Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality, Perceived Usefulness, User Satisfaction, and Intention to Use: An Empirical Study of Ubiquitous Personal Robot Service

This study illustrates the acceptance behaviour of ubiquitous personal robot services in Korea on the basis of the previous researches on service quality, systems quality, and technology adoption. We especially build the dimensions of service quality fit for personal robot service characteristics, i.e. tangible quality and motion quality. 490 respondents collected from surveys of Korean households, who used the personal robot in their home for 4 months before the survey, were used to verify the research model. The findings reveal that perceived usefulness and user satisfaction significantly positively impact intention to use a personal robot service. Additionally, perceived usefulness has a far more significant effect on the intention to use the service than does user satisfaction. The service quality was determined to be a significant antecedent of both perceived usefulness and user satisfaction. The most influential factor was the motion quality of the ubiquitous personal robot, followed by tangible quality. System quality proved to be a major determinant of perceived usefulness and user satisfaction, and to have strong effect on perceived usefulness than service quality.
Potential impacts of climate change on corn, soybeans and barley yields in Atlantic Canada

beans were highly correlated (R 2 = 0.86 and 0.74, respectively) with average available crop heat units (CHU), with yields increasing by about 0.006 t ha ‐1 CHU ‐1 for corn and 0.0013 t ha ‐1 CHU ‐1 for soybeans. The explained variance was not improved significantly when water deficit (DEFICIT) was included as an independent variable in regression. Correlations between average yields of barley and effective growing degree-days (EGDD) were low (R 2 ≤ 0.26) and negative, i.e., there was a tendency for slightly lower yields at higher EGDD values. Including a second-order polynomial for DEFICIT in the regression increased the R 2 to ≥ 0.58, indicating a tendency for lower barley yields in areas with high water deficits and with water surpluses. Based on a range of available heat units projected by multiple General Circulation Model (GCM) experiments, average yields achievable in field trials could increase by about 2.6 to 7.5 t ha ‐1 (40 to 115%) for corn, and by 0.6 to 1.5 t ha ‐1 (21 to 50%) for soybeans by 2040 to 2069, not including the direct effect of increased atmospheric CO 2 concentrations, advances in plant breeding and crop production practices or changes in impacts of weeds, insects and diseases on yield. Anticipated reductions in barley yields are likely to be more than offset by the direct effect of increased CO 2 concentrations. As a result of changes in potential yields, there will likely be significant shifts away from production of barley to high-energy and high-protein crops (corn and soybeans) that are better adapted to the warmer climate. However, barley and other small grain cereals will likely remain as important crops as they are very suited for rotation with potatoes. There is a need to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of these possible shifts in crop production, particularly with respect to soil erosion in the region.
Interactive comment on “Increased glacier runoff enhances the penetration of warm Atlantic water into a large Greenland fjord” by A. J. Sole et al

Sole et al (2012) provide a detailed examination of the heat flux into and out of the KF and the resulting amount of subglacial melt of KG and the role of KG subglacial runoff in that process. KG is one of the three large Greenland outlet glaciers with detailed oceanographic observations. The authors reach a critical conclusion that supports the ongoing evolution and quantification of the role and interaction of warm ocean water penetrating at depth to reach marine outlet glacier termini, and glacier runoff. The following sentence from the paper is of such importance that it warrants publication of the paper. “Along-fjord heat transport towards KG increases significantly with both glacier runoff and coastal water temperature. A doubling of glacier runoff produces a 29% (48 %) amplification of mean annual (summer) heat transport towards the KG
Toxicity Testing of Flowers of Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss)

