Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint influence of online store attributes and offline operations on performance of multichannel retailers

This study examines the synergistic interchange between online and offline operations. To this end, this study proposed a multichannel performance model integrating Herzberg's (Herzberg 1966: Work and the Nature of Man, World Publishing, Cleveland, OH) motivation-hygiene theory and Thorndike's (Thorndike 1920: J. Appl. Psychol., 4, 25 – 29) halo effect, and empirically tested it. The essence of the model was that e-satisfaction is formed by a varying influence of online (basic and marketing-related attributes) and offline (firm reputation, consumer offline channel use, and consumer offline satisfaction) factors, which then increases e-loyalty. Analyses on a sample of 203 multichannel consumers revealed that, in general, the hypothetical paths were significant except in two cases. In a multichannel's online operation, marketing-related online attributes (e.g. merchandising) exerted significant influence on e-satisfaction, but basic attributes (e.g. security) did not. In a multichannel's offline operation, firm reputation and consumer offline satisfaction contributed to increasing e-satisfaction. Both firm reputation and consumer offline channel use increased consumer offline satisfaction, which in turn increased online satisfaction. However, consumer offline loyalty did not transfer to online loyalty. Theoretical and managerial implications were suggested based on findings.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in a multiethnic US cohort (LUMINA). XXIII. Baseline predictors of vascular events.

OBJECTIVE To determine the baseline (time 0) risk factors associated with the subsequent occurrence of vascular events in a multiethnic US cohort (LUMINA [LUpus in MInorities: NAture versus nurture]) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Five hundred forty-six LUMINA patients were assessed at time 0 for traditional and nontraditional (disease-related) risk factors for vascular events. These were defined as 1) cardiovascular (myocardial infarction and/or definite or classic angina and/or the undergoing of a vascular procedure for myocardial infarction [coronary artery bypass graft]), 2) cerebrovascular (stroke), and 3) peripheral vascular (arterial claudication and/or gangrene or significant tissue loss and/or arterial thrombosis in peripheral arteries). The observation time (followup time in the cohort) was the interval between time 0 and the last visit. The unit of analysis was the patient and not each vascular event. Variables at time 0 and vascular events were examined by univariable and multivariable (logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression) analyses. Age, sex, ethnicity, followup time, and all known risk factors for the occurrence of vascular events were included in the model. RESULTS Thirty-four patients (6.2%) developed one or more vascular event after time 0. The overall median duration of followup in the cohort was 73.8 months (range 10.8-111.3 months). Vascular events (13 cardiovascular, 18 cerebrovascular, 5 peripheral vascular) occurred in 7 Hispanics from Texas (6.5%), 1 Hispanic from Puerto Rico (1.2%), 15 African Americans (7.5%), and 11 Caucasians (7.1%). The mean total number of traditional risk factors was significantly higher in patients who developed vascular events than in those who did not (7.1 versus 5.6). Independent predictors of vascular events were older age, current smoking status, longer followup time, elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the presence of any antiphospholipid antibody. The same variables were identified when time-dependent analyses were performed, although azathioprine use was also found to be a contributing factor. CONCLUSION Smoking, previously not reported in SLE, emerged as a predictor of vascular events and should be strongly discouraged. Antiphospholipid antibodies and CRP support the role of inflammation and autoimmunity in the development of accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE. Ethnicity was not associated with vascular events in our patients.
The “Feel” of Rotary Controls: Friction and Inertia1

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of friction and inertia levels on the “feel” of rotary controls. Detection thresholds for changes in friction and inertia were determined and found to be about 10 to 20 per cent of the initial values. Preference ratings obtained for various combinations of friction and inertia increased as a function of inertia level and decreased as a function of friction level. Preferences for viscous friction were greater than for stick-slip friction. Psychophysical evaluations such as these are related to customer acceptance factors and provide a useful supplement to purely functional design criteria.
Degree of conversion and molecular weight of one denture base and three reline resins submitted to post-polymerization treatments

