Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing academic use of internet banking services: An empirical study

This study explores factors influencing the adoption of Internet banking. Based on the literature and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, six constructs which influence academics’ usage of and behavioural intention to adopt Internet banking were identified: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, perceived risk and trust. Data was collected from 272 academics through a survey questionnaire, and correlations and regression were used to analyse the relationships. The results indicate that, while performance expectancy, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions had a positive association with academics’ Internet banking usage, it was not possible to find support for a positive association for social influence with academics’ Internet banking usage. Secondly, while trust had a positive association with academics’ behavioural intention to use Internet banking, the null hypothesis that perceived risk has no association with intention to use Internet banking could not be rejected. Facilitating conditions is the most influential factor explaining the usage of Internet banking. Implications from these findings may help banking institutions to structure their service model tactically for broader Internet banking usage and adoption.
C reactive protein and its determinants in healthy men and women from European regions at different risk of coronary disease: the IMMIDIET Project

Aim: Differences in C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and its determinants in three European populations at different risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) were studied.Methods: Subjects were recruited randomly in Limburg (Belgium), Abruzzo (Italy) and south‐west (SW) London (England). Results: Ten‐year risk of fatal coronary events (estimated using risk equations provided by the SCORE Project) was lower both in men and women from Abruzzo, intermediate in people from Limburg and higher in subjects from SW London. Within each country, high sensitivity (hs)‐CRP levels were higher in the high‐risk class in men but not in women. Men from Abruzzo had higher hs‐CRP levels than those from Limburg and SW London. Women always had higher hs‐CRP levels than men. The strongest hs‐CRP determinant was body mass index (BMI, R2 = 0.14) in women and waist circumference (WC, R2 = 0.046) in men. The highest hs‐CRP levels were observed in subjects with both high BMI and high WC. Metabolic syndrome was associated with high levels of CRP both in men and women, even after adjustment for confounders. Discussion: Difference in CRP levels cannot explain the European gradient of CVD risk, although CRP levels are associated with the calculated SCORE risk of fatal coronary events within each country.
Expression of Cell Cycle-associated Proteins p53, pRb, p16, p27, and Correlation With Survival: A Comparative Study on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Verrucous Carcinoma

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a well-differentiated form of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with better prognosis. Differences in molecular pathogenesis between the 2 have not been well-characterized. We conducted this study to evaluate immunohistochemical expression of cell-cycle regulatory proteins p53, pRb, p16, and p27 in SCC and VC, compare the expression in these 2 neoplasms, and assess if these markers have any diagnostic or prognostic value. Sixty cases of SCC with and without lymph node metastasis and 31 cases of VC were studied. Immunohistochemical analysis for p53, pRb, p16, and p27 was performed and the results were analyzed. SCC was most frequent in tongue (52%), whereas VC in buccal mucosa (81%). Mean age of SCC patients was significantly lower than in VC. Majority of SCCs were in stage III and IV (63%), whereas VCs were in stage I and II (84%). p53 immunopositivity was more frequent in SCC (65%) than in VC (23%) (P⩽0.001). VC had lower p53 as compared with well-differentiated SCC and SCC without lymph node metastasis. No significant difference was seen in pRb, p16, and p27 expression. Disease-free survival (DFS) at 1 year for SCC was 57% whereas it was 80% for VC (P=0.02). DFS and overall survival of SCC correlated with nodal status and stage; cell-cycle–associated protein expression had no association with DFS. To conclude, p53 immunoexpression differs in SCC and VC, suggesting different pathogenesis, and it may have some utility as an adjunct to morphology to differentiate between the 2. Expression of cell-cycle–associated proteins does not influence survival in SCC.
Short-term Corporate Debt Around The World

Short-term corporate debt as a proportion of total debt issued by public firms varies greatly across countries, between 28% in the U.S. and 78% in China. This paper argues that the interaction between information asymmetry and legal protection of creditors is an important determinant of debt maturity. When short-term debt plays a dual role as signalling and commitment devices, a reduction in information asymmetry has a larger impact on debt maturity when creditor rights are weaker. We find empirical support for this prediction using firm-level data from 45 countries around the world.
Maximum-entropy approaches to quantum electronic transport.