Flowers of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) possess a strong cancer chemopreventive potential in rats as well as antimicronucleus formation in mice. However, toxicity testing has never been evaluated. This study was aimed to determine its acute and subacute toxicities in Wistar rats. Acute toxicity was conducted by feeding methanol extract of neem flowers (MENF) suspending in 20% propylene glycol at 6, 9 and 12 g/kg bw. On the other hand, subacute toxicity testing was carried out by feeding MENF suspending in 0.5% tragacanth at 150, 750 and 1,500 mg/kg bw for 90 consecutive days. Hematology, blood chemistry and histopathology were evaluated at the end of the experiment. The results demonstrated that MENF had LD50 value higher than 12 g/kg bw. In subacute toxicity study, MENF caused a significant decrease in the growth of male, but not female rats, but significantly increased the relative liver weights of those receiving MENF at 750 and 1,500 mg/kg bw. Blood chemistry values of most rats were within normal ranges. However, ALP, creatinine and potassium values were significantly higher in female group receiving MENF at 750 mg/kg bw while in male rats, the levels of AST and BUN were lower but that of creatinine was higher than those of the control groups. Histopathological examination of visceral organs showed no significant change. In conclusion, LD50 value of MENF in rats was greater than 12 g/kg bw (~ 800 times of human use). Subacute toxicity testing at 750 and 1,500 mg/kg bw (~ 50 and 100 times of human use) showed the effects on some biochemical parameters.
Arctic Mixed-Phase Cloud Properties Derived from Surface-Based Sensors at SHEBA

Abstract Arctic mixed-phase cloud macro- and microphysical properties are derived from a year of radar, lidar, microwave radiometer, and radiosonde observations made as part of the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) Program in the Beaufort Sea in 1997–98. Mixed-phase clouds occurred 41% of the time and were most frequent in the spring and fall transition seasons. These clouds often consisted of a shallow, cloud-top liquid layer from which ice particles formed and fell, although deep, multilayered mixed-phase cloud scenes were also observed. On average, individual cloud layers persisted for 12 h, while some mixed-phase cloud systems lasted for many days. Ninety percent of the observed mixed-phase clouds were 0.5–3 km thick, had a cloud base of 0–2 km, and resided at a temperature of −25° to −5°C. Under the assumption that the relatively large ice crystals dominate the radar signal, ice properties were retrieved from these clouds using radar reflectivity measurements. The annual average ice par.
A PARTIAL ROSTRUM OF THE PORBEAGLE SHARK LAMNA NASUS (LAMNIFORMES, LAMNIDAE) FROM THE MIOCENE OF THE NORTH SEA BASIN AND THE TAXONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF ROSTRAL MORPHOLOGY IN EXTINCT SHARKS

A fragmentary rostrum of a lamnid shark is recorded from the upper Miocene Breda Formation at Liessel (Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands); it constitutes the first elasmobranch rostral process to be described from Neogene strata in the North Sea Basin. Based on key features of extant lamniform rostra and CT scans of chondrocrania of modern Lamnidae, the Liessel specimen is assigned to the porbeagle shark, Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre, 1788). In addition, the taxonomic significance of rostral morphology in extinct sharks is discussed and a preliminary list of elasmobranch taxa from Liessel is presented.
Regulate us, please!: On strategic lobbying in cournot-nash oligopoly

Empirical studies on industry lobbying sometimes reveal that certain firms within an industry behave atypically in that they promote cost driving regulations like, e.g., environmental standards. For analysing this phenomenon of 'strategic lobbying1, the present paper combines a heterogeneous Cournot-Nash oligopoly with a model of endogenous policy making where two parties compete for campaign contributions spent by the regulated industry. It is shown that the existence of potential regulation gains (and consequently the incentive for strategic lobbying activities) depends on the relationship between possible cost differentials and the market structure of the industry under consideration. Based on these results, the paper examines the effects of strategic lobbying for two different scenarios. The first scenario assumes that only one firm is engaged in lobbying, whereas the second scenario looks at simultaneous (competing) lobbying activities by several firms.
Invitro Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Ficus religiosa L. and Ficus bengalensis L. against Diarrhoeal Enterotoxigenic E. coli

