Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Customer Orientation, Service Orientation, Service Quality, Service Encounter Quality and Perceived Value Towards Customers Satisfaction and Behavioural Intention: In Retail Context

Does customer satisfaction and behavioural intention directly influence by customer orientation, service orientation, service quality, service encounter quality, perceived value towards? In order to address this question, a survey was conducted in different grocery stores across the city. At the same time, this research also tends to examine whether the western oriented service evaluation model is applicable in non-western country. This study also proposed to examine the direct relationship without the existence of customer satisfaction and service quality as mediator. The outcomes of the analyses were used to determine the acceptance or rejection of the proposed hypotheses. With the positive relationship between the independent variables and dependent variables, all the generated hypotheses proposed in this research were accepted and approved.
Alterations of Endogenous Hormonal Levels in Plants under Drought and Salinity

The phytohormones are pivotal chemical messengers produced within the plant that regulate its growth and development, and responses to environmental stimuli. Drought and salinity are adverse environmental factors that disturb the plant hormonal balance. Accordingly, these hormonal fluctuations modify the cellular dynamic and hence they play a central role in regulating plant growth responses to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. The present review gives an update about the alterations of endogenous phytohormones such as abscisic acid (ABA), auxins (Aux), cytokinins (CKs), ethylene (ET), gibberellins (GAs), jasmonates (JAs), salicylic acid (SA), brassinosteroids (BRs), strigolactones (SLs) and nitric oxide (NO) that occur as part of the adaptative responses of plant against drought and salt stresses. Better understanding of the endogenous hormonal changes during the plant response to both abiotic stresses will contribute, in part, to the development of stress-tolerant plants.
Electrical activity of the diaphragm : normative values in term neonates by feeding state

Objective : To establish normative values of electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) in term neonates and to determine how these values vary across feeding states. Methods : Edi was measured by electrodes within a nasogastric tube positioned at the level of the diaphragm. Three term neonates without active respiratory problems and on ad lib feeds were each observed for four hours. Edi peak, Edi min, respiratory rate, and heart rate were collected during feeds and 30 minutes preceding and following feeds. Statistics were ANOVA with p<0.05. Results : Mean Edi peak was 11±5 mcV. Mean Edi min was 3±2 mcV. Postprandial Edi peak was lower than preprandial and feeding. Respiratory rate was higher postprandial. Edi min and heart rate were unchanged. Conclusion : These are the first normative values for Edi in neonates. Postprandial lower Edi peak and higher respiratory rate may indicate compensation for decreased tidal volume from increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Bacterial Diversity from Schirmacher Oasis , Antarctica

Bacterial diversity from Schirmacher Oasis, Antarctica was assessed by 16S rDNA clone library analysis. The samples were collected from sites with obvious human impact and sites with low or non-obvious human impact during the austral summer of 2004/2005, winter of 2005 and austral summer of 2005/2006. Analysis of clones from high human impact sites showed higher bacterial diversity in comparison with clones from the pristine sites. About 74 different unique phylotypes have been identified. Most of the sequenced clones are related to the phyla γProteobacteria, α-Proteobacteria, β-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes . Pseudomonas p. from the γ-Proteobacteria phylum was the most dominant species found in the Schirmacher Oasis, occurring in the high as well as low impact sites. Bacterial community profiles from three consecutive seasons were analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE).
Predictors of Successful Fast Track Protocol in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Under General Anaesthesia

Objectives: There is no consensus about the optimal length of hospital stay in patients undergoing elective transfemoral TAVR under general anesthesia. Our study tried to find predictors of failure of early discharge strategy in those patients. Methods and results: We included retrospectively 135 high risk TAVI patients (mean Log. EuroSCORE 30.8 ± 6) operated under general anaesthesia between June 2017 and January 2018 in central hospital, Bad Berka, Germany. Focus on the preoperative factors was established in favor to find possible predictors of longer hospital stay in this group of patients. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to identify independent preoperative predictors of fast-track protocol failure, defined as inability to discharge the patient from the hospital five days after surgery. Independent predictors of fast-track protocol failure were NYHA IV (OR 4.3; CI 95% 2.3-25, p-Value 0.017), ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 30% (OR 3.5; CI 95% 2-12.5, p-Value 0.006), right bundle branch block (OR 4.7; CI 95% 1.25-25, p-Value 0.03) and stroke with residual disability (OR 4.5; CI 95% 1.1-16, p-Value 0.025). Conclusion: NYHA IV, severely reduced ejection fraction, right bundle branch block and stroke with residual disability might be considered potential predictors of failure of fast track protocol in patient undergoing TAVI under general anesthesia.
Heterogeneous Economic Impacts of Transportation Features on Prefecture-Level Chinese Cities

