Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Strategy for Treat with Socio-cultural Aspects in Software Distributed Development

Distributed development of software (DDS) has been gaining ground among companies that develop, as they saw the DDS a great opportunity to reduce project costs. However, due to the distribution of teams, there are some problems that do not exist in traditional development co-located, such as differences in time zones, different languages, lack of team spirit, inadequate infrastructure, among other challenges often generated by socio-cultural differences between the participants. This article is just the presentation of these challenges, evaluating their effects on the development process as well as presenting a strategy to minimize them, so do not compromise the outcome of the project.
Women’s Awareness and Attitudes towards Labor Analgesia Influencing Practice between Developed and Developing Countries

Childbirth experience is one of the most intense pain that majority of women will endure during their lifetime. Concerns about pain in labor remain a hot topic, and its popularity gets more common day by day as more women become aware of their rights to achieve a better quality of care during labor. There are various non-pharmacologic (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, hydrotherapy, intradermal water injections and acupuncture) and pharmacologic treatments (nitrous oxide, opioids and regional analgesia techniques: spinal, epidural and combined epidural analgesia) available today. Among these, epidural analgesia offers the most effective form of pain relief and is considered to be the gold standard of labor analgesia. Despite having labor analgesic services, most women still go through painful labor due to lack of knowledge regarding it, particularly in developing countries. The main source of information regarding pain reliefs is from friends and relatives, revealing the lack of information from caregiver’s side. So this study reflects that there is a wide gap in the communication between pregnant women and obstetricians. It supports the fact that obstetricians through the practice of routinely offering labor analgesia can significantly improve the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy. Provision of standardized epidural analgesia information at an appropriate time in their pregnancy may benefit them by the practice of mutual decision-making. Thus, it may prevent women from making a difficult choice of cesarean section to avoid the fear of painful labor.
Firms’ Financing, Contract Enforcement, and Liability Dollarization

This paper analyzes how the presence of liability dollarization, different degrees of contract enforcement, and the possibility to default on debts affect firms’ financing decisions. The framework is a dynamic model of heterogeneous firms. They finance their capital acquisitions using their own income and borrowing from foreign lenders. The set of contracts available incorporates the possibility of default. The incentives to repay or default are determined by the firms’ value relative to the value of default, controlled by the degree of contract enforcement and the presence of liability dollarization. Quantitative evidence is found to support the common wisdom that firms in economies subject to liability dollarization are more likely to default. The presence of liability dollarization increases the likelihood of default by 13%. Weak contract enforcement increases the probability of default by almost 19%. Default regions are determined, with small, highly leveraged firms being more prone to default.
The application of information systems in the Jordanian banking sector : a study of the acceptance of the internet

This thesis reports the findings of a study into issues concerning the acceptance of Internet Banking in Jordan, a country of the Middle East. Although conducted at a particular site on a particular IT application, there is justification for claiming that the findings are relevant to the introduction of the broad spectrum of Internet applications into other countries of the region and into developing countries in general. Thus the study makes significant contributions across all areas of IT adoption and usage research and practice as well as informing the banking sector in Jordan. The research began with an exploratory study involving some preliminary interviews with bank managers in Jordan and a review of some relevant literature. This led to the decision to base the study on the well-known Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with extensions to make it more relevant for a developing country such as Jordan whose environment is significantly different from that of the Western countries where the technology originated. To this end external variables were added to the model consisting of constructs under the heading of culture and trust from the consumer side and technology quality from the banking side. For
Putting brands into play

The study looks at the effectiveness of in-game advertising, focusing specifically on the impact of medium context. Using an experimental design, the study investigates the relationship that exists between the effectiveness of in-game ad placements and a player’s psychological experiences in reaction to the content of the game. It is argued that the numerous emotions and experiences that occur during game play (e.g. enjoyment, competence, tension) might have an impact on how players process the game environment, including in-game ads. In order to test this, a between-subjects online experiment was conducted in which participants played a casual PC game that contained several in-game advertisements. We manipulated the difficulty of the game, leading to differences in several player experiences between experimental conditions. Results indicate that increasing game difficulty affects the processing and evaluation of the brands featured in in-game ad placements both directly and, more importantly, indirectly through the variation of player experiences.
Antigen-specific proliferation of porcine CD8alphaalpha cells to an extracellular bacterial pathogen.

