Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING THE FACTORS OF CONSUMER ELECTRONIC BANKING

ABSTRACT Electronic banking like ATM’s, telephone banking, electronic funds transfers and on-line banking services evolved from consumers’ needs to have greater access to banking services beyond the normal operating hours of most banks. Internet banking, the newest form of electronic banking, emerged from the recent and dramatic surge in E-commerce, which is about sellers and buyers conducting and completing business transactions through electronic networks. Internet banking (IB) has continued to grow as customers’ can also use IB to conduct routine non-purchase banking needs. From a theoretical point of view, the current study investigates factors that can contribute to understanding the acceptance and adoption (use) of electronic banking, particularly Internet Banking (IB). However, the several studies that have investigated consumers’ acceptance of IB services from a variety of perspectives have not reached a clear consensus of the factors that contribute to overall consumer acceptance and adoption of electronic banking. Using the technology acceptance model of Davis, Bagozzi and Warshaw’s (1989), the purpose in this paper is to identify additional factors which may affect the acceptance and adoption of electronic banking services. Following a review of the research literature, a proposed model of electronic banking is presented. Some industry implications and future research are discussed.
Flexible PCC Voltage Unbalance Compensation Strategy for Autonomous Operation of Parallel DFIGs

This paper proposes a flexible compensation strategy for parallel-connected doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) when connected to an unbalanced weak grid. The proposed strategy has two main advantages, the voltage unbalance factor at the point of common coupling (PCC) can be continuously controlled, thus, the flexible tradeoff between the balanced DFIG output current and the balanced PCC voltage can be achieved, and the negative sequence current required by the compensation can be properly shared among the parallel DFIGs and their grid side converters according to their respective operation conditions without the need of real-time communication. The operation performance and stability of the proposed strategy are analyzed. Simulation and experimental results are carried out to verify the proposed compensation strategy.
Increased psychiatric morbidity in men with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

CONTEXT Reports on psychiatric morbidity in males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are lacking. OBJECTIVE The aim was to study psychiatric disorders in CAH males. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We studied males with CAH (21-hydroxylase deficiency, n = 253; CYP21A2 mutations known, n = 185), and compared them with controls (n = 25 300). Data were derived through linkage of national population-based registers. We assessed the subgroups of CYP21A2 genotype separately (null, I2splice, I172N, P30L, and NC), as well as outcomes before and after the introduction of national neonatal screening in 1986. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Psychiatric disorders including attempted and completed suicide (suicidality) were reviewed. RESULTS Psychiatric disorders (suicidality not included), suicidality, and alcohol misuse were increased in CAH males compared with controls (odds ratios, 1.5, 2.3, and 1.9; 95% confidence intervals, 1.1-2.2, 1.1-5.0, and 1.0-3.5, respectively). In the null genotype group, no increased rates were seen; in the I2splice group, psychiatric disorders, personality disorders, and alcohol misuse were increased; in the I172N group, suicide attempt and drug misuse were increased; and in the P30L and NC groups, psychotic disorders were increased. In CAH males born before the neonatal screening, the rates of psychiatric disorders and suicidality were increased, but only psychotic disorders increased in those born afterward. There was no increased risk for any neurodevelopmental disorder. CONCLUSIONS CAH males have an increased psychiatric morbidity. Psychiatric morbidity was not raised in the most severe genotype group. Late diagnosis of CAH may explain some of the findings. Those born before the introduction of neonatal screening were more affected, which may be explained by the higher age.
Determinants of joint supplier-retailer project performance in category management field

In the situation of increasing competition between retailers and between suppliers successful joint projects in category management field can be viewed as source of competitive advantage obtaining both for supplier and retailer. On the other hand unsuccessful category management projects can harm seriously supplier-retailer relationship. This study aims to investigate the factors which could influence the joint category man-agement project performance in negative or positive way. The factors are classified by the stakeholders of category management process in product category. The finding presents the framework for future research concern-ing eliminating these factors in supplier-retailer relationship management.
Active Database Learning

