Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competitive Analysis among Multi-product Firms Competitive Analysis among Multi-product Firms

will react to changes we aim to offer an approach to estimate consumer demand in differentiated products market while accounting for unobserved product characteristics. Second, we investigate intra-and inter- competition among multi-product manufacturers. We achieve both objectives We analyze and study competition in differentiated product market using public data source. Understanding competitive market structure is critical for firms to assess how their products compete against other firms in a given market. In this paper, we estimate consumer demand, extend clout and vulnerability framework, and study competition among multi-product manufacturers in differentiated product market. For our empirical analysis, we adopt choice-based aggregate demand model and estimate consumer demand while accounting for unobserved product characteristics. Once we estimate consumer demand, we compute full price elasticity matrix and investigate intra- and inter- manufacturer substitutions among consumers. This research offers a framework for marketers to analyze and understand market structures, leading them to informed decisions.
Activation of Ca21-activated K1 (maxi-K1) channel by angiotensin II in myocytes of the guinea pig ileum

Romero, Fernando, Bagnólia A. Silva, Viviane L. A. Nouailhetas, and Jeannine Aboulafia. Activation of Ca21activated K1 (maxi-K1) channel by angiotensin II in myocytes of the guinea pig ileum. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Cell Physiol. 43): C983–C991, 1998. —We investigated the regulation of the Ca21-activated K1 (maxi-K1) channel by angiotensin II (ANG II) and its synthetic analog, [Lys2]ANG II, in freshly dispersed intestinal myocytes. We identified a maxi-K1 channel population in the inside-out patch configuration on the basis of its conductance (257 6 4 pS in symmetrical 150 mM KCl solution), voltage and Ca21 dependence of channel opening, low Na1-to-K1 and Cl2-to-K1 permeability ratios, and blockade by external Cs1 and tetraethylammonium chloride. ANG II and [Lys2]ANG II caused an indirect, reversible, Ca21and dose-dependent activation of maxi-K1 channels in cell-attached experiments when cells were bathed in high-K1 solution. This effect was reversibly blocked by DUP-753, being that it is mediated by the AT1 receptor. Evidences that activation of the maxi-K1 channel by ANG II requires a rise in intracellular Ca21 concentration ([Ca]i) as an intermediate step were the shift of the open probability of the channel-membrane potential relationship to less positive membrane potentials and the sustained increase in [Ca]i in fura 2-loaded myocytes. The preservation of the pharmacomechanical coupling of ANG II in these cells provides a good model for the study of transmembrane signaling responses to ANG II and analogs in this tissue.
Belgeo, 1 | 2019

This article investigates the role in practice of social capital in the success and perennity of European rural development projects, taking three Walloon LEADER projects as case studies. In the context of rural areas, that carry innate characteristics – proximity, sense of community – social capital is expected to play an important role in the success or failure of development projects. Yet, in theory, social capital is mentioned by the European Commission only when referring to outputs of the approach, never as an input. By investigating three LEADER projects Social capital in rural development projects in Europe – Three LEADER cases i.
The von Neumann Theil Index: Characterizing Graph Centralization using the von Neumann Index

We show that the von Neumann entropy (from herein referred to as the von Neumann index) of a graph’s trace normalized combinatorial Laplacian provides structural information about the level of centralization across a graph. This is done by considering the Theil index, which is an established statistical measure used to determine levels of inequality across a system of ‘agents’, e.g., income levels across a population. Here, we establish a Theil index for graphs, which provides us with a macroscopic measure of graph centralization. Concretely, we show that the von Neumann index can be used to bound the graph’s Theil index, and thus we provide a direct characterization of graph centralization via the von Neumann index. Because of the algebraic similarities between the bound and the Theil index, we call the bound the von Neumann Theil index. We elucidate our ideas by providing examples and a discussion of different n = 7 vertex graphs. We also discuss how the von Neumann Theil index provides a more comprehensive measure of centralization when compared to traditional centralization measures, and when compared to the graph’s classical Theil index. This is because it more accurately accounts for macro-structural changes that occur from micro-structural changes in the graph (e.g., the removal of a vertex). Finally, we provide future direction, showing that the von Neumann Theil index can be generalized by considering the Rényi entropy. We then show that this generalization can be used to bound the negative logarithm of the graph’s Jain fairness index.
Study on Catalytic Alkylation of Benzene with Methanol over ZSM-22 and ZSM-35

