Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internet Banking Adoption in Kuala Lumpur: An Application of UTAUT Model

Internet banking is becoming a new focuses as the number of internet users is increasing globally and its benefits. This study aimed to investigate the factors and determinants of internet banking adoption among Malaysian. Four factors that proposed to influence the adoption from Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology were included in this study. A total of 200 respondents were collected using convenience sampling. Results of this study showed that performance expectancy (r = 0.51, p < 0.01), effort expectancy (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), social influence (r = 0.64, p < 0.01), facilitating condition (r = 0.63, p < 0.01) and trust (r = 0.55, p < 0.01) were positively correlated with behavioral intention among respondents. Analysis of multiple linear regressions was used to determine the predictors of internet banking adoption among Malaysian. The results showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating condition and trust explained 56.6% variance of behavioral attention among the respondents (F = 50.54, p < 0.01). Knowing the determinants on internet banking adoption could help banking company to improve their service to attract more users. Besides, the use of internet banking could reduce the frequency to bank that indirectly reduce air pollution.
Risk factors for Escherichia coli O157 on beef cattle ranches located near a major produce production region

SUMMARY Our goal was to identify climate variables and management practices associated with the presence of E. coli O157 in rangeland cow-calf operations located in a major leafy green production region in the California Central Coast. E. coli O157 was present in 2·6% (68/2654) of faecal, 1·5% (3/204) of water and 1·1% (1/93) of sediment samples collected on eight ranches over 2.5 years. Five (62·5%) ranches were positive at least once during the study. The odds of detecting E. coli O157 in faecal samples was higher during periods of higher maximum soil temperature, higher maximum relative humidity, and larger herd sizes, but decreased as wind speed increased. Molecular subtyping of isolates from cattle faeces and streams/sediments suggested minimal movement of strains between ranches. The findings suggest that E. coli O157 prevalence is relatively low on cow-calf ranches in this region, spatially constrained, but may vary by weather conditions and herd size.
Dynamic sonographic measurements at the carpal tunnel inlet: Reliability and reference values in healthy wrists

Introduction: Reliability and reference values are not well‐established for most dynamic sonographic measurements of the median nerve (MN) and flexor tendons that may be used for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Wrists of 20 healthy participants were imaged using ultrasound. Cines of the carpal tunnel inlet were acquired during hand motion. Based on shape and displacement measurements, intra‐ and interrater reliability and reference values were calculated. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for measurements of the MN and most flexor tendons were ≥0.51 for shape parameters and ≥0.71 for displacement parameters. During motion, the MN flattened with ulnar movement, tendons became more circular, and flexor tendons of corresponding fingers moved toward each other. Conclusion: Shape and displacement measurements of the MN and most flexor tendons had reliability results ranging from moderate to excellent. The reference values may be useful for the diagnosis of CTS. Muscle Nerve 48: 525–531, 2013
Structure and dynamics of wireless communication systems

Wireless networks are going through a fundamental change. User-deployed and selforganizing networks are becoming key technologies to meet the exponentially increasing requirements for capacity. This implies a shift from carefully planned networks, for which basic feedback control techniques suffice for maintaining stability and good performance, towards deployment and analysis of more complex spatio-temporal networked dynamical systems. Further, techniques such as dynamic spectrum access will potentially couple the dynamics of multiple heterogeneous wireless systems together in a manner not present in current networks. There is accordingly an urgent need to develop the necessary theoretical foundations for reasoning about and developing optimization and control solutions for such systems. The work reported in this thesis comprises a first attempt at developing such foundations applying techniques developed in spatial statistics, theoretical physics and dynamical systems communities. The approach taken consists of both laying out the theoretical fundamentals of the methods that appear as most promising in dealing with the above mentioned challenges, and specifically applying them for a number of problems in the wireless communications domain. In several cases the presented applications yield first quantitative results on structure and dynamics of networked systems beyond simple mean value analyses. The obtained results can be divided into three categories, focusing on node locations, spectrum usage, and applications of dynamical systems techniques, respectively. First, we give detailed characterization of the correlation structures in network node locations for a number of different communication systems. We show how these can be modeled accurately using so-called Gibbs point process models originating from statistical physics and spatial statistics, and explore the performance implications of the derived models. Second, we develop an extensive quantitative understanding of usage of radio spectrum in both spatial and temporal domains, and use these models to arrive at alternative methods for estimating and reasoning about radio coverage for both off-line network planning applications as well as for online use. Third, we apply state space techniques from modern dynamical systems theory for characterization of complexity of network dynamics as well as for developing systematic techniques for evaluation of the performance impact and sensitivity of probabilistic models. For each of these three focus areas there is a strong emphasis on working with actual network data, obtained from different sources including some measurement campaigns to which the author has participated in. Synthetic models used in the literature are analyzed as well, but mainly by way of contrast. We have also attempted to cover as wide range of data sets as possible, usually obtained from completely different types of systems, in order to assess the true range of applicability for the methods utilized and developed.
Proinflammatory Activation of Neutrophils and Monocytes by Helicobacter pylori in Patients with Different Clinical Presentations

