Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An integrative framework for supply chain collaboration

Purpose – This paper proposes an integrative framework for supply chain collaboration which is based on the reciprocal approach.Design/methodology/approach – A reciprocal approach is adopted to capture the interaction phenomenon of different features of collaboration in attaining overall supply chain performance.Findings – A collaborative supply chain framework is composed of five connecting features of collaboration, namely collaborative performance system, information sharing, decision synchronization, incentive alignment, and integrated supply chain processes.Research limitations/implications – Further research could be carried out to capitalize the framework for diagnosing and improving supply chain collaboration.Practical implications – The proposed framework enables the chain members to scrutinize key features of supply chain collaboration before and during collaborative initiatives.Originality/value – Previous research on supply chain collaboration mainly assume the unilateral phenomenon of collabo.
Slope Analysis of Fuzzy Surfaces

Analysis of the slope is one of the fundamental analyses within geoinformatics, especially its initial calculation. Slope analysis is usually used as the first step in much more sophisticated analyses as well as in complex models of natural phenomena. Fuzzy surfaces provide representation of geographical phenomena with all aspects of the uncertainty (i.e. both in terms of the description of reality or the uncertainty of measurement). The uncertainty in the input surface is crucial for analysis of slope. A high level of uncertainty can significantly affect the result of slope analysis. The Neighbourhood method was utilized for calculating with fuzzy numbers and to perform slope analysis of the fuzzy surface. The main reason for choosing this method is that it belongs to the most common tools in GIS software (e.g. both ArcGIS and GRASS). The computation with fuzzy numbers instead of crisp numbers allows evaluation of uncertainty of the resultant slope. The aim of this article is to present the process of slope calculation with fuzzy numbers as well as all necessary algorithms that are needed for such calculation. The further analysis of uncertainty provides important information for the process of decision making. The level of uncertainty in the results of the above‐mentioned analysis can be as important as the actual result. It is especially important in situations where the amount of uncertainty varies at higher values.
A multiprocessor system for real time high resolution image correlation

In this paper a dedicated multiprocessor architecture for a real time implementation of the normalized cross correlation function (NCCF) on images up to 1024x1024 pixels is presented. The computational requirements are dramatically reduced by calculating this algorithm in the frequency domain. In contrast to a standard implementation of the NCCF which inherently imposes rectangular templates, the proposed enhanced method also allows to search for free-form templates which even may include holes. The computation in the frequency domain is based on a single program multiple data (SPMD) architecture which includes a dedicated ASIC for the computation of the 1D complex FFT. Besides this specific part of the system, the image pre- and post- processing tasks are supported by general purpose DSP's. A system consisting of 4 ASIC's and 2 Sharc DSP's is able to compute the enhanced NCCF of a free form template on images of 1024x1024 pixels within 134 ms (8 frames/s).
Acoustical and Perceptual Comparison of Noise Reduction and Compression in Hearing Aids.

PURPOSE Noise reduction and dynamic-range compression are generally applied together in hearing aids but may have opposite effects on amplification. This study evaluated the acoustical and perceptual effects of separate and combined processing of noise reduction and compression. DESIGN Recordings of the output of 4 hearing aids for speech in babble noise at +4 dB signal-to-noise ratio were used in 3 experiments: (a) acoustical measurements to determine the influence of processing on speech and noise levels; (b) perceptual measurements to determine the detectability of processing differences for 16 listeners with hearing impairment; and (c) perceptual measurements to determine the effect of processing on speech intelligibility, noise annoyance, speech naturalness, and overall preference. RESULTS Noise reduction and compression processing differed between hearing aids. The combined processing (noise reduction with compression) most strongly reduced noise and speech levels. The combined processing was detectably different between hearing aids, but compression processing alone was not. The combined processing did not influence speech intelligibility. Preference for combined processing was lower than previously observed for noise reduction without compression. CONCLUSIONS Differences in processing between hearing aids are perceptually salient. The effect of compression should be taken into account during the development and evaluation of hearing aid noise reduction.
Convected activation profiles and the measurement of visual motion

A method is developed for the measurement of short-range visual motion in image sequences, making use of the motion of image features such as edges and points. Each feature generates a Gaussian activation profile in a spatiotemporal neighborhood of specified scale around the feature itself; this profile is then convected with motion of the feature. The authors show that image velocity estimates can be obtained from such dynamic activation profiles using a modification of familiar gradient techniques. The resulting estimators can be formulated in terms of simple ratios of spatiotemporal filters (i.e. receptive fields) convolved with image feature maps. A family of activation profiles of varying scale must be utilized to cover a range of possible image velocities. They suggest a characteristic speed normalization of the estimate obtained from each filter in order to decide which estimate is to be accepted. They formulate the velocity estimators for dynamic edges in 1-D and 2-D image sequences, as well as that for dynamic feature points in 2-D image sequences. <<ETX>>
Impact of Internet Banking on Customer Satisfaction in Private and Public Sector Banks