A vaccine inducing protective immunity to a spirochaete-induced colitis of pigs predominantly stimulates expansion of CD8+ cells in vivo and in antigen-stimulated lymphocyte cultures. CD8+ cells, however, are rarely considered necessary for protection against extracellular bacterial pathogens. In the present study, pigs recovering from colitis resulting from experimental infection with Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae had increased percentages of peripheral blood CD4- CD8+ (alphaalpha-expressing) cells compared with non-infected pigs. CD8alphaalpha+ cells proliferated in antigen-stimulated cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from B. hyodysenteriae-vaccinated pigs. Proliferating CD8alphaalpha+ cells consisted of CD4-, CD4+ and gammadelta T-cell receptor-positive cells. CD4- CD8alphabeta+ cells from vaccinated or infected pigs did not proliferate upon in vitro antigen stimulation. Of the CD8alphaalpha cells that had proliferated, flow cytometric analysis indicated that the majority of the CD4+ CD8+ cells were large (i.e. lymphoblasts) whereas the CD4- CD8+ cells were predominantly small. Addition of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for either porcine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II antigens diminished B. hyodysenteriae-specific proliferative responses whereas addition of mAb to porcine MHC II, but not porcine MHC I, reduced the CD8alphaalpha response. In vitro depletion of CD4+ cells by flow cytometric cell sorting diminished, but did not completely abrogate, the proliferative response of cells from vaccinated pigs to B. hyodysenteriae antigen stimulation. These results suggest that CD8alphaalpha cells are involved in recovery and possibly protection from a spirochaete-induced colitis of pigs; yet, this response appears to be partially dependent upon CD4+ cells.
The Spleen in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Computed tomography of the spleen was correlated with histologic examination or clinical data in 53 selected patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Calculation of the splenic index with CT by multiplying spleen length, width and thickness is a simple and rapid procedure for defining splenic size in vivo. A good correlation was found between size of the spleen, as estimated by splenic index calculation, and the proven or probable histologic state of the spleen.
A COMPARISON AND JOINT ANALYSIS OF SUNYAEV–ZEL’DOVICH EFFECT MEASUREMENTS FROM PLANCK AND BOLOCAM FOR A SET OF 47 MASSIVE GALAXY CLUSTERS

We measure the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) signal toward a set of 47 clusters with a median mass of 9.5 × 1014 M☉ and a median redshift of 0.40 using data from Planck and the ground-based Bolocam receiver. When Planck XMM-like masses are used to set the scale radius , we find consistency between the integrated SZ signal, , derived from Bolocam and Planck based on generalized Navarro, Frenk, and White model fits using A10 shape parameters, with an average ratio of 1.069 ± 0.030 (allowing for the ≃5% Bolocam flux calibration uncertainty). We also perform a joint fit to the Bolocam and Planck data using a modified A10 model with the outer logarithmic slope β allowed to vary, finding β = 6.13 ± 0.16 ± 0.76 (measurement error followed by intrinsic scatter). In addition, we find that the value of β scales with mass and redshift according to . This mass scaling is in good agreement with recent simulations. We do not observe the strong trend of β with redshift seen in simulations, though we conclude that this is most likely due to our sample selection. Finally, we use Bolocam measurements of Y500 to test the accuracy of the Planck completeness estimate. We find consistency, with the actual number of Planck detections falling approximately 1σ below the expectation from Bolocam. We translate this small difference into a constraint on the effective mass bias for the Planck cluster cosmology results, with .
Environmental Reporting and Firm Performance: Evidence from Thailand

The Porter hypothesis posits that a properly designed environmental standard can enhance productivity and competitiveness. Using a unique data set from the Thailand Institute of Directors' Corporate Governance Benchmarking Survey, this study provides indirect support to the Porter hypothesis. Specifically, the empirical results reveal that there is no significant relation between environmental reporting and accounting performance, suggesting that disclosure of good environmental policies does not negatively affect short-term profitability. However, there is a significant positive, non-linear relation between environmental reporting and market valuation. This result implies that reporting of good environmental policies affects long-term performance but that the marginal positive effect on firm value declines at high levels, indicating an optimal level of environmental reporting. The results highlight the complexity of the relation between socially responsible actions and firm performance. The finding also indirectly supports the Porter hypothesis that an optimally designed regulatory standard can increase competitiveness and maximise shareholder wealth.
Evaluation of resolution properties of median priors in list-mode reconstruction methods for PET

