Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forward Thinking: Building Deep Random Forests

The success of deep neural networks has inspired many to wonder whether other learners could benefit from deep, layered architectures. We present a general framework called forward thinking for deep learning that generalizes the architectural flexibility and sophistication of deep neural networks while also allowing for (i) different types of learning functions in the network, other than neurons, and (ii) the ability to adaptively deepen the network as needed to improve results. This is done by training one layer at a time, and once a layer is trained, the input data are mapped forward through the layer to create a new learning problem. The process is then repeated, transforming the data through multiple layers, one at a time, rendering a new dataset, which is expected to be better behaved, and on which a final output layer can achieve good performance. In the case where the neurons of deep neural nets are replaced with decision trees, we call the result a Forward Thinking Deep Random Forest (FTDRF). We demonstrate a proof of concept by applying FTDRF on the MNIST dataset. We also provide a general mathematical formulation that allows for other types of deep learning problems to be considered.
Bilgi merkezleri ve toplam kalite yönetimi ilişkisi: bir uygulama

Great advances in science and technology have positive reflections on organizations. This brought competition between the organizations, with respect to their products and services. This competition brought positive results for the organizations, and differences occured in their management comprehension; because customer satisfaction is regarded as the most essential issue. Certainly Total Quality Management (TQM) is one of the most important differences. Today TQM is applied commonly in the organizations of developed countries. Information centers which aim to provide services to satisfy user (customer) needs are among these organizations. TQM applications in information centers are mentioned and discussed in the present study.
Organizational resources, corporate governance structures and performance of Kenyan state corporations

xviii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of Study . 1 1.1.1 Organizational Resources . 4 1.1.2 Corporate Governance Structures . 7 1.1.3 Firm Performance . 11 1.1.4 Kenyan State Corporations . 16 1.2 Research Problem . 19 1.3 Research Objectives . 23 1.4 Value of the Study . 24 1.5 Organization of the Thesis . 26 1.6 Chapter Summary . 28
Determinants of behavioral intentions in the mobile internet services market

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the theoretical and empirical meaningfulness of a composite model of behavioral intentions in a pure mobile internet services context. This paper starts by investigating the influence of seven service quality determinants on overall service quality perceptions, employing a qualitative research design. Next, these determinants are embedded in a holistic nomological framework depicting the complex interrelationships between prominent service evaluation constructs and behavioral intentions. The model is tested employing partial-least squares structural equation modeling in the context of a field experiment involving the delivery of music content over real-world mobile networks and devices. The study finds that content quality, contextual quality, device quality, connection quality and privacy concerns have a strong positive influence on service quality perceptions. Overall, service quality, value and satisfaction have a simultaneous direct effect on behavioral intentions. So as to adopt mobile e-commerce services consumers require to be rewarded with high levels of outcome quality (e.g., wide selection of music songs, sonic and video quality), anytime and most importantly at any place. Study results imply that when it comes to specifying service evaluation frameworks employing service quality, satisfaction and value-operationalized at a cumulative level traditional exchange contexts are not different from electronic commerce exchanges.
A Fault-Tolerant Communication Scheme for Hypercube Computers

A fault-tolerant communication scheme that facilitates near-optimal routing and broadcasting in hypercube computers subject to node failures is described. The concept of an unsafe node is introduced to identify fault-free nodes that may cause communication difficulties. It is shown that by only using 'feasible' paths that try to avoid unsafe nodes, routing and broadcasting can be substantially simplified. A computationally efficient routing algorithm that uses local information is presented. It can route a message via a path of length no greater than p+2, where p is the minimum distance from the source to the destination, provided that not all nonfaulty nodes in the hypercube are unsafe. Broadcasting can be achieved under the same fault conditions with only one more time unit than the fault-free case. The problems posed by deadlock in faulty hypercubes are discussed, and deadlock-free implementations of the proposed communication schemes are presented. >
It takes a marketplace community to raise brand commitment: the role of online communities

Companies are increasingly using online communities to create value for the firm and their customers. To date, evidence regarding the effectiveness of online communities as a marketing tool has been primarily anecdotal. Yet, industry practice suggests that online communities add value in several ways by: 1) building brand awareness and image, 2) providing access to the voice of loyal customers, 3) increasing supplier commitment, and 4) generating revenue from new and existing customers. Relying on social identity theory and reciprocal action theory, we develop a framework that explores the process of how a firm's online community enhances consumers' brand commitment. We empirically examine how online communities influence brand commitment and subsequent customer behaviour in a field study of over 1,500 members of an existing online community for herbal products. In our analysis, we confirm that online community commitment is a key influence on brand commitment. We also find that online community participants possess stronger brand commitment than consumers who are not members of the community. Finally, our results reveal that among online community members, brand commitment is enhanced for both active brand users and non-users of the targeted brand.
An Investigation of Default Prediction Models in the Taiwan Banking Sector