This is an exploratory research paper which discussed the impact of various Internet banking (IB) services on the overall satisfaction levels of the banking customers. With the help of forward stepwise regression, we explained how various variables both negatively and positively influenced customers' satisfaction with Internet banking. Data were collected from 500 respondents (250 from private sector banks and 250 from public sector banks) in India (Delhi-NCR), constituting a 65% response rate. The application of this analysis revealed that customers wanted the private sector banks to improve upon the features like quality of service, frequency of reminder given for password change, safety, privacy of ID and password, and proper entering of the details in the bank registers. In case of the public sector banks, customers had different sets of concerns - like they were much worried about the lack of development in rules and regulation of E- banking as well as the poor regulatory framework in Internet banking. However, security issues aroused a common concern from the customers in case of both sectors of banks. The results also showed that the customers were ready to adopt Internet banking provided they were given necessary guidelines and constant built up of trust.
Effect of WT1 gene silencing on the tumorigenicity of human glioblastoma multiforme cells.

OBJECT Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) is overexpressed in many human cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In another study, the authors showed that transient WT1 silencing increases the radiosensitivity of glioma cells. Studies of nonglioma cell lines have demonstrated that WT1 promotes cell proliferation and survival; however, this ability has not been rigorously analyzed in human GBM. METHODS The authors tested the efficacy of 2 sequences of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) directed against WT1 in U251MG human GBM cells and found that 1 sequence was capable of stably silencing WT1 expression. They then evaluated the effect of WT1 silencing on cellular proliferation, invasion, and in vivo tumor formation. RESULTS Stable WT1-shRNA expression significantly decreased the proliferation of U251MG cells in vitro as demonstrated by both an adenosine 5'-triphosphate-based viability assay and tritiated thymidine uptake. Furthermore, stable WT1 silencing caused significantly slower growth after the subcutaneous inoculation of tumor cells in the flanks of athymic nude mice and was associated with an increased latency period. CONCLUSIONS Data in this study provide proof of the principle that downregulation of WT1 causes decreased tumorigenicity of a GBM cell line in vitro and in vivo and suggest that WT1 is a promising target for novel molecular GBM therapies, perhaps in combination with standard treatment modalities.
When Does Helping Help or Hurt? Factors Affecting Consumer Satisfaction from Retailer Help in Web and Store Shopping

Help-seeking and help-giving have been investigated extensively in other areas, such as psychology, education, and child development, but have received relatively little attention in consumer behavior settings, where retailers often provide consumers with help. We draw from the extant literature on help, and from the unique aspects of help in consumer settings, to develop hypotheses concerning the impact on consumers of three kinds of help - requested, offered, and imposed - that have been identified in help research in other areas, and how this impact differs across store and internet shopping. We test these hypotheses with two laboratory experiments, one field study, and two field experiments.
PENGARUH MEKANISME GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS PERUSAHAAN (STUDI PADA PERUSAHAAN BUMN YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEI TAHUN 2012-2014)

This study aimed to examine the influence of Good Corporate Governance (GCG) mechanism toward company profitability. GCG mechanism is proxied by institutional ownership, independent board, board of directors and audit committee. The company's profitability is measured by Return On Asset (ROA). Population in this research is the company's state-owned enterprises (SOE) that are listed on IDX in 2012-2014. The sample selection technique is using purposive sampling method. Based on the criteria that have been determined,12 companies chosen as sample. The type of data used are secondary data in the form of annual reports and financial statements. Data analysis techniques is using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study showed that simultaneously, institutional ownership variable, independent board, board of directors, and audit committees have a significant effect on ROA. Partially, institutional ownership has a positive and significant effect on ROA. Independent board has negative and significant effect on ROA. While another GCG mechanism proxy, which are the board of directors and audit committee have a positive effect but not significant on ROA. Keywords: GCG Mechanism, institutional ownership, independent board, board of directors, audit committee, ROA ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh mekanisme Good Corporate Governance (GCG) terhadap profitabilitas perusahaan. Mekanisme GCG diproksikan dengan kepemilikan institusional, dewan komisaris independen, dewan direksi, dan komite audit. Profitabilitas perusahaan diukur dengan Return On Asset (ROA). Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah perusahaan BUMN yang terdaftar di BEI tahun 2012-2014. Teknik pemilihan sampel yaitu dengan metode purposive sampling . Berdasarkan kriteria-kriteria yang telah ditentukan, diperoleh 12 perusahaan yang dijadikan sampel penelitian. Jenis data yang digunakan yaitu data sekunder berupa laporan tahunan dan laporan keuangan. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis regresi linear berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara simultan variabel kepemilikan institusional, dewan komisaris independen, dewan direksi, dan komite audit berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ROA. Secara parsial, kepemilikan institusional berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap ROA. Dewan komisaris independen berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap ROA. Sedangkan proksi mekanisme GCG yang lain, yaitu dewan direksi dan komite audit tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ROA. Kata kunci: Mekanisme GCG, kepemilikan institusional, dewan komisaris independen, dewan direksi, komite audit, ROA
Structural organization and expression pattern of the canine RPGRIP1 isoforms in retinal tissue.