ABSTRACT Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with mucosal inflammation. The aim of the present study was to assess human neutrophil and monocyte activation by H. pyloristrains obtained from patients with different clinical presentations. Bacterial sonicates from 12 strains were used to stimulate phagocyte upregulation of CD11b/CD18 adherence molecules assessed by fluorescence flow cytometry and oxidative burst responses assessed by chemiluminescence. A dose-dependent activation of CD11b/CD18 adherence molecules was observed with all strains on both neutrophils and monocytes. The activities were similar for strains from patients with duodenal ulceration and for strains from asymptomatic volunteers irrespective of histopathologic grades of the biopsy specimens from the antral mucosa. The neutrophil chemiluminescence response correlated with histopathologic severity. We conclude that upregulation of neutrophil and monocyte adherence molecules by H. pylorisonicates is not associated with clinical presentation of the infection.
Neural Evidence for Non-conscious Working Memory

Recent studies have found that non-consciously perceived information can be retained for several seconds, a feat that has been attributed to non-conscious working memory processes. However, these studies have mainly relied on subjective measures of visual experience, and the neural processes responsible for non-conscious short-term retention remains unclear. Here we used continuous flash suppression to render stimuli non-conscious in a delayed match-to-sample task together with fMRI to investigate the neural correlates of non-conscious short-term (5-15 s) retention. The participants' behavioral performance was at chance level when they reported no visual experience of the sample stimulus. Critically, multivariate pattern analyses of BOLD signal during the delay phase could classify presence versus absence of sample stimuli based on signal patterns in frontal cortex, and its spatial position based on signal patterns in occipital cortex. In addition, univariate analyses revealed increased BOLD signal change in prefrontal regions during memory recognition. Thus, our findings demonstrate short-term maintenance of information presented non-consciously, defined by chance performance behaviorally. This non-consciously retained information seems to rely on persistent neural activity in frontal and occipital cortex, and may engage further cognitive control processes during memory recognition.
A Commentary on Telerehabilitation Services in Pakistan: Current Trends and Future Possibilities

A 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) study reported that almost 27 million people with disability live in Pakistan with fewer than one allied rehabilitation professional per 10,000 people. The current study sought to determine the attitudes toward telerehabilitation via a survey administered to 329 Pakistani rehabilitation professionals. Study results indicate that rehabilitation professionals in Pakistan are knowledgeable about telerehabilitation and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and are receptive to employing telerehabilitation programs and applications. Therefore, we can infer that the future of telerehabilitation can be bright in Pakistan but requires the attention of policy makers and non-government organizations to launch an appropriate program nationwide. The authors suggest that a range of telerehabilitation services (e.g., consultation, assessment, and therapy) could alleviate the shortage of rehabilitation personnel in Pakistan.
Seasonal Variation of Ralstonia solanacearum Biovar 2 Populations in a Spanish River: Recovery of Stressed Cells at Low Temperatures

ABSTRACT The presence of Ralstonia solanacearum biovar 2 in the watercourses of European countries is increasing, but little is known about its ecology in aquatic habitats. The detection of this pathogen in 2000 in one Spanish river led us to study its population density at different locations on the river over a period of 3 years. During 2000 and 2001, the pathogen was recovered at low densities (10 to 80 CFU/ml) by direct plating on modified SMSA agar from water samples at 14°C or higher, but its isolation was usually unsuccessful at temperatures below 9°C. To monitor the pathogen's abundance in winter, we used two liquid selective media for enrichment (at 29 and 35°C) and compared them by using spiked river water samples: modified Wilbrink broth (MWB) was more efficient than modified SMSA broth for double-antibody-sandwich indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DASI-ELISA) detection of R. solanacearum. Enrichment in MWB at both temperatures allowed us to recover R. solanacearum cells that were nonculturable on solid media up to 25 days after their entry into the viable but nonculturable state. When we applied this technique to water samples during the cold months of 2001 and 2002, we obtained the best detection results by the most-probable-number method after enrichment at 35°C with MWB. The enrichment protocol was combined with DASI-ELISA and validated by Co-PCR to detect both naturally and artificially starved and cold-stressed cells in water, which were still infective. Overall, the data from this study demonstrate the effects of temperature variation on the population and culturability of R. solanacearum cells on solid media and their survival at low temperatures.
KM Implementation in a Public Sector Accounting Organization: An Empirical Investigation

