Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumers’ Purchase Intentions of Shoes: Theory of Planned Behavior and Desired Attributes

Nowadays, females viewed shoes are not considered just footwear to protect and comfort foot, but a fashionproduct for decoration and express self-image. The total annual sale of shoes is NT$ 60 billion in which femaleshoes accounted for about NT$36 billionin in Taiwan.The purpose of this research was to investigate whatfactors make the difference in female shoes purchase intentions? Factors included (1) shoes attributes; (2)attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control based on Theory of Planned Behavior; and (3)demographic and shopping behavior variables. A total of 450 convenience questionnaires were distributedoutside department stores using Mall-intercept method in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The results indicated femaleconsumers who have higher purchase intentions of shoes have significant higher appraisal of shoes attributes instyle, colour, collocability, materials and brand name compare to those who have lower purchase intentions ofshoes. In addition, consumers who have higher purchase intentions of shoes have better attitude, subjective norm,and behavior control compare to those who have lower purchase intentions of shoes. Overall, youth femaleconsumers age between 18-35 years old have significant higher purchase intentions than the elder consumers.Additionally, the more shoes quantity and higher shoes purchase frequency consumers have, the higher purchaseintentions of shoes would perceived.
Time for hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: insights for successful clinical applications in this challenging tumor

The multiplicity and phenotype of intratumoral immune infiltrate have been shown to influence the clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thus providing a strong rationale to therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring the dysfunctional immune response against the tumor. Improving the knowledge of the complex interactions between transformed hepatocytes, nonparenchymal resident cells, and infiltrating immune cells (characterizing the HCC microenvironment) will be instrumental to increase the success rate of existing immunotherapeutic strategies and to identify new potential targets for intervention or biomarkers to optimize the selection of candidate patients.
Glassy carbon MEMS for novel origami-styled 3D integrated intracortical and epicortical neural probes

We report on a novel technology for microfabricating 3D origami-styled micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structures with glassy carbon (GC) features and a supporting polymer substrate. GC MEMS devices that open to form 3D microstructures are microfabricated from GC patterns that are made through pyrolysis of polymer precursors on high-temperature resisting substrates like silicon or quartz and then transferring the patterned devices to a flexible substrate like polyimide followed by deposition of an insulation layer. The devices on flexible substrate are then folded into 3D form in an origami-fashion. These 3D MEMS devices have tunable mechanical properties that are achieved by selectively varying the thickness of the polymeric substrate and insulation layers at any desired location. This technology opens new possibilities by enabling microfabrication of a variety of 3D GC MEMS structures suited to applications ranging from biochemical sensing to implantable microelectrode arrays. As a demonstration of the technology, a neural signal recording microelectrode array platform that integrates both surface (cortical) and depth (intracortical) GC microelectrodes onto a single flexible thin-film device is introduced. When the device is unfurled, a pre-shaped shank of polyimide automatically comes off the substrate and forms the penetrating part of the device in a 3D fashion. With the advantage of being highly reproducible and batch-fabricated, the device introduced here allows for simultaneous recording of electrophysiological signals from both the brain surface (electrocorticography—ECoG) and depth (single neuron). Our device, therefore, has the potential to elucidate the roles of underlying neurons on the different components of µECoG signals. For in vivo validation of the design capabilities, the recording sites are coated with a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)—polystyrene sulfonate—carbon nanotube composite, to improve the electrical conductivity of the electrodes and consequently the quality of the recorded signals. Results show that both µECoG and intracortical arrays were able to acquire neural signals with high-sensitivity that increased with depth, thereby verifying the device functionality.
Monitoring thoracic fluid content using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy and Cole modeling

Abstract Heart failure is a chronic disease marked by frequent hospitalizations due to pulmonary fluid congestion. Monitoring the thoracic fluid status may favor the detection of fluid congestion in an early stage and enable targeted preventive measures. Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) has been used in combination with the Cole model for monitoring body composition including fluid status. The model parameters reflect intracellular and extracellular fluid volume as well as cell sizes, types and interactions. Transthoracic BIS may be a suitable approach to monitoring variations in thoracic fluid content.
Aflatoxin Carryover during Large Scale Peanut Butter Production

Peanut butter was monitored for aflatoxin contamination at different stages during its large-scale production starting from raw shelled peanuts up to the final product. Twenty five samples, weighing 2 kg each, were taken from each of the following stages: roasting at 160? C, blanching/de-skinning and grinding. The sub-samples were ground, thoroughly mixed and further reduced by the quartering technique until a 1 kg sub-sample was obtained. This was then analyzed for aflatoxins using reverse phase HPLC incorporating pre-column trifluoroacetic acid derivatization. The results showed a total aflatoxin percentage reduction of 51% after roasting, 27% after blanching/de-skinning followed by a further 11% after grinding to make peanut butter. This meant that there was a cumulative total reduction of 89% of aflatoxin concentration during the production process of peanut butter. These results show that there is a significant reduction of aflatoxin levels at the roasting and blanching stages in the process of producing peanut butter.
Conceptualising and Understanding User Behaviour in Enterprise Social Networks: A Qualitative Analysis

