Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NDMF: Neighborhood-Integrated Deep Matrix Factorization for Service QoS Prediction

Quality of service (QoS) has been mostly applied to represent non-functional properties of Web services and differentiate those with the same functionality. How to accurately predict service QoS has become a key research topic. Researchers have employed neighborhood information into matrix factorization (MF) for service QoS prediction in recent years. However, they are restricted to traditional matrix factorization that may incur a couple of limitations. 1) Conventional MF for QoS prediction linearly combines the multiplication of the latent feature representation of users and services through inner product, failing to fully capture the implicit features of user and service. 2) Most of approaches integrate user or service neighborhood as heuristics into MF model, where either location context or historical invocation records are used to calculate similar users or services. Nevertheless, combining both of them together in a collaborative way is ignored for neighborhood selection that has yet to be properly explored. To deal with the challenges, we propose a novel approach for service QoS prediction called <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${N}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>eighborhood-integrated <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${D}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>eep <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${M}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>atrix <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${F}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>actorization (NDMF), which integrates user neighborhood selected by a collaborative way into an enhanced matrix factorization model via deep neural network (DNN). We implement a prototype system and conduct extensive experiments on public and real-world large Web service dataset with almost 2,000,000 service invocations called WS-DREAM which is widely used in service QoS prediction. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed approach significantly outperforms state-of-the-art ones in terms of multiple evaluation metrics.
Analysis of the Attitudes and the Readiness of Maker Teachers towards E-Learning, with Use of Several Variables.

The purpose of this study is to determine maker teachers' attitudes towards e-learning, as well as their levels of readiness to implement it. Their attitudes and level of readiness will be evaluated by the use of several demographic variables. 104 maker teachers of different ages, who had different professional experiences; has participated in the study. "The Personal Information Form" made up of 11 questions; a 5 point likert scale survey made up of 20 questions titled "Scale Survey about General Attitudes Towards E-Learning"; and a 7 point likert scale survey made up of 33 questions, titled "Scale Survey about Level of Readiness for E-Learning"; were used as data gathering instruments. Descriptive (f, %, M) and procedural analyses (t-test, ANOVA) were made, with the help of the SSPS program. The results of these analyses demonstrate that in general, maker teachers have a positive attitude towards e-learning, and that they have a high level of readiness for e-learning.
Leadership for Learning Frameworks

The purpose of this report is to present the findings of a commissioned research study by the University of Wollongong (UOW) for the NSW DoE School Leadership Institute (SLI). The study is focused on examining the conceptualisation and design of three Leadership for Learning Frameworks implemented as part of the Aspiring Principals Leadership Program (APLP).
Perception of stroke warning signs and knowledge of potential risk factors among medical students in King Faisal University

Background: Good knowledge regarding stroke can lead to the identification of stroke symptoms and signs which could result in early management within the right time. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke warning signs in medical students in King Faisal University. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia. A predetermined questionnaire was distributed among 515 medical students of King Faisal University, using online platform from September 2019 to February 2020. Results: Stroke awareness questionnaire (SAQ) was used, and 88.7% and 88.2% correctly identified two or more risk factors and symptoms of stroke, respectively. The knowledge of the medical students regarding the correct meaning of stroke was poor (36.7%); however, the knowledge of the true meaning of transient ischemic attacked was high (69.3%). In multivariate regression model, being females and involvement to stroke awareness campaigns was the independent significant predictor of the decreased knowledge, whereas the first year and second year levels were the independent significant predictors of increased knowledge toward the risk factors and symptoms of stroke. Conclusion: The knowledge of medical students toward the risk factors and symptoms of stroke was moderately high. Among the academic year levels, the first and second year levels were more associated with increased knowledge level toward the risk factors and symptoms of stroke.
Enhancement and modeling of cryogenic solid-state hydrogen storage systems with a novel microchannel thermal management device

