Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adapting a Virtual Advisor's Verbal Conversation Based on Predicted User Preferences: A Study of Neutral, Empathic and Tailored Dialogue

Virtual agents that improve the lives of humans need to be more than user-aware and adaptive to the user’s current state and behavior. Additionally, they need to apply expertise gained from experience that drives their adaptive behavior based on deep understanding of the user’s features (such as gender, culture, personality, and psychological state). Our work has involved extension of FAtiMA (Fearnot AffecTive Mind Architecture) with the addition of an Adaptive Engine to the FAtiMA cognitive agent architecture. We use machine learning to acquire the agent’s expertise by capturing a collection of user profiles into a user model and development of agent expertise based on the user model. In this paper, we describe a study to evaluate the Adaptive Engine, which compares the benefit (i.e., reduced stress, increased rapport) of tailoring dialogue to the specific user (Adaptive group) with dialogues that are either empathic (Empathic group) or neutral (Neutral group). Results showed a significant reduction in stress in the empathic and neutral groups, but not the adaptive group. Analyses of rule accuracy, participants’ dialogue preferences, and individual differences reveal that the three groups had different needs for empathic dialogue and highlight the importance and challenges of getting the tailoring right.
Overview of Coverage and Results

Thirteen hundred and eighty-nine participants contributed a total of 48,917 survey hours to the project, making the second atlas the largest wildlife monitoring project ever undertaken in the Maritimes. A project of this magnitude and scope would not have been possible without the dedication of the citizen scientists whose names are listed in the Acknowledgements. Coverage details, by region, can be found in Appendix B.
Effects of parasitoid age and host age on the parasitism of {\sl Microplitis mediator} (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an endoparasitoid of {\sl Leucania separata}

The preference of Microplitis mediator for larval Leucania separata in different instars and the suitability of host instar for the parasitoid were investigated under laboratory conditions at 25±1℃, 65%±5% RH and 14∶10 (L∶D) h. When the parasitoids were exposed concurrently to host larvae from the 1~(st) to 5~(th) instars, they could parasitize the 1~(st) to 4~(th) instar larvae, but refused the 5~(th) instar larvae. Parasitism rates were higher for the 2~(nd) and 3~(rd) instar larvae than for the 4~(th) and 1~(st) instars. The preference index of M. mediator for the 1~(st), 2~(nd), 3~(rd) and 4~(th) instar larvae were 0.21, 0.31, 0.27 and 0.21, respectively. Host mortality after exposure to the parasitoid decreased with the increase of host ages. The parasitoid developed in the 4~(th) instar larvae had longer development period from egg to cocoon stage and had heavier cocoon weight than those in the 3~(rd) and 2~(nd) instar larvae. Young M. mediator adults had higher parasitism capacity than the old ones. However, age of the adult wasp had no significant effect either on the development period from the egg to cocoon or on the cocoon weight in their offsprings.
JORDANIAN COMMERCIAL BANKS

Aim/Purpose This study aimed to examine the effect of marketing knowledge management (MKM) on bank performance via the mediating role of the Fintech innovation in Jordanian commercial banks. Background An extensive number of studies found a significant relationship between Marketing knowledge management and bank performance (e.g., Akroush & Al-Mohammad, 2010; Hou & Chien 2010; Rezaee & Jafari, 2015; Veismoradi et al., 2013). However, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the relationship between marketing knowledge management (MKM) and bank performance (BP). Furthermore, the linkage between MKM and BP is not straightforward but, instead, includes a more complicated relationship. Therefore, it is argued that managing marketing knowledge management assets and capabilities can enhance performance via the role of financial innovation as a mediating factor on commercial banks; to date, however, there is no empirical evidence. Methodology Based on a literature review, knowledge-based theory, and financial innovation theory, an integrated conceptual framework has been developed to guide the Effect of Marketing Knowledge Management on Bank Performance Through Fintech Innovations 204 study. A quantitative approach was used, and the data was collected from 336 managers and employees in all 13 Jordanian commercial banks using online and in hand instruments. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze and verify the study variables. Contribution This article contributes to theory by filling a gap in the literature regarding the role of marketing knowledge management assets and capabilities in commercial banks operating in a developing country like Jordan. It empirically examined and validated the role of Fintech innovation as mediators between marketing knowledge management and bank performance Findings The main findings revealed that marketing knowledge management had a significant favorable influence on bank performance. Fintech innovation acted as partial mediators in this relationship. Recommendations for Practitioners Commercial banks should be fully aware of the importance of knowledge management practices to enhance their financial innovation and bank performance. They should also consider promoting a culture of practicing knowledge management processes among their managers and employees by motivating and training to promote innovations. Recommendations for Researchers The result endorsed Fintech innovation’s mediating effect on the relationship between the independent variable, marketing knowledge management (assets and capabilities), and the dependent variable bank performance, which was not addressed before; thus, it needs further validation. Future Research The current designed research model can be applied and assessed further in other sectors, including banking and industrial sectors across developed and developing countries. It would also be of interest to introduce other variables in the study model that can act as consequences of MKM capabilities, such as financial and non-financial performance measures
Removal of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Solution Using Modified Ngbo Clay

