Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“Worse Than What I Read?” The External Effect of Review Ratings on the Online Review Generation Process: An Empirical Analysis of Multiple Product Categories Using Amazon.com Review Data

In this paper, we study the online consumer review generation process by analyzing 37.12 million online reviews across nineteen product categories obtained from Amazon.com. This study revealed that the discrepancy between ratings by others and consumers’ post-purchasing evaluations significantly influenced both the valence and quantity of the reviews that consumers generated. Specifically, a negative discrepancy (‘worse than what I read’) significantly accelerates consumers to write negative reviews (19/19 categories supported), while a positive discrepancy (‘better than what I read’) accelerates consumers to write positive reviews (16/19 categories supported). This implies that others’ ratings play an important role in influencing the review generation process by consumers. More interestingly, we found that this discrepancy significantly influences consumers’ neutral review generation, which is known to amplify the effect of positive or negative reviews by affecting consumers’ search behavior or the credibility of the information. However, this effect is asymmetric. While negative discrepancies lead consumers to write more neutral reviews, positive discrepancies help reduce neutral review generation. Furthermore, our findings provide important implications for marketers who tend to generate fake reviews or selectively generate reviews favorable to their products to increase sales. Doing so may backfire on firms because negative discrepancies can accelerate the generation of objective or negative reviews.
Correlating Synaptic Ultrastructure and Function at the Nanoscale

Despite similarities in the composition of the molecular release machinery, synapses can exhibit strikingly different functional transmitter release properties and short- and long-term plasticity characteristics. To address the question whether ultrastructural differences could contribute to this functional synaptic heterogeneity, we employed a combination of hippocampal organotypic slice cultures, high-pressure freezing, freeze substitution, and 3D-electron tomography to resolve the spatial organization of vesicle pools at individual active zones (AZ) in two functionally distinct synapses, namely Schaffer collateral (SC) and mossy fiber (MF) synapses. We found that mature MF and SC synapses harbor equal numbers of docked vesicles at their AZs, MF synapses at rest exhibit a second pool of possibly ‘tethered’ vesicles in the AZ vicinity, and MF synapses contain at least three morphological types of docked vesicles, indicating that differences in the ultrastructural organization of MF and SC synapses may contribute to their respective functional properties and corresponding plasticity characteristics.
Effect of Desmodium intortum and Arachis glabrata on The in vitro Digestibility of Panicum maximum Hay

Study were carried out at the Teaching Application and Research Farm (FAR) and at the Animal Production and Nutrition Research Unit (LAPRONAN) of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA) of the University of Dschang with the aim to evaluate effects of Desmodium intortum and Arachis glabratta on the in vitro digestibility of Panicum maximum hay. Panicum maximum, Desmodium intortum and Arachis glabrata leaves were collected from the Dschang University campus. Panicum Maximum hay was obtained within LAPRONAN. After harvesting, the leaves were dried and crushed. A 100 g sample of each of these fodder was taken and dried at 60°C in an oven till constant weight, then crushed and stored in plastic bags for bromatological analyzes and in vitro digestibility. The leaves of the legumes were mixed in the proportions of 30% and 50% with the Panicum maximum hay having the proportions of 50% and 70%. The results of this study showed that the increase in the level of incorporation of these legumes made it possible to significantly increase the CP contents (from 8.88% to 15.19% with the addition of D. intortum and 8.88% to 11.63% with addition of A. glabrata) and DM (from 92.51% to 94.33% with addition of D. intortum and from 92.51% to 93.85 with addition of A. glabrata). The in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) and the in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDDM) of P. maximum hay, were significantly (p<0.05) higher when it was mixed at 30% and 50% A. glabrata than when mixed with D. intortum. This study shows that apart from the partitioning factor and volatile fatty acids (VFAs), all parameters of the in vitro digestibility of Panicum maximum hay were significantly (p<0.05) improved with the inclusion 30% and 50% of the leaves of A. glabrata and D. intortum.
Brand Equity and Country-of-Origin Effects on Consumer Evaluations: Leveraging Data to Explore the Role of Country Image and Brand Familiarity on Amazon Product Reviews

As globalization accelerates transatlantic trade, both developing and developed countries are experiencing an entry of more foreign products simultaneous to rising exports. Against the backdrop of a progressively fluid marketplace, the question of how a product’s country-of-origin (COO) influences consumer judgement has propelled in significance. Although the consequences of country-of-origin effects have received robust attention in extant literature, few studies have reproduced the results on e-commerce platforms, which are rapidly replacing conventional brick-and-mortar retailers. In this study, the authors explore the extent to which origin effects influence consumer perceptions on Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, by investigating (1) how Amazon consumers rate products based on country-of-origin cues such as level of economic prosperity, (2) if brands from developed countries are perceived as more familiar than those from developing countries, and (3) if brand familiarity moderates country-of-origin effects. The findings from this study offer significant implications to both the domains of marketing and consumer studies as well as to marketing practitioners. from only 30985) = 57.99, p < 0.000) with an R2 of 0.004. The predicted average Amazon rating is equal to (cid:237) 98.408 + 0.0509 (year) (cid:237) 1.265e (cid:237) 05 (price), where year is measured in years and price is measured in dollars. The average overall rating increased 0.0509 stars for each year over time and decreased 1.265e (cid:237) 05 for every dollar in price. Both price and year were significant predictors of overall ratings on Amazon. the results of our studies indicate that the e-commerce environment differs from traditional brick-and-mortar settings. Applying theories primarily constructed for traditional retail, even those vetted and replicated, to e-commerce markets may lead to potential inconsistencies between theory
Numerical Investigation of the Effects of MR Damper Characteristic Parameters on Vibration Isolation of SDOF Systems Under Harmonic Excitations

