Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOUR: AN EMPIRICAL VALIDATION STUDY

he purpose of this study was to access empirically the extent to which new product development influences consumer adoption and innovative behaviour in the high-tech consumer durable electronics companies in Rivers State of Nigeria. The nomothetic methodology was adopted and forty copies of structured questionnaire were our primary data collection instrument which was distributed to five functional and registered high-Tech consumer durable electronics marketing companies in Port Harcourt. Moreso, from the forty copies of questionnaire distributed, thirty five copies were retrieved and qualified for use. However, the postulated hypotheses were tested by employing the Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient Statistical Tool (SRCC) which was facilitated by the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0. The study revealed that a significant relationship exists between NPD and CIB and also, that amongst the measures of CIB, that consumer personality and perception impacts more significantly on NPD. The authors therefore concludes that electronic home appliance companies should always take into cognizance consumer personality, perception and learning when evolving new products as these will always influence consumer adoption behaviour. However we recommended that the companies should always evolve product that matches with customer personality and intensify marketing communication strategies to continuously create an enduring perception of their products in the minds of their targeted customers.
Leadership for Organisational Learning and Improved Student Outcomes—What Do We Know?

The Leadership for Organisational Learning and Student Outcomes (LOLSO) Research Project addresses the need to extend present understandings of school reform initiatives that aim to change school practices with the intention of supporting enhanced student learning. In this article results from LOLSO's teacher surveys ('teacher voice') and student surveys ('pupil voice') are organised around six of the project's major research questions: how is the concept of organisational learning (OL) defined in Australian secondary schools (teacher voice)? What leadership practices promote OL in schools (teacher voice)? What are some outcomes of schooling other than academic achievement (pupil voice)? What are the relationships between the non-academic and academic outcomes of schooling? Do school leadership and/or organisational learning contribute to student outcomes? What other factors contribute to student outcomes? The answers to these questions lead to four clear implications relating to distributive leadership, development, context, and a broader understanding of student outcomes. The answers also raise concerns about the current emphasis on transactional leadership, that is school leadership that overemphasises the managerial or strategic.
Humoral Autoimmunity to Basement Membrane Antigens Is Regulated in C57BL/6 and MRL/MpJ Mice Transgenic for Anti-Laminin Ig Receptors1

Basement membrane proteins are targeted in organ-limited and systemic autoimmune nephritis, yet little is known about the origin or regulation of immunity to these complex extracellular matrices. We used mice transgenic for a nephrotropic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Ig H chain to test the hypothesis that humoral immunity to basement membrane is actively regulated. The LamH-Cμ Ig H chain transgene combines with diverse L chains to produce nephrotropic Ig reactive with murine laminin α1. To determine the fate of transgene-bearing B cells in vivo, transgenic mice were outcrossed onto nonautoimmune B6 and SLE-prone MRL backgrounds and exposed to potent mitogen or Ag in adjuvant. In this work we demonstrate that transgenic autoantibodies are absent in serum from M6 and M29 lineage transgenic mice and transgenic B cells hypoproliferate and fail to increase Ig production upon exposure to endotoxin or when subjected to B cell receptor cross-linking. Administration of LPS or immunization with autologous or heterologous laminin, maneuvers that induce nonoverlapping endogenous anti-laminin IgG responses, fails to induce a transgenic anti-laminin response. The marked reduction in splenic B cell number suggests that selected LamH-Cμ H chain and endogenous L chain combinations generate autospecificities that lead to B cell deletion. It thus appears that SLE-like anti-laminin B cells have access to and engage a tolerizing self-Ag in vivo. Failure to induce autoimmunity by global perturbations in immune regulation introduced by the MRL autoimmune background and exposure to potent environmental challenge suggests that humoral immunity to nephritogenic basement membrane epitopes targeted in systemic autoimmunity is tightly regulated.
Geometry of the complex of curves and of Teichmüller space

In this survey paper we give a proof of hyperbolicity of the complex of curves for a non-exceptional surface S of finite type combining ideas of Masur/Minsky and Bowditch. We also shortly discuss the relation between the geometry of the complex of curves and the geometry of Teichmueller space.
A Neural Network-Based Approach for Trajectory Planning in Robot–Human Handover Tasks

Service robots and even industrial robots started recently sharing human workspace for creating new working settings where humans and robots work even hand by hand. On one hand this new scenario raises problems of safety, which are being solved by adding suitable sensor batteries to robot control systems, on the other hand it entails dealing with psychophysical aspects as well. Motion intention understanding and prediction comes more natural and effective if the controlled movement is biologically inspired. In order to generate biologically inspired movements in a robotic assisted surgery scenario, where a robotic assistant shares with, or handover tools to a surgeon, we designed a trajectory planning system based on an artificial neural network (NN) architecture trained on human actions. After the design and training of the neural controller for motion planning, we checked the objective characteristics of the achieved biologically inspired motion as functional minimization (minimum jerk), two-third power law and bell shaped velocity. The controller was also experimentally implemented by using a redundant serial robotic arm (LWR4+, Kuka, Germany), and it was actually perceived as “human-like” in the majority of cases by naive subjects. The implemented neural-based control strategy provided to be an effective scheme for human-robot interaction control, also by qualitative assessment.
Obligation and Ecological Citizenship

