Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Key drivers of internet banking services use

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of internet banking use, paying special attention to the role of product involvement, perceived risk and trust.Design/methodology/approach – The impact of trust, perceived risks, product involvement and TAM beliefs (ease of use and usefulness) on internet banking adoption is tested through structural equation modelling techniques. The sample consists of 511 Spanish internet banking services users and the data are collected through an internet survey. Risk is measured as a formative construct.Findings – Data analysis shows that TAM beliefs and perceived risks (security, privacy, performance and social) have a direct influence on e‐banking adoption. Trust appears as a key variable that reduces perceived risk. Involvement plays an important role in increasing perceived ease of use.Practical implications – This research provides banks with knowledge of what aspects to highlight in their communications strategies to increase their internet bank.
Spatial Variational Auto-Encoding via Matrix-Variate Normal Distributions

The key idea of variational auto-encoders (VAEs) resembles that of traditional auto-encoder models in which spatial information is supposed to be explicitly encoded in the latent space. However, the latent variables in VAEs are vectors, which can be interpreted as multiple feature maps of size 1x1. Such representations can only convey spatial information implicitly when coupled with powerful decoders. In this work, we propose spatial VAEs that use feature maps of larger size as latent variables to explicitly capture spatial information. This is achieved by allowing the latent variables to be sampled from matrix-variate normal (MVN) distributions whose parameters are computed from the encoder network. To increase dependencies among locations on latent feature maps and reduce the number of parameters, we further propose spatial VAEs via low-rank MVN distributions. Experimental results show that the proposed spatial VAEs outperform original VAEs in capturing rich structural and spatial information.
DNA barcoding of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

SUMMARY *Currently, no official DNA barcode region is defined for the Fungi. The COX1 gene DNA barcode is difficult to apply. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region has been suggested as a primary barcode candidate, but for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Glomeromycota) the region is exceptionably variable and does not resolve closely related species. *DNA barcoding analyses were performed with datasets from several phylogenetic lineages of the Glomeromycota. We tested a c. 1500 bp fragment spanning small subunit (SSU), ITS region, and large subunit (LSU) nuclear ribosomal DNA for species resolving power. Subfragments covering the complete ITS region, c. 800 bp of the LSU rDNA, and three c. 400 bp fragments spanning the ITS2, the LSU-D1 or LSU-D2 domains were also analysed. *Barcode gap analyses did not resolve all species, but neighbour joining analyses, using Kimura two-parameter (K2P) distances, resolved all species when based on the 1500 bp fragment. The shorter fragments failed to separate closely related species. *We recommend the complete 1500 bp fragment as a basis for AMF DNA barcoding. This will also allow future identification of AMF at species level based on 400 or 1000 bp amplicons in deep sequencing approaches.
Parental transmission of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a highly endogamous population.

AIM To determine the parental transmission of diabetes mellitus (DM) and evaluate its influence on the clinical characteristics. METHODS This was a cross sectional study. The survey was carried out in urban and semi-urban primary health care centers. Of the 2400 registered with diagnosed diabetes, 1980 agreed and gave their consent to take part in this study, thus giving a response rate of 82.5%. Face to face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire followed by laboratory tests. DM was defined according to the World Health Organization expert group. A trained nurse performed physical examinations and measurements. RESULTS Of the study population, 72.9% reported a family history of DM. Family history of DM was significantly higher in females (54.2%; P = 0.04) and in the age group below 30 years (24%; P < 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes was higher among patients with a diabetic mother (25.4% vs 22.1%) and maternal aunts/uncles (31.2% vs 22.2%) compared to patients with a diabetic father and paternal aunts/uncles. Family history of DM was higher in patients of consanguineous parents (38.5%) than those of non-consanguineous parents (30.2%). The development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications was higher in patients with either a paternal or maternal history of DM than in those without. No significant difference was observed in the metabolic characteristics of patients with/without family history of DM except for hypertension. Complications were higher in diabetic patients with a family history of DM. CONCLUSION The present study found a significant maternal effect in transmission of T2DM. Family history is associated with the increased incidence of diabetes.
The p53 Protein Influences the Sensitivity of Testicular Germ Cells to Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced Apoptosis by Increasing the Membrane Levels of Fas and DR5 and Decreasing the Intracellular Amount of c-FLIP1