The barks of Ficus religiosa L. and Ficus bengalensis L. , which belongs to family Moraceae, were investigated for invitro antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis. The various solvents extract like aqueous, methanol, chloroform, petroleum ether and hexane were screened for antibacterial activity against Enterotoxigenic E. coli isolated from diarrhoeal patients. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the methanol extracts of both the plants showed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, aminoacids, steroids, saponins and tannins. The extracts were subjected for antibacterial activity against Enterotoxignic E.coli (ETEC) at 200mg/ml concentration by disc diffusion method. The results of antibacterial activity revealed that methanol extracts of both the plants barks exhibits good activity compared to chloroform and aqueous extracts. Petroleum ether and hexane extracts did not show any activity. The antibacterial activities of extracts were compared with standard antibiotics.
Acute stress response in common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) of some stressing factors.

In this study, the effects of several stressing factors were investigated on cortisol, glucose and haemoglobin in common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) blood. The group of fish were kept at different water temperature ranging from 24 to 33 o C and an increase in water tempera- ture up to 27 o C resulted in increases of haemoglobin and cortisol with the amount of glucose in carp's blood plasma decreasing (P<0.05). Other group of fish was subjected to catching net (with keeping it out of the water included). The fish were caught with the net and taken it out of the water-each time for 50 s (12-36 times during 15-45 min of the experiment time). After the practice, proved the cortisol, glucose and haemoglobin levels were a decline rates in 2-3 hours whereas the highest rates observed in 1 hour.
Phytochemical Analysis and Radical Scavenging Activity of the Extracts of Costus picatus Linn and Coccinia indica W & A , two Ethnic Medicinal Plants used in the Treatment of Diabetes mellitus

Coccinia indica and Costus picatus are used as traditional medicines for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Costus picatus is used in Brazilian traditional medicine to expel kidney stones. Coccinia indica leaves were used for the treatment of patients with untreated but uncomplicated maturity-onset diabetes. Fruits of Coccinia indica exhibited antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria and the juice of the stem is dripped into the eyes to treat cataracts. The plant is used internally in the treatment of gonorrhoea, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver weakness, dysentery, vomiting, chronic cough, bronchitis and asthma. There are phytochemical reports of the isolation of flavanoid glycosides, polysaccharides, steroidal saponins from the alcoholic extracts of Costus picatus. Chemical studies on Coccinia indica reports aminoacids, ascorbic acid, sterols, triterpenes, β -carotene and alkaloids. There are some unauthenticated reports that continuous use of Costus picatus as drug for diabetes may lead to unconsciousness. This work concentrates on the phytochemical analysis of the hexane fraction of the leaves of Costus picatus and methanolic extract of the bark of Coccinia indica, since raw leaves of Costus picatus and whole plant of Coccinia indica are used as medicine. The radical scavenging activity of the extracts were measured and the results show that Coccinia indica has higher activity and hence may be a better medicine for diabetes which is supported by earlier clinical research also.
The effect of Muslim products as an Islamic retail store attribute: a study on Muslim consumer patronage behaviour in Malaysia

As Malaysian Muslim consumers are more concerned about religious teachings, the doubt about the halalalness of the ingredients, processing and handling of the products has attracted Muslim consumers’ attention.Recently, Muslims are not only concerned about halal but the issue of “halalal tayibbah” has obtained great attention. In order to verify the “halalal tayibbah” concept, the acceptance of Muslim-made products is increasing in the market. With the spirit of helping the economy of the ummah, Muslim consumers tend to give their support to Muslim products. With a high demand for Muslim products, an initiative to introduce an Islamic-focused retail store has shown significant growth. Essentially, the store will provide a range of Muslim products as a substitute for previous brands. With regard to this phenomenon, the present study investigates the effect of Muslim products in an Islamic retail store on Muslim consumer-patronage behaviour.In order to get feedback, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 384 patrons of Islamic retail stores in the northern region of Malaysia. The result of the partial least square analysis concluded that the provision of Muslim products has a significant impact on the patronage-behaviour of Muslim consumers.By buying Muslim products, Muslim consumers feel more confident that they are buying products that are religiously allowable and it prompts Muslim consumers’ buying-decisions in patronizing a store.
Towards Automatic Detection of Animals in Camera-Trap Images