The debate on environmental and ecological citizenship provides an important opportunity to explore the relations between ethical and political discourses and how ideas of moral community and political community are articulated. Two options have emerged: 1) grounding citizenship in the application of a specific approach from environmental ethics to the normative conduct of politics; 2) drawing on conventional conceptions of the political community in order to establish ecological citizenship (squeezing the gap between ‘law and justice’). This article challenges both, considering how the elements articulated through ‘modes of citizenship’ regulate the production of meaning on entitlements and obligations and generate ‘subject positions’ in which individuals can invest their identities. Citizenship is an ethico-political space where the right, the good and the virtuous are subject to deliberation. Conceptions of community, justice, rights, obligations and citizenship need reappraisal to provide an adequate vocabulary to address the difficulties created by contemporary environmental problems. Le debat sur la citoyennete environnementale et ecologique offre une excellente occasion d'explorer les relations entre les discours ethique et politique et la maniere dont s'articulent les idees de communaute morale et de communaute politique. Deux options en sont ressorties: 1. lier la citoyennete a l'application d'une approche specifique, de l'ethique environnementale a l'exercice normatif de la politique; 2. se fonder sur des conceptions conventionnelles de la communaute politique afin d'etablir une citoyennete ecologique (retrecir l'ecart entre >). L'auteur de cet article remet ces deux options en question, en prenant en consideration la maniere dont les elements articules par le biais de > regissent la production de sens relativement aux droits et aux obligations et engendrent des > dans lesquelles les individus peuvent investir leur identite. La citoyennete est un espace ethico-politique ou le bien, le bon et le vertueux peuvent faire I'objet de debats. Les concepts de collectivite, de justice, de droits, d'obligation et de citoyennete doivent etre reevalues afin de disposer d'un vocabulaire approprie permettant d'aborder les difficultes engendrees par les problemes environnementaux contemporains.
After the boom no one tweets: microblog-based influenza detection incorporating indirect information

The recent rise in popularity and scale of social media services (SNSs) has created the growing necessity for SNS-based information extraction systems. A popular application of SNS data is health surveillance for predicting the outbreak of epidemics by detecting diseases from text messages posted on SNS platforms. Such applications share the same logic: they incorporate SNS users as social sensors. Such social sensor approaches also share a common problem: SNS-based surveillance can be reliable if sufficiently numerous users are active, but small inactive populations produce inconsistent results. To overcome this problem, this paper presents a novel approach using indirect information covering both urban areas and rural areas within the posts. This system uses not only direct information, but also indirect information that mentions other places. Indirect information is less reliable (too noisy or too old) than direct information. Therefore, we do not use the described data directly. Instead, we consider that indirect information inhibits direct information. For example, when indirect information appears often, we consider that everyone already has a known disease, leading to a small amount of direct information. In the experiment using three years' long collection of tweets (7 million influenza-related tweets in Japanese) described herein, this proposed approach improved the detection performance not only in rural cities, but also in urban cities, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
Up‐regulation of GADD34 mediates the synergistic anticancer activity of mitomycin C and a γ134.5 deleted oncolytic herpes virus (G207)

Oncolytic viruses used for gene therapy have been genetically modified to selectively target tumor cells while sparing normal host tissue. The multimutant virus G207 has been attenuated by inactivation of viral ribonucleotide reductase and by deletion of both viral γ134. 5 genes. Deletion of γ134. 5 greatly decreases the neurovirulence of this mutant virus but also reduces its antitumor efficacy. The mammalian homologue to the γ134. 5 gene product is the GADD34 protein. This protein can functionally substitute for the γ134. 5 gene and is also up‐regulated during DNA damage. We postulated that combining use of the chemotherapy agent mitomycin C (MMC) with G207 will selectively up‐regulate GADD34 in tumor that may complement the γ134. 5 gene deletion and augment viral antitumor efficacy. This hypothesis was tested in human gastric cells in vitro and in vivo. Using both the isobologram method and combination‐index method of Chou‐Talalay, significant synergism was demonstrated between MMC and G207. As a result of such synergism, a dose‐reduction for each agent can be accomplished over a wide range of drug‐effect levels without sacrificing tumor cell kill. Northern blot analysis confirmed that expression of GADD34 mRNA was increased by MMC treatment. SiRNA directed at GADD34 decreased MMC‐associated enhancement of viral proliferation and resulted in decreased viral synergy with MMC. These data indicate that induction of GADD34 selectively restores the virulent phenotype of the deleted gene in G207 and thus provides a cellular basis for the combined use of DNA‐damaging agents and γ134. 5 HSV mutants in the treatment of cancer.
Histological Assessment of PAXgene Tissue Fixation and Stabilization Reagents