In list-mode acquisition, data is collected as a list of events with different attributes recorded for each event. Listmode reconstruction methods are used in this case. In this paper, we have contributed towards an assessment of resolution properties of list-mode image reconstruction methods, through an investigation of impulse responses, obtained using Local Impulse Response (LIR) function in Penalized-Likelihood (PL-EM) reconstruction methods with our proposed median root based (MPs) priors and have compared our results with standard quadratic priors (QPs). We have shown that better resolution can be recovered with these priors, whereas standard priors still produce a kind of over-smoothing. We have also presented results for Combine Priors (CPs), a hybrid of standard Quadratic Priors (QPs) and Median Based Priors (MPs), which can be used for better user controlled resolution characteristics, and noise resolution trade-off. Results show that our proposed priors are less sensitive to the parameter value which is a great advantage in PL-EM methods.
Improving the bandwidth gain-independence and accuracy of the current feedback amplifier

A high-performance current feedback amplifier circuit referred to as an operational current feedback amplifier is described in this paper. The technique employed involves the incorporation of the input circuit of the current feedback amplifier in the feedback loop of an operational amplifier to reduce the input impedance at the inverting terminal of the current feedback amplifier. The new circuit possesses the gain accuracy and bandwidth of the current feedback amplifier but realizes significant improvement in bandwidth accuracy and bandwidth gain-independence. Experimentally, using AD844s, an order of magnitude reduction in bandwidth variation with changing gain was achieved in the noninverting configuration and almost complete bandwidth invariance was realized in the inverting configuration.
Dietary intake and breast cancer among carriers and noncarriers of BRCA mutations in the Korean Hereditary Breast Cancer Study.

BACKGROUND Soy intake is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. However, it is unclear whether the same reduction in risk associated with high soy intake is also applicable to familial or genetic breast cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the dietary factors among carriers and noncarriers of BRCA mutations in the Korean Hereditary Breast Cancer Study (KOHBRA). DESIGN The KOHBRA Study is an ongoing project composed of affected breast cancer patients and familial members of breast cancer cases with BRCA mutations. To assess the association between dietary diversity and breast cancer risk, an HR was estimated by comparing affected subjects with their familial nonaffected members. To assess the interaction between the combination of BRCA mutation and diet diversity, the case-only OR (COR) was estimated by comparing BRCA mutation carriers and noncarriers only in affected subjects. RESULTS Soy product intake was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in carriers (HR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.79 for the highest quartile). The highest quartile of meat intake was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer regardless of BRCA mutation in carriers (HR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.44) and noncarriers (95% CI: 1.41; 1.12, 1.78). The associations of meat intake and soybean intake for breast cancer were more prominent in BRCA2 mutation carriers. In the analysis with only cases, the highest quartile of soy intake, but not meat intake, was associated with BRCA-related breast cancer (COR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.91). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that soy product consumption is associated with lower breast cancer risk and it had an interaction with BRCA mutation.
On the allocation of a takeover purchase price under AASB1013

*This article is free to read on the publisher's website* The purpose of this paper is to document and explain the allocation of takeover purchase price to identifiable intangible assets (IIAs), purchased goodwill, and/or target net tangible assets in an accounting environment unconstrained with respect to IIA accounting policy choice. Using a sample of Australian acquisitions during the unconstrained accounting environment from 1988 to 2004, we find the percentage allocation of purchase price to IIAs averaged 19.09%. The percentage allocation to IIAs is significantly positively related to return on assets and insignificantly related to leverage, contrary to opportunism. Efficiency suggests an explanation: profitable firms acquire and capitalise a higher percentage of IIAs in acquisitions. The target's investment opportunity set is significantly positively related to the percentage allocation to IIAs, consistent with information-signalling. The paper contributes to the accounting policy choice literature by showing how Australian firms make the one-off accounting policy choice in regards allocation of takeover purchase price (which is often a substantial dollar amount to) in an environment where accounting for IIAs was unconstrained.
The diffusion of technological innovation in the commercial banking industry

This paper examines the propensity of organizations to adopt technological innovations. Technological innovations evolve from the stock of skills which organizations have accumulated over time. Linkages with extramural sources of technology are presumed to be important as well. Hypotheses are tested on a sample of commercial banks. Findings show that prior experience in information technology, in tandem with a variety of interfirm linkages, will affect the banks' decision to adopt this innovation.
Overexpression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in mice does not affect adipogenesis or adipose tissue development