The present paper examines the heterogeneous economic impacts of transportation characteristics, with a consideration of spatial heterogeneity, across Chinese prefecture-level cities. Using data from 237 Chines cities from 2000 to 2012, a random-parameters model was applied to account for the heterogeneity across these cities. The estimation results revealed significant variability across cities, with the computed impacts (elasticity values) of transportation-related features (highway and railway freight volumes, highway passenger volume, urbanization rate, public transit, paved roads, and highway congestion rate) varying significantly across cities. The impacts were mostly positive, except for highway congestion rate. A 1% increase in a city’s highway and railway freight volumes would increase the city’s gross product per capita from 0.0001% to 0.0972% and 0.0001% to 0.0254% across cities in China, respectively. While a 1% increase in highway congestion rate would decrease the city’s gross product per capita by an average of 0.031%.
Foreign Portfolio Equity Investments, Financial Liberalization, and Economic Development

Reform of local capital markets and relaxation of capital controls to attract foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) has become an integral part of development strategy. The proximity of market openings and large, sudden shifts in international capital flows gave credence to the notion that the liberalization was the primary culprit in precipitating the recent Asian crisis. Hence, this paper reassesses the benefits and costs of FPIs from the perspective of the recipients. Specifically, it discusses the various FPI contributions and presents empirical evidence regarding the relationship between FPIs and market development, degree of capital market integration, cost of capital, cross-market correlation and market volatility. It is clear that the evidence on benefits of FPIs is strong, whereas the policy concerns regarding resource mobilization, market comovements, contagion, and volatility are largely unwarranted. The authors make some policy suggestions regarding preconditions for capital market openings, market regulation, and liberalization sequencing. Copyright 2001 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Inadvertent doping through nutritional supplements is a reality.

Objective. Inadvertent doping through the use of nutritional supplements is a potentially important cause of the increase in positive drug tests involving high-profile Olympic athletes. The aim of this study was to screen over-the-counter nutritional supplements for the presence of steroid or stimulant compounds banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Method. Thirty different nutritional supplements from 14 different manufacturers were bought at shops in Bloemfontein, South Africa and analysed for testosterone and nandrolone prohormones, various ephedrines and caffeine. Results. Eighteen (60%) of the 30 supplements contained no prohibited substances. Of the 12 (40%) positive supplements, 8 (66.7%) contained prohormones and 4 (33.3%) contained stimulants. Six supplements contained prohormones, which were listed on the labels, while 2 contained prohormones not listed on the labels. The stimulants were listed on the labels as Ma Huang, Guarana and Kola extracts and all contained a mixture of ephedrines and caffeine. Conclusion. The results showed that approximately 7% of supplements tested may be mislabelled or contaminated with banned substances and that inadvertent doping through nutritional supplement use is a reality for athletes. The sporting community should therefore be aware that supplements might contain anabolic androgenic steroids and stimulants that are not declared on the labels. SA Sports Medicine Vol.16(2) 2004: 3-7
Thermoelectric Properties of ZnO-P2O5/(Ni) Composites

The overall purpose of the present study is basically to understand the manifestation of the thermo-electrical properties of the matrix ZnO-P2O5 first, and of the ZnO-P2O5 composites loaded with different volume fractions of nickel (Ni) as conductive fillers. In the matrix ZnO-P2O5, the values of electrical conductivity varied between 1.14 × 10-8 and 7.8 × 10-7 (S/cm), and the Seebeck coefficient value varied between minimal value 265 and maximal value 670 (μV/K) in the studied temperature. In composite ZnO-P2O5/Ni, it was shown that the Seebeck coefficient changed from high positive to negative values when the filler amount was increased, indicating a non-conducting to conducting phase transition. Such behavior exhibits that this transition is accompanied by the passing of carrier charge from p to n type. The study of thermoelectrically transport for high volume fraction of filler enabled the achievement, for the first time on this kind of composites, of an original transition called PTC transition. Thus, highest values of power factor (PF = S2 ≈ 2 × 10-3 W·m-1·K-2 at 407 K) were obtained, giving a possibility of industrial applications.
Using simulations of the last millennium to understand climate variability seen in palaeo-observations: similar variation of Iceland–Scotland overflow strength and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation

Abstract. A recent palaeo-reconstruction of the strength of the Iceland–Scotland overflow during the last 600 years suggests that its low-frequency variability exhibits strong similarity with palaeo-reconstructions of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The underlying mechanism of the similar variation remains unclear, however, based on palaeo-reconstructions alone. In this study we use simulations of the last millennium driven by external forcing reconstructions with three coupled climate models in order to investigate possible mechanisms underlying the similar variation of Iceland–Scotland overflow strength and AMO index. Similar variation of the two time series is also largely found in the model simulations. Our analysis indicates that the basin-wide AMO index in the externally forced simulations is dominated by the low-latitude sea surface temperature (SST) variability and is not predominantly driven by variations in the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC). This result suggests that a large-scale link through the strength of the MOC is not sufficient to explain the (simulated) similar variation of Iceland–Scotland overflow strength and AMO index. Rather, a more local link through the influence of the Nordic seas surface state and density structure, which are positively correlated with the AMO index, on the pressure gradient across the Iceland–Scotland ridge is responsible for the (simulated) similar variation. In the model simulation showing a weaker correlation between the Iceland–Scotland overflow strength and the AMO index, the wind stress in the Nordic seas also influences the overflow strength. Our study demonstrates that palaeo-climate simulations provide a useful tool to understand mechanisms and large-scale connections associated with the relatively sparse palaeo-observations.
A Study of the Effects of Computer-Assisted Packages on the Performance of Senior Secondary Students in Chemistry in Zaria Educational Zone, Kaduna State Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) package on the performance of Senior Secondary Students in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. The study also examined the significance difference of retention achievement scores of students taught using computer-assisted instruction and the conventional lecture method. The population for the study was made up of all the 1800 SSII senior secondary schools chemistry students in Zaria Educational zone, Nigeria The sample consisted of forty senior secondary school students and was drawn from two secondary schools. Stratified random sampling was used to select the 40 students (20 males and 20 females) four research questions and four hypotheses were formulated, and tested at 95% confidence level. Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) and Chemical Retention Test (CRT) made of 50 items of multiple-choice questions each were developed and validated for data collection. The Chemistry achievement Test (CAT) was administered to students as pretest-posttest and the Chemistry Retention Test (CRT) as a post treatment-test. The results of students were analyzed using t-test statistics to test the hypotheses. The result indicated that there is a significant difference between the performances of students taught using (CAI) package, and those taught using the conventional lecture method of instruction(t cal =7.77>t crit =2.093 at P cal =3.95 >t crit =2.093 at P< 0.05 The result also showed there was no significant difference in the post-test performance scores of male and female students taught using CAI of package. Based on the findings it was concluded that the use of computer assisted instructional packages significantly improved the performance of students in chemistry. It was recommended that Computer-Assistant instructional packages should be encouraged for teaching and learning of chemistry.
Rhododendron Uses and Distribution of this Knowledge within Ethnic Groups in Northwest Yunnan Province, China

This research investigated the interplay between nature and culture by focusing on knowledge about the genus Rhododendron in seven ethnic minorities (Bai, Dulong, Lisu, Naxi, Nu, Tibetan, and Yi) and the majority (Han) in Yunnan Province, China. Ethnobotanical uses of rhododendron were determined by interviewing 252 individuals. Using these data, we investigated patterns of knowledge distribution within each ethnic group and the majority to gain an understanding of who holds specific types of ethnobotanical knowledge. We conducted additional interviews with a subset of the interviewees to discuss their perception of knowledge loss and possible solutions. We find that every ethnic minority and the Han had uses for Rhododendron and that this knowledge is distributed unevenly within each ethnic group. Rhododendron knowledge is distributed by age, gender, or distance from tourist areas for use categories such as knowledge of songs, handicrafts, religious uses, and tourism. Additionally, 67.5% of 84 interviewees believe that ethnobotanical knowledge is being lost.
The Added Value of the Plural Form : Evidence from Dutch Pharmacy Chains

Most empirical work on governance decisions focuses on explaining a firms’ choice among governance structures. Nevertheless, in practice very different governance structures often exist side by side. The simultaneous use of different governance structures for the same function is referred to as the “plural form”. The synergistic benefits of the plural form have been highlighted by only a number of research works. We will add to the body of knowledge by studying the plural dynamics in the pharmaceutical industry. We will show the chain operator’s contribution to the performance in pure and plural forms, for both company owned and franchised outlets. Further, we will open the black box and show how horizontally and vertically the interactions between franchisees, company outlets and the chain operator support the realization of potentially conflicting strategic objectives of local responsiveness and standardization. We will take the perspective of the chain operator, being responsible for the development of the plural dynamics within the organization.
The Role of Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators ( SPM ) on Inflammation