In recent years the world's biodiversity is declining on an unprecedented scale. Many species are endangered and remaining populations need to be protected. To overcome this agitating issue, biologist started to use remote camera devices for wildlife monitoring and estimation of remaining population sizes. Unfortunately, the huge amount of data makes the necessary manual analysis extremely tedious and highly cost intensive. In this paper we re-train and apply two state-of-the-art deep-learning based object detectors to localize and classify Serengeti animals in camera-trap images. Furthermore, we thoroughly evaluate both algorithms on a self-established dataset and show that the combination of the results of both detectors can enhance overall mean average precision. In contrast to previous work our approach is not only capable of classifying the main species in images but can also detect them and therefore count the number of individuals which is in fact an important information for biologists, ecologists, and wildlife epidemiologists.
Internet Use and Well-Being of Young Adults Completed Research

Internet has significantly transformed how, when and where people conduct their everyday life activities. This study examines the relationship between Internet use and well-being. We ask: how do Internet use and the quality of Internet and non-Internet experiences influence well-being? Drawing on the subjective well-being literature in economics and psychology as well as empirical research on Internet use and impacts, we evaluate the influence of domain life satisfaction and affective experiences associated with Internet and non-Internet activities on life satisfaction. Young adults in Thailand are the empirical focus of this study. The results suggest that satisfaction with family is important to their life satisfaction. Positive affect from Internet activities is important to a satisfying life of young adults. They appear to value positive affect from Internet activities more than positive affect from non-Internet activities. On the other hand, negative affect from both Internet and non-Internet activities decreases life satisfaction.
Fingerprint Presentation Attack Detection using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging

With the increased deployment of biometric authentication systems, some security concerns have also arisen. In particular, presentation attacks directed to the capture device pose a severe threat. In order to prevent them, liveness features such as the blood flow can be utilised to develop presentation attack detection (PAD) mechanisms. In this context, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a technology widely used in biomedical applications in order to visualise blood flow. We therefore propose a fingerprint PAD method based on textural information extracted from pre-processed LSCI images. Subsequently, a support vector machine is used for classification. In the experiments conducted on a database comprising 32 different artefacts, the results show that the proposed approach classifies correctly all bona fides. However, the LSCI technology experiences difficulties with thin and transparent overlay attacks.
DOES BETTER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ATTRACT FOREIGN EQUITY OWNERSHIP? EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIAN LISTED COMPANIES

This study examines the effect of firm-level corporate governance variables on foreign equity ownership (FEO) in Malaysia. Foreign equity ownership can be an important source of capital for companies to fund their expansion and growth. To attract FEO, good corporate governance practices are vital because these practices are used to reduce or mitigate agency cost. Based on a sample of listed firms on Bursa Malaysia and employing multiple regression analysis, the study finds that a number of corporate governance mechanisms significantly improve the ability of companies to attract foreign equity ownership, especially, Insider Ownership, Government Ownership, Firm Size, Dividend Yield and Tobin’s Q. The results of the study indicate that firm-level efforts for better corporate governance sends positive signals and confidence to foreign investors.
Bredon cohomological finiteness conditions for generalisations of Thompson's groups

We define a family of groups that generalises Thompson's groups $T$ and $G$ and also those of Higman, Stein and Brin. For groups in this family we descrine centralisers of finite subgroups and show, that for a given finite subgroup $Q$, there are finitely many conjugacy classes of finite subgroups isomorphic to $Q$. We use this to show that whenever defined, the T versions of these groups have a slightly weaker property, quasi-$\underline{\operatorname F}_\infty$, to that of a group possessing a finite type model for the classifying space for proper actions ${\underline{E}}G$ if and only if they posses finite type models for the ordinary classifying space. We also generalise some well-known properties of ordinary cohomology to Bredon cohomology.
The Effect Of Visual Properties On Numerical Judgments In Ans Tasks