Abstract The consequence of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP)-induced injury of testicular Sertoli cells is the Fas-dependent apoptotic elimination of germ cells. In addition to the well-known ability of p53 to regulate the transcription of various apoptosis-associated proteins, p53 also has been implicated in mediating the localization of Fas to the plasma membrane of various cell types in a transcription-independent manner. To resolve the role of p53 in MEHP-mediated testicular toxicity, we used wild-type (p53+/+) and p53 knockout (p53−/−) mice. A significantly lower incidence of TUNEL-positive germ cells was observed in p53−/− mice compared to p53+/+ mice at 1, 1.5, and 24 h after MEHP exposure. In these same mice, an induction of Fas and death receptor-5 (DR5) in testicular membrane preparations was observed only in p53+/+ mice. Analyses of mRNA levels in testes of p53+/+ and p53−/− mice by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that increases in membrane levels of Fas occurred in the absence of their transcriptional up-regulation. Processing of procaspase-8 was observed only in MEHP-treated p53+/+ mice, and this correlated with the observed incidence of germ cell apoptosis. Interestingly, the p53 status of mice also influenced the stability of c-FLIP (L), a caspase-8 inhibitory protein, that was measured at levels approximately two- to fivefold higher in p53−/− mice after MEHP-exposure compared to those in p53+/+ mice. Taken together, these data suggest that MEHP-induced germ cell apoptosis is dependent, in part, on the p53 protein and on its abilities to increase the localization of Fas and DR5 on the germ cell membrane as well as to decrease the cellular levels of c-FLIP (L).
The Link between Firm Financial Performance and Investment in Sustainability Initiatives

While sustainability initiatives by firms are increasingly encouraged by customers, investors, and the government, the economics of sustainable decisions remains in question. The study described in this paper examines the link between sustainability and economic performance for the hospitality industry, as compared with other businesses. Using data spanning 1991 through 2011 from MSCI’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Indices and credit ratings from Standard and Poor’s representing 16,325 firm-years, the analysis finds that hospitality firms on average invest more in environmental programs than do businesses in other industries; that hospitality firms have significantly fewer environmental concerns; that strong financial performance leads to increased investments; and that going green, in turn, pays off in future periods, creating a virtuous cycle. One implication is that hospitality firms should go forward confidently in establishing their sustainability programs, as it appears that customers support the effort financially.
Children in Beardslee’s family intervention: Relieved by understanding of parental mental illness

Background: Beardslee’s family intervention (FI), which is a family-based preventive method for children of mentally ill parents, has been implemented on a national level in Sweden. Material: Fourteen children and parents from nine families were interviewed about how the FI was for the children. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Discussion: A central finding was children’s sense of relief and release from worry because of more knowledge and openness about the parent’s illness in the family. Conclusion: The results indicating relief for the children are encouraging.
The economic value of water in metropolitan areas of the United States

Water has been a passionately contested issue in the United States (US) over the past century. Some argue for growth restrictions in drought-susceptible regions, but based on economic production, it may be worthwhile implementing creative measures to ensure continued and sustainable growth. The following economic analysis correlates water withdrawals in the 32 most populous metropolitan areas in the US with several economic indicators, including gross metropolitan product (GMP), income, and employment. The ratio of GMP to water withdrawals (GMP/H2O) ranged from (US)$58,788 per million gallons in Tampa to $939,555 per million gallons in San Jose ($15,532 to $248,231 per megaliter, respectively). Some drought-susceptible areas (e.g., Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas) had relatively high GMP/H2O values, while others (e.g., Phoenix and San Diego) had relatively low GMP/H2O values. From a regional perspective, the Northwest had the strongest economy relative to its water withdrawals, and the Midwest had the weakest. These data indicate that the GMP/H2O metric can be used to justify water use in certain metropolitan areas but that the metric is less applicable to regional analyses due to unique aspects of local economies and water resource portfolios.
Stochastic Optimal Control for Staffing and Backlog Policies in a Two‐Stage Customized Service Supply Chain

Motivated by an oilfield services industry case study, we investigate the dynamic behavior of customized service supply chains by developing a two‐stage serial staffing model. Each stage holds no finished goods inventory, but rather only backlogs that can be managed by adjusting staffing levels. We develop optimal control policies to balance backlog costs against hiring and firing personnel costs'assuming shared backlog information—under both centralized and decentralized control. We examine when there is sufficient economic incentive for two completely decentralized stages to begin: (1) to share backlog information without centralizing control, or (2) to completely centralize control. These switching points are determined by the relative service and personnel costs of the two stages. From these results, we show that decentralizing control in many cases does not materially worsen performance, so long as information is shared. Moreover, in some cases, even sharing information is of only marginal benefit.
Financial Innovation: The Last Twenty Years and the Next