Deux recentes theories ont etudie la distribution w L (M) de la matrice de transfert M d'un conducteur desordonne de longueur L, produisant, a differents etages, une hypothese d'une entropie maximale. On prouve ici l'equivalence des deux theories si la densite q L (α) donnee par la premiere est utilisee dans la seconde. De plus, on trouve un q L (x) uniforme, confirme par des calculs numeriques independants
The Value of Accounting Disclosure: Investor's Perceptions

This paper examines the information content and value of corporate financial accounting disclosures to financial analysts and investors generally in Kuwait. The focus is on four major releases of information, the preliminary announcement, annual report, annual general meeting and the interim report. Daily share price data for a sample of firms is used and the issue of thin trading is explored. Particular attention is paid to the incremental information content of the annual report, an issue that has received inadequate research focus to-date in Kuwait. The issue of thin trading is explored in detail and the Scholes and Williams method is used to reduce bias in systematic risk (beta). The relationship between size of firm and announcement information content is also discussed. Moreover, Using OLS tests, the average beta was 81 whereas when estimating the risk measure using an estimating method designed to avoid thin trading bias, the average beta rose to 1.03. Despite the company sample being drawn from actively traded companies, results clearly demonstrate the need for such approaches to reduce bias and the inadequacy of restricting samples to larger companies in an attempt to overcome this bias. The results of this study, inter alia, suggest that the annual report in general contains little apparent information of value to investors for decision-making purposes, although such results may still be consistent with price sensitive information being disclosed in individual firm cases. An inverse relationship between company size and announcement information content is also reported.
Bilateral Hippocampal Atrophy in Medial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Summary: Quantitative evidence of hippocampal atrophy has been correlated with site of seizure onset, hippocampal neuronal loss, and seizure relief after resection. Most studies have quantified hippocampal atrophy using ratios or differences between right and left hippocampal values. However, bilateral hippocampal atrophy may remain undetected by these techniques. To assess the frequency and implications of bilateral hippocampal atrophy, we studied absolute hippocampal volumes in 53 temporal lobectomy patients who had undergone intracranial electroencephalogram recordings preoperatively. Coronal images were constructed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus. Atrophy was defined as >2 SD below control values in the volume of the posterior. 5 cm of the hippocampus. Five of 53 patients (9%)had bilateral hippocampal atrophy; four of these cases were undetected by ratios. Surgery was performed on the side of ictal onset in all five patients; four have been seizure‐free for >2 years. These results suggest that (a) mesial temporal sclerosis can be present bilaterally and may go undetected by hippocampal ratio or difference measures; (b) ab‐solute hippocampal volume values as well as ratios are needed to detect all patients with bilateral hippocampal atrophy; and (c) temporal lobectomy is not contraindicated in patients with bilateral hippocampal atrophy, but success depends on electroencephalographic documentation of the side of predominant ictal onset.
Marketing's Domain

Challenges the emerging exchange paradigm of marketing, by critically examining the current extension of marketing thought on the subject. Suggests that the concept of exchange when applied to many managerial problems associated with social or non‐business marketing. Concludes that the concept of marketing as a process of “matching” — aligning the relationships between organizations and/or individuals — may provide a more coherent framework for any extended concept of the marketing function and marketing‐oriented management.
The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease: a new hypothesis.

THE last decade has seen the achievement of considerable advances in the surgical treatment of Parkinson's disease. The successes reported have justified the renewed interest shown by neurophysiologists, neurosurgeons and pharmacologists in the study of the functions of the extrapyramidal system. Biochemical studies of this syndrome have lagged behind, but it is the purpose of this report to show that new avenues of research are now open and should soon bring tangible results.
Photoplethysmography-Based Heart Rate Monitoring Using Asymmetric Least Squares Spectrum Subtraction and Bayesian Decision Theory

Motion artifacts (MAs) are strong interference sources in wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, significantly affecting estimation of heart rate (HR) and other physiological parameters. In this paper, a novel method called SPECTRAP is proposed for accurate motion-tolerant estimation of HR using a PPG signal and a simultaneous acceleration signal. The method first calculates the spectra of the PPG signal and the acceleration signal, and then removes the MA spectral components from the PPG spectrum using a new spectrum subtraction algorithm. The new spectrum subtraction algorithm is based on asymmetric least square and overcomes drawbacks of the conventional spectrum subtraction algorithms. To find the spectral peak corresponding to HR on the resulting spectrum, SPECTRAP formulates the problem into a pattern classification problem and uses the Bayesian decision theory to solve it. Experimental results on the PPG database used in 2015 IEEE Signal Processing Cup showed that the proposed algorithm has excellent performance. The average absolute error on the twelve training sets was 1.50 beat per minute (BPM) (standard deviation: 1.95 BPM). The average absolute error on the ten testing sets was 2.13 BPM (standard deviation: 2.77 BPM).
Comparative Analysis of the Household Car Ownership between Toyota City and Nagoya City