Along with the increasing number of companies introducing Enterprise Social Networks (ESN) in recent years, research on ESN user behaviour has proliferated. Yet, a detailed analysis of factors driving ESN user behaviour, that is, how users participate in ESN, is missing. Addressing this gap, in this paper, we explore ESN user behaviour and factors influencing usage in an Australian professional services firm. Based on a case study including 14 interviews with regular users of the case company’s ESN, we identify and characterise six general dimensions of ESN user behaviour. In addition, our analysis indicates ESN user behaviour to be influenced by a mix of individual factors and organisational factors. The contributions of this paper include a conceptualisation of user behaviour as well as a set of factors shaping ESN usage. For the management of ESN communities, our findings are hoped to inform initiatives aiming at reinforcing user engagement over time.1
Carrier mobility enhancement in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) having undergone rapid thermal annealing

The conjugated polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is subjected to non-adiabatic rapid thermal processing and exhibits an increase in conductivity through the film. Electrical measurements on an ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Al diode structure display a current-voltage relationship that correlates to space charge limited conduction with the presence of an exponential trap distribution, which is commonly seen in other organic media. With careful application of this current transport theory to the obtained experimental results, the root cause of the conductivity enhancement can be attributed solely to an increase in the charge mobility of carriers in the PEDOT:PSS film. In comparison to an untreated PEDOT:PSS film, processing at 200 °C for 30 s results in a 35% increase in carrier mobility to 0.0128 cm2 V−1 s−1. Values for other material characteristics of PEDOT:PSS can also be extracted from this electrical analysis, and additionally are found to be unchanged with processing. Hole c.
Plant functional diversity and nutrient availability can improve restoration of floating fens via facilitation, complementarity and selection effects

Peat-forming wetlands, and particularly floating fens forming the initial stages of these ecosystems, are globally declining due to excavation, dehydration and eutrophication. Restoration of these valuable ecosystems typically involves re-establishment of early-successional open-water stages with oligotrophic conditions that are characteristic for these systems. However, restoration success is notoriously limited and a potential solution may be to initiate succession by re-introduction of target plant species. Knowledge is needed on (a) which plant functional groups should be re-introduced to stimulate fen formation; and (b) how to manage nutrient levels during restoration, considering that plant growth may be slow in oligotrophic conditions. 2. We hypothesized that (1) increasing functional diversity of introduced species would stimulate the formation of peat-forming target communities, their biomass accumulation and expansion onto open water; and that (2) nutrient availability would mediate the relative contribution of specific functional groups to these effects. We experimentally investigated this in 36 artificial outdoor ponds by manipulating plant functional diversity (clonal dominants, clonal stress-tolerators and interstitials) on constructed rafts with fen-forming communities and subjected these to a range of nutrient loadings over two years. 3. Increasing functional diversity as well as increasing nutrient loadings had stimulating effects on plant biomass accumulation, cover formation and rhizome growth onto open water. Both complementarity (due to niche partitioning or facilitation) and selection effects were mechanisms underlying the diversity effect, with a constant relative importance over the entire range of nutrient availabilities. Different functional groups were important for biomass production at different nutrient availabilities. Rhizome formation by clonal stress-tolerators contributed disproportionately to open water colonisation, identifying this functional group as key across all nutrient levels. 4. Synthesis and applications Restoration of floating fen communities (1) can be stimulated during the first two years by introducing a high functional diversity of plant species, including fast-growing clonal species, clonal stress-tolerators and interstitials, which facilitate each other, (2) is dependent on the presence of clonal stress-tolerators such as Calla palustris, Comarum palustre and Menyanthes trifoliata for expansion onto the open water, (3) can start under a wide range of water nutrient levels, including eutrophic conditions.11-Jul-2018
Ego depletion in teacher aggression Failure to Replicate Ego Depletion in the Mechanism Underlying Teacher Aggression : A Conditional Process Analysis

The ego depletion effect refers to the hypothesis that self-control is vulnerable to short-term deterioration after it is exerted, causing subsequent performance on other unrelated self-control tasks to diminish. A large number of published studies since 1998 have provided empirical support for the depletion effect. However, there is considerable debate in the literature about its actual cause. Furthermore, a recent series of meta-analyses indicate that the effect is substantially smaller than previously reported, and may even be zero. The present study investigated whether ego depletion influences the mechanism underlying teacher aggression, and specifically whether depleted teachers are more likely than nondepleted teachers to respond aggressively to students who misbehave. Participants included 110 Australian primary and secondary school teachers who completed five online procedures. Results revealed that ego depletion did not influence the mechanism underlying teacher aggression that was tested. Possible reasons for this null finding are discussed.
Identification of an endophytic Rhizobium in stems of Populus.