In 2000, Harvard researcher Charles Serhan PhD discovered new lipid molecules class, called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that are an integral component of the resolution of inflammation pathway. That breakthrough revolutionized our beliefs about the resolution of inflammation.1 Surprisingly, inflammation does not just fade away, but is a tightly orchestrated process requiring many cellular and molecular players.1,2 The SPMs are now understood to play key roles in resolving inflammation and returning tissue to a healthy state or homeostasis. Leading scientists now have compelling evidence that the resolution of inflammation is an active process and that chronic inflammatory disease arises partly due to failure of the biological pathways of resolution.
Incidence of maternal vitamin D deficiency in a region of Ankara, Turkey: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND/AIM To evaluate vitamin D levels and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in healthy newborns and their mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-nine healthy pregnant women (≥ 37 weeks of gestation) were enrolled in the study. Previous history of pregnancies and births, nutritional status, multivitamin supplementation, educational status, type of clothing, and the economic level of the family were recorded. Blood samples were drawn from the mothers and the umbilical cord of the newborns to measure serum 25(OH)D3, calcium, phosphorus, and parathormone levels. RESULTS While vitamin D insufficiency was identified as 62.6% in mothers, it was 58.6% in newborns; on the other hand, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 18.2% and 15.2% in mothers and newborns, respectively. Maternal serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were not significantly related to the number of pregnancies or births, type of clothing, or the nutritional, economical, or educational status of the family (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that despite a sunny environment, maternal vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are still important health problems in a developed region of Turkey. Therefore, more effective vitamin D prophylaxis programs are required to prevent vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and their offspring.
Comparison of Intra-Annual Growth Variation of Northern Temperate Forest Trees

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Dissertations. "A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy. " Includes bibliography. Illustrations. LC classification: SD396. Approved: Dr. Amy Wolf, major professor and Dr. Gregory J. Davis, Director of Graduate Studies; committee members: Dr. Robert Howe, Mr. Gary Fewless.
ChemNet: A Transferable and Generalizable Deep Neural Network for Small-Molecule Property Prediction

With access to large datasets, deep neural networks (DNN) have achieved human-level accuracy in image and speech recognition tasks. However, in chemistry, availability of large standardized and labelled datasets is scarce, and many chemical properties of research interest, chemical data is inherently small and fragmented. In this work, we explore transfer learning techniques in conjunction with the existing Chemception CNN model, to create a transferable and generalizable deep neural network for small-molecule property prediction. Our latest model, ChemNet learns in a semi-supervised manner from inexpensive labels computed from the ChEMBL database. When fine-tuned to the Tox21, HIV and FreeSolv dataset, which are 3 separate chemical properties that ChemNet was not originally trained on, we demonstrate that ChemNet exceeds the performance of existing Chemception models and other contemporary DNN models. Furthermore, as ChemNet has been pre-trained on a large diverse chemical database, it can be used as a general-purpose plug-and-play deep neural network for the prediction of novel small-molecule chemical properties.
Equilibrium states for a class of skew products

We consider skew products on $M\times \mathbb{T}^{2}$ , where $M$ is the two-sphere or the two-torus, which are partially hyperbolic and semi-conjugate to an Axiom A diffeomorphism. This class of dynamics includes the open sets of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}$ -non-stable systems introduced by Abraham and Smale [Non-genericity of Ł-stability. Global Analysis (Proceedings of Symposia in Pure Mathematics, XIV (Berkeley 1968)). American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 1970, pp. 5–8. ] and Shub [Topological Transitive Diffeomorphisms in $T^{4}$ (Lecture Notes in Mathematics, 206). Springer, Berlin, 1971, pp. 39–40]. We present sufficient conditions, both on the skew products and the potentials, for the existence and uniqueness of equilibrium states, and discuss their statistical stability.
Evaluation of the Concepts and Subjects in Biology Perceived to be Difficult to Learn and Teach by the Pre-Service Teachers Registered in the Pedagogical Formation Program

This study examines the subjects and concepts in biology perceived to be difficult to learn and teach by 759 pre-service biology teachers registered in the pedagogical formation program at Uludag University Faculty of Education in the academic year of 2005-2016, as well as the associations that word “biology” first calls to their mind. The study was designed as a survey model, and a questionnaire of three scaled questions was used as a data collection tool. The data were classified into 10 different categories based on different branches of biology: Anatomy-Morphology, Biotechnology, Ecology, Evolution, Physiology, Genetics, Histology, Cytology, Systematics and Reproduction and Development. Following the classification, the data were analyzed using frequency and percentages. The subjects and concepts perceived to be difficult to learn by the pre-service teachers are respectively as follows: photosynthesis and its stages, genetics, circulatory system, aerobic respiration, respiratory system, anaerobic respiration, protein synthesis, phanerogams, DNA structure and function, cryptogams, mitosis, plant systematics, endocrine system, meiosis, ETC, urinary system, plant physiology, taxonomy, evolution and digestive system. The subjects and concepts perceived to be difficult to teach by the pre-service teachers are respectively as follows: photosynthesis and its stages, protein synthesis, circulatory system, endocrine system, meiosis, plant systematics, evolution, mitosis, reproduction, genetic crossing over problems, Latinization of names, urinary system, genetics, ecology, aerobic respiration, DNA structure and function, plant tissues, glycolysis and anaerobic respiration. These findings confirm the need for developing undergraduate programs in biology and promoting the research culture at the secondary education level