approved: _____________________________________________________ Goran N. Jovanovic Compact storage systems demonstrating increased hydrogen storage capacity are the key to advancing the growth of the hydrogen economy throughout the world and reducing the global dependence on fossil fuels for transportation. The use of highly porous adsorbent materials for reversible hydrogen storage is a promising pathway towards achieving storage densities capable of reaching driving ranges comparable to gasoline automobiles without high-pressure compressed gas storage systems (>200 bars H2). The focus of this effort is the enhancement of solid-state hydrogen adsorption systems through the development and inclusion of a microchannel thermal management device for efficient heat removal and uniform gas distribution in compressed beds of activated carbon and metal organic framework. The stainless steel microchannel device utilizes 250 m walls to remove heat from the contacting adsorbent bed with liquid nitrogen coolant flow through 250 m channel. Cryogenic (<140 K) hydrogen adsorption experiments were completed with and without liquid nitrogen cooling at pressures between 50 and 55 bars. The experiments demonstrate that the use of liquid nitrogen coolant effectively lowers the adsorbent bed temperature by removing the majority of the heat generated during the adsorption process, resulting in an 11% increase in stored H2 gas with MOF-5 and a 3% increase with activated carbon compared to their respective noncooled counterparts. The liquid cooled MOF-5 adsorbent bed increases average hydrogen storage throughout the experimental vessel by 14% compared to a cryocompressed gas system at similar conditions (121 K and 55 bars). A functional development tool representing the experimental adsorption system was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics and utilized derived conservation equations and the modified Dubinin-Astakhov equation to characterization the gas flow, energy transport, and physical adsorption of supercritical hydrogen on MOF-5 adsorbent. Simulated adsorption experiments, modeled with development tool, were validated against experimental data; the predicted temperature responses at embedded thermocouple locations show a strong correlation to experimental data. The development tool may assist in the design and development of future storage systems utilizing adsorbent materials with known physical, thermal, and adsorption parameters. © Copyright by Christopher S. Loeb
Chromosome-scale assemblies reveal the structural evolution of African cichlid genomes

Background African cichlid fishes are well known for their rapid radiations and are a model system for studying evolutionary processes. Here we compare multiple, high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assemblies to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying cichlid diversification and study how genome structure evolves in rapidly radiating lineages. Results We re-anchored our recent assembly of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) genome using a new high-density genetic map. We developed a new de novo genome assembly of the Lake Malawi cichlid, Metriaclima zebra, using high-coverage PacBio sequencing, and anchored contigs to linkage groups (LGs) using four different genetic maps. These new anchored assemblies allow the first chromosome-scale comparisons of African cichlid genomes. Large intra-chromosomal structural differences (~2-28Mbp) among species are common, while inter-chromosomal differences are rare (< 10Mbp total). Placement of the centromeres within chromosome-scale assemblies identifies large structural differences that explain many of the karyotype differences among species. Structural differences are also associated with unique patterns of recombination on sex chromosomes. Structural differences on LG9, LG11 and LG20 are associated with reductions in recombination, indicative of inversions between the rock- and sand-dwelling clades of Lake Malawi cichlids. M. zebra has a larger number of recent transposable element (TE) insertions compared to O. niloticus, suggesting that several TE families have a higher rate of insertion in the haplochromine cichlid lineage. Conclusion This study identifies novel structural variation among East African cichlid genomes and provides a new set of genomic resources to support research on the mechanisms driving cichlid adaptation and speciation.
NOx and N2O Precursors (NH3 and HCN) in Pyrolysis of Biomass Residues

Nitrogen release is a little known aspect of pyrolysis of biomass. In this study on thermally thick samples of three biomass residues with high N-content, the NOx precursors NH3 and HCN were measured with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyzer at different heating rates (low and high) and temperatures (400−900 °C). The feedstocks investigated have been given scarce or no attention. At a high heating rate, (1) NH3 is the main N-compound with increasing yield with increasing temperature until reaching a plateau at 825−900 °C at a conversion level of 31−38%; (2) HCN release is increasing sharply with temperature to reach a conversion of 9−18%; (3) the (HCN + NH3) conversion levels of all samples are close; (4) N-selectivity is affected by temperature and particle size; (5) release patterns and thermal behaviors of N and C are different and influence of fuel properties (intrinsic and physical) may be inferred; (6) the intricate structure of biomass indicates that decomposition paths may include (N-compo.
Migration intentions: Data from a Field Study in Albania