Approximate number sense (ANS) is usually tested by blue-yellow dot test in which participants have to compare two sets of dots and to select larger set. Numerous studies have demonstrated that visual properties of sets such as surface area or convex hull have the effect on numerical judgment. It is unclear which characteristics of two sets – numerical or visual properties – have a larger effect on numerical judgment. In this study we have estimated the effect of two visual properties (surface area and convex area) on numerical judgments in intermixed format of presentation of dots. To fulfill our goal we use longitudinal sample of schoolchildren and estimate the effect of visual properties on numerical judgment in blue-yellow dot test in first and fourth grades. The sample included 138 participants (46% girls) from one urban school. The mean age at first grade was 7.84 years (SD = .34, range 7.06–8.37) and 10.77 years at fourth grade (SD = .36, range 9.72–11.85). We estimate the effect of visual properties adjusted for numerical properties of sets using multilevel regression models where trials are nested in individuals. Our results have revealed that in intermixed format surface area has a larger effect than convex area. The effect of surface area increases from first to fourth grade. Additionally, we demonstrate that the effect of visual properties varies depending on size of sets. © 2018 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.UK
Monetary Policy, Economic Activity and the Stock Market: An Empirical Analysis of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange

This study attempts to answer the question whether the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) is informationally efficient with respect to both money and output. The Information Efficient Market (IEM) hypothesis is tested using the Johansen-Juselius multivariate cointegration approach. Stock prices are proxied by the Composite, Industrial, Finance, Property, Plantation and Tin indices. The measures of money supply used include the narrowly defined MI and broadly defined M2. Output is proxied by the real Gross Domestic Product (CDP). The empirical results suggest that the stock market is informationally inefficient with respect to M2 and output. ABSTRAK Kajian ini cuba menjawab soalan samada Bursa Saham Kuala Lumpur (KLSE) adalah cekap dari segi maklumat penawaran wang dan output.Hipotesis "Information Efficient Market" (lET) diuji menggunakan pendekatan multivariat Johansen-Juselius. Harga-harga saham diproksi oleh indeks Komposit, Perindustrian, Kewangan, Harta, Perladangan dan Timah. Penawaran wang yang digunakan dalam kajian ini termasuk M I and M2. Output pula diwakili oleh Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar Benar (KDNK). Keputusan empirikal kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa pasaran saham tersebut adalali kurang cekap dari segi maklumat penawaran wang M2 dan output
Ownership structure and performance: evidence from Portugal

This paper provides new evidence on the impact of ownership over performance in small dimension markets. Analyzing the Portuguese firms we confirm the monitoring effect. Unlike previous studies, we also confirm the expropriation effect to low levels of ownership concentration. These results suggest that the free rider problem between the manager and the principal is significant in countries with small financial markets.
Reconciling PP and P′P′ precursor observations of a complex 660 km seismic discontinuity

High frequency precursors to P′P′ almost invariably observe a narrow 660 km discontinuity, whereas PP precursor studies at long periods struggle to detect a reflection from the ‘660’ despite its apparent sharpness to P′P′. To investigate these contradictory observations we compare PP and P′P′ precursors in the same region. Using short period P′P′ precursors we observe a sharp 660 km discontinuity, which appears to vary in depth substantially. The apparent topography on the ‘660’ is too large to originate solely from thermal variations, regardless of its cause, therefore indicating chemical variations at the base of the mantle transition zone. Long period P′P′ precursors show no ‘660’ as they are sensitive to a larger area and thus average out the apparent topography, in agreement with long period PP precursors. Instead, we see some evidence in both long period data types for a reflection from 720 km depth, which is likely to correspond to a phase change in the garnet system.