The ZSM-22 and ZSM-35 zeolites were synthesized via the hydrothermal crystallization method. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, NH3-TPD, TPO, TG, and Raman spectrometry, and the results showed that ZSM-22 and ZSM-35 possessed similar microporous volume and acidity. In the alkylation of benzene with methanol, ZSM-22 and ZSM-35 showed different coke location, coking rate and graphitizing degree. Compared with the industrial ZSM-5, ZSM-22 and ZSM-35 both showed higher selectivity of toluene and xylene (93.63% and 96.50%, respectively) during the alkylation of benzene with methanol, and the selectivity of para-xylene in xylene isomers was 51.96% and 41.45%, respectively. Meanwhile, the selectivity of ethylbenzene and C9+ aromatics was also lower than that of industrial ZSM-5.
Factors Influencing Long-Term Adoption of Wearable Activity Trackers

Wearable technology for activity tracking has been widely adopted to support users in improving or maintaining their physical activity rates. However, while some users derive value from their trackers for a long time, others find barriers to incorporating this technology into their routines. Using an online survey focused on both ex-users and current users of activity trackers, this study investigated factors of discouragement and reasons that could contribute to long-term adoption. Subsequent interviews with a sample of ten participants were conducted to approaches, the findings of this study suggest that long-term use is derived from the positive difference between the sense of usefulness and the effort necessary to maintain the continuous use of the devices.
Molecular mechanisms of the metabolite 4-hydroxytamoxifen of the anticancer drug tamoxifen: use of a model microorganism

A strain of the thermophilic eubacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus was used as a model system to identify membrane mediated cytotoxic effects of 4-hydroxytamoxifen, following previous studies with tamoxifen. With this experimental approach we attempted to further clarify tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen membrane interactions often evoked as responsible for their multiple cellular effects. Bacterial growth and the oxygen consumption rate provided quantitative data of the cytotoxic action of hydroxytamoxifen. The effects of hydroxytamoxifen on the physical properties of bacterial lipid membrane preparations were also evaluated by fluorescence polarization of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. Cultures of B. stearothermophilus grown in a complex medium containing hydroxytamoxifen in the concentration range of 1 to 7 mm exhibited progressively longer lag adapting periods, decreased specific growth rates and lower growth yields, as compared to control cultures. Hydroxytamoxifen also affected the electron redox flow of B. stearothermophilus protoplasts and induced significant perturbation of the structural order of bacterial lipid dispersions. We concluded that the bacterial model provides useful information about the nature and repercussion of membrane physical interactions of this lipophilic drug, on the basis of an easy and economic methodology. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://journal.uad.ac.id/index.php/TELKOMNIKA Compact reconfigurable PIFA antenna for wireless

Info 2020 This paper presents, new compact and multiband frequency reconfigurable planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA). The antenna is designed and optimized to cover mobile application devices like GPS, WLAN/Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 4G LTE, UWB, and satellite applications. The frequency reconfigurability is obtained by using only a single RF switch (PIN diode) for changing the operating frequency. The antenna dimensions are 45.6x39. 6x1.6 mm 3 printed on an FR-4 epoxy substrate with relative dielectric constant εr = 4.3, loss tangent tan (δ) = 0.002 and 50 Ω coaxial feed line. The proposed antenna has two patches connected by a single PIN diode. The antenna introduces nine resonant frequencies under (S11 ≤ -10 dB) which are: 0.980 GHz, 3.392 GHz, 3.924 GHz, 4.554 GHz, 5.82 GHz, 6.81 GHz, 7.305 GHz, 8 GHz and 8.105 GHz in the ON and OFF states of the PIN diode which are applicable to cover GSM900, WLAN/Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 4G LTE, UWB, and satellite systems. The obtained maximum simulated gain is 8.45 dB at 6.81 GHz. The lowest return loss is obtained to be -42 dB at 5.854 GHz. Detailed simulation and measurement results are explored and studied in this research. The CST software is used to simulate and optimize the proposed PIFA antenna. The proposed antenna has been fabricated and produced a good agreement with the simulation
28 ENTERPRISE SYSTEM AS AN ORCHESTRATOR OF DYNAMIC CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT: A Case Study of the IRAS and TechCo

Corporations are perpetually hunting for ways to develop exclusive, sustainable, and competitive advantages that will enable them to leapfrog ahead of their industrial adversaries. Notably, the debut of enterprise systems (ES) during the recent decade has given rise to frequent talk of the utilization of integrative, IT-inspired business mechanisms to achieve the much sought-after but elusive competitive edge. Others, however, have argued that the search for sustainable competitiveness should instead be anchored in organizational efforts to cultivate and build up firm-specific dynamic capabilities. Cognizant of the various perspectives, this paper takes a holistic approach in proposing the achievement of sustainable competitive advantages by examining the manner in which ES adoption can contribute to the forging of dynamic capabilities. In particular, Montealegre’s (2002) process model of capability development is adopted as the analytical framework to explore the strategi-zation of ES development in two different organizations, with the main distinction being that one of them subscribes to commercially available SAP
AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF

approved: ______________________________________________________ Megan M. McClelland Strong self-regulation skills can predict academic success in early childhood contexts, specifically for math and literacy skills, thus laying the foundation for future success (McClelland & Cameron, 2012; McClelland & Ponitz, 2011). Children’s exposure to increased instructional time in school through programs such as full day kindergarten (FDK) has also shown a myriad of benefits to children’s academic achievement (Cannon, Jacknowitz, & Painter, 2006; Cooper et al., 2010; Gibbs, 2014). Research has not yet examined the relationship between FDK and self-regulation or children’s self-regulation skills as a mediating or moderating factor for the association between FDK and academic achievement in math, literacy, and vocabulary. This study used multiple regression, mediation with bootstrapping, and moderation models to examine (1) how FDK is related to gains in self-regulation and academic achievement at the end of the kindergarten year when controlling for fall scores, and (2) if spring selfregulation scores in kindergarten mediate the association between FDK and academic achievement and (3) if fall self-regulation scores moderate the relationship between FDK and academic achievement. It was expected that FDK would be related to stronger self-regulation and stronger academic achievement in the spring of kindergarten. Self-regulation in spring was also expected to be a mediator of the relationship between FDK in the fall and academic achievement in the spring. Last, it was expected self-regulation in the fall to moderate the relationship between FDK and academic achievement. Results from research question one indicated that FDK was significantly related to both literacy and vocabulary achievement in the spring of kindergarten but FDK was not significantly related to spring math achievement or spring self-regulation scores. For the second research question, no significant indirect mediation effects were found but several direct significant pathways within the mediation models were present. Specifically, spring self-regulation was significantly related to spring math achievement and spring vocabulary achievement. For the third research question, there was only one significant interaction indicating self-regulation as a moderator for the relationship between FDK and math achievement. When further probed, this interaction was proved to be not a meaningful moderator of the relationship between FDK and math achievement. No other significant interactions were found during the moderation analysis. The results from this study add to the knowledge regarding FDK, self-regulation, and academic achievement across the kindergarten year. ©Copyright by Jessica G. Alonso June 1, 2017 All Rights Reserved The Relationship of Full Day Kindergarten, Children’s Self-Regulation, and Early Academic Achievement by Jessica G. Alonso
Analytical SNR Prediction in Long-Haul Optical Transmission using General Dual-Polarization 4D Formats

Nonlinear interference models for dual-polarization 4D (DP-4D) modulation have only been used so far to predict signal-signal nonlinear interference. We show that including the signal-noise term in the prediction of the effective signal-to-noise ratio in long distance DP-4D transmission improves the accuracy by up to 0.2 dB.
Low Cost System Design to Measure and Analyze of Temperature Rise Caused by 2450 MHz RF Energy in Human Phantom Model

In recent years humans are more exposed to human-made fields than natural fields with developing technologies. Especially, widespread of wireless communication technologies in all areas of daily life and getting closer to sensitive organs like brain caused an increase in possible risks and worries about human health. In the study, a temperature measurement card has been designed and produced with the aim of observing the temperature rise at the phantom model generated by EM energy source. To that end, we present a study on the temperature rise of small dipole antenna (2450 MHz) that operate close to a user’s head (1, 4 and 7 cm). We found good correspondence between the temperature rise values evaluated in the phantom heads. According to the results of measure, expected temperature rise in the tissue exposed to RF energy may varies to the distance between radiated source and tissue.
Modification of Pumice Mineral and Its Use as Additive for Poly (Lactic Acid) Based Bio-Composite Materials Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Fen ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi

In this study, pumice (P) mineral was treated with silane in order to increase the compatibility for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) which is a fully biodegradable polymer widely used in packaging and outdoor applications. Neat and treated P powders were compounded with PLA at the concentrations of 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% by melt mixing process. Surface characteristics of P samples were examined using infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical, water uptake, melt-flow and morphological properties of prepared composites were investigated by tensile and impact tests, water absorption test, melt flow rate test (MFR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, respectively. Mechanical test results revealed that the highest increase in tensile strength and modulus values was obtained for 15 wt% of silanized P containing composite which are found as 4.5% and 40% increase, respectively. Addition of silane-treated P into PLA resulted in an increase in impact strength of about 33% compared to samples containing that were not treated with silane with the same proportion of P. Impact strengths of composites increased with increasing P concentration. Silanized P filled composite gave slightly higher MFR values with respect to pristine P. Water absorption values of composites were found as about two-fold higher than that of unfilled PLA. Composites containing silanized P exhibited lower water uptake values compared to untreated P samples because of the hydrophobic character of silicon containing surfaces. SEM micro-images of composites displayed that more homogeneous dispersion in PLA matrix was taken place for silane treated P particles than that of neat P stem from the increase of adhesion between P and PLA surfaces after silanization process.
Real Time Control of Non-Linear Conical Tank