This paper documents data about migration intentions collected through a survey conducted between September and December 2019 in the city of Tirana (Albania). The information contained in the data belongs to three main categories: (i) the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects interviewed (ii) their migration intentions in the form of rankings of preferred destinations within Europe as well as worldwide, and (iii) measures of their risk and time preferences. The data collection involved two different approaches. First, incentivized lab-in-the-field laboratory games were used to elicit risk and time preferences of the subjects. Second, a randomized experiment with respect to the preferred migration destinations was used to unveil the importance of information about potential destinations when individuals rank destinations. Descriptive statistics of the data indicate that approximately 72% of the subjects in our sample express the desire to migrate in the future. The country ranked as most preferred European destination is Germany, while worldwide the US rank first. About 57% of the subjects consider the level of earnings at destination as the most important attribute to decide where to emigrate. We find further that, when provided with official statistics about earnings at destinations, 26% of individuals change their most preferred destination. Interestingly, the data suggest that this change is twice as much prevailing for those with no intention to migrate than for intended movers. Finally, whether we provide more than just information about earnings or not does not seem to matter much.
Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function evaluation in local foundry workers in Kano State, Nigeria

Introduction. Aluminium foundry for kitchen utensils production is a major employer in Kano State, Nigeria. We hypothesized that significant occupational hazard such as presence of respiratory symptoms and impairment in lung function might be preva- lent among the workers. The study assessed respiratory symptoms and lung function in foundry workers. Methods. The cross-sectional survey involved 83 male foundry workers and applied the convenience sampling method. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated with the American Thoracic Society (ATS-dLd-78) questionnaire. Lung function was assessed by using an MSo4 spirometer. The data obtained were summarized by descriptive statistics. Spearman rank order correlation and chi-square were determined between the variables of interest ( p < 0.05). Results. The participants’ mean age was 24.8 ± 6.7 years, with 10–19 years of exposure in the majority (43; 51.8%). The preva- lence of respiratory symptoms was as follows: phlegm: 69.9%, cough: 33.7%, chest pain: 27.7%, wheeze: 16.9%, haemoptysis: 4.8%. Lung function (FVC: 0.000; FEV1: 0.000) was significantly lower than normative. The association between occupational exposure duration and respiratory symptoms was significant for phlegm production ( p = 0.008), wheeze ( p = 0.008), and chest pain ( p = 0.01). Lung function showed no significant association with exposure duration ( p = 0.71 for FVC and p = 0.45 for FEV 1 ). Weak negative relationship existed between respiratory symptoms and lung function; phlegm, chest pain, and haemoptysis presented a weak positive relationship. Conclusions. Respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function are common among foundry workers in Kano State. Exposure duration was a determinant of some respiratory symptoms.
Oradea Journal of Business and Economics, Volume V, Special Issue Published on June 2020 44 DETERMINANTS OF CUSTOMER LOYALTY TO MOBILE PHONE BRANDS

This study empirically examined customer loyalty to mobile phone brands in Nigeria with specific objectives of establishing customers' preference for the different brands of mobile phone; ascertain the rationale for customer loyalty and preference for mobile phones; and examining the influence of demographic variables on customer loyalty to mobile phone usage. A survey research design with the use of questionnaire was adopted to generate the needed data for the study. The population of the study comprised users of mobile phones in the university community, ministries, and secondary schools in Benin City, Nigeria. Copies of questionnaire were administered to two hundred (200) respondents out of which one hundred and ninety-four (194) were returned and found useable. Statistical tools including simple percentage, mean, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed for data analysis through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0). The study found that there is a significant relationship between respondents' demographics (gender, age and educational qualification) and customer loyalty at a 5% level of significance. Based on the investigated factors influencing mobile phone purchases such as quality, functionality, cost, durability and ease of maintenance, the study revealed that Nokia, Blackberry and Samsung are the most preferred mobile phones in Nigeria. The study, therefore, recommends that manufacturers of mobile phones should ensure that their products are of good quality, durable, affordable, easy to repair and capable of performing multiple functions so that those customers who like using more than one phone with different functional varieties can be loyal to a particular brand.
The Relationship between Plasma Vitamin D Level and Heart Valves Calcification