Summary In order to evaluate a potential functional role of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in development of obesity, we studied the effect of overexpression of human TIMP-1 (hTIMP-1) in C57Bl/6J mice in vivo and in 3T3-F442A preadipocytes in vitro. Stable long-term overexpression of hTIMP-1 in mice was achieved by adenoviral gene transfer, yielding plasma levels exceeding 250 ng/ml at eight weeks after injection. Mice overexpressing hTIMP-1 and kept on a high fat diet for 14 weeks had body weights, adipose tissue weights, and adipocyte diameters that were somewhat, but not significantly, lower than those of control mice. Similar observations were made after overexpression of hTIMP-1 in mice with lipectomy of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, kept on a high fat diet for 20 weeks. In both in vivo models, blood vessels in the adipose tissues were significantly smaller after hTIMP-1 gene transfer than in control mice. Overexpression of hTIMP-1 in 3T3-F442A preadipocytes had no effect on their subsequent differentiation into mature adipocytes. Thus, overexpression of hTIMP-1 in mice had no significant effect on ongoing adipogenesis or adipose tissue development, although the blood vessel size in adipose tissues was reduced.
The adoption of e‐business and knowledge management in SMEs

Purpose – This paper seeks to investigate how small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are using information and communications technology (ICT) to try and gain a competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approach – A joint methodology of questionnaire survey and semi‐structured interviews was used for both phases of the study. The research method used consisted of mailed questionnaires being sent to over 200 firms with follow‐up telephone interviews. This paper combines a significant literature review with primary data collected from the various SMEs.Findings – This paper provides sound evidence that SMEs can gain competitive advantage through the use of ICT. More than 70 per cent of the respondents identified ICT as aiding their business in one or more of the accepted competitive areas. However, there is potential for SMEs to gain further advantages by using an integrated and strategic approach in their use of ICT.Research limitations/implications – The research has direct implications for UK SMEs. It w.
Adrenotrophic activity of human blood.

The presence of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, or of a substance or substances possessing adrenotrophic activity, has not been convincingly demonstrated in human urine (Locke, Albert and Kepler, unpublished). We have therefore turned our attention to the blood, in the hope that adrenotrophic material may be present in a concentration sufficiently high to be measured by current assay procedures. A review of the literature pertinent to this subject is summarized in table 1. It appears that the results obtained are conflicting, and that much of this confusion has resulted from the use of test animals with intact pituitaries. Such a procedure does not, of course, permit specific detection of adrenotrophic activity in the material tested. Thus, there is considerable doubt as to the validity of all results obtained with human blood, with the sole exception of those obtained by Cooke, Graetzer and Reiss (1948).
Innovation adoption across self-service banking technologies in India

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the various antecedent beliefs predicting customers’ attitudes toward, and adoption of, self-service technologies (SSTs) available in the banking industry. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive research design with survey approach is used to develop and test a conceptual model of adoption for all three self-service banking technologies (SSBTs). Findings – The results of the comparative analysis showed that antecedent beliefs affecting adopters’ attitude vary across different SSBTs. It extends and tests the technology acceptance model (TAM) by including two additional antecedents from the theories of adoption behavior. Research limitations/implications – All three SSBTs included in the paper are from the banking industry, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other industries. Many other limitations were also reported. Practical implications – The findings reveal why and how customers decide to adopt different SSBTs and why a few SSBTs .
Internet innovation for external relations in the Balearic hotel industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to unveil and discuss the importance of factors determining the internet innovation for external relations in the lodging industry. These external relations include those with customers, other businesses and administrations (B2C, B2B, B2A)Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence extracted from a sample of tourism lodging establishments in the Balearic Islands has been used to unveil the determining factors of internet innovation in the lodging industry. The lodging industry has been chosen in order to preserve a certain internal homogeneity since it has been shown previously that the innovation adoption process differs across economic sectors. The factors affecting internet innovation in external relations arise from the estimation of the discrete choice econometric models that represent these firms' decisions.Findings – It was found that certain factors increase the probability that the lodging industry innovates through the use of internet for external rela.
Influences of institutional pressures on corporate social responsibility attitude and corporate social responsibility outcomes

We study the antecedents that help explaining how firms should deal with CSR in this modern economy where there is a heightened demand for firms to behave in a socially responsible manner, and also why some firms succeed with their CSR initiatives while others fail. We believe (1) different types of demands from various stakeholder groups, (2) managers‟ attitude, and (3) disaggregation of CSR dimensions to be three important issues playing a role in creating robust CSR. Our results unveil that external and internal institutional pressures alone do not have significant relationships with both types of CSR: firm-benefit CSR and mutually-benefiting CSR. Instead these forces affect CSR attitude of managers, which successively, influences the kinds of CSR they consider and engage in