Magnetorheological (MR) damper has recently received considerable attention particularly for vibration isolation applications. However, the relationship between the current and damping force of MR dampers is extremely non-linear. Although it is possible to directly control the current of MR dampers to reduce the vibration of a system, this direct use of MR dampers often cannot achieve a desired system performance. As a result, researchers normally develop a feedback control system to accommodate the non-linearity associated with MR dampers. This technique, however, results in a significant increase in the system cost and complexity. This article applies the concept of the output frequency response function derived recently by the authors to analyze the effects of the damping characteristic parameters and current in an MR damper on the output frequency response of single-degree-of-freedom vibrating system. The results gained from this work are of great significance as they can facilitate the analysis of the effects of MR damper characteristic parameters on output response of the system and potentially allow engineers to directly control the current of a commercially available MR damper to achieve a desired system response without the need to develop a feedback control system, thereby reducing the system cost and complexity.
RESEARCH ON STRAIGHTENING TECHNOLOGY CAM SYSTEM

Automatic straightening process is a nonlinear process, and affected by many factors.The straightening technology CAM system has been designed and built up to straighten shafts, which mainly consists of the straightening technology's database and the model of stroke-controlled precise straightening calculation model.The operational test of the CAM system has been passed.
Development and Evaluation of a Vehicle-Infrastructure Integration Simulation Architecture

Advances in information technology are making the close integration of vehicles and the infrastructure in the surface-transportation system feasible. In particular, one approach to this integration receiving significant attention and effort in the United States is referred to as vehicle-infrastructure integration (VII). While few would argue that VII possesses the potential to support applications that improve traffic safety and mobility, the level of benefits, as well as strengths/weaknesses of various design alternatives, cannot be effectively assessed without the availability of an appropriate simulation environment. The purpose of this research is to develop a simulator that can fully model the functional aspects of VII deployment. This paper identifies key requirements for development of the simulation architecture, and proposes an architecture for a VII simulation system after identifying several alternatives. The proposed architecture components include a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) traffic sim.
Identification of random phase masks in a nonlinear joint transform correlator

The procedure for identification of a random phase mask in a nonlinear joint transform correlator containing a photosensitive recording material or a spatial light modulator in a frequency domain is studied. The new approach for estimation the intensities of correlation peaks in such type of a nonlinear correlator is proposed. This approach is based on the use of an experimental dependence of the recording medium's diffraction efficiency versus its exposure. The comparative analysis of correlation peaks produced by phase masks and primary test images in nonlinear joint transform correlators containing different photosensitive recording medium in frequency domains is represented. The results of analysis have shown, that the peak intensities produced by phase masks and by primary images are the same in a linear joint transform correlator, but the peak intensity produced by a phase mask in the nonlinear joint transform correlator is much larger than the peak intensity produced by a primary image.
How Sustainable is Your Competitive Advantage?

Through strategy, a company seeks to sustain its competitive advantage. Yet only recently has the study of strategy begun to examine how long a specific advantage can be sustained. Based on a study of sustainability patterns in a number of industries, this article shows how the competitive pressures associated with product imitation can be predicted by identifying the core capabilities, or isolating mechanisms, that lie at the heart of a company's advantage. A number of these dynamic core capabilities are classified according to how fast they are duplicated. The imitation of capabilities shapes many strategic decisions in companies, indeed the distinctive character of companies, and that by thinking in these terms managers enhance their company's cohesiveness and responsiveness as they pursue their strategic mission in global markets.
Performance of Optical OFDM Receiver in the Presence of System Impairments

Abstract Recently, there is an increasing interest in using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing schemes in advanced optical communication systems to compensate fiber dispersion. This article presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis to treat the optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme as a special case of optical subcarrier multiplexing system. An analytical expression is derived to calculate the laser power required to achieve a specific level of signal-to-noise ratio, as a function of various system and noise parameters. Simulations show that the presence of laser relative intensity noise may cause a signal-to-noise ratio floor, where the bit error rate cannot be improved further even when the laser power increases dramatically.
New Insights into the Hepcidin-Ferroportin Axis and Iron Homeostasis in iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes from Friedreich's Ataxia Patient

Iron homeostasis in the cardiac tissue as well as the involvement of the hepcidin-ferroportin (HAMP-FPN) axis in this process and in cardiac functionality are not fully understood. Imbalance of iron homeostasis occurs in several cardiac diseases, including iron-overload cardiomyopathies such as Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA, OMIM no. 229300), a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. Exploiting the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology and the iPSC capacity to differentiate into specific cell types, we derived cardiomyocytes of a FRDA patient and of a healthy control subject in order to study the cardiac iron homeostasis and the HAMP-FPN axis. Both CTR and FRDA iPSCs-derived cardiomyocytes express cardiac differentiation markers; in addition, FRDA cardiomyocytes maintain the FRDA-like phenotype. We found that FRDA cardiomyocytes show an increase in the protein expression of HAMP and FPN. Moreover, immunofluorescence analysis revealed for the first time an unexpected nuclear localization of FPN in both CTR and FRDA cardiomyocytes. However, the amount of the nuclear FPN was less in FRDA cardiomyocytes than in controls. These and other data suggest that iron handling and the HAMP-FPN axis regulation in FRDA cardiac cells are hampered and that FPN may have new, still not fully understood, functions. These findings underline the complexity of the cardiac iron homeostasis.
Using Hydrologic Equivalent Wetland Concept Within SWAT to Estimate Streamflow in Watersheds with Numerous Wetlands

Using hydrologic models such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to quantify the