Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of Personal Innovativeness and Previous Experience in explaining and predicting Mobile-based Assessment adoption

Mobile learning is gaining great popularity in informal and formal educational settings. Mobile devices can deliver learning content and assessment “anywhere” and “anytime”, offering new opportunities for ubiquitous and personalized learning experiences. Despite the growing interest for mobile learning and mobile-based assessment, little research exists about the factors that influence students to adopt these new technologies. The current study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explain and predict the acceptance of mobilebased assessment in a European University. It proposes two additional variables, Personal Innovativeness and Previous Experience to the already known ones (Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use) investigating how they influence Behavioral Intention to Use MobileBased Assessment. Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used for data analysis. Results indicate that Previous Experience and Personal Innovativeness have a significant influence on mobilebased assessment adoption. Overall, the study confirms the proposed extended TAM model, explaining and predicting students’ acceptance of the mobile-based assessment and provides a better understanding to develop acceptable assessments delivered through mobile devices. Practical implications are discussed.
Marketing Promotion Financing and Tourism Development: The Case of Mauritius

The benefits of tourism are widely acknowledged in the literature given the prevalence of its potential towards stimulating economic growth through the development of the domestic industry associated to the tourism sector, the stimulation of the provision of basic infrastructure, and the transfer of necessary technology via inward foreign direct investment. However, whilst the literature is fraught with studies on the determinants of tourism development in the literature, tourism promotion efforts, on the other hand, as an ingredient of tourism demand, have been overwhelmingly neglected by academic researchers. Moreover, the very few studies that could be traced focused exclusively on developed-country cases. As such, the present article attempts to supplement the small amount of literature on tourism-promotion impact for small island states through an assessment of the impact of tourism promotion efforts on tourist arrivals for Mauritius using an autoregressive distributed lag model approach. After controlling for the classical determinants of tourism demand, our analysis interestingly reveals that tourism marketing and promotion is a crucial element for attracting tourists to Mauritius, albeit to a lesser extent than some of the classical ingredients of the tourism equation.
Chronic abuse of zolpidem.

To the Editor. —The imidazopyridine zolpidem has only recently been marketed as a rapid-onset, short-acting hypnotic. It has been assumed that zolpidem has a lower potential for abuse than benzodiazepines because of its unpleasant adverse effects at higher doses. However, in baboons the drug had a higher reinforcing efficacy than any benzodiazepine tested and self-injection rates were similar to those maintained by pentobarbital or secobarbital. 1 A 33-year-old man with known major depression since the age of 26 years was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of an unprovoked generalized tonic-clonic seizure that occurred 14 hours after the reported ingestion of 60 to 80 mg of zolpidem. The seizure was self-limited. Anterograde amnesia was present and memory returned to normal only after 4 to 5 days. An electroencephalogram showed increased photoreactivity 7 days after the acute event; another 8 days later a 24-hour recording, which included photosensitivity testing, was completely
THz Medical Imaging: in vivo Hydration Sensing

The application of THz to medical imaging is experiencing a surge in both interest and federal funding. A brief overview of the field is provided along with promising and emerging applications and ongoing research. THz imaging phenomenology is discussed and tradeoffs are identified. A THz medical imaging system, operating at ~525 GHz center frequency with ~125 GHz of response normalized bandwidth is introduced and details regarding principles of operation are provided. Two promising medical applications of THz imaging are presented: skin burns and cornea. For burns, images of second degree, partial thickness burns were obtained in rat models in vivo over an 8 hour period. These images clearly show the formation and progression of edema in and around the burn wound area. For cornea, experimental data measuring the hydration of ex vivo porcine cornea under drying is presented demonstrating utility in ophthalmologic applications.
Optimization of ultrasound and microbubbles targeted gene delivery to cultured primary endothelial cells

Ultrasound and microbubbles targeted gene delivery (UMTGD) is a promising technique for local gene delivery. As the endothelium is a primary target for systemic UMTGD, this study aimed at establishing the optimal parameters of UMTGD to primary endothelial cells. For this, an in vitro ultrasound (US) setup was employed in which individual UMTGD parameters were systematically optimized. The criteria for the final optimized protocol were: (1) relative high reporter gene expression levels, restricted to the US exposed area and (2) induction of not more than 5% cell death. US frequency and timing of medium replacement had a strong effect on UMTGD efficiency. Furthermore, US intensity, DNA concentration and total duration of US all affected UMTGD efficiency. Optimal targeted gene delivery to primary endothelial cells can be accomplished with Sonovue® microbubbles, using 20 μg/ml plasmid DNA, a 1 MHz US exposure of Ispta 0.10 W/cm2 for 30 s with immediate medium change after UMTGD. This optimized protocol resulted in both an increase in the number of transfected cells (more than three fold) and increased levels of transgene expression per cell (170%).
Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulation in Blood Coagulation