The effect of post-polymerization treatments (MW-microwave irradiation and WB-water-bath) on the degree of conversion (DC) of three reline resins (Ufi Gel hard-U, Kooliner-K, and Tokuso Rebase Fast-T) and one denture base resin (Lucitone 550-L), submitted to two polymerization cycles (LS-short and LL-long), was evaluated by using FT-Raman spectroscopy (n = 5). The molecular weight (Mw) of the powder of all materials and of K polymerized specimens (control; MW; and WB; n = 3) was analyzed using GPC. DC data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test (α = .05). For control specimens, there were no significant differences between U (68%) and LL (77%) and among LL, K (81%), and T (84%). LS (92%) had the highest DC (P < 0.05). Only material K exhibited an increased DC after WB (P < 0.05). All powders had Mw from 4.0 x 10 5 to 6.5 x 10 5 and narrow Mw distributions (2.1 to 3.6). Polymerization and post-polymerization produced K specimens with Mw similar to that of K powder.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes of indicated inductions of labor

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the labor characteristics and maternal/perinatal consequences following indicated induction of labor. Methods: This retrospective study examined all of the indicated inductions over 24 months and at two institutions evaluated mode of delivery (vaginal versus cesarean) as well as a comprehensive list of labor characteristics and maternal/perinatal outcomes. Results: There were 1577 indicated inductions with 1097/1577 (69.6%) delivering vaginally. Women with a cesarean delivery had lower parity (p < (0). 0001) and Bishop’s score (p < (0). 0001), and higher body mass indices (p = 0.022). Indication for induction due to preeclampsia increased the risk of a cesarean delivery (p = 0.008). Chorioamnionitis, post-partum complications and NICU admissions were greater in the women delivered by cesarean section. Conclusions: Indicated inductions which result in cesarean delivery were more likely in women with higher body mass indexes, lower parity, and Bishops scores, as well as preeclampsia.
Preterm Torsion of a Gravid Uterus Didelphys Horn of a Twin Pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous pregnancy in each horn of a uterus didelphys is a rare and complex clinical situation. CASE: Torsion of one horn of a gravid didelphic uterus during a twin pregnancy was diagnosed during cesarean delivery after erroneous diagnosis of abruptio placentae. CONCLUSION: Localization of the placenta in a pregnancy complicated by uterine didelphys may improve the ability to diagnose hemiuterus torsion.
An Exploratory Study Investigating the Management of Flight Operational Risk with Selected Airlines in the Asia Pacific Region

The airline industry within the Asia Pacific Region is in the process of becoming the largest airline market in the world. Market forces will cause competitive pressure to increase between airlines resulting in substantial changes to existing airlines culture and cost base. As a requirement of survivability, all of these airlines have to efficiently manage their risks, with flight operational risk being a principal risk. The title of this thesis is ‘An exploratory study investigating the management of flight operational risk by selected Airlines within the Asia Pacific Region’. The research question is ‘What is the perceived importance and approach to the management of flight operational risk by selected airlines within the Asia Pacific Region? ’ There are four sub-questions that were answered relating to; defining flight operational risk, the importance placed on the management of flight operational risk by these airlines, the key drivers to establish a formal RMS and what are the factors inherent in such a system? Four airlines were involved in this study; except for a Low Cost Carrier (LCC) these airlines represent a cross section of the airline market from the region. A review of the literature was conducted and is presented in seven areas; risk, risk management, operational risk management, flight operational risk management, risk drift, management systems and business risk with these areas containing applicable elements. A qualitative methodology was utilised with data being obtained though semi-structured interviews and was analysed using a two stage process of data fracturing and data connecting with phenomenology and cognitive mapping being the analytical methods. The study produced nine findings which involve; flight-crew compliance to SOPs, establishment of a just culture, the role of a quality function with regard to an airline’s SMS, balance between production and protection, the role and relationship of the regulator to each airline, change management processes, and three findings relating to the establishment of a formal RMS. This study’s theoretical contribution to the topic’s body of knowledge is the theory of ‘Flight Operational Risk Float’
The Impact of True Fit Technology on Millennial Consumer Confidence and Satisfaction in their Online Clothing Purchase

This study examines the use of True Fit® technology by millennial consumers and its impact on consumer confidence and satisfaction with respect to online sizing. In the apparel industry, there is a lack of size standards among retailers, and as a result consumers will encounter frequent size variations in their clothing size. Difference sizing technology has been developed to address the sizing issue. One is True Fit® which unlike other sizing technologies, uses mathematical algorithms to compile large amounts of data from designers. The purpose of this study was to analyze consumer confidence and satisfaction after True Fit® has been used to make a sizing decision while online shopping. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used as the basis for the theoretical framework for this study. TAM explores how current advances in technology are influencing consumers' behaviors and attitudes. The variables studies included perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, intent to use True Fit®, confidence and satisfaction. The methodology used in the study is a quantitative method consisting of an online survey and a True Fit® task, where consumers were exposed to True Fit® prior to answering questions about the use of sizing technology. The results of the study suggest the dependent variable of confidence and satisfaction with the sizing technology was positively affected by the intent to use True Fit®. Thus, it can be inferred that consumers felt positively about adopting apparel size technology and that technology such as this would have wide application in the future.
TCR Activation of Human T Cells Induces the Production of Exosomes Bearing the TCR/CD3/ζ Complex1