This study investigates the determinants of bank default probability and the predictive performance of the logit and the hazard models. Using accounting and market price information in the Taiwan bank sector for the period 1999 to 2010, the result shows both models provides adequate default predicative performances. Furthermore, it finds banks’ default probabilities are negatively and significantly related to distance to default and stock returns, but positively and significantly related to loan loss provision ratios.
Key Issues for Cios in South Africa

Business strategy, operations, communication and technology have converged and resulted in increased demand for business flexibility. Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are particularly challenged because they operate at the intersection between information technology, their organisations, and society. Amidst increasing emphasis on cost‐efficiency, information technology resource investment and emergence of new technologies, stakeholders need to understand the most relevant issues within a three‐ to five‐year period. This study was undertaken to contribute to the body of knowledge around key information systems issues in South Africa, with its unique social issues. Thirty‐one responses were received from South African CIOs surveyed in late 2004. The top issues were: Security and control, Building a responsive IT infrastructure, IT value management, Service delivery, and Improving IS strategic planning. The ranked list of issues was compared to previous studies, and further analysed by industry and source of IT services (in‐house, outsource or combination). Industry and the sourcing of information services were found to have an effect on the ranking of key issues.
The more the merrier?: Women in top-management teams and entrepreneurship in established firms

Research summary: We study the association between firms' entrepreneurial outcomes and their gender composition. Though highly topical, there is little solid empirical knowledge of this issue, which calls for an inductive approach. We match a paired‐respondent questionnaire survey with population‐wide employer‐employee data, and find evidence that the presence of female top managers is positively related to entrepreneurial outcomes in established firms. Yet, this relation is conditional on the proportion between male and female top managers. Another finding is that the overall proportion of women in the firm's workforce negatively moderates the relation between female top managers and entrepreneurial outcomes. We discuss various mechanisms that can explain these findings, and argue that they are best understood in terms of the dynamics of social categorization. Managerial summary: We investigate how companies benefit from having more women on the top‐management team. We show that beyond a threshold level of female top managers, more women are associated with more entrepreneurial outcomes (more products and services profitably launched). However, this positive effect is weakened in firms that have many women in the workforce. These effects may be explained in terms of the ways employees mentally categorize managers and how this influences their work motivation. We find evidence for such an explanation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Similarity Index for Image Quality Assessment

Image quality assessment (IQA) aims to use computational models to measure the image quality consistently with subjective evaluations. The well-known structural similarity index brings IQA from pixelto structure-based stage. In this paper, a novel feature similarity (FSIM) index for full reference IQA is proposed based on the fact that human visual system (HVS) understands an image mainly according to its low-level features. Specifically, the phase congruency (PC), which is a dimensionless measure of the significance of a local structure, is used as the primary feature in FSIM. Considering that PC is contrast invariant while the contrast information does affect HVS’ perception of image quality, the image gradient magnitude (GM) is employed as the secondary feature in FSIM. PC and GM play complementary roles in characterizing the image local quality. After obtaining the local quality map, we use PC again as a weighting function to derive a single quality score. Extensive experiments performed on six benchmark IQA databases demonstrate that FSIM can achieve much higher consistency with the subjective evaluations than state-of-the-art IQA metrics.
Chloroquine Eliminates Cancer Stem Cells Through Deregulation of Jak2 and DNMT1

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known to contain a high percentage of CD44+/CD24−/low cancer stem cells (CSCs), corresponding with a poor prognosis despite systemic chemotherapy. Chloroquine (CQ), an antimalarial drug, is a lysotropic reagent which inhibits autophagy. CQ was identified as a potential CSC inhibitor through in silico gene expression signature analysis of the CD44+/CD24−/low CSC population. Autophagy plays a critical role in adaptation to stress conditions in cancer cells, and is related with drug resistance and CSC maintenance. Thus, the objectives of this study were to examine the potential enhanced efficacy arising from addition of CQ to standard chemotherapy (paclitaxel) in TNBC and to identify the mechanism by which CQ eliminates CSCs in TNBCs. Herein, we report that CQ sensitizes TNBC cells to paclitaxel through inhibition of autophagy and reduces the CD44+/CD24−/low CSC population in both preclinical and clinical settings. Also, we are the first to report a mechanism by which CQ regulates the CSCs in TNBC through inhibition of the Janus‐activated kinase 2 (Jak2)—signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway by reducing the expression of Jak2 and DNA methyltransferase 1. Stem Cells 2014;32:2309–2323
Factors affecting Customer's Trust in Online banking