Over the last two decades, mathematical modeling has become a popular tool in study of blood coagulation. The in silico methods were able to yield interesting and significant results in the understanding of both individual reaction mechanisms and regulation of large sections of the coagulation cascade. The objective of this paper is to review the development of theoretical research in hemostasis and thrombosis, to summarize the main findings, and outline problems and possible prospects in the use of mathematical modeling and computer simulation approaches. This review is primarily focused on the studies dealing with: (1) the membrane-dependent reactions of coagulation; (2) regulation of the coagulation cascade, including effects of positive and negative feedback loops, diffusion of coagulation factors, and blood flow.
Extended spectrum of idiopathic generalized epilepsies associated with CACNA1H functional variants

The relationship between genetic variation in the T‐type calcium channel gene CACNA1H and childhood absence epilepsy is well established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the range of epilepsy syndromes for which CACNA1H variants may contribute to the genetic susceptibility architecture and determine the electrophysiological effects of these variants in relation to proposed mechanisms underlying seizures.
Financial Constraints and the Incentive for Tax Planning

In this study, we investigate the association between financial constraints, at both the macroeconomic and firm-specific level, and one potentially significant source of internal funds available to firms – cash savings generated through tax planning. In equilibrium a firm will undertake tax avoidance strategies if the marginal benefit (i.e., reduction in taxes payable) exceeds the marginal costs. Assuming the cost of implementing tax avoidance strategies does not increase for financially constrained firms, this suggests that firms will increase tax avoidance as access to external funds becomes more costly. Measuring financial constraints based on both macroeconomic measures (change in GDP and bank lending tightening) and firm-specific measures (a financial distress indicator based on the Altman Z-score and the decile ranking of the Whited and Wu 2006 financial constraint index), we find that firms facing financial constraints exhibit lower cash effective tax rates. Understanding how financial constraints affect tax avoidance and the interplay between macroeconomic forces and firm-level tax avoidance behavior is important as legislators look for ways to reduce the federal deficit.
Adoption of Internet banking by Iranian customer: An empirical investigation

The purpose of this article is to provide an insight into the determinants of customers’ Internet banking (IB) acceptance. Therefore, it attempts to address a research need for extending the technology acceptance model (TAM) by adding contextual factors for IB case. The data presented in this study are based on 202 questionnaires collected from individual Internet banking users in Iran. By using Confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation testing, and multiple regressions, tested the correlations between variables. The findings of the study indicate that perceived usefulness and Computer self efficacy were the main factors influencing Internet banking acceptance. Recommend to banks managers to learning customer how to use computer and Internet banking and advertising about Internet banking benefit and its advantages. And with regard to importance of Computer self-efficacy, banks can promotion of customer ability about work with computer by proper advertising.
Why do software development projects fail? : emphasising the supplier's perspective and the project start-up

Savolainen, Paula Why Do Software Development Projects Fail? Emphasising the Supplier’s Perspective and the Project Start-Up Jyvaskyla: University of Jyvaskyla, 2011, 81 p. (+ articles) (Jyvaskyla Studies in Computing, ISSN 1456-5390; 136) ISBN 978-951-39-4467-4 (nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-4468-1 (PDF) Finnish summary Diss. This dissertation focus on finding answers to the question: why do software development projects fail? A post-mortem analysis of five cancelled software engineering projects was conducted. From this, the reasons for cancellation decisions and the causes behind those reasons were identified. In four cases there was a sub-contracting relationship between a customer and a supplier, and in these cases serious mistakes were made before the project start. As a result of this study, the customer-supplier framework was developed. This discerns differences between a customer and a supplier in sub-contracting situations and positions the phases which precede software development projects in the business context. A systematic literature review was also performed in order to find out how software development project success and failure is defined from the supplier’s perspective. Three success criteria from the supplier’s perspective were identified: customer satisfaction, short term business success for the supplier, and long-term success for the supplier. Furthermore, this research established that the academic literature does not distinguish between software development project management success and project success. Without this distinction it is easy to conclude that a software development project has failed. Following the systematic literature, the project start-up phase was researched in industry and it was found that software development projects may fail because supplier firms do not seem to actively aim at defining success criteria for each project during the start-up phase. Without defined success criteria different members may pursue their own goals instead of the project’s goals. Therefore, it is difficult to make project management adjustments during project execution which ensure project success and evaluation of project success is not possible.
The relationship between sustainability practices and financial performance of construction companies