In this paper a real time control of non-linear conical tank has been performed. In this article control comparison between fuzzy controller and conventional PI controller is made for the conical tank system. Conical tank is used in most of the industrial processes because it assures optimal stirring and mixing of ingredient. The tank can easily and quickly be emptied and also conical shape ensures efficient cleaning, better mixing and drainage of solid wastes, slurries, thick liquids etc. Moreover these tanks can be used for both boiling as well as extraction process. Controlling the liquid level and flow of liquid in conical tank is a complex process because of the nonlinearity and constantly changing cross section of the tank. A conventional PI (proportional-integral) controller and MISO (multiple input single output) fuzzy controller was used and their performance is compared. Copyright © 2015 IFSA Publishing, S. L.
Ohsumi Peninsula (Japan) Caused by Typhoon 9307

oil the night of 9 August 1993, Typhoon 9307 passed near the southern part of Japan and caused heavy rainfall and many land-slide disasters across the Ohsumi Peninsula. A notable feature of this event is that the rainfall amount was very large on the lee side of the mountains. The 9-hour rainfall exceeded 150 mm at the greater part of the stations on the lee side, while it was only 80 mm at the station on the windward side. All the land-slide disasters occurred on the lee side. The heavy rainfall was mainly produced between the eyewall and the rainband of the typhoon. Radar echoes showed strong reflectivity over the mountains during the rainfall event. The rainfall increasing process was studied by using a two-dimensional numerical model. The results suggested that the seeder-feeder mechanism contributed to the rainfall enhancement on the lee side. Namely, the precipitating particles from the upper cloud grew over the mountains by accreting cloud water produced by the orographic lifting, and the grown particles were carried to the lee side by the strong wind of the typhoon. In addition, it was also suggested that the downdraft of the mountain wave made an additional contribution to the rainfall enhancement by transporting many ice particles to the lower layer.
Analysis of the factors affecting facilities compliance to environmental regulations in Minna – Niger State, Nigeria

This study explores factors affecting facilities’ compliance to environmental regulations. The objectives were to: examine operator’s knowledge of environmental legal requirement of the facility, identify factors affecting environmental compliance and determine relationship between facility and environmental regulators. Systematic random sampling was used in selecting facilities, while purposive random sampling was adopted in selecting respondents from each facility. Simple random sampling was employed in selecting respondents from the regulatory agencies. The instrument for data collection from the respondents is a semi-structured set of questionnaires each for facility and regulators respectively. The questionnaire was administered to one hundred and twenty (120) respondents drawn from eight (8) facilities in different sectoral groups, while one hundred and sixteen (116) were administered to the regulatory agencies (NESREA and NISEPA). Findings shows that challenges militating against compliance to environmental regulations in the area include: the relationship between the regulatory agencies and the facility operators as reported by 22.9% of respondents who upheld that there is fairly relationship between the facility operators and the regulatory agencies. More so, the singled most influential factor is lack of awareness of the regulations (52.5%). Consultation between the environmental regulators and the facility operators prior to the introduction of any environmental regulation is a factor in environmental compliance as reported by 37.6% of the respondents (facility operators) who maintained that they are not consulted before introducing any environmental regulation. It is recommended among others that every facility operator World Scientific News 45(2) (2016) 174-184 -175should be considered as a stakeholder in drafting environmental regulations. Exclusion of them is tantamount to low level of compliance as they will claim not to be aware of the regulations. Also, there is need to consistently create environmental awareness among the facility operators and the general public in order to become environment conscious and uphold environmental sustainability. Keyword: Knowledge of Environment Regulation; Environmental compliance Factors; Environmental Consultation; Minna; Nigeria
Conceptual framework for adaptive management of coupled human and natural systems with respect to climate change uncertainty

ABSTRACT Managers of coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) face the challenging task of managing those systems when there is uncertainty about future changes in drivers of the outcomes of management actions. To assist in meeting that challenge, a fuzzy, multiple-objective, passive adaptive management (AM) framework is developed that can be used to determine preferred management actions for multiple planning periods when there is uncertainty about one or more system drivers. The proposed framework requires: (1) selecting management actions and objectives; (2) establishing standards for objectives; (3) choosing budgets, drivers, and driver scenarios; (4) estimating management objectives; (5) identifying acceptable management actions; (6) determining preferred management actions; and (7) evaluating whether or not passive AM is advantageous. The framework is demonstrated for managing a hypothetical highway corridor in a national park based on four objectives pertaining to the corridor: (1) minimising congestion at the visitor centre parking lot; (2) maximising plant biodiversity along hiking trails; (3) minimising soil erosion on hiking trails; and (4) minimising congestion on hiking trails when there is uncertainty about future climate change. The proposed framework is easier for managers to understand and apply than other fuzzy decision-making frameworks.