Abstract The word revolution is entirely appropriate for describing the changes in financial institutions and instruments that have occurred in the past twenty years. The major impulses to successful financial innovations have come from regulations and taxes. The outlook for the future is for a slowing down of the rate of financial innovation, but much growth and improvement are still in prospect.
The Risks of a Reputation for Toughness: Strategy in Public Goods Provision Problems Modelled by Chicken Supergames

In this article, versions of the n-person Chicken supergame are applied to the problem of public goods provision. The literature on two-person Chicken suggests that players should build a reputation for toughness in Chicken supergames by making, and sticking to, commitments not to co-operate. By doing this they are able to make the other player more likely to co-operate in future rounds of the game. However, in the n-person and continuous-strategy models examined here there may be risks associated with a reputation for toughness since, under certain conditions, other players are less likely to co-operate in future rounds of the game the greater your reputation for toughness. The implications of this are that the chances that vital public goods such as security and environmental stability will be provided may be reduced if players falsely generalize from the argument for maintaining a tough reputation in two-person, two-strategy chicken supergames.
Information System and Productivity in Kuwaiti Public Organizations: Looking Inside the Black Box

Abstract This study investigated the impact of information system on productivity in Kuwaiti public organizations. More specifically, it investigated the impact on business processes. Three dimensions of these processes were selected to view the impact. These dimensions were: Internal Process Performance, Coordination, and Customer Focus. Based on the literature review, three hypotheses were formulated. Each hypothesis related Information System Usage to an increase in the efficiency of the three process dimensions. In addition, this study investigated the impact of ten more variables that might affect the dependent variables. These variables included age, gender, nationality, years of experience in Kuwaiti public sector, years of experience in the current organization, years of experience in using IS, years of training in IS, position in hierarchy, level of education and years spent in current position. The study found a significant statistical evidence for the relationship between the usage of information system in a process and increasing the efficiency of its Internal Performance, Coordination, and Customer Focus. Further, five of the ten additional variables were found to be significant. Research and practice implications of the study's findings were stated.
IDENTIFICATION AND PRIORITIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CAPABILITY ON TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PERFORMANCE

In a knowledge-based economy, technological innovation capability is a key factor in upgrading a firm competitive capability. Improving TICs can be beneficial to a firm and leads to enhanced competitiveness. Researchers in the areas of sustainable competitive advantage have come to the conclusion that one of the critical things that give an organization a sustainable edge, is the development of Core Capabilities and referring to innovation- Technological Innovation Capabilities. Many researchers have adopted several components or multiple dimensions to audit TIC of enterprises. A set of indicators reflects the performance of a firm’s technological innovation activities. Four dimensions identified for technological innovation capability. After reviewing the literature and extract the dimension of each TIP and TIC, the initial model were proposed. The aim was to understand the effectiveness of each dimension. In this study with overview of the major approaches of TIC, a new approach according to the point of view of various industries experts in Iran was presented. The relation between these dimensions was determined by using qualitative analysis. In this paper we focus on prioritizing the TIC and TIP dimensions. For this purpose to construct the model and prioritization of TIC & TIP dimensions, we use DEMATEL method (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory). After analyzing data gathered, we found that from seven dimensions identified for TIC, three dimensions have more effect on the others. These three dimensions are strategic planning, resource allocation and organizing. On the other hand three dimensions of TIP are in effect group with this order: Innovation Performance, Sale Performance and Product Performance.
Investment distortions and the value of the government's tax claim

This article integrates the government in the context of company valuation. Our framework allows to analyse and to quantify the risk-sharing effects and conflicts of interest between the government and the shareholders when firms follow different financial policies. We provide novel evidence that firms with fixed future levels of debt might invest more than socially desirable. Economically, this happens if the gain in tax shields is big enough to outweigh the loss in the unlevered firm value. Our findings have implications for the practice of investment subsidy programmes provided by the government to avoid fostering investments beyond the socially optimal level.
Expectations and the Central Banker: Making Decisions the Market Expects to See?

This paper develops a simple model to examine conditions under which a monetary policy-making authority is tempted to ‘follow the market’. In doing so, we explore the implications of increased market consensus on the practice of monetary policy and show that inefficiency in policymaking is most likely precisely when there is a very high consensus that economic fundamentals are weak or strong. In addition, our results also shed light on (i) why interest rates may not be high enough even when the central bank's information suggests a rise in asset prices may be due to a ‘bubble’ shock; (ii) why a central banker may be reluctant to adopt a loose monetary policy even when investors seem to be very pessimistic about the path of future output; and (iii) why, contrary to conventional models, we sometimes observe an upward revision of private sector‘s forecasts of inflation when the central bank tightens its monetary policy. The results have implications for the transparency of monetary policy.
Further evidence of a dose-response threshold for haloperidol in psychosis.