Background: There is conflicting data regarding the association between low levels of plasma vitamin D and ischemic heart disease (IHD). We aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma vitamin D levels and heart valve calcification in hospitalized patients with IHD versus non-IHD controls. Methods: A prospective case control study comprising two age and gender-matched groups. The study group included consecutive patients hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS); the control group included consecutive non- IHD patients hospitalized for non-cardiac causes. Blood samples for 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (25(OH)D) were drawn. An echocardiogram was performed during the first 3 days of hospitalization and reviewed for presence and degree of valvular calcification (VC). Results: Forty patients with ACS and 40 controls (age 58 ± 11 years, 64% male in both groups) were included. Mean plasma 25(OH)D vitamin level in the entire cohort was 24.5 ± 8 ng/ml. Valve calcification rates were similar in ACS versus non-ACS group (28 vs. 21 had VC; 18 vs. 12 had aortic valve calcification (AVC); 21 vs. 14 had mitral valve calcification (MVC), respectively; p=NS for all). We found no significant relationship between vitamin D level and VC, AVC, or MVC rate or degree in the entire cohort and in each group alone (p=NS for all). There was a negative correlation between 25(OH)D levels and age in the ACS group (r=-0.399, p=0.012). Conclusions: We did not find a significant relationship between plasma vitamin D levels and the rate or degree of calcification of either aortic/mitral/both valves in hospitalized patients with/without IHD.
The diagnostic competence of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in mild traumatic brain injury and its prognostic value in patient recovery.

AIM Aim: In clinical assessments and literature conducted on TBI, the mild TBI is less studied, because the initial symptoms are non-specific and subjective, and have overlap with psychological disorders. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) is a protein expressed by most of the abundant cells of the CNS. Therefore, this paper attempted to show whether the GFAP levels are significantly higher in the serum of patients with mild traumatic brain injury Material and Methods: The level of serum GFP was measured in 176 patients suffering from brain trauma. The ability of GFAP in predicting the presence of intracranial lesions and the need for neurosurgical intervention was analyzed using the area under the receiver (AUC) operating characteristic (ROC). By passing three months from mild TBI, the Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (PCSQ) as well as the physical and mental evaluations were performed using the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS Of 176 patients included, 79.5% had no complications and symptoms by passing three months from traumatic brain injury. The AUC for GFAP was 72.6%, which revealed a good accuracy in predicting the need for neurosurgical intervention. CONCLUSION GFAP, as a predictive factor in people with mild TBI diagnosis who need neurosurgical operation, expressed a favorable diagnostic effect.
Design Rules for Environmentally Friendly Medium Voltage Load Break Switches

Today's medium voltage distribution grids are often designed in a ring-structure with ring main units at their nodes. As these grids are mainly placed in urban areas, the space is limited and compact and reliable SF6 filled switchgear is commonly used. However, SF6 is the most potent greenhouse gas known and industry as well as decision makers are looking for possible replacements. In the course of substituting SF6 in ring main units, the load break switch is the critical component. In the switch, the gas has to serve as both, insulating and quenching medium. This work investigates the influence of the design of a polymeric nozzle on the thermal interruption capability and dielectric recovery of a medium voltage load break switch. The experiments are performed in a nitrogen/carbon dioxide atmosphere with nozzles made from polytetrafluorethylene. The main influencing factor on the interruption capability is the applied blowing pressure. Additionally, the nozzle throat length as well as the throat diameter show significant impacts on the interruption capability. From the experimental findings, empirical design rules are derived to estimate the thermal interruption capability of arbitrary nozzle designs for a fixed contact diameter.
What tweets and retweets on twitter can tell for the restaurant industry: A big-data approach

In the Internet age, the sheer volume of information can be generated and disseminated through online user-generated content (UGC). Within the context of Twitter, the retweeting function is one of the key mechanisms, which enables the information diffusion process among users in the social network. Stimulated by this concern, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of textual content including the sentiments, emotions, and language style matching (LSM) of Twitter, a series of statistical analyses are conducted to the Twitter dataset with around one million pieces of customer tweet information. The results indicated that sentiments, emotions, and LSM have significant influences on customer retweeting behavior. Besides, significant differences were identified of both sentiments and emotions based on both six periods of the timeline analysis and the geographic distance at the city level, state level, and nationwide level. Discussions and implications interpreted the significance of the most valuable findings and suggested some important insights to both academia and industry.
The effects of corporate governance and product market competition on payout policy under agency problems and external financing constraints

We examine the effects of corporate governance and product market competition on the payout policy when firms are subject to agency problems and external financing constraints. We find that corporate governance and competition affect corporate payout decisions. In particular, payout can be an outcome of or a substitute for both governance and competition among firms depending on the firms’ agency costs of free cash flows and external financing costs. When examining both effects together, we find that product market competition subsumes corporate governance in relation to payout policy. Our results suggest that product market competition as a governance tool can be more effective than other monitoring mechanisms. JEL Classification: G34