Purpose – This study aims to investigate how accountants working in a large public sector accounting organization perceive KM implementation issues in their organization. An integrated KM framework that interconnects KM enablers, knowledge sharing process, and organizational performance derived from the literature is proposed and adopted in this study.Design/methodology/approach – The accountants working at the Accountant‐General's Department (AGD) under the Ministry of Finance, Malaysia are selected for an in‐depth study through the use of a self‐reporting questionnaire. The model's validity was confirmed through factor analysis. The data were then analyzed using multiple regression analyses.Findings – The statistical results provide strong support for the KM framework. There are positive effects of KM enablers and knowledge sharing process towards organizational performance. When both the variables are regarded as antecedents of organizational performance, knowledge sharing process and technology resour.
Relevance of inflammatory pseudotumor associated with bladder tumor

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPT) are sometimes seen in the follow-up bladder biopsies of patients with transitional cell carcinoma. The relevance of this finding was studied in 809 patients who were on surveillance after the initial definitive treatment for superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. During this period, there were 16 (2%) patients who had bladder mass but without evidence of malignancy. They had histological evidence of only IPT—spindle cells and inflammatory infiltrate. In all these patients, the primary tumor was a high-grade transitional cell carcinoma.Fifteen of these patients had received adjuant intravesical therapy during the initial treatment. This included intravesical immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in 13, intravesical chemotherapy in one and chemoradiation in one. The median follow-up period was 26 months after the diagnosis of IPT. Twelve patients (75%) showed tumor recurrence within a median period of 16 months. All the recurrences were high-grade urothelial carcinoma. Nine (56%) progressed to a higher stage with a median time to progression of seven months from the diagnosis of IPT. Four patients (25%) had evidence of metastases upon diagnosis of recurrence and two more patients developed metastatic disease later. Eventually 12 patients died within a median period of 26 months after the diagnosis of IPT.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Stability of Kalman Filtering with Markovian Packet Losses

Abstract This paper studies the stability of Kalman filtering over a network with random packet losses, which are modeled by a Markov process. Based on the realization of the packet loss process, two stability notions, namely stability in stopping times and stability in sampling times, are introduced to analyze the behavior of the estimation error covariance matrix. For second-order systems, both the stability notions are shown to be equivalent and a necessary and sufficient condition for stability is derived. While for a certain class of higher-order systems, a necessary and sufficient condition is provided to ensure the stability of the estimation error covariance matrix at packet reception times. Their implications and relationships with related results in the literature are discussed.
Estilos de socialización parental y violencia filio parental en la adolescencia.

La presente tesis doctoral profundiza en cuestiones que serviran para futuras investigaciones sobre la problematica de la violencia filio-parental. En particular, esta investigacion ofrece datos sobre la prevalencia de la violencia filio-parental y las principales caracteristicas de las y los hijos maltratadores y padres y madres maltratadas, se analizan los principales factores de riesgo individuales, familiares y escolares destacados en el estudio, y se presentan las principales relaciones encontradas entre la violencia filioparental y los estilos de socializacion parental (autoritario, autorizativo, negligente e indulgente). Por ultimo, aporta resultados y conclusiones susceptibles de publicacion y abre futuras lineas de investigacion con interes para el campo de la investigacion psico-social. Con el objetivo general de “Analizar los estilos de socializacion, la violencia filio-parental y las variables psicosociales (individual, familiar y escolar)”, esta investigacion presenta cuatro capitulos diferenciados. Un primer capitulo, el marco teorico de la investigacion, centrado en la adolescencia, la familia y sus funcionamientos, los estilos de socializacion parental y la violencia filioparental. Un segundo capitulo, el metodo, donde se describe la muestra, el procedimiento y los instrumentos utilizados. En el tercer capitulo se presentan los resultados y el analisis. Y un cuarto capitulo sobre conclusiones y discusion de los resultados. En el primer capitulo, la parte teorica de la investigacion, se presentan siete apartados tematicos. En el primero, se realiza una revision sobre la adolescencia como periodo de transicion. En el segundo se exponen algunos de los distintos modelos teoricos que orientan las investigaciones en adolescencia. En el tercero se describen los principales cambios y transformaciones que se producen en la etapa adolescente. El cuarto apartado, versa sobre la familia, la diversidad de formas familiares y sus funciones. En el apartado se describen los distintos contextos de socializacion familiar y los estilos parentales de socializacion en los que nos hemos basado en nuestra investigacion. Y en el apartado siete y ultimo de este primer capitulo, nos centramos en las consideraciones conceptuales de la violencia filio-parental y loas variables sociodemograficas de agresores y victimas y en los principales factores de riesgo asociados con el abuso parental. En el segundo capitulo, la parte empirica de la investigacion, el metodo, nos centramos en la definir el universo, la muestra, el procedimiento y los instrumentos utilizados en esta investigacion. En el tercer capitulo, resultados se presentan los resultados de esta investigacion en dos apartados, uno relacionado con el analisis de las variables del estudio (excepto violencia filio-parental) y un segundo apartado, violencia filio-parental y las variables del estudio (individual, familiar y escolar). Y para finalizar, el cuarto capitulo se presentan las conclusiones y la discusion relativa a los desafios, puntos de fuerza y debilidades de esta investigacion.
Protein phosphatase 2A regulates life and death decisions via Akt in a context-dependent manner