OBJECTIVE The authors' goal was to determine whether higher doses of haloperidol improve antipsychotic response. METHOD During a 2-week, double-blind, randomized fixed-dose study, 24 psychotic patients were given 4, 10, or 40 mg/day of haloperidol. RESULTS No clinically relevant difference between groups in favor of the higher antipsychotic doses could be detected. CONCLUSIONS Doses of 4 mg/day of haloperidol appear to be as effective as higher doses in the treatment of psychosis.
Polysaccharides from By-products of the Wonderful and Laffan Pomegranate Varieties: New Insight into extraction and characterization.

Polysaccharides from By-products of the Wonderful and Laffan Pomegranate Varieties: New Insight into extraction and characterization. Abstract: The main crude polysaccharides (CPS), extracted from two widely cultivated pomegranate varieties, Laffan and Wonderful, were studied and characterized. We obtained the highest CPS extraction yield (approximatively 10% w/w on dried matter) by 1 h of decoction (ratio 1/40 w/v). The predominant polymers (75-80%) of the CPS samples shown a hydrodynamic volume close to 2000 kDa by size exclusion chromatography and the exocarp and mesocarp profiles were very similar. The proton spectra (1H-NMR), according to sugar composition and gelling ability, confirmed the main polysaccharide fractions were pectin with different acylation and methylation degree. The CPS from Laffan and Wonderful mesocarp showed prebiotic properties in vitro with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. The composition of the decoction (12 % ellagitannins and 10 % of CPS) obtained by a green extraction process of pomegranate by-products, makes it a suitable component of functional food formulations. Abstract The main crude polysaccharides (CPS), extracted from two widely cultivated pomegranate 25 varieties, Laffan and Wonderful, were studied and characterized. We obtained the highest CPS 26 extraction yield (approximatively 10% w/w on dried matter) by 1 h of decoction (ratio 1/40 w/v). 27 The predominant polymers (75-80%) of the CPS samples shown a hydrodynamic volume close to 28 2000 kDa by size exclusion chromatography and the exocarp and mesocarp profiles were very 29 similar. The proton spectra ( 1 H-NMR), according to sugar composition and gelling ability, 30 confirmed the main polysaccharide fractions were pectin with different acylation and methylation 31 degree. The CPS from Laffan and Wonderful mesocarp showed prebiotic properties in vitro with 32 Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. The composition of the decoction (12 % ellagitannins 33 and 10 % of CPS) obtained by a green extraction process of pomegranate by-products, makes it a 34 suitable component of functional food formulations. different fruit authors molecular weight of 110 kDa None of these studies specified which cultivar or variety was investigated. The present work shows the molecular weight distribution of pomegranate polysaccharides obtained from the Laffan and Wonderful cultivars by using size exclusion chromatography for the first time. We demonstrated that the CPS samples have similar apparent molecular weight distribution with overlapping profiles of the two cultivars and the two parts of the fruit. We also verified that hot extraction (100°C, 1 h) did not modify the CPS composition as demonstrated by complete overlap of size exclusion chromatography after cold water and boiling water
Maternal thyroid deficiency and pregnancy complications: implications for population screening

Objective To examine the relation between certain pregnancy complications and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) measurements in a cohort of pregnant women. Methods TSH was measured in sera obtained from women during the second trimester as part of routine prenatal care. Information was then collected about vaginal bleeding, premature delivery, low birthweight, abruptio placentae, pregnancy induced hypertension, need for cesarean section, low Apgar scores, and fetal and neonatal death. Results Among 9403 women with singleton pregnancies, TSH measurements were 6 mU/l or greater in 209 (2.2%). The rate of fetal death was significantly higher in those pregnancies (3.8%) than in the women with TSH less than 6 mU/l (0.9%, odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 1.9–9.5). Other pregnancy complications did not occur more frequently Conclusion From the second trimester onward, the major adverse obstetrical outcome associated with raised TSH in the general population is an increased rate of fetal death. If thyroid replacement treatment avoided this problem this would be another reason to consider population screening.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Consumer Prices: A European Perspective

We study the pass-through of exchange rate changes to consumer prices for the euro area by estimating vector error correction models for Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Using the weights of the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) we compute a weighted average of the country results for the euro area. We find that in response to a ten percent depreciation of the euro nominal effective exchange rate index, the HICP tends to increase by 0,4 percent after 12 months. The total effect amounts to 0,8 percent and the adjustment of consumer prices is completed after three years.