This work focused on the removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution using modified clay from Ngbo clay deposit in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The clay was modified to zeolite by alkaline activation at a high temperature. Characterization of the clay was used to determine the properties of the clay. Batch experimental study was employed to determine the effects of process variables. Different isotherm and kinetic models were used to describe the adsorption process. The result showed that aluminium and iron were the major constituents of the clay. Percentage removal of the dye was significantly dependent on temperature, dosage and time. Maximum percentage adsorption of about 97% has been obtained. Pseudo second order best described the kinetic of the adsorption while Freundlich and Henry isotherm models were best in describing the adsorption isotherm. The study has shown synthesised zeolite as an effective, efficient, benign and cheap alternative sorbent for the adsorption of methylene blue from solutions. Original Research Article Nnenna et al.; JMSRR, 5(2): 33-46, 2020; Article no.JMSRR. 56746 34
Paying to Match: Decentralized Markets with Information Frictions

We experimentally study decentralized one-to-one matching markets with transfers. We vary the information available to participants, complete or incomplete, and the surplus structure, supermodular or submodular. Several insights emerge. First, while markets often culminate in eﬃcient matchings, stability is more elusive, reﬂecting the diﬃculty of arranging attendant transfers. Second, incomplete information and submodularity present hurdles to eﬃciency and especially stability; their combination drastically diminishes stability’s likelihood. Third, matchings form “from the top down” in complete-information supermodular markets, but exhibit many more and less- obviously ordered oﬀers otherwise. Last, participants’ market positions matter far more than their dynamic bargaining styles for outcomes.
Correlation of serum C - reactive protein with clinical parameters in diabetic patients having chronic periodontitis before and after treatment

Background and Objectives: Chronic periodontitis is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment loss, and bone loss. C-reactive protein, are acute phase proteins monitored as a marker of inflammatory status. The present study was performed to determine whether presence of periodontitis and non-surgical periodontal therapy could influence the serum levels of CRP in type II diabetes mellitus disease patients. Materials and methods: A total of 60 subjects were selected for study. Venous blood samples were taken at base line and 3 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy for the type II diabetic patients with the clinical signs of chronic periodontitis (group I, n=30) and patients with chronic periodontitis having no diabetic mellitus (group II, n=30) to estimate serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Clinical parameters such as glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c ≥ 6.5% ), random blood sugar (RBS) and clinical periodontal parameters (Gingival Index, Probing pocket depth, Clinical attachment level and Plaque Index) for the group I and II were measured. Results: at base line, type II diabetes mellitus patients group I (T2DMCP) were compared to the non-diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis group II (NDMCP) based on the clinical periodontal parameters (GI,PPD, CAL and PI )scores and CRP level, HBA1c , (RBS) with the 3months after treatment. All the result was statically significant except for the GI and PPD scores at base line which was statically non-significant. The result also shows significant decrease in all the periodontal parameters and CRP level at base line as compared to 3months after treatment when group I was compared to group II while there was no significant change in the CRP level in group I and HBA1c in group II at base line as compared to 3months treatment. Conclusion: The present study concludes that total CRP level were decreased after non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Assessment of Training Effectiveness Adjusted for Learning (ATEAL) Part I: Method Development and Validation

Training programs are a popular method, in industry globally, to increase awareness of desired concepts to employees and employers and play a critical part in changing or supporting performance improvements. The predominant method to assess the effectiveness of training programs is to have the participants answer Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) and True/False (T/F) questions after the training; however, the metrics typically used to report the outcome of such assessments have drawbacks that make it difficult for the trainer and organization to easily identify the concepts that need more focus and those that do not. This study introduces measures of the Assessment of Training Effectiveness Adjusted for Learning (ATEAL) method, which compensate the assessment scores for prior knowledge and negative training impact in quantifying the effectiveness of each concept taught. The results of this method are compared to the results of the most popular methods currently used. A simulation of various scenarios and the training effectiveness metrics that result from them is used to illustrate the sensitivity and limitation of each method. Results show that the proposed coefficients are more sensitive in detecting prior knowledge and negative training impact. Additionally, the proposed ATEAL method provides a quick and easy way to assess the effectiveness of the training concept based on the assessment results and provides a directional guide on the changes that need to be made to improve the training program for the participants. A companion paper expands the concepts using results from actual training sessions in multiple industries.
Preliminary development of a tactical athlete nutrition score