Within SPIDIA, an EC FP7 project aimed to improve pre analytic procedures, the PAXgene Tissue System (PAXgene), was designed to improve tissue quality for parallel molecular and morphological analysis. Within the SPIDIA project promising results were found in both genomic and proteomic experiments with PAXgene-fixed and paraffin embedded tissue derived biomolecules. But, for this technology to be accepted for use in both clinical and basic research, it is essential that its adequacy for preserving morphology and antigenicity is validated relative to formalin fixation. It is our aim to assess the suitability of PAXgene tissue fixation for (immuno)histological methods. Normal human tissue specimens (n = 70) were collected and divided into equal parts for fixation either with formalin or PAXgene. Sections of the obtained paraffin-embedded tissue were cut and stained. Morphological aspects of PAXgene-fixed tissue were described and also scored relative to formalin-fixed tissue. Performance of PAXgene-fixed tissue in immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization assays was also assessed relative to the corresponding formalin-fixed tissues. Morphology of PAXgene-fixed paraffin embedded tissue was well preserved and deemed adequate for diagnostics in most cases. Some antigens in PAXgene-fixed and paraffin embedded sections were detectable without the need for antigen retrieval, while others were detected using standard, formalin fixation based, immunohistochemistry protocols. Comparable results were obtained with in situ hybridization and histochemical stains. Basically all assessed histological techniques were found to be applicable to PAXgene-fixed and paraffin embedded tissue. In general results obtained with PAXgene-fixed tissue are comparable to those of formalin-fixed tissue. Compromises made in morphology can be called minor compared to the advantages in the molecular pathology possibilities.
Developmental and Regenerative Biology of Multipotent Cardiovascular Progenitor Cells

Our limited ability to improve the survival of patients with heart failure is attributable, in part, to the inability of the mammalian heart to meaningfully regenerate itself. The recent identification of distinct families of multipotent cardiovascular progenitor cells from endogenous, as well as exogenous, sources, such as embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, has raised much hope that therapeutic manipulation of these cells may lead to regression of many forms of cardiovascular disease. Although the exact source and cell type remains to be clarified, our greater understanding of the scientific underpinning behind developmental cardiovascular progenitor cell biology has helped to clarify the origin and properties of diverse cells with putative cardiogenic potential. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of cardiovascular progenitor cell biology from embryogenesis to adulthood and their implications for therapeutic cardiac regeneration. We believe that a detailed understanding of cardiogenesis will inform future applications of cardiovascular progenitor cells in heart failure therapy and regenerative medicine. (Circ Res. 2011;108:353-364.)
Slice-Based Memory Reduction and Management for Storing Multiple Reference Frames of H.264 Video Codec

By utilizing multiple frames for motion estimation/compensation in H.264/AVC video codec, video coding becomes more efficient. However, the use of multiple reference frames also incurs an increase in the cost for storing these frames. By means of storing a portion of macroblocks (MBs) using compressed data, this work develops a scheme to reduce the memory cells required to store multiple reference frames. After analyzing the coding modes of MBs, the positions of their reference frames and the remaining memory space, the MBs of each slice in the current frame are appropriately determined to be stored as motion vectors (MVs), compressed or reconstructed data. Additionally, a memory management system is proposed to work together with the said memory reduction scheme and to allow the limited memory space to be utilized effectively. Experimental results reveal that, in comparison to the far-end frames dropped scheme, the proposed scheme in storing multiple reference frames not only achieves higher decoded video quality, it also has a flexible use of allocated memory space to minimize the computation required
The application of teleophthalmology in examining patients with glaucoma: a pilot study.

PURPOSE To test the feasibility of teleophthalmology applications in examining patients with glaucoma, test its use for training purposes in an ophthalmology residency program and as a consultation link between primary healthcare unit and university eye clinic, and to introduce a preliminary model for economic assessment of telemedicine application in ophthalmology. METHODS A video slit-lamp, an automated perimeter, a nonmydriatic fundus camera and a videoconferencing system were installed in a healthcare center in a rural area. Twenty-nine patients with glaucoma were examined in the rural healthcare center instead of the university eye clinic. A control group consisted of 41 glaucoma patients examined at the eye clinic one year earlier. An ophthalmic resident examined the patients together with the local general practitioner. An interactive video consultation was created with the university glaucoma clinic using ISDN connections and special application software. RESULTS Both patient groups were equally satisfied with the ophthalmic service. Nearly all patients in the telemedicine group (96%) wanted to have their next visit in their own healthcare center instead of the university clinic. The most important reasons were reduction in traveling (97%), costs (92%), and time (92%). The costs of the telemedicine and conventional visits were equal, but decreased traveling saved $55 per visit. However, the quality of the images obtained in the remote center was poorer than that of the images obtained at the university clinic. CONCLUSION The results of this pilot study indicate that further research with a larger number of patients is warranted to evaluate both methods, technology, and economics of teleophthalmology.
Mentalizing in Self vs. Parent Representations and Working Models of Parents as Risk and Protective Factors From Distress and Eating Disorders