This study investigates the household passenger car ownership in the local city and its difference from that in the metropolis in Japan. Large scale person trip survey data for Toyota City and Nagoya City are used for empirical analysis. A bivariate ordered probit model is developed to analyze the ownership of the light motor car and the ordinary motor one. The Gibbs Sampler algorithm is implemented to estimate the parameters. The major findings suggest: 1) that population density and density of railway stations have different effects on the ownership of two vehicle types between two cities; 2) that population density only significantly and negatively impacts the ownership of the light motor car, and density of railway stations does not impact ownership of two vehicle types in Toyota City; 3) that population density and density of railway stations significantly and negatively impact the ownership of two vehicle types in Nagoya City.
APOLIPOPROTEIN E GENOTYPE DOES NOT PREDICT 9‐YEAR ALL‐CAUSE MORTALITY IN BRAZILIAN OLDER ADULTS: THE BAMBUI COHORT STUDY

phosphatase (ALP) level (598, normal range 100–240 UI/ L) and high gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level (312, normal range 5–30 UI/L). Hepatitis A, B, and C virus were excluded. These serum alterations indicated the need for an abdominal ultrasound, which showed hepatosteatosis without biliary tract dilatation and normal spleen volume. The patient was discharged, and follow-up was provided in an outpatient clinic. The patient was rehospitalized in February 2008, with itching and fatigue lasting for 2 months. On physical examination, the patient showed hyperpigmentation, dermatographism, and xerosis of skin. No symptoms or signs for congestive heart failure were detected. Laboratory tests showed high concentrations of GGT (1,048 UI/L), ALP (1,672 UI/L), ALT (104 UI/L), and AST (64 UI/L). Bilirubin values were normal (0.72 mg/dL), and creatinine levels were high (2.3, normal value 0.5–0.9 mg/dL). An abdominal ultrasound confirmed previous results, and magnetic resonance imaging was normal. Suspecting PBC, antimitochondrial and antinuclear antibodies were measured and found to be positive. Esophageal varices were highlighted using esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and the presence of dry eyes was confirmed according to breakup time and Shirmer tests. The diagnosis of PBC was confirmed. Percutaneous liver biopsy was not performed because the patient was older than 75. Treatment was started with ursodeoxycholic acid and cholestyramine to reduce cholestasis-associated pruritus and to improve quality of life. This case highlights the possible occurrence of PBC in older men with persistent cholestasis, pruritus, and fatigue; symptoms not explained by other possible diagnoses have led to detection of PBC. In conclusion, in elderly patients, who frequently have common diseases, rare diseases must also be taken into consideration to provide the best medical care.
Comparative analysis of two methods for wound bed area measurement

Wound bed area measurements are considered to be an essential part of the wound assessment process. Wound care professionals should be aware of the reliability and validity of the techniques they use. The purpose of this study was to assess whether wound care professionals are able to make as accurate and reproducible a measurement of the wound bed area using two methods for area measurement. Five wound care professionals independently assessed 2285 digital wound images for the wound bed area. Each image was measured in random order, three times, and in four angles by providing the rotated versions of each image (0°, 90°, 180° and 270°). Two techniques were compared: free hand drawing and closed polygon (CP) graph algorithm. Comparison of the two techniques showed differences that are, in our opinion, not acceptable in clinical practice when these techniques are used interchangeably and/or the measurements are carried out by different observers. Variations observed between wounds and observers seem related to the difference in perception of the wound bed margin. Our results indicate that repetition of CP graph area measurement results in the lowest difference in repetitive measurements. Study limitations are related to an incomplete consensus on definitions of wound, wound bed, wound edge and wound border. The development of an ontology related to wound images could aid to reduce these ambiguities.
Customer based brand equity: evidence from the hotel industry

Purpose – The paper aims to explore interrelations of the four brand equity components; brand awareness, brand loyalty, perceived quality and brand image in hotel industry and improve the conceptualization of customer‐based hotel brand equity.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the recommendations of previous studies, the scale constructed to measure consumer‐based brand equity included brand awareness, brand loyalty, perceived quality and brand image. The present study used a sample of 345 actual customers from 11 different countries whose accommodation in North Cyprus hotels was used to test the relations of the proposed model Path analysis.Findings – The findings in this paper support the three‐dimensional model of customer‐based brand equity in hotel industry. Brand awareness dimension was not found significant in the tested model for hotels. The present study contributes to the understanding of customer‐based brand equity measurement by examining the dimensionality of this construct.R.
The Role of Social Mechanisms in Promoting Supplier Flexibility