Tactical athletes are at high risk for numerous conditions that are susceptible to nutritional intake. However, nutrition risk assessments in tactical athletes are not routinely implemented. The purpose of this paper was to describe preliminary development of the Tactical Athlete Nutrition Score (TANS). A cross-sectional study was conducted in a convenience sample of career firefighters (N = 150, all males) in southern California. Participants completed a 3-Day Food Record and other health-related questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements. The TANS was developed through best available evidence, observations, and an expert judgment exercise. The TANS include five variables: total energy, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, total sugar, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Risk levels were quantified according to data from these categories and analyzed accordingly. The TANS appeared to effectively differentiate individuals based on nutrition risk, with separation observed among the TANS risk levels – low risk (n = 7), moderate risk (n = 77), high risk (n = 66). One-way analysis of variance revealed significant difference among the risk categories for the five nutrition variables and TANS total (p < 0.001). The observed risk categories are plausible based on knowledge of this population. This study suggests the TANS is feasible to proceed to full-scale validation research trials. If validity is established, TANS will contribute to assessing nutrition risk level and improving nutrition interventions among tactical athletes.
Gossypol Inhibits Protease and Amylase Activity of Spodoptera littoralis Larvae

Growth, and protease and amylase activities were inhibited in Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval larvae fed on the cotyledons of a high gossypol cotton strain. Gossypol interacts rapidly in vitro with protease or its proteinaceous substrate, resulting in an increased inhibition of proteolysis with rising gossypol concentration.
Development of an Automated Assistive Trainer Inspired by Neuro-developmental Treatment

This paper introduces the development of an automated trainer that can conduct neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) rehabilitation for stroke patients. NDT training is a way to let patients have the feeling of walking with minimal intervention. During the training, therapists need to stabilize the patient’s trunk and pelvis to stimulate the weight shift and pelvic rotation, and to assist limb control during the stance and swing phases to increase walking ability. Therefore, NDT rehabilitation is effective for stroke patients but labor-intensive for therapists. We have developed an automated NDT trainer that can mimic the therapists’ intervention to reduce their workloads. First, we recruit subjects to conduct traditional NDT rehabilitation, where we apply a motion capture system to record the test subjects’ motions and load cells to record the therapists’ intervention force patterns during clinical NDT training. Second, we analyze the recorded data and develop an automated NDT trainer, which can detect the user’s motions by the motion capture system and repeat the therapists’ intervention by a closed-loop motor control system. Last, the designed trainer is applied to conduct NDT training for 10 stroke patients. The experimental results show that these test subjects’ asymmetry of swing phases was improved after receiving the NDT training. In addition, the improvement by the trainer was greater than that by therapists, possibly because the trainer provides objective judgments and does not become fatigued. On the basis of the results, the developed trainer is deemed effective in providing suitable NDT training for stroke patients.
Software-based compensation of computed tomography instrument misalignments – experimental study

A newly developed software-based compensation of geometrical misalignments is applied to several computed tomography (CT) instruments. The actual geometry of each CT instrument is measured using a dedicated procedure. Then, given the measured geometries, software-based compensation is applied. Dimensional measurements on a validation object show a consistent reduction in observed errors as a result of the compensation. Robustness of the compensation method is confirmed also on a CT instrument with severe misalignments.
Development of infection models to assess subclinical disease in pigs through the use of acute phase proteins as markers

Introduction Sub-clinical disease is a major contributor to a lower than expected pig performance, economic losses and reduction in pig welfare. Currently there are no markers to objectively assess the presence and extent of sub-clinical disease in live pigs, which hampers the development of strategies to overcome the consequences of subclinical disease, including increased environmental burdens. Acute phase proteins (APP) are components of the innate immune response and their response to infection pathogens is generic rather than pathogen specific (Eckersall 2000); for this reason they have the potential to characterise pig disease status. Here we describe two studies which aimed to establish infection models to assess the presence of sub-clinical disease in young pigs through changes in their APP profiles.
Trans-adaptation and Standardization of Arabic Version of Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire

1Head of Audio-vestibular medicine unit, Otolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, 2M.B. B.Ch, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, 3Lecturer of Audiovestibular medicine, Otolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University ABSTRACT Background : Tinnitus affects the life quality. Various questionnaires used for assessing its severity and its impact on quality of life. Among those is the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (TPFQ). Aim: Arabic translation of (TPFQ). Decide its validity and reliability among Egyptians with tinnitus. Patients and Methods: Agreement was obtained from the creator of the original TPFQ-12. The English version was converted into Arabic by a forward translation, back-translation, expert committee review, pretesting and finishing translation process according to the published guidelines for cross-civilizing adaptation of health-related quality of life measures. It was applied on a control group (100 normal not complaining of tinnitus) and a study group (80 patients with chronic tinnitus). Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were established. Results: The Arabic TPFQ-12 showed high internal consistency; Cronbach’s alpha 0.819 for study group while 0.806 for the control group. Repeatability of the Arabic TPFQ-12 questionnaire was high for the study and control groups respectively. with a significant difference between the study and control groups results. Conclusion: The Arabic TPFQ is a dependable tool for estimation of tinnitus effect on the quality of Egyptians life.
Effects Of CONPLAST SP 430 Superplasticizer Using Four Nigerian Produced Cements Individually In Concrete Production For Highway Pavement

The purpose of this study is in the consideration of using CONPLAST SP430 superplasticizer upon attainment of desirable strength of concrete and optimizing same for highway pavement using four different new types of cement produced in Nigeria. In the facet, one normal cement type tagged 42.5Np and three rapid cement types tagged 42.5Rd, 32.5Rs and 32.5Rt were individually mixed with granites, sand and water plus CONPLAST SP430 superplasticizer for the production highway cement concrete pavement. Individual mixture was at a very low water-cementitious material ratio (w/cm) of 0.32 and concrete mix ratio of 1:1.5:3. Cement tests included specific gravity, fineness, consistency, setting time, chemical and metallic compositions. Tests carried out on the fine and coarse aggregates used included particle size distribution, specific gravity, chemical and metallic compositions. Laboratory tests that were also carried out on the coarse aggregate included crushing, impact and abrasion. Tests carried out on fresh concrete included slump and compaction factor while those on hardened concrete were compressive, tensile splitting and flexural strengths. At 28 days curing age, each of the compressive strength value for the concrete specimens produced based upon the four cements used are respectively 26.67 N/mm 2 , 25.63 N/mm 2 , 25.56 N/mm 2 and 25.11 N/mm 2 . The concrete specimens’ tensile splitting strength values are respectively 2.78 N/mm 2 , 2.48 N/mm 2 , 2.10 N/mm 2 and 1.89 N/mm 2 while that of the flexural strength amounts are respectively 5.274 N/mm 2 , 4.208 N/mm 2 , 4.208 N/mm 2 and 3.496 N/mm 2 for the cements used. The significance of this study is that although the required compressive and tensile splitting strength values are not satisfied, the flexural strength value is satisfactory for highway pavement only by cement tagged 42.5Np. The justification for this research is in identifying the newly Nigerian made cement among the readily available ones to produce enhanced concrete at a cheaper economy and satisfying the required standard strength specification for highway pavement design and its construction. Keywords—Superplasticizer, Pavement, Consistency, Aggregates, Strength, Durability
Cytotoxic effect of 2,6-bis(4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzylidene) cyclohexanone (BHMC) and curcumin on human liver cancer cells, HepG2

Introduction: Curcumin is an active constituent derived from turmeric with a variety of pharmacological activities. It suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. However, due to its poor bioavailability, derivative analogue of curcumin has been synthesized to enhance the drug-like effects. BHMC was synthesized by removing β-diketone moiety from curcumin structure and modify it into conjugated double bonds. It has been proved to exhibit stronger anticancer effects with improved bioavailability compared to curcumin. Objective: This study aims to investigate the toxicity effect of BHMC and curcumin on human liver cancer, HepG2 and non-cancer mouse fibroblast, 3T3. Methods: Both cell lines were purchased from ATCC and cultured in supplemented DMEM. Cell viability was determined via MTT assay and confirmed with trypan blue assay. Morphology hallmarks of apoptosis of both treated cells were analyzed using inverted microscope at 40X magnifications. Results: BHMC and curcumin were very potent towards HepG2 and normal 3T3. These data were further confirmed with trypan blue assay which showed that both compounds significantly reduced the percentage of HepG2 and 3T3 cells viability. Both treated cells also displayed all the morphology hallmarks of apoptosis upon treatment. Conclusion: BHMC has a greater cytotoxicity effect on HepG2 compared to curcumin despite its non-selective cytotoxicity effect on non-cancer 3T3.