We show in this study that human T cells purified from peripheral blood, T cell clones, and Jurkat T cells release microvesicles in the culture medium. These microvesicles have a diameter of 50–100 nm, are delimited by a lipidic bilayer membrane, and bear TCR β, CD3ε, and ζ. This microvesicle production is regulated because it is highly increased upon TCR activation, whereas another mitogenic signal, such as PMA and ionomycin, does not induce any release. T cell-derived microvesicles also contain the tetraspan protein CD63, suggesting that they originate from endocytic compartments. They contain adhesion molecules such as CD2 and LFA-1, MHC class I and class II, and the chemokine receptor CXCR4. These transmembrane proteins are selectively sorted in microvesicles because CD28 and CD45, which are highly expressed at the plasma membrane, are not found. The presence of phosphorylated ζ in these microvesicles suggests that the CD3/TCR found in the microvesicles come from the pool of complexes that have been activated. Proteins of the transduction machinery, tyrosine kinases of the Src family, and c-Cbl are also observed in the T cell-derived microvesicles. Our data demonstrate that T lymphocytes produce, upon TCR triggering, vesicles whose morphology and phenotype are reminiscent of vesicles of endocytic origin produced by many cell types and called exosomes. Although the exact content of T cell-derived exosomes remains to be determined, we suggest that the presence of TCR/CD3 at their surface makes them powerful vehicles to specifically deliver signals to cells bearing the right combination of peptide/MHC complexes.
A Comparative Study of Conventional Physiotherapy Versus Robotic Training Combined with Physiotherapy in Patients with Stroke

Abstract Background: There has been a growing interest in the use of robotic therapy to improve walking ability in individuals following stroke. Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare conventional physiotherapy (CP) with robotic training (RT) combined with CP and to measure the effects on gait, balance, functional status, cognitive function, and quality of life in patient with stroke. Methods: We retrospectively identified 107 cases of new cerebral stroke. They were allocated into 2 groups. In the RT group (n = 36), patients received RT (Lokomat; 2 times per week) combined with CP (3 times per week) for at least 30 sessions. In the CP group (n = 71), patients received a program at least 30 sessions, 5 times per week. The evaluation parameters included modified Ashworth Spasticity Scale (MASS), Brunnstrom Recovery Scale (BRS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Results: Posttreatment results showed significant improvements for all parameters (except lower extremity MASS scores) in both groups. However, when we compared the percentage changes of parameters at discharge relative to pretreatment values, improvements in FIM, MMSE, and all subparts of SF-36 were better in the RT group (P < .05). Comparison of posttreatment evaluation parameters for categorical variables showed that the lower extremity categories in the BRS were significantly better in the RT group than the CP group (P < .05). Conclusion: RT combined with CP produced better improvement in FIM, MMSE, BRS lower extremity categories, and all subparts of SF-36 of the patients with subacute and chronic stroke (up to 1 year) than the CP program.
Determinants of User Acceptance of a Local eGovernment Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)

On numerous occasions the significant value of the investments involved in the development of eGovernment and the expectations of governmental information systems use do not correspond to the rate of effective use. This scenario makes it difficult to justify the development of electronic government by governments and local authorities among its citizens. It is therefore important to understand the factors that influence the employees' intention of using governmental information systems. With the aim of understanding the determining factors of using an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) in the context of Portuguese municipalities, this study develops an empirical analysis using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, (Venkatesh et al., 2003). This model's application for information systems research in the governmental context has a weak expression and is unique in EDMS research. This empirical research follows a realist and positivist approach. Data was collected from a survey answered by 2,175 employees of Portuguese municipalities (EDMS users). Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to test the model proposed. The results showed that Intention to Use is positively affected by Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions. With respect to the EDMS Use, the results showed that it is positively influenced by Intention to Use and Facilitating Conditions. The main result indicates that EDMS users believe that the use of this information system will help them to obtain performance benefits in their work. However, the increasing use of EDMS is not very influenced by the system's perceived ease of use. In short, this study provides a contribution to the Information Systems Acceptance and Adoption literature in local eGovernmental contexts. In addition, our contribution empirically tests the model for implementation in governmental organizations and provides a better understanding of the adoption and use of an EDMS.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of mechanical and fracture behavior of micro-scale BGA structure solder joints containing cracks in the intermetallic compound layer