Here, we show how targeting protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a key regulator of cellular protein phosphorylation, can either induce or prevent apoptosis depending on what other signals the cell is receiving. The oncoprotein polyoma small T interacts with PP2A to regulate survival. In the presence of growth factors, small T induces apoptosis. Akt activity, which usually promotes survival, is required for this death response, because inhibitors of Akt or PI3 kinase protect cells from death. The activation of Akt under these conditions is partial, characterized by T308 phosphorylation but not S473 phosphorylation. In the absence of growth factors, small T protects from cell death. Here, small T uses PP2A to promote phosphorylation of Akt on both T308 and S473. This effect results in a different pattern of phosphorylation of Akt substrates and shifts Akt from a proapoptotic (presence of growth factors) to an antiapoptotic mode (absence of growth factors). An intriguing possibility is that Akt phosphorylation could be therapeutically disregulated to decrease the survival of cancer cells.
Determining specificity of motor imagery training for upper limb improvement in chronic stroke patients: a training protocol and pilot results

Motor imagery (MI) refers to the mental rehearsal of a movement without actual motor output. MI training has positive effects on upper limb recovery after stroke. However, until now it is unclear whether this effect is specific to the trained task or a more general motor skill improvement. This study was set up to advance our insights into the efficacy of MI training and the specificity of its effects. We investigated whether MI training affected the trained hand exclusively, or both hands. Four stroke participants received a 15-min MI training four times a week for 3 weeks. Hand function was measured before and after the training using three measurements of increasing complexity. Hand function improved after MI training, thus confirming the earlier studies. Second, we found specific effects of the MI training for two of the three measurements. These results suggest that MI specificity is dependent on the complexity of the hand function task.
Cost-effectiveness of novel diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

SETTING The potential cost-effectiveness of improved diagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB) in resource-limited settings is unknown. OBJECTIVE To estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical new point-of-care TB diagnostic test in South Africa, Brazil and Kenya. DESIGN Decision-analysis model, adding four diagnostic interventions (sputum smear microscopy, new test, smear plus new test and smear plus TB culture) to a baseline of existing infrastructure without smear. RESULTS Adding sputum smear was estimated to be more cost-effective (incremental cost per disability-adjusted life year [DALY] of $86 [South Africa], $131 [Brazil], $38 (Kenya]) than a new TB diagnostic with 70% sensitivity, 95% specificity and price of $20 per test ($198 [South Africa], $275 [Brazil], $84 [Kenya]). However, compared to sputum smear, smear plus new test averted 46-49% more DALYs per 1000 TB suspects (321 vs. 215 [South Africa], 243 vs. 166 [Brazil], 790 vs. 531 [Kenya]), at an incremental cost of $170 (Kenya) to $625 (Brazil) per DALY averted. Cost-effectiveness was most sensitive to the specificity and price of the new test, the baseline TB case detection rate and the discount rate. CONCLUSION Novel diagnostic tests for TB are potentially highly cost-effective. Cost-effectiveness is maximized by high-specificity, low-cost tests deployed to regions with poor infrastructure.
Amyloid‐β neurotoxicity in organotypic culture is attenuated by melatonin: involvement of GSK‐3β, tau and neuroinflammation

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by accumulation of extracellular deposits of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide in brain regions that are important for memory and cognition. The buildup of Aβ aggregates in the AD is followed by the formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and activation of neuroinflammatory reactions. The present study investigated whether melatonin possesses a neuroprotective effect against Aβ‐induced toxicity. For this purpose, organotypic hippocampal slices were cultured and exposed to 25 μm of Aβ25–35 in the absence or in the presence of melatonin (25, 50, or 100 μm). In addition, the authors have investigated the involvement of GSK‐3β, tau protein, astroglial, and microglial activation, and cytokine levels in the melatonin protection against Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity. Melatonin prevented the cell damage in hippocampus induced by the exposure to Aβ25–35. In addition, melatonin significantly reduced the activation of GSK‐3β, the phosphorylation of tau protein, the glial activation and the Aβ‐induced increase of TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels. On the basis of these findings, we speculate that melatonin may provide an effective therapeutic strategy for AD, by attenuating Aβ‐induced phosphorylation of tau protein, and preventing GSK‐3β activation and neuroinflammation.