Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SMEs' Performance and IT Investment: A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Approach

In the knowledge-based and globalized economy, information pro- vides value to firms and Information Technology (IT) is the mechanism through which this can be achieved. Firms that exploit endless possibilities of IT obtain the capacity to overcome future challenges. This study focuses on Greek manufacturing SMEs that face an extremely competitive and un- friendly macro environment. The performance of IT investments of Greek SMEs is examined through a survey-based methodology covering the time period of 2004-2010, derived into two sub-periods (pre and post crisis period). Financial and qualitative (primary) longitudinal data are used to examin the impact of IT investments on financial performance during the last eight years. Additionally, the relationship between firm profitability and European IT in- vestment subsidies along with other factors such as crisis, leverage, size, are examined. Using structural equation modelling, the results indicate that Greek SMEs with higher IT investments present higher profitability than their rivals, while IT investment subsidies affect positively firms' performance. As SMEs are the backbone of national economy, their competitiveness plays a signifi- cant role to national development and growth. Therefore, the findings of this research are important for practitioners, managers and policy makers.
Immunochemical and immunogenic properties of a purified keyhold limpet haemocyanin.

A highly reproducible method for obtaining a relatively homogeneous preparation of keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) is described. This method employs ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose followed by gel filtration on agarose beads. Analysis by immunoelectrophoresis in agar, electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels, analytical ultracentrifugation and double diffusion in agar indicated that the purified preparation contained one major antigenic component, whereas the crude material contained multiple antigenic components. The crude KLH was found to be a more potent immunogen than the purified preparation upon primary stimulation of rabbits.
TBT (Toolkit to Build TTS): A High Performance Framework to Build Multiple Language HTS Voice

With the development of high quality TTS systems, application area of synthetic speech is increasing rapidly. Beyond the communication aids for the visually impaired and vocally handicap, TTS voices are being used in various educational, telecommunication and multimedia applications. All around the world people are trying to build TTS voice for their regional languages. TTS voice building requires a number of steps to follow and involves use of multiple tools, which makes it time consuming, tedious and perplexing to a user. This paper describes a Toolkit developed for HMM-based TTS voice building that makes the process much easier and handy. The toolkit uses all required tools, viz. HTS, Festival, Festvox, Hybrid Segmentation Tool, etc. and handles each and every step starting from phone set creation, then prompt generation, hybrid segmentation, F0 range finding, voice building, and finally putting the built voice into Synthesis framework. Wherever possible it does parallel processing to reduce time. It saves manual effort and time to a large extent and enable a person to build TTS voice very easily. This toolkit is made available under Open Source license.
Psychometric Properties of the Hardy Divorce Scale

Although the Hardy Divorce Scale was published over 3 decades ago and is widely used in research on attitudes toward divorce, its reliability and validity have not been systematically examined. This study reports several estimates of reliability and validity based on responses of mostly unmarried college students (170 women, 99 men). The authors conclude that the instrument is sufficiently valid and reliable for empirical and clinical use but should be employed with caution by researchers until more is known about the factor structure and about its use with a broader age range.
Expression of a Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) Seed Storage Protein Gene in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and Its Response to Nutritional Stress and to Abscisic Acid Mutations

Among the three subunits of [beta]-conglycinin, the 7S seed storage protein of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.), expression of the [beta] subunit gene is unique. Accumulation of the [beta] subunit is enhanced in sulfate-deficient soybean plants, and its mRNA levels increase when abscisic acid (ABA) is added to the in vitro cotyledon culture medium. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines carrying a gene encoding the [beta] subunit was constructed and grown under sulfate deficiency. Accumulation of both [beta] subunit mRNA and protein were enhanced in developing A. thaliana seeds. Accumulation of one of the A. thaliana seed storage protein mRNAs was also enhanced by sulfate deficiency, although the response was weaker than that observed for the soybean [beta] subunit mRNA. When the aba1–1 or abi3–1 mutations were crossed into the transgenic A. thaliana line, accumulation of the [beta] subunit was significantly reduced, whereas accumulation of the A. thaliana seed storage protein was not greatly affected. These results indicate that soybean and A. thaliana share a common mechanism for response to sulfate deficiency and to ABA, although the sensitivity is different between the species. The transgenic A. thaliana carrying the [beta] subunit gene of [beta]-conglycinin will be a good system to analyze these responses.
Wing-In-Ground Effect Flight Control: New Role of Automatic Systems