Purpose – Over recent years, a number of companies have committed to sharing information relating to their environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities, in response to a higher demand for transparency from stakeholders. This paper aims to explore the impact of such reporting on the financial performance of construction companies.Design/methodology/approach – This paper first examines the state of non‐financial reporting of publicly‐listed construction companies on climate change, environmental management, environmental efficiency, health and safety, human capital, conduct, stakeholder engagement, governance and other matters deemed to be of concern to institutional investors. It then presents the results of an empirical study on the impact of issuing non‐financial reports and the extent of companies’ sustainability practices (represented by ESG scores) on the financial performance of the companies. Financial performance is measured via a range of financial ratios.Findings – The paper finds that a.
The Effect of a Short-term PETTLEP Imagery Intervention on a Cognitive Task

Based on neuroscience research, the PETTLEP model was developed by Holmes and Collins (2001). The model provides imagery guidelines which identify seven key factors (physical, environment, task, timing, learning, emotion, perspective) that should be included when developing interventions to maximise functional equivalence. This study explored the effect of a short-term PETTLEP imagery intervention, compared to `traditional' imagery, on a computer game: Need for Speed Underground 2 (EA games). Eighty participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: PETTLEP imagery group, `traditional' imagery group, physical practice group and control group. After three practice attempts, pre-tests consisted of five attempts at the game. The game involved completing timed laps by manoeuvring a vehicle around a track using the computer's arrow keys. The PETTLEP group completed individualised response training, and then performed imagery sitting in front of the computer screen and repeatedly imaging themselves completing the task. The `traditional' imagery group was sat in a separate room, given individualised stimulus training and instructed to relax and close their eyes during imagery. The physical practice group performed the actual task. Each intervention lasted for forty-five minutes, immediately followed by the post-test, which again consisted of five attempts at the game. A group x test ANOVA showed that the PETTLEP imagery group and physical practice group both improved significantly from pre-test to post-test (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the magnitude of their improvements. The traditional imagery and control groups showed no increase in performance from pre-test to post-test (p>0.05). The results strongly support the use of PETTLEP in enhancing performance on a cognitive task. Contrary to previous studies, PETTLEP was as effective as physical practice. This finding could have important implications for athletes returning from injury, suffering from over-training and for use in pre-performance routines. Therefore, sports psychologists should maximise the functional equivalence of their imagery interventions to have the greatest positive effect on performance on such cognitive tasks, at least in the short term. Future research needs to focus on applying short-term PETTLEP interventions to different tasks, varying in cognitive complexity. Assessing the effectiveness of PETTLEP imagery used in various combinations with physical practice would also be a useful addition to the literature.
Nitrogen and Potassium Fertility Impacts on Aggregate Sheath Spot Disease and Yields of Rice

Abstract Aggregate sheath spot (AgSS), a disease caused by Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae, is one of the major rice (Oryza sativa L.) diseases in California. A three year study was initiated in 1998 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertility on the severity of AgSS. A field with a history of AgSS was divided in two: in one the straw was incorporated and in the other the straw was removed. Rice was fertilized annually with five rates of N ranging from 0 to 200 kg ha-1 (main plot) and six rates of K ranging from 0 to 125 kg ha-1 (sub-plot). Soil K levels in both fields declined over time and by the third year, soil K was below the critical level of 60 μg K g-1 soil in both fields. There was a grain yield response to K fertilizer in all 3 years in the field where straw was removed and in the third year when straw was incorporated. Where there was a significant response to K fertilization, yields increased by 560 kg ha-1. In all fields and years there was a significant yield response to N fertilizer. AgSS severity decreased with increasing N and K fertilizer rates and leaf N and K concentrations at panicle initiation. Furthermore, the leaf N concentration required for maximum rice yields was lower than the leaf N concentration which resulted in the lowest severity of AgSS .
Toll-Like Receptors as a Potential Marker of Aggressive Periodontitis in Indonesian Population

ABSTRACT Toll-like receptorsplay a role as a bridge between innate immune system and adaptive immune system, playing an important role in body'sdefense against invading germs. Thus, theintroduction of TLR-4can be used as a marker for aggressive and chronic periodontitis. This researchaimed to analyze the expression of TLR-4in patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis. The samplesin this study were derived from tissue suffering from aggressive and chronic periodontitis. The number of samples in this research was 40 patients with aggressive periodontitis and 40 patients with chronic periodontitis. Then, TLR-4 expression test was conducted by using immunohistochemistry.Based on the results of T-test, a statistical test, it is known that t value was 5.697 with significant value about 0.000 (α = 5%). It is also known that there was significant difference of TLR4 protein expression between in patients with aggressive periodontitis and in those with chronic periodontitis. Morever, based on a box plot diagram, it is known that there was significant difference of TLR4 protein distribution between in patients with aggressive periodontitis and in those with chronic periodontitis. Besides, it is also known that TLR4 protein expression has an effect on the incidence of patients with aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis, as well as the shape of the regression equation. Furthermore, it is known that OR estimated value for the variable expression of TLR4 protein was 1.275 (sign = 0.000). It indicates that if TLR4 protein expression increased 1 (one) unit, then the risk of aggressive periodontitis could be 1,275 times. Conclusion: The increasing of TLR4 protein expression in patients with aggressive periodontitis indicates that cytokine becomes an indicator of inflammation in aggressive periodontitis. Keywords: Toll - like receptors -4, aggressive eriodontitis, chronic periodontitis
An Investigation of the Determinants of Extrinsic Job Satisfaction Among Drivers