s An increasing number of citizens are processing transactions online and the numbers are likely to increase rapidly in the near future. Based on McKnight et al. (2002) and Gefen et al. (2003), a conceptual model was developed in this study. This research focuses on those who have conducted online banking in any financial institutions. The results showed that trusting beliefs had the strongest relationship for users’ intention to process transaction online. The second important determinant of trusting intention is perceived site quality. Moreover, structural assurance had the strongest relationship for trusting beliefs, following by familiarity, perceived site quality and situational normality. In addition, disposition to trust showed significant to structural assurance. The findings in this study are useful for e-banking vendors to understand what factors affect users’ trust in online banking so as to retain users. Table of
Do retail alliances enhance customer experience? Examining the relationship between alliance value and customer satisfaction with the alliance

Abstract This article evaluates the role of customers in the alliance equation. Using a combination of survey and experimental data, we investigate the role of value offered by retail alliances on customer satisfaction with the alliance. We find that customer value plays a mediating role in the relationship between customer experience with the alliance and customer satisfaction with the alliance. Results also show that the nature of this relationship differs based on the type of value offered by the alliance. Cognitive processing plays a more significant role when the alliance is of a functional nature, while affect plays a more significant role when the retail alliance is of a hedonic nature.
Preliminary assessment of ELISA, MAT, and LAT for detecting Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pigs

Applicability and sensitivity of the commercial tests MAT (modified agglutination test), LAT (latex agglutination test), in comparison to in-house serologic assay (ELISA), and reference test (indirect fluorescence antibody test, IFAT) to detect specific antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in pigs were investigated. One hundred and six blood samples were examined. The most specific test, as compared to IFAT, was MAT (100.0%) and the most sensitive test was ELISA (88.9%). LAT showed the least specificity and sensitivity at 91.4%, and 47.2%, respectively. After analysis of the tests with Cohen’s Kappa agreement, it was found that IFAT, ELISA and MAT were in high agreement, and LAT was moderately consistent with these tests. Similar results were achieved using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Our study confirmed the usefulness of the ELISA and MAT, much greater than LAT, for the detecting of T. gondii antibodies in pigs.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE EVALUATION OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS REPORTING AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN KIMS HOSPITAL, NARKETPALLY, TELANGANA, INDIA -

A huge number of cases of morbidity and mortality worldwide are attributed to Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), therefore this study was done with the primary Objective of assessing the Knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the same among healthcare professionals in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A questionnaire containing 20 questions was given to all the participants before the educational session. Later, an interactive educational session on pharmacovigilance was conducted for them. After the educational session, the same questionnaire was given to all participants. The impact of effectiveness of educational session among health care professionals was evaluated by statistical analysis. 80 health care professionals were involved in the study. 37 Post Graduates of different departments, Assistant Professors 14, senior residents 10, Associate Professors 15, and 4 Professors were participants of this study. Results: The overall response rates during pre intervention was 23.48%, which significantly increased to 25.99% during post intervention (P value
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Pigs with Exudative Epidermitis

Despite a strict control program for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in human medicine in the Netherlands, MRSA was cultured from exudative epidermitis lesions of 4 piglets on a breeding farm, 20 pigs on a supplier farm, and 2 workers on these farms. The MRSA strains were indistinguishable, suggesting direct transmission.
THE IMPACTS OF EARTHQUAKE RISK ON THE HOUSING MARKET: EVIDENCE FROM TEHRAN REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Despite significant developments in earthquake risk reduction measures (ERRMs) in buildings, these measures have not been widely implemented. One reason is that they increase construction costs. Whether households derive any utility from ERRMs, and if so how much, determines willingness to pay for them and the scale of the market-led adoption of them in relation to their costs. The analysis of market prices can under certain circumstances provide a reasonable answer to the benefit of ERRMs. Using a contingent valuation method, a survey of real estate agents was conducted to find the effects of ERRMs on the housing market in Tehran, Iran. The results show that under existing conditions there is a significant price difference between earthquake-resistant and nonresistant houses, across all districts in the city. This article predicts that increased information about earthquake risks might further increase the price difference between houses.
Feasibility and scalability of spring parameters in distraction enterogenesis in a murine model.