In this study, a parametric study of the stress intensity factors (SIFs, KI and KII) at the crack tips of predefined cracks in the IMC layers of ball grid array (BGA) structure joints was performed using linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) method through finite element (FE) simulation. It has been shown that the crack driving force KI is much larger than KII regardless of the crack length, contact angle of BGA solder joints, loading rate and the position of the crack. A long crack leads to an obviously value of both KI and KII under both shear and tensile loading modes. Moreover, a crack located much closer to the SAC/IMC interface would be more easily to propagate owing to higher KI and KII values at the crack tip. The change of the loading rate has an obvious influence on both KI and KII, a faster loading rate induces higher SIFs at the crack tip; while the change of the contact angle only has slight influence on both KI and KII. In addition, the effect of symmetric displacement cycling on the reliability of BGA solder joints was also analyzed. Calculation results show that the SIFs in the crack tip show almost no difference with the increase of cycle numbers. However, the plastic strain in the solder near the SAC/IMC interface will increase continuously under symmetric displacement cycling loading.
TIN2 Mediates Functions of TRF2 at Human Telomeres*

Telomeres are protective structures at chromosome ends and are crucial for genomic stability. Mammalian TRF1 and TRF2 bind the double-stranded telomeric repeat sequence and in turn are bound by TIN2, TANK1, TANK2, and hRAP1. TRF1 is a negative regulator of telomere length in telomerase-positive cells, whereas TRF2 is important for telomere capping. TIN2 was identified as a TRF1-interacting protein that mediates TRF1 function. We show here that TIN2 also interacts with TRF2 in vitro and in yeast and mammalian cells. TIN2 mutants defective in binding of TRF1 or TRF2 induce a DNA damage response and destabilize TRF1 and TRF2 at telomeres in human cells. Our findings suggest that the functions of TRF1 and TRF2 are linked by TIN2.
Endovascular treatment of hepatic artery thrombosis following liver transplantation

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is the most frequent vascular complication following orthotopic liver transplantation. Urgent retransplantation has been considered as the mainstay therapy. Surgical revascularization is an effective alternative in asymptomatic patients. Endovascular therapies including intra‐arterial thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), and stent placement have shown encouraging results in recent years; however, their use remains controversial because of potential risk of hemorrhage. Until June 2009, 69 cases were published in 16 reports describing therapeutic potential of endovascular modalities. Interventions were performed as early as within 4 h to as late as 120 days in patients ranging from 4 months to 64 years of age. Majority of published reports suggested the use of urokinase. Thrombolysis was successful in 47 out of 69 (68%) patients. Bleeding was the most common complication including fatal intra‐abdominal hemorrhage in three patients. Twenty‐nine out of 47 (62%) patients underwent further intervention in the form of PTA, stenting, or both. The follow‐up patency ranged from 1 month to 26 months. In conclusion, whenever possible, efforts should be made to rescue the liver grafts through urgent revascularization (surgical and/or endovascular) depending on patient’s condition and interventional expertise at the transplant center; reserving the option of retransplantation for failure, complications, and cases with severe clinical symptoms or allograft dysfunction.
A self-orthogonalizing efficient block adaptive filter

This paper deals with the development of a unique self-orthogonalizing block adaptive filter (SOBAF) algorithm that yields efficient finite impulse response (FIR) adaptive filter structures. Computationally, the SOBAF is shown to be superior to the least mean squares (LMS) algorithm. The consistent convergence performance which it provides lies between that of the LMS and the recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm, but, unlike the LMS, is virtually independent of input statistics. The block nature of the SOBAF exploits the use of efficient circular convolution algorithms such as the FFT, the rectangular transform (RT), the Fermat number transform (FNT), and the fast polynomial transform (FPT). In performance, the SOBAF achieves the mean squared error (MSE) convergence of a self-orthogonalizing structure, that is, the adaptive filter converges under any input conditions, at the same rate as an LMS algorithm would under white input conditions. Furthermore, the selection of the step size for the SOBAF is straightforward as the range and the optimum value of the step size are independent of the input statistics.