Driver turnover is one of the most pressing issues facing the trucking industry. Low job satisfaction has been identified as a major reason for turnover among employees. Conventional wisdom in the trucking industry is that low pay and lack of home time are the factors that cause driver dissatisfaction. This manuscript investigates this conventional wisdom and draws on the theory of met expectations to help identify other factors that lead to driver dissatisfaction. The results indicate that conventional wisdom is only partially correct, and that the factors that cause driver dissatisfaction are directly controllable by the firm.
Genetic polymorphism of milk protein loci in Argentinian Holstein cattle

Some alleles of milk protein loci are associated with superior cheese production characteristics. The genetic polymorphism of the milk protein loci as1-casein, b-casein, k-casein and b-lactoglobulin was examined in Argentinian Holstein cattle. Samples from 12 herds of four regions of Cordoba were analyzed by starch gel electrophoresis. The c2 test was used to assess whether the populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genotypic diversity was analyzed by the Shannon-Weaver index. The observed genotypic frequencies were analyzed by Hedrick's genetic identity and the genetic distance of Balakrishnan and Sanghvi. The allelic and genotypic frequencies were similar to those of other Holstein populations. The genotypic frequencies of the as1-casein and b-casein loci were in equilibrium, whereas in some populations the k-casein and b-lactoglobulin loci were not. According to the Shannon-Weaver index the total genetic diversity within each herd was greater than 96%. The high values of identity agreed with the low genetic distances among populations. We conclude that there is extensive genetic homogeneity in Holstein cattle in Cordoba Province and that it would be feasible to select for B alleles at the k-casein and b-lactoglobulin loci in order to improve the quality of milk available for cheese manufacturing.
Molecular Surgery Concept from Bench to Bedside: A Focus on TRPV1+ Pain-Sensing Neurons

“Molecular neurosurgery” is emerging as a new medical concept, and is the combination of two partners: (i) a molecular neurosurgery agent, and (ii) the cognate receptor whose activation results in the selective elimination of a specific subset of neurons in which this receptor is endogenously expressed. In general, a molecular surgery agent is a selective and potent ligand, and the target is a specific cell type whose elimination is desired through the molecular surgery procedure. These target cells have the highest innate sensitivity to the molecular surgery agent usually due to the highest receptor density being in their plasma membrane. The interaction between the ligand and its receptor evokes an overactivity of the receptor. If the receptor is a ligand-activated non-selective cation channel, the overactivity of receptor leads to excess Ca2+ and Na+ influx into the cell and finally cell death. One of the best known examples of such an interaction is the effect of ultrapotent vanilloids on TRPV1-expressing pain-sensing neurons. One intrathecal resiniferatoxin (RTX) dose allows for the receptor-mediated removal of TRPV1+ neurons from the peripheral nervous system. The TRPV1 receptor-mediated ion influx induces necrotic processes, but only in pain-sensing neurons, and usually within an hour. Besides that, target-specific apoptotic processes are also induced. Thus, as a nano-surgery scalpel, RTX removes the neurons responsible for generating pain and inflammation from the peripheral nervous system providing an option in clinical management for the treatment of morphine-insensitive pain conditions. In the future, the molecular surgery concept can also be exploited in cancer research for selectively targeting the specific tumor cell.
The influence of electronic-word-of-mouth on consumer decision-making for beauty products in a Kuwaiti Women's online community

Online communities are an important source of electronic-word-of-mouth (eWOM), however few studies have examined these types of messages within the Middle Eastern context. This study focuses on Kuwaiti women as members of an online beauty forum; previous work has suggested a mediating effect of gender with women being more likely to trust and follow-up wordof-mouth with a purchase. A conceptual model, based on existing theoretical contributions, provides the basis of a coding framework for the message characteristics that influence members’ eWOM adoption. A sub-set of the analysis is presented: 218 threads (1820 messages, coded into 6702 units) illustrating cases where eWOM was adopted and thereby demonstrating continuance intention with members returning to the forum. Content analysis revealed the prevalence of emotional aspects in messages, coded into a new category of ‘community bonding’. Findings show that emotion expressed in messages is as influential and important as cognitive aspects of argument quality.