHD (22 boys, aged 9.964 years) and 28 controls (15 boys, age 9.857 years) participated in this study. It was determined that the mean and standard deviation of indexes which indicate parasympathetic activity is higher in children with ADHD than in children without the disorder: high frequency in normalized units, 46.182 (14.159) versus 40.632 (12.247); root mean square of successive differences, 41.821 (17.834) versus 38.150 (18.357); differences between adjacent normal-to-normal intervals greater than 50 milliseconds, 199.75 (144.00) versus 127.46 (102.21) (P<0.05); percentage of differences between adjacent normal-to-normal intervals greater than 50 milliseconds, 23.957 (17.316) versus 16.211 (13.215); standard deviation of instantaneous beat-to-beat interval, 29.586 (12.622) versus 26.989 (12.983). Conclusion Comparison of the autonomic function by analyzing HRV suggests an increase in the activity of the parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems in children with ADHD in relation to the control group.
Influence of Ozone-Related Increases in Ultraviolet Radiation on Antarctic Marine Organisms

SYNOPSIS. Every spring for the past two decades, depletion of stratospheric ozone has caused increases in ultraviolet B radiation (UVB, 280–320 nm) reaching Antarctic terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Research efforts to evaluate the impact of this phenomenon have focused on phytoplankton under the assumption that ecosystem effects will most likely originate through reductions in primary productivity; however, phytoplankton do not represent the only significant component in ecosystem response to elevated UVB. Antarctic bacterioplankton are adversely affected by UVB exposure; and invertebrates and fish, particularly early developmental stages that reside in the plankton, are sensitive to UVB. There is little information available on UV responses of larger Antarctic marine animals (e.g., birds, seals and whales). Understanding the balance between direct biological damage and species-specific potentials for UV tolerance (protection and recovery) relative to trophic dynamics and biogeochemical cycling is a crucial factor in evaluating the overall impact of ozone depletion. After more than a decade of research, much information has been gathered about UV-photobiology in Antarctica; however, a definitive quantitative assessment of the effect of ozone depletion on the Antarctic ecosystem still eludes us. It is only obvious that ozone depletion has not had a catastrophic effect in the Antarctic region. The long-term consequences of possible subtle shifts in species composition and trophic interactions are still uncertain.
Leader-Member Exchange and Commitment and Organizational Citizenship Behavior

The leader-member exchange theory of leadership, which focuses on the twoway relationship between supervisors and subordinates, aims to maximize organization success by establishing positive interactions between the two. Results of the study detailed here suggests that a significant relationship exists between the quality of the supervisor-subordinate relationship and subordinates’ commitment and altruistic organizational citizenship behavior. Recommendations are presented.