Learning from Past Query Processing— In today’s databases, the answers to past queries barely benefit processing future queries. The query answers and the work performed for processing queries—such as I/O and computations—are no longer used after returning query answers. Database Learning (DBL) [4] proposes to change this paradigm in an approximate query processing (AQP) context. DBL uses its knowledge acquired from past queries and their answers for speeding up future query processing. The more queries are processed, the smarter a system becomes; thus, the faster it can process new queries. DBL is based on the observation that the answers to queries (even if they access different subsets of rows and columns) stem from the same underlying distribution (which produced the entire data). Therefore, an answer to each query reveals a piece of information about this underlying distribution, which can be used to construct a concise statistical model of the distribution. Using a statistical model could bring a significant performance benefits. In an ideal case where the model precisely captures the underlying distribution, we could answer queries by analytically evaluating the model, instead of reading and processing terabytes of raw data. Even an imprecise model can still be beneficial; for instance, one can use a small sample of the entire data to quickly produce a sample-based answer [1], which can then be combined with the model to produce a more accurate approximate answer. Our prototype [4]—that uses the maximum entropy principle for model construction and SparkSQL for distributed computations—showed 73.7% support of real-world query workloads and 10.43 times of possible speedup compared to existing AQP systems (at the same accuracy level).
Using causal models to show the effect of untestable assumptions on effect estimates in randomized controlled trials

Background The methods by which randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are analyzed rest on several assumptions, most of which are untestable. Purpose To show how estimates of the net effect of treatment on survival can be obtained requiring only the assumption that randomization produced equivalent groups. Methods The assumptions underlying ratio measures of effect, based on disease occurrence times (DOT) obtained from survival curves, are identified and cumulatively removed. Results The four assumptions usually made are that (1) the ratio of disease incidence rates under treatment and under reference exposure is constant over time, (2) the groups being compared are exchangeable (equivalent), (3) a subject's DOT under treatment is independent of what his DOT would have been under the reference exposure, and (4) the treatment effect, if any, is in the same direction in all subjects. Removing Assumption 4 leads to an estimator of effect resembling the etiologic fraction, but able to accommodate both causative and preventive effects. Removing all assumptions but that of exchangeability still permits the estimation, directly from the survival curves, of a range of effect magnitudes, causative or preventive, compatible with the observed DOTs. The exchangeability assumption is the easiest to meet, by randomizing enough subjects. Limitations The statistical uncertainty that affects the estimates of survival probabilities has been ignored. Taking uncertainty into account further widens the range of effects compatible with the observations. Conclusions Retaining only the exchangeability assumption allows for a range of possible treatment effects to be estimated, although it may be wide. Readers of RCT reports should understand that the determination of a point estimate of effect within this range is entirely a function of unverifiable analytic assumptions. Clinical Trials 2007; 4: 611—620. http://ctj.sagepub. com
Rabbit forebrain cholinergic system: Morphological characterization of nuclei and distribution of cholinergic terminals in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus

Although the rabbit brain, in particular the basal forebrain cholinergic system, has become a common model for neuropathological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, detailed neuroanatomical studies on the morphological organization of basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei and on their output pathways are still awaited. Therefore, we performed quantitative choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunocytochemistry to localize major cholinergic nuclei and to determine the number of respective cholinergic neurons in the rabbit forebrain. The density of ChAT‐immunoreactive terminals in layer V of distinct neocortical territories and in hippocampal subfields was also measured. Another cholinergic marker, the low‐affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), was also employed to identify subsets of cholinergic neurons. Double‐immunofluorescence labeling of ChAT and p75NTR, calbindin D‐28k (CB), parvalbumin, calretinin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), tyrosine hydroxylase, or substance P was used to elucidate the neuroanatomical borders of cholinergic nuclei and to analyze the neurochemical complexity of cholinergic cell populations. Cholinergic projection neurons with heterogeneous densities were found in the medial septum, vertical and horizontal diagonal bands of Broca, ventral pallidum, and magnocellular nucleus basalis (MBN)/substantia innominata (SI) complex; cholinergic interneurons were observed in the caudate nucleus, putamen, accumbens nucleus, and olfactory tubercule, whereas the globus pallidus was devoid of cholinergic nerve cells. Cholinergic interneurons were frequently present in the hippocampus and to a lesser extent in cerebral cortex. Cholinergic projection neurons, except those localized in SI, abundantly expressed p75NTR, and a subset of cholinergic neurons in posterior MBN was immunoreactive for CB and nNOS. A strict laminar distribution pattern of cholinergic terminals was recorded both in the cerebral cortex and in CA1–CA3 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. In summary, the structural organization and chemoarchitecture of rabbit basal forebrain may be considered as a transition between that of rodents and that of primates. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:597–611, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developing Credit Risk Models Using SAS Enterprise Miner and SAS/STAT: Theory and Applications