Purpose: This study explores a conceptual framework for social mechanisms (trust and shared vision) to induce supplier flexibility (i.e., volume, mix, new product, and delivery flexibility). Design/methodology/approach: The current study is based on marketing research reviews of social mechanisms and supply chain flexibility literature. To explore these issues, the authors developed and tested hypotheses with data from 162 members of the SMIT (Supply Management Institute, Taiwan). Findings: The results show that trust has a direct impact on supplier's volume flexibility and delivery flexibility. Furthermore, the findings indicate that a shared vision has direct impact on supplier's mix, new product, and delivery flexibility. Finally, shared vision plays a mediating role among trust and mix, new product, and delivery flexibility. Research limitations/implications: This research considers buyer's perspective in examining social mechanisms that enhance supplier flexibility. A clear understanding of social mechanisms effects could evaluate competence trust and risk of respective flexibility that may affect social mechanism effectiveness. Practical implications: This article contributes to management guidelines on how to align suppliers to respond quickly to customer demands. Originality/value: The study provides novel insights into social mechanism impact on suppliers' respective flexibility.
Gated dynamic 31P MRS shows reduced contractile phosphocreatine breakdown in mice deficient in cytosolic creatine kinase and adenylate kinase

We developed a new dedicated measurement protocol for dynamic 31P MRS analysis in contracting calf muscles of the mouse, using minimally invasive assessment of the contractile force combined with the acquisition of spectroscopic data gated to muscle contraction and determination of phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery rate and ATP contractile cost. This protocol was applied in a comparative study of six wild type (WT) mice and six mice deficient in cytosolic creatine kinase and adenylate kinase isoform 1 (MAK−/− mice) using 70 repeated tetanic contractions at two contractions per minute. Force levels during single contractions, and metabolite levels and tissue pH during resting conditions were similar in muscles of MAK−/− and WT mice. Strikingly, muscle relaxation after contraction was significantly delayed in MAK−/− mice, but during repeated contractions, the decrease in the force was similar in both mouse types. Gated data acquisition showed a negligible PCr breakdown in MAK−/− immediately after contraction, without a concomitant decrease in ATP or tissue pH. This protocol enabled the determination of rapid PCr changes that would otherwise go unnoticed due to intrinsic low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in mouse skeletal muscles combined with an assessment of the PCr recovery rate. Our results suggest that MAK−/− mice use alternative energy sources to maintain force during repeated contractions when PCr breakdown is reduced. Furthermore, the absence of large increases in adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or differences in force compared to WT mice in our low‐intensity protocol indicate that creatine kinase (CK) and adenylate kinase (AK) are especially important in facilitating energy metabolism during very high energy demands. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Valuation Effects of Corporate Cash Holdings: Evidence from Germany

Cash holdings obviously play an important role in financial management of corporations: the largest firms in the world held 1.5 trillion USD in cash and marketable securities in 1998. Finance theory however has not dealt with this subject in detail until the mid 90's. Especially concerning the valuation effects of corporate cash holding empirical studies are very rare. Harford (1999) finds that cash-rich firm engage in value destroying acquisitions. Opler et al. (1999) report that firms use excess cash in order to finance operating losses. Mikkelson/Partch (2002) analyze firms with persitent large cash reserves but do not report significant effects on performance. We contribute to this literature in two ways: first, we adapt and refine the methodology of Mikkelson/Partch (2002) and do find a significant operating underperformance of German firms that previously held excess cash over a three-year period. This can be interpreted as evidence for agency based hypotheses stating that large excessive cash holdings represent stocks of free cash flow which may be invested inefficiently by managers. Second, we study direct valuation effects of corporate cash holdings by constructing excess enterprise values of firms using an adaptation of the Berger/Ofek (1995) valuation algorithm. Our results suggest that both positive and negative deviations from the industry median cash to sales ratio have a significant impact upon excess value. While lower than median cash to sales ratios yield lower excess values - thus at least in part supporting our joint version of the trade off hypothesis of corporate cash holdings - positive deviations have a positive impact upon excess values. So in an overall perspective our results fail to support our joint version of the trade off hypothesis.
Exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field affects biofilm formation by cystic fibrosis pathogens.

AIMS To evaluate the in vitro effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on growth and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains from cystic fibrosis patients. MATERIALS & METHODS The motion of selected ions (Fe, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mg, K, Na) was stimulated by the ion resonance effect, then influence on growth and biofilm formation/viability was assessed by spectrophotometry or viability count. RESULTS Generally, exposure to ELF-MF significantly increased bacterial growth and affected both biofilm formation and viability, although with differences with regard to ions and species considered. CONCLUSION Exposure to ELF-MF represents a possible new approach for treatment of biofilm-associated cystic fibrosis lung infections.
A Websites Analysis of European Tourism Organizations

ABSTRACT Internet has proved to be a widespread medium and an integral part of the habits of millions of users. An effective online communication strategy is considered nowadays a key element to achieve a competitive advantage on the market to satisfy actual and potential tourists' information needs in a highly competitive way and to acquire new clients. All the European countries have implemented some kind of official tourism portal to promote their own destinations. An analysis of these tourism websites has been performed collecting end-user evaluations and mapping contents and services offered online. The results of this survey are presented and are compared with the general behaviour of the European Internet users regarding the usage of the network as a tool to gather information and to acquire travel services.