PURPOSE To examine the structure and expression of RPGRIP1 in dog retina. METHODS Determination of the structural analysis and expression pattern of canine RPGRIP1 (cRPGRIP1) was based on cDNA amplification. Absolute quantification of the expression level of cRPGRIP1 splice variants was determined by qRT-PCR. Regulatory structures were examined by computational analysis of comparative genomics. RESULTS cRPGRIP1 encompasses 25 exons that harbor a 3627-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 1209-amino-acid (aa)-predicted protein. In addition to the main transcript, five full-length and several partial cRPGRIP1 isoforms were identified revealing four alternative 3'-terminal exons--24, 19a, 19c, and 19d--three of which could potentially produce C-terminally truncated proteins that lack the RPGR-interacting domain. A complex organization of the 5'-UTR for the cRPGRIP1 splice products have been described, with a common promoter driving multiple isoforms, including four full-length transcripts using the 3'-terminal exon 24. In addition, a potential alternative internal promoter was revealed to initiate at least two cRPGRIP1 splice variants sharing the same 3'-terminal exon 19c. Transcription initiation sites were highly supported by conserved arrangements of cis-elements predicted in a bioinformatic analysis of orthologous RPGRIP1 promoter regions. CONCLUSIONS The use of alternative transcription start and termination sites results in substantial heterogeneity of cRPGRIP1 transcripts, many of which are likely to have tissue-specific expression. The identified exon-intron structure of cRPGRIP1 isoforms provides a basis for evaluating the gene defects underlying inherited retinal disorders in dogs.
Strategies for Information Technology and Intellectual Capital

"Due to the increasing importance of the intangible assets of a company, firms are now concerned with how best to manage and measure knowledge and other intangibles. In addition to this, information technology has drastically changed the way these measurements are managed. Strategies for Information Technology and Intellectual Capital: Challenges and Opportunities presents efficient ways for executives and practitioners to understand the impact of IT on the intellectual capital of their firms, as well as search for a new mandate for management in the knowledge economy that takes into consideration the pervasive role of IT on their competitive boundaries. Strategies for Information Technology and Intellectual Capital: Challenges and Opportunities provides a detailed synopsis on the history, origin, taxonomies, ontologies, measurement models, and dynamics of intellectual capital. "
Ambiguity aversion and the stock market participation : empirical evidence

Theoretical models predict that ambiguity is an asset pricing factor in addition to risk, however few of them have been tested in the real market. This thesis tests one of the hypotheses that, investors’ propensity to invest in stocks is reduced when ambiguity in the marketplace increases. The hypothesis is tested by using equity fund flows and households’ equity holding as measurements of the market participation, and using dispersion in analysts’ forecasts about aggregate returns as measurement of ambiguity. The results confirm this hypothesis, since the increases in ambiguity are significantly and negatively related to equity fund flows, as well as the likelihood that the average household invests in equities. Moreover, the results also find that the fund flows in non-dividend paying stocks are more sensitive to the changes in ambiguity, and investors transfer capital from the equity market into more liquid asset classes during highambiguity periods. In addition, this thesis also tests whether there is heterogeneity in individuals’ ambiguity aversion, and examines the psychological roots of ambiguity aversion. FNE theory explains ambiguity aversion as the result of fearing negative evaluation from others. It predicts that married households are more ambiguity averse; while households with higher income and education, or households that are more mature, are less ambiguity averse. On the other hand, selfevaluation theory explains ambiguity aversion as the result of minimizing anticipated regret. It predicts that households that are more optimistic, or have less income, are less ambiguity averse; while households that have negative market experience, or have higher income, are more ambiguity averse. The results show that married households, or households with high income / negative market experience, are more ambiguity averse; and households that are more optimistic / more mature, are less ambiguity averse. Therefore, both theories have successful predictions, suggesting that the ambiguity aversion is the combined result of the two motivations.
Dynamic Business Model Framework: A Case of Kenya’s ICT Service Industry

iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. vii DEDICATION . viii LIST OF TABLES. xii LIST OF FIGURES. xiv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xv CHAPTER ONE . 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Problem . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 5 1.3 Purpose of the study . 6 1.4 Research Questions . 6 1.5 Significance of the Study . 7 1.6 Scope of the Study . 8 1.7 Definition of Terms . 8 1.8 Chapter Summary . 9 CHAPTER TWO . 10 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW . 10 2.
The Purcell Three-link swimmer: some geometric and numerical aspects related to periodic optimal controls

The maximum principle combined with numerical methods is a powerful tool to compute solutions for optimal control problems. This approach turns out to be extremely useful in applications, including solving problems which require establishing periodic trajectories for Hamiltonian systems, optimizing the production of photobioreactors over a one-day period, finding the best periodic controls for locomotion models (e.g. walking, flying and swimming). In this article we investigate some geometric and numerical aspects related to optimal control problems for the so-called Purcell Three-link swimmer [20], in which the cost to minimize represents the energy consumed by the swimmer. More precisely, employing the maximum principle and shooting methods we derive optimal trajectories and controls, which have particular periodic features. Moreover, invoking a linearization procedure of the control system along a reference extremal, we estimate the conjugate points, which play a crucial role for the second order optimality conditions. We also show how, making use of techniques imported by the sub-Riemannian geometry, the nilpotent approximation of the system provides a model which is integrable, obtaining explicit expressions in terms of elliptic functions. This approximation allows to compute optimal periodic controls for small deformations of the body, allowing the swimmer to move minimizing its energy. Numerical simulations are presented using Hampath and Bocop codes.
The role of mutual funds in the real economy

This thesis studies the roles of equity mutual funds in the real economy. I review the literature and identify two channels through which mutual funds can exert influences on the real economy: first as informed financiers in the new equity issues market and second as informed traders in the secondary market. I then focus on the first channel and present a simple of model of mutual fund intermediation to show that when mutual funds have superior screening abilities relative to retail investors, the participation of mutual funds in new equity issues conveys information about the underlying productivity of the equity issuers and hence real economic output in the macroeconomy. Empirically I find that mutual fund participation in new equity issues predicts the sensitivity of output to new issues, at both the aggregate level and the industry level. In addition, smaller net fund flows are associated with a stronger sensitivity of output to fund participation, due to funds’ reduced information costs when they have less capital. At the firm level, I find that mutual fund participation positively predicts the productivity growth of the seasoned equity issuers, providing supporting evidence for the screening explanation. The results in this thesis offer a novel perspective by showing a relation between mutual fund screening and the real economy.
A study on e-CRM implementation and e-loyalty at different stages of transaction cycle

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to develop a comprehensive model, explaining the effects of various E-CRM features on e-loyalty at different adoption stages of transaction cycle. Methodology: This is an empirical study; a self-administered survey with Student’s sample has been used. Findings: The findings of this research indicate that E-CRM features have strong impacts on e-satisfaction, which, in turn, has a significant effect on e-loyalty and the mediating role of e-satisfaction is evidenced in this model. Practical implications: The empirical results highlight some managerial implications for successfully developing and implementing a strategy for e-CRM.
Antimicrobial Activity of the Iron-Sulfur Nitroso Compound Roussin's Black Salt [Fe4S3(NO)7] on the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

ABSTRACT The iron-sulfur nitroso compound [Fe4S3(NO)7]− is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that has been used for more than 100 years to combat pathogenic anaerobes. Known as Roussin's black salt (RBS), it contains seven moles of nitric oxide, the release of which was always assumed to mediate its cytotoxicity. Using the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus, it is demonstrated through growth studies, membrane analyses, and scanning electron microscopy that nitric oxide does not play a role in RBS toxicity; rather, the mechanism involves membrane disruption leading to cell lysis. Moreover, insoluble elemental sulfur (S0), which is reduced by P. furiosus to hydrogen sulfide, prevents cell lysis by RBS. It is proposed that S0 also directly interacts with the membranes of P. furiosus during its transfer into the cell, ultimately for reduction by a cytosolic NADPH sulfur reductase. RBS is proposed to be a new class of inorganic antimicrobial agent that also has potential use as an inert cell-lysing agent.