Abstract This study examined whether low developmental level of mentalization and symbolization, manifested as low ability to represent and reflect on mental states of the self and parents as well as malevolent working models of parents, may be risk factors in the genesis of eating disorders (EDs). We examined 71 female adolescent inpatients with ED and 45 controls without ED using the Object Representation Inventory and self-report measures assessing emotional distress and ED symptoms. The results indicated that the patients with ED presented with a significantly lower level of mentalization and symbolization and with more malevolent working models of their parents in comparison with the controls without ED. A more benevolent parental representation, specifically with the father, combined with better mentalization abilities, was found to indirectly predict lower ED symptoms, via the reduction of distress levels. These findings suggest that adequate mentalization and benevolent working models of parents may serve as a protective factor reducing the level of ED symptoms.
Influence of phonon scattering on the performance of p-i-n band-to-band tunneling transistors

Power dissipation has become a major obstacle in performance scaling of modern integrated circuits and has spurred the search for devices operating at lower voltage swing. In this letter, we study p-i-n band-to-band tunneling field effect transistors taking semiconducting carbon nanotubes as the channel material. The on current of these devices is mainly limited by the tunneling barrier properties, and phonon-scattering has only a moderate effect. We show, however, that the off current is limited by phonon absorption assisted tunneling, and thus is strongly temperature dependent. Subthreshold swings below the 60mV∕decade conventional limit can be readily achieved even at room temperature. Interestingly, although subthreshold swing degrades due to the effects of phonon scattering, it remains low under practical biasing conditions.
Resolution of adiponectin oligomers in human plasma using free flow electrophoresis

Adiponectin is an important adipocytokine hormone which circulates in blood as homo-oligomers (trimer, hexamer and high molecular weight (HMW) forms) as well as a truncated form corresponding to the globular domain. Free flow electrophoresis (FFE) used in zone electrophoresis mode revealed the presence of isoforms within these oligomeric forms in plasma. HMW adiponectin oligomer showed two isoforms which carry different charge density at pH 4.7, only one of which is susceptible to dissociation by SDS. The adiponectin hexamer was shown to consist of a doublet and also shown to have at least two isoforms. A truncated form of adiponectin was identified as the main constituent of adiponectin in plasma and appeared to circulate bound to a basic protein, potentially one of the chemokines reported to bind to the globular domain. Analysis of the monomer composition of the oligomers revealed differences in monomeric isoforms used to build up the oligomers.
Interactions between mitochondrial haplotype and dietary macronutrient ratios confer sex-specific effects on longevity in Drosophila melanogaster.

Recent studies have demonstrated that modifications to the ratio of dietary macronutrients affect longevity in a diverse range of species. However, the degree to which levels of natural genotypic variation shape these dietary effects on longevity remains unclear. The mitochondria have long been linked to the ageing process. The mitochondria possess their own genome, and previous studies have shown that mitochondrial genetic variation affects longevity in insects. Furthermore, the mitochondria are the sites in which dietary nutrients are oxidized to produce adenosine triphosphate, suggesting a capacity for dietary quality to mediate the link between mitochondrial genotype and longevity. Here, we measured longevity of male and female fruit flies, across a panel of genetic strains of Drosophila melanogaster, which vary only in their mitochondrial haplotype, when fed one of two isocaloric diets that differed in their protein-to-carbohydrate ratio. The mitochondrial haplotype affected the longevity of flies, but the pattern of these effects differed across the two diets in males, but not in females. We discuss the implications of these results in relation to an evolutionary theory linking maternal inheritance of mitochondria to the accumulation of male-harming mitochondrial mutations, and to the theory exploring the evolution of phenotypic plasticity to novel environments.
A Unified Deep Learning Formalism For Processing Graph Signals

Convolutional Neural Networks are very efficient at processing signals defined on a discrete Euclidean space (such as images). However, as they can not be used on signals defined on an arbitrary graph, other models have emerged, aiming to extend its properties. We propose to review some of the major deep learning models designed to exploit the underlying graph structure of signals. We express them in a unified formalism, giving them a new and comparative reading.