BACKGROUND Distraction enterogenesis has been investigated as a novel treatment for short bowel syndrome (SBS). With variable intestinal sizes, it is critical to determine safe, translatable spring characteristics in differently sized animal models before clinical use. Nitinol springs have been shown to lengthen intestines in rats and pigs. Here, we show spring-mediated intestinal lengthening is scalable and feasible in a murine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 10-mm nitinol spring was compressed to 3 mm and placed in a 5-mm intestinal segment isolated from continuity in mice. A noncompressed spring placed in a similar fashion served as a control. Spring parameters were proportionally extrapolated from previous spring parameters to accommodate the smaller size of murine intestines. After 2-3 wk, the intestinal segments were examined for size and histology. RESULTS Experimental group with spring constants, k = 0.2-1.4 N/m, showed intestinal lengthening from 5.0 ± 0.6 mm to 9.5 ± 0.8 mm (P < 0.0001), whereas control segments lengthened from 5.3 ± 0.5 mm to 6.4 ± 1.0 mm (P < 0.02). Diameter increased similarly in both groups. Isolated segment perforation was noted when k ≥ 0.8 N/m. Histologically, lengthened segments had increased muscularis thickness and crypt depth in comparison to normal intestine. CONCLUSIONS Nitinol springs with k ≤ 0.4 N/m can safely yield nearly 2-fold distraction enterogenesis in length and diameter in a scalable mouse model. Not only does this study derive the safe ranges and translatable spring characteristics in a scalable murine model for patients with short bowel syndrome, it also demonstrates the feasibility of spring-mediated intestinal lengthening in a mouse, which can be used to study underlying mechanisms in the future.
Arterial Perfusion for Hydrofluoric Acid Burns

The perfusion method is briefly summarised: 1 An arteriogram (under brachial plexus block) is carried out, and the radial, ulnar or brachial artery chosen as infusion site, according to the location and extent of the damage. 2 The infusion is administered over 4 h: Radial or ulnar artery 10 ml 20% calcium gluconate in 40 ml normal saline, or brachial artery: 20 ml 20 % calcium gluconate in 80 ml normal saline. 3 Heparin 200 u per kg body weight as long as the arterial catheter is in place.
Measuring Risk In Israeli Mutual Funds: Conditional Value-At-Risk Vs. Aumann-Serrano Riskiness Index

Standard performance indices use risk and return me asures based on the variance or the beta to evaluate and rank mutual funds. These approaches, however, may fail to convey proper valuations unless assets are normally distributed. The aim of this paper is to use two more recently developed risk measures as conditional-val ue-at-risk (CVaR) and Aumann-Serrano’s (AS) riskiness index to evaluate the performance of Israeli mutual funds. These two risk measures are coherent and comply with second-degree stochastic dominance. CVaR is more adequate to evaluate the risk inherent in the lower tails of the distribution while the AS riskiness index provides an unequivocal ranking of risky asse ts for all risk-averters. I show how to calculate the measures for Israeli mutual funds and I provide new performance rankings that are compared to the standard performance ratios.
Operating and Financial Investments by European Utilities Over 2004-2009: What Role for European Mitigation Policies?

One of the objectives of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EUETS), the EU’s flagship cap-and-trade policy, is to give an incentive to carbon-constrained entities to invest in a production apparatus that emit less carbon. So far, analytical work and related evidence has been limited to rather short-term impacts (operations and carbon trading). This paper investigates longer-term impacts considering both operating investments and financial investments in power generation.The paper surveys corporate investor communications over 2004-2009 for the five most carbon-constrained European utilities (RWE, E.ON, EDF, Enel and Vattenfall). We ask ourselves to what extent has the EU ETS actually given the proper incentive to invest in low-carbon generation and what is the impact (both incidental and voluntary) of external growth investments on the ETS profile of the European utilities under scrutiny. Have the changes of ownership altered the EU ETS compliance perimeter? The paper concludes that in the early years of the EU ETS, European utilities investments were considerably more influenced by non-climatic considerations, notably (1) the strategic repositioning of the industry towards a regional energy utility business and (2) environmental and competition-related regulations. In the absence of a consensual counterfactual investment scenario over the period, we can only highlight that some investments performed and planned are clearly in favor of mitigating carbon emissions without attributing this solely to the EU ETS but also to the flurry of direct support mechanisms to renewables or energy markets developments. The beginning of a tighter constraint in phase II and expectation regarding phase III triggered clearer investment-related responses on the part of regulated entities: highly carbon-emitting plants cancelled in favor of plants emitting less CO2 or regulated entities fully using offset project mechanisms to foster investments in lower carbon power plants. However, some responses are rather creative, require further monitoring and need to be addressed by the policymakers (risk of carbon leakage and plant commissioning unduly postponed). This calls for more transparency requirement in the reporting exercise.
Human Resource Training and Development as Facilitators of Corporate Social Responsibility

Recent corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature has emphasized the impor tance of labor practices in the CSR implementation. The research presented in this paper explores how employees respond to human resource training and development of CSR in the context of a developing country. Based on primary data collected via a self-administered survey in Vietnam, we provide evidence of the perceptions of employees of CSR and conclude that CSR can be an effective way for firms to main tain positive relationships with their employees.