We have discovered a Rhizobium species that lives within the stems of poplar (cottonwood; Populus). Poplar trees are deciduous, non-leguminous trees that are able to grow in nutrient-poor soil or gravel alongside rivers. Sequencing of 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA genes of the poplar endophyte revealed that the bacterium is Rhizobium tropici, with 99% identity to the type strain and 100% of the species-specific bases. This diazotrophic (nitrogenfixing) species is known for its ability to nodulate an exceptionally wide range of legumes; however, its endophytic nature in non-legumes has not been described. In this paper, we describe the association of this bacterium with a variety of Populus trichocarpa x P. deltoides hybrids from both our laboratory and outdoors, and compare this unique isolate to the type strain of Rhizobium tropici, CIAT899.
Dyadic accuracy and bias in preadolescents’ perceived peer relations

The dyadic accuracy and bias of preadolescents’ (M = 10.13 years) perceived peer relations were examined in relation to their aggression, depressive symptoms, and peer victimization. A racially diverse sample (235 boys and 281 girls) completed peer nominations of perceived and actual peer acceptance and rejection, peer nominations of friendship and peer victimization, and a self-report measure of depressive symptoms. Teachers completed measures of aggression. With higher depressive symptoms, children were more likely to underestimate their peer acceptance and friendship. With higher aggression, children were more likely to overestimate their peer acceptance and friendship but only when they experienced low levels of peer victimization. These findings highlight distinct patterns of dyadic bias associated with preadolescent’s depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior.
X-ray Shaping of Planetary Nebulae

The stellar winds of the central stars of planetary nebulae play an essential role in the shaping of planetary nebulae. In the interacting stellar winds model, the fast stellar wind injects energy and momentum, which are transferred to the nebular envelope through an X-ray-emitting hot bubble. Together with other physical processes, such as the ionization of the nebular envelope, the asymmetrical mass-loss in the asymptotic giant branch (AGB), and the action of collimated outflows and magnetic fields, the pressurized hot gas determines the expansion and evolution of planetary nebulae. Chandra and XMM-Newton have provided us with detailed information of this hot gas. Here in this talk I will review our current understanding of the effects of the fast stellar wind in the shaping and evolution of planetary nebulae and give some hints of the promising future of this research.
Development of two-moment cloud microphysics for liquid and ice within the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System Model (GEOS-5)

Abstract. This work presents the development of a two-moment cloud microphysics scheme within version 5 of the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5). The scheme includes the implementation of a comprehensive stratiform microphysics module, a new cloud coverage scheme that allows ice supersaturation, and a new microphysics module embedded within the moist convection parameterization of GEOS-5. Comprehensive physically based descriptions of ice nucleation, including homogeneous and heterogeneous freezing, and liquid droplet activation are implemented to describe the formation of cloud particles in stratiform clouds and convective cumulus. The effect of preexisting ice crystals on the formation of cirrus clouds is also accounted for. A new parameterization of the subgrid-scale vertical velocity distribution accounting for turbulence and gravity wave motion is also implemented. The new microphysics significantly improves the representation of liquid water and ice in GEOS-5. Evaluation of the model against satellite retrievals and in situ observations shows agreement of the simulated droplet and ice crystal effective radius, the ice mass mixing ratio and number concentration, and the relative humidity with respect to ice. When using the new microphysics, the fraction of condensate that remains as liquid follows a sigmoidal dependency with temperature, which is in agreement with observations and which fundamentally differs from the linear increase assumed in most models. The performance of the new microphysics in reproducing the observed total cloud fraction, longwave and shortwave cloud forcing, and total precipitation is similar to the operational version of GEOS-5 and in agreement with satellite retrievals. The new microphysics tends to underestimate the coverage of persistent low-level stratocumulus. Sensitivity studies showed that the simulated cloud properties are robust to moderate variation in cloud microphysical parameters. Significant sensitivity remains to variation in the dispersion of the ice crystal size distribution and the critical size for ice autoconversion. Despite these issues, the implementation of the new microphysics leads to a considerably improved and more realistic representation of cloud processes in GEOS-5, and allows the linkage of cloud properties to aerosol emissions.
Morphological variations of natural populations of an aquatic macrophyte Elodea nuttallii in their native and in their introduced ranges.