Abstract A trouble-free flight at low altitude over the disturbed sea surface and also marine landing requires the application of the special methods and means of motion control which are capable to solve the corresponding specific problems. Methods of stability provision and solving some other problems of WIG flight by means of automatic control are analyzed 1 . The requirements for motion control systems are reviewed and the criteria for their improvement are given. The statement of the main problems of equipment and software design for flight control at small altitude above the disturbed surface is performed. The aim of investigation is to define the way for operational performance improvement of the vehicles of advanced design. A promising way is by implementation of modern navigation and motion control systems. The experience and achievements in this field of high technology are described. Probable areas of the most effective application of vehicles with such equipment are indicated.
PENGARUH SERVICE QUALITY TERHADAP CUSTOMER LOYALTY DENGAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION DAN AIRLINE IMAGE SEBAGAI PEMEDIASI (Survei pada Pengguna Jasa Maskapai Penerbangan Garuda Indonesia Airline di Kota Surakarta dan DIY)

This research aims to analyses (1) significance of the effect service quality on customer satisfaction (2) significance of the effect service quality on the airline image (3) significance of the effect service quality on customer loyalty (4) significance of the effect customer satisfaction on customer loyalty (5) significant of the effect airline image on customer loyalty (6) the effect of service quality on customer loyalty mediated by customer satisfaction (7) the effect of service quality on customer loyalty mediated airline image. Location of this research in the region at Surakarta and DIY, using samples of 100 customers of the Garuda Indonesia Airline with purposive sampling technique. Data collecting with questionnaire technique through validity and reliability test. To test the hypothesis using path analysis. The result shows that (1) service quality has significance effect on customer satisfaction, so the hypothesis 1 accepted; (2) service quality has significance effect on the airline image, so the hypothesis 2 accepted (3) service quality has significance effect on customer loyalty, so the hypothesis 3 accepted; (4) customer satisfaction has significance effect on customer loyalty, so the hypothesis 4 accepted (5) airline image has significance effect on customer loyalty, so the hypothesis 4 accepted; (6) the effect of service quality on customer loyalty mediated by customer satisfaction, so the hypothesis 6 accepted; (7) the effect of service quality on customer loyalty mediated airline image, so the hypothesis 7 accepted. Keywords: service quality, customer satisfaction, airline image, customer loyalty
Expression of the Rous sarcoma virus src gene in avian macrophages fails to elicit transformed cell phenotype

Infection of avian macrophages with Rous sarcoma virus does not induce any changes in the morphology, growth behavior, or expression of macrophage-specific proteins. The absence of cellular transformation does not result from a block in the synthesis of viral proteins, since infectious viruses are released from a majority of cells in the culture. In this report, we examine the synthesis, processing, and functional activity of pp60src in Rous sarcoma virus-infected macrophages to determine whether the absence of transformation is due to an alteration in the functional expression of pp60src. Although the absolute level of pp60src was reduced compared with fibroblasts, the protein exhibited the same phosphorylation pattern and subcellular distribution and was able to phosphorylate immunoglobulin in the immune complex-protein kinase assay. These results imply that the failure of Rous sarcoma virus to transform macrophage may be due to a restriction in the cellular response to a functional src protein, perhaps due to the absence of cellular products which are essential for mediating pp60src-induced transformation.
Internationalization Preparation of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Medan

The aim of this research is to analyze the key success factors in promoting the internationalization preparation of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the restraining factors for SME in internationalization preparation of SMEs. This study uses qualitative research method. Primary Data for qualitative is collected through depth interview on important actors as informants, consist of the five representatives as the adaption of Penta-Helix Model. Supporting factors for internationalization preparation are product uniqueness and high international demand of product. While, the barrier factors are insufficient business network and high competition from other countries. The most suitable recommendation for business owner of SMEs is by optimizing the innovation through local values to produce unique product which can compete with other countries. Moreover, the other recommendation is by establishing a wider and stronger business network in order to address the international demand.
IT outsourcing governance: a conceptual framework for theory and practice

xii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 Research Motivation And Objectives . 1 Dissertation Structure . 6 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 8 Review of IT Outsourcing . 8 Types of Outsourcing Arrangements . 9 Outsourcing Stages . 10 Review of IT Governance . 15 Defining IT Governance . 17 Review of IT Outsourcing Governance . 24 Defining IT Outsourcing Governance . 25 CHAPTER 3: PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS . 28 Theory of Communicative Action . 28 Toulmin’s Informal Logic . 33 The Layout of Arguments . 34 Social Representations Theory . 37 Anchoring and Objectification . 39 Structure of Social Representations . 42 CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION . 43 Methodological Approach . 43 Argument Mapping . 45 Components of an Argument . 46 Data Collection for Argument Mapping . 47 Argument Mapping Data Analysis . 49 Social Representations . 51 Data Collection for Social Representations . 52 Data Analysis for Social Representations . 53 Data Collection for Outsourcing Relationship Management Tools . 57 Janeeva (www.janeeva.com) . 58
The alcohol dependence syndrome: a concept as stimulus to enquiry.

Summary A ‘provisional description’ of the alcohol dependence syndrome was first given in 1976. An outline is provided of the historical background to the syndrome formulation. Ideas emanating from the Maudsley campus were important but so was the international input from a WHO Scientific Group. Since its original delineation the syndrome idea has attracted discussion and has become a focus for research. Studies which bear on the measurement and validity of the syndrome concept are summarized and criteria for the establishment of validity discussed. Understanding of the nature of this condition is still incomplete but research has now reached a stage where it is legitimate to go beyond the question as to whether a dimensional syndrome exists, to an exploration of theoretical questions relating to its scientific basis. Further elucidation will require contributions from many different disciplines. The syndrome can offer part of the explanation of why some people continue to drink too much in the face of negative consequences but measurement and conceptualization of this one dimension should help toward the design of more powerful, multidimensional and interactive models. A plea is made for a spirit of openess and interdisciplinary enquiry rather than perseveration with the unproductive rhetoric of the ‘disease’ debate.
Insight into Lateral Band-to-Band-Tunneling in Nanowire Junctionless FETs

In this paper, we investigate the nature of lateral band-to-band-tunneling (L-BTBT) component of gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) in different nanowire junctionless FET (NWJLFET) configurations for the first time. Although the NW junctionless accumulation mode (JAM) FET has a larger ON-state current compared with the NWJLFETs, we demonstrate that the L-BTBT GIDL is larger in the NWJAMFET compared with the NWJLFET. Furthermore, we explore for the first time the application of a dual-material gate (DMG) in the NWJAMFET to suppress the L-BTBT GIDL. Using calibrated 3-D simulations, we show that the OFF-state current in the DMG NWJAMFET is reduced significantly by six orders of magnitude leading to a considerable ON-state to OFF-state current ratio (I/IOFF) of ~1010. Furthermore, the DMG NWJAMFET offers: 1) an enhanced ON-state current and 2) a significantly reduced OFF-state current compared with the NWJLFETs. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that the DMG NWJAMFET exhibits a higher transconductance than the single material gate NWJAMFET in the saturation region. In addition, we also show that there is a tradeoff between the off-state current and the intrinsic delay and the cut-off frequency in the DMG NWJAMFET. Therefore, we provide the design guidelines for appropriately choosing the work functions of the dual gates and the ratio of the length of the dual gates to the total gate length.
CYP2E1-dependent hepatotoxicity and oxidative damage after ethanol administration in human primary hepatocytes.

AIM To observe the relationship between ethanol-induced oxidative damage in human primary cultured hepatocytes and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activity, in order to address if inhibition of CYP2E1 could attenuate ethanol-induced cellular damage. METHODS The dose-dependent (25-100 mmol/L) and time-dependent (0-24 h) exposures of primary human cultured hepatocytes to ethanol were carried out. CYP2E1 activity and protein expression were detected by spectrophotometer and Western blot analysis respectively. Hepatotoxicity was investigated by determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate transaminase (AST) level in hepatocyte culture supernatants, as well as the intracellular formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). RESULTS A dose-and time-dependent response between ethanol exposure and CYP2E1 activity in human hepatocytes was demonstrated. Moreover, there was a time-dependent increase of CYP2E1 protein after 100 mmol/L ethanol exposure. Meanwhile, ethanol exposure of hepatocytes caused a time-dependent increase of cellular MDA level, LDH, and AST activities in supernatants. Furthermore, the inhibitor of CYP2E1, diallyl sulfide (DAS) could partly attenuate the increases of MDA, LDH, and AST in human hepatocytes. CONCLUSION A positive relationship between ethanol-induced oxidative damage in human primary cultured hepatocytes and CYP2E1 activity was exhibited, and the inhibition of CYP2E1 could partly attenuate ethanol-induced oxidative damage.
Comparison Between the Effects of Ringer`s Lactate and Hydroxyethyl Starch on Hemodynamic Parameters After Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Hypotension during spinal anesthesia is common and can lead to severe injuries and even death. Administration of crystalloid fluids is advised to prevent occurrence of hypotension; however its effectiveness is still the matter of arguments. Objectives This study was designed to compare the effects of Ringer`s lactate and hydroxyethyl starch 6% on hemodynamic parameters after spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries on lower limbs. Patients and Methods This randomized clinical trial was performed in Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran. 60 patients undergoing elective femoral fracture surgeries with spinal anesthesia were included in this study. Fitted patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. After entrance to the operation room and before spinal anesthesia, patients' hemodynamic parameters including systolic blood pressure (SBP), cardiac output (CO), and cardiac index (CI) were evaluated using monitoring electro-velocimetry set. In both groups, spinal anesthesia was performed using needle no. 25 and 3 mL of marcaine 0.5% in the sterile situation. None of the treatment group was aware of investigated group during the study. Results The baseline values of mentioned variables did not show a significant difference between two groups using t-test (P > 0.05). Also SBP, CI, and CO after intervention was not significantly different between two groups using t-test (P > 0.05). Conclusions The result of present study on patients undergoing femoral fracture surgeries who received Hetastarch or Ringer`s lactate solutions showed that Hetastarch was not significantly more effective in compensation of hypotension induced by spinal anesthesia.
Platelet adhesion to radiofrequency glow-discharge-deposited fluorocarbon polymers preadsorbed with selectively depleted plasmas show the primary role of fibrinogen

Fluorocarbon radio-frequency glow-discharge (RFGD) treatment has previously been shown to cause decreased platelet adhesion despite the presence of adsorbed fibrinogen on the surfaces. In this study platelet adhesion to fluorocarbon RFGD-treated surfaces preadsorbed with human plasma was further examined. A series of plasma deposited fluorocarbon thin films were made by varying the C3F6/CH4 ratio in the monomer feed. The surfaces were preadsorbed with plasma, serum, or plasma selectively depleted of fibronectin, vitronectin, or Von Willebrand factor, and platelet adhesion was measured. We also measured fibrinogen adsorption to the surfaces from plasma, monoclonal antibody binding to adsorbed fibrinogen and SDS elutability of the adsorbed fibrinogen. The antibodies used bind to the three putative platelet binding sites on fibrinogen, namely, M1 antibody binds to the dodecapeptide at the C-terminus of the gamma chain, γ (402–411), R1 antibody binds to a sequence in the Aα chain (87–100) which includes RGDF at Aα (95–98) and R2 antibody binds a sequence in the Aα chain (566–580) which includes RGDS at Aα (572–575). Fibrinogen was found to play a decisive role in mediating platelet adhesion to the fluorocarbon surfaces contacting plasma. Few platelets adhered to the fluorocarbon surfaces preadsorbed with serum, while preadsorption with plasma selectively-depleted of either fibronectin, vitronectin, or von Willebrand factor did not decrease platelet adhesion significantly. Replenishment of exogenous fibrinogen to serum restored platelet adhesion, while replenishment of the other proteins had no effect. Platelet adhesion to the fluorocarbon surfaces was lower than to PET or the methane glow-dischargetreated PET. However, there was no apparent correlation between platelet adhesion and the amount of fibrinogen adsorption or monoclonal antibody binding to surface-bound fibrinogen.
Three New Fragments, F(ab)2, F(c)2, and Fab/c, Obtained by Papain Proteolysis of Normal Human IgG.

Three new fragments, each with a molecular weight of about 100,000, were isolated after papain proteolysis of normal monomer human IgG. The fragments isolated were as follows: F(c)2 fragment with Fc determinants only, Fab/c fragment with both Fc and Fab determinants, and F(ab′) fragment with only Fab determinants. The F(c)2 fragment appeared to be a dimer of Fc stabilized by disulphide bonds, whilst the F(ab)2 fragment consisted of Fab subunits mainly held together by non‐covalent forces. The Fab/c fragment is probably a single Fab fragment and the Fc fragment held together by an unbroken heavy chain.
Product placement as leveraged marketing communications: the role of wishful identification, brand trust, and brand buying behaviours

ABSTRACT Online streaming and DVRs have spurred the use of products placed within the storyline of a show to be an opportunity for advertisers to offer a message to their consumer about a brand even with the possibility of entirely avoiding commercial pods. This study examines wishful identification as a concept that mediates the relationship between favourite fictional character attributes, and buying behaviours and brand trust of products/brands used by a favourite character in a television show. Results indicate that wishful identification does, in fact, persist beyond the viewing experience. Additionally, the attribute of admiration and a combination of attributes we label the ‘Ideal Character’ is most predictive of wishful identification and our purchase intention dependent variables.
Approximate representation of functions of several variables in terms of functions of one variable.

We present a procedure of practical use for representing functions of several variables as superpositions of functions of only one variable. We show how the procedure works when applied, for example, to the location of global minima. Our numerical examples are restricted here, for simplicity, to functions of two variables. The straightforward extension to functions of more variables will be discussed elsewhere
Decision Support Systems for Financial Market Surveillance

Financial decision support systems have become an important research topic and are also of great interest to practitioners. On one hand, the financial regulatory authorities are faced with tracking an increasing amount of online information published on financial blogs and news in order to maintain financial market surveillance. On the other hand, two rapidly emerging trends, the increasing amount of available data and the evolution of data mining methods, pose challenges for researchers. Financial decision support sys-tems can aid decision making by providing the authorities with relevant information in a timely fashion. This thesis presents IT artifacts that can support financial market surveil-lance decision making. Furthermore, an explanatory design theory is provided that ad-dresses the requirements posed by the regulatory authorities and compliance officers in financial institutions.