Combine complex concepts facing the financial sector with the software toolsets available to analysts. The credit decisions you make are dependent on the data, models, and tools that you use to determine them. Developing Credit Risk Models Using SAS Enterprise Miner and SAS/STAT: Theory and Applications combines both theoretical explanation and practical applications to define as well as demonstrate how you can build credit risk models using SAS Enterprise Miner and SAS/STAT and apply them into practice. The ultimate goal of credit risk is to reduce losses through better and more reliable credit decisions that can be developed and deployed quickly. In this example-driven book, Dr. Brown breaks down the required modeling steps and details how this would be achieved through the implementation of SAS Enterprise Miner and SAS/STAT. Users will solve real-world risk problems as well as comprehensively walk through model development while addressing key concepts in credit risk modeling. The book is aimed at credit risk analysts in retail banking, but its applications apply to risk modeling outside of the retail banking sphere. Those who would benefit from this book include credit risk analysts and managers alike, as well as analysts working in fraud, Basel compliancy, and marketing analytics. It is targeted for intermediate users with a specific business focus and some programming background is required. Efficient and effective management of the entire credit risk model lifecycle process enables you to make better credit decisions. Developing Credit Risk Models Using SAS Enterprise Miner and SAS/STAT: Theory and Applications demonstrates how practitioners can more accurately develop credit risk models as well as implement them in a timely fashion. This book is part of the SAS Press Program.
Nanoparticulate devices for brain drug delivery

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) limits the transport of therapeutic molecules from the blood compartment into the brain, thus greatly reducing the species of therapeutic compounds that can be efficiently accumulated in the central nervous system (CNS). Various strategies have been proposed for improving the delivery of drugs to this tissue, and numerous invasive and noninvasive methods have been proposed by different scientists in an attempt to circumvent the BBB and to increase the delivery of drug compounds into the brain. An interesting alternative, in the solution of this problem and also that of reaching a suitable target in the CNS, has recently been provided through the use of nanoparticulate colloidal devices as a noninvasive technique for brain drug delivery. These systems offer diverse advantages over invasive strategies, because (1) they are designed using biocompatible and biodegradable materials; (2) they avoid the disruption and/or modification of the BBB; and (3) they modulate the biopharmaceutical properties of the entrapped drugs. Moreover, the possibility of targeting specific brain tissue, thanks to ligands linked to the surface of the nanoparticulate colloidal devices, confers the necessary characteristics for the treatment of CNS pathologies to these drug carriers. The aim of this review is to focus on describing the main strategies in use for designing nanoparticulate colloidal devices for CNS delivery, their potentiality as noninvasive strategies in the delivery of drugs to the cerebral tissues, and their biological and clinical applications in cerebral drug delivery. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev 31:716‐756, 2011
Investigations using an improved Josephson Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizer (JAWS) system

This paper describes an improved Josephson Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizer (JAWS) at PTB. The improvements led to a more user-friendly JAWS system with a lower complexity. JAWS arrays which deliver a pure sine wave spectrum have been developed. Preliminary measurements of AC-AC differences in the frequency range from 125 Hz to 20 kHz are presented.
An Intraplantar Hypertonic Saline Assay in Mice for Rapid Screening of Analgesics

BACKGROUND: Development of new analgesics is limited by shortcomings of existing preclinical screening assays such as wide variations in response, suitability for a narrow range of analgesics, and propensity to induce tissue damage. Our aim was to determine the feasibility of a new in vivo animal assay as an analgesic screen based on nociceptive responses (licking and biting) after intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of hypertonic saline (HS) in mice. METHODS: With approval from the Institutional Animal Care Committee, we conducted a randomized, investigator-blinded in vivo study in adult CD-1 mice. We first studied the concentration–response relationship, time course, and sex difference of animals’ nociceptive responses to HS. Subsequently, we assessed the screening ability of the HS assay to detect a range of established analgesics belonging to different classes. Finally, we performed histopathologic studies to assess potential tissue damage. RESULTS: The response produced by i.pl. HS was greater and longer in female than in male mice. The responses to HS were concentration dependent with minimal variance. Ten percent HS evoked a maximal response within the first 5 minutes. Morphine dose-dependently attenuated animals’ nociceptive responses (1–10 mg/kg intraperitoneally [i.p.]). The peripherally restricted µ-opioid receptor agonist, loperamide, reduced nociceptive responses when injected locally (30–100 µg/paw, i.pl.) but not systemically (1–10 mg/kg, i.p.). Acetylsalicylic acid (300 mg/kg, i.p.), naproxen (150 mg/kg, i.p), and acetaminophen (300 mg/kg, i.p.) all decreased nociceptive responses, as did i.pl. coinjections of lidocaine (0.003%–1%) with 10% HS. Histopathologic assessment revealed no tissue damage due to HS. CONCLUSIONS: The i.pl. HS assay is easily performed, rapidly detects standard analgesics, and produces minimal animal suffering without tissue damage. We propose this assay as a useful addition to the armamentarium of existing preclinical analgesic screens.
Performance management implementation challenges in Ghana’s local government system: Evidence from the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current performance management system of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly as well as the challenges faced by the Assembly in implementing its performance management system. Design/methodology/approach The specific design that was adopted is the case study approach. The primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews. In total, 20 heads of departments and employees were purposively sampled. The data gathered from the interviews were analysed using Miles and Huberman’s (1994) approach to qualitative data analysis. Findings The paper reveals that the performance management system of the Assembly has not been effective. The study also reveals poor communication, poor integration, low commitment by the top officials, absence of training, inadequate capacity for setting clear targets and objectives, and measuring and evaluation criteria for performance assessment, cultural issues, absence of rewards for good performance, financial constraints, weak and highly bureaucratic management systems as challenges facing performance management system of the assembly. Practical implications This study indicates that the training of supervisors and the linking of performance management systems with reward and recognition are key to ensuring an effective implementation of the performance management system of the Assembly. Originality/value This paper contributes to literature by examining the performance management system of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly in the Western Region of Ghana by describing and drawing lessons from local government experiences in the implementation of performance management systems in developing countries.
[Relationship of flatfoot and high arch with main anthropometric variables].

OBJECTIVES The deformities of flatfoot (pes planus) and high arch (pes cavus) are serious health problems causing gait and postural defects in all age groups. The aim of this study was to seek relationships of these two deformities with main anthropometric variables in adults. METHODS This study was carried out in 516 community individuals (253 males, 263 females) aged between 18 to 83 years, living in Ankara, Turkey. The mean age was 40.5+/-13.4 years in males, and 43.3+/-14.9 years in females. The participants were analyzed in five age brackets, namely 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and = or > 60 years. The presence of flatfoot or high arch was determined by the analysis of footprints. A total of five anthropometric variables were measured including body weight, body height, foot length, metatarsal width, and heel width. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and shoe size of the individuals was recorded, as well. RESULTS The incidences of flatfoot and high arch were 4.1% (n=21) and 1.2% (n=6), respectively. There were no significant differences between sex and age groups with respect to the frequency of both deformities (p>0.05). No associations were found between the presence of flatfoot or high arch and body weight, body height, BMI, foot length, metatarsal width, and shoe size (p>0.05). Only heel width showed a significant association with the presence of flatfoot (p=0.027). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the presence of high arch is not related to body composition and foot dimensions, while flatfoot is associated only with heel width.
The influence of purchasing skill on strategic purchasing and supplier responsiveness

Using a resource-based theory for establishing a theoretical foundation, the framework of Carr and Smeltzer (2000) has been adapted for G-store retail in Thailand. This study serves to fill a gap in the supply management literature by provide an understanding of purchasing skills, strategic purchasing and supplier responsiveness, and also provides the link of purchasing skill to supply management performance. This study collected data from sixty-eight purchasers exclusive to seven G-store companies in Thailand, with a response rate of 75%, from 51 respondents, by telephone interview and also self-administration. The data analysis used statistical tools of correlation analysis and linier regression to justify the hypotheses. The analysis result revealed that purchasing skills had influence on strategic purchasing and also on supplier responsiveness. However purchasing skills had a stronger relationship with supplier responsiveness than strategic purchasing. This study shows that purchasing skills, shown in thirteen dimensions, consisting of analytical skills, communication skills, presentation skills, coordinating skills, being able to get to the root cause of a situation, negotiation skills on cost, negotiation skills on issues and problems, cost analysis skill, problem-solving skill, quality management skill, project management, program management and organizational skill. The result showed that the most important of these purchasing skills are negotiation skills on cost, on issues and problems, and analytical skill, because in the G-store business the ability to get a better deal to improve overall margins and sustain sales, is the top priority of a buying organization. For the strategic purchasing perspective , the G-store organization want to develop its strategic purchasing by they must creative purchasing strategy, and align that with the company's strategic plan because most G-store businesses are supportive business units of a petrol company.