Introduced plant species appear often more vigorous than their conspecifics in the native range. We investigated the morphological variations of Elodea nuttallii (Planch.) St John and its behaviour in its native and in its introduced habitats. We assessed eight morphological traits of 24 populations in the native North America range and 16 populations in the introduced European range. The introduced taxa can be very distinct in their growth form and size from counterparts in their native range. The shorter broaded-leaved phenotype typically occurs in shallow streams, whereas the longer spacer narrow-leaved phenotype occurs in lakes. Larger leaf width and higher number of lateral shoots - when nutrients are not limiting- may enhance plant performance. The European populations grow more vigorously than their American relatives, possibly because of different selection pressures.
Bayesian inference of genetic parameters for reproductive traits in Sistani native cows using Gibbs sampling

This study was undertaken to estimate the genetic parameters for some reproductive traits in Sistani beef cattle. The data set consisted of 1489 records of the number of insemination, calving, and insemination dates in different calving events. Reproductive traits, including the calving interval (CI), gestation length (GL), days open (DO), calving to first service (CTFS), first service to conception (FSTC), conception rate (CR), pregnancy rate (PR), and number of inseminations per conception (NSPC) were evaluated. Variance components for traits were estimated using different single-trait animal models analyzed by Gibbs sampling, and correlations between traits were estimated using the best multi-trait animal models. After convergence, the posterior mean of heritabilities for CI, GL, DO, CTFS, FSTS, CR, PR and NSPC in the best model were estimated as 0.032, 0.113, 0.096, 0.002, 0.012, 0.082, 0.023, and 0.123, respectively. The highest and lowest genetic correlations were found for CI×CR (-0.999) and CTFS×NSPC (0.001) interactions, respectively. The results showed that additive genetic for most reproductive traits in Sistani beef cattle was low; therefore, selection for these traits would make slow genetic progress. However, the estimated heritability of GL, DO, and NSPC, and the genetic correlations of these traits with CI, CR and PR suggested that selection for these traits in Sistani beef cattle may enhance genetic progress in fertility.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Adult ESL Speakers' Oral Fluency Gains

A Longitudinal Analysis of Adult ESL Speakers’ Oral Fluency Gains Kostiantyn Fesenko Department of Linguistics and English Language, BYU Master of Arts While a number of studies have sought to investigate ESL speakers’ fluency gains over the course of one 15-week semester, few if any studies have investigated these changes over a longer developmental period. A critical factor in researching longitudinal change is that students do not often remain in an intensive English program (IEP) for more than two semesters before moving to a new school, applying to an American university, or returning to their home country. Longitudinal research, therefore, is necessary as program administrators, teachers, and learners all seek to understand points where change in oral fluency actually occurs. For this study data were collected from students in a large intensive English program over a 45-week period. For 39 ESL learners audio files from speaking tasks that were part of placement and end-of-semester level achievement tests were collected and analyzed. Specific oral fluency features such as speech rate, articulation rate, and pause frequency were investigated. This thesis will share the results of the analysis while also discussing the implications of the data for program administrators, teachers, and learners. Particular focus will be given to helping stakeholders understand specific changes that occurred in learners’ fluency over the time period of three semesters.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE : DESIGN AND VALIDATION OF A SCALE

English is becoming increasingly important as a means of communication in universities around the world. More and more universities in non-English speaking countries are requiring that their students prove their level of English, either upon entering the university, or for graduation. This is the case in most private institutions of higher education in Mexico. Public universities in the country are also beginning to require English. Thus, many learners have an extrinsic, but not necessarily intrinsic, motivation to learn. That is, they decide to learn the language because they must, not because they want to. Considering that attitude and motivation have an important impact on language learning, the objective of this study was to develop an instrument to measure these two constructs. A scale was designed and validated to measure the following elements which make up attitude related to English language learning: selfconfidence, motivation, commitment, importance, sense of belonging, and need for the language. To this end, surveys were applied to postgraduate students of the Universidad Cristóbal Colón Campus Calasanz. The study found that motivation to learn the language was an important factor, whereas self-confidence in one’s abilities was not.
Option Pricing and Hedging for Discrete Time Regime-Switching Models

We propose optimal mean-variance dynamic hedging strategies in discrete time under a multivariate Gaussian regime-switching model. The methodology, which also performs pricing, is robust to time-varying and clustering risk observed in financial time series. As such, it overcomes the main theoretical drawbacks of the Black-Scholes model. To support our approach, we provide univariate pricing results for monthly S&P 500 vanilla options. Then, we present the associated out-of-sample hedging results in the context of harvesting the implied versus realized volatility premium. Using the proposed methodology, the Sharpe ratio derived from the strategy doubles over the classical Black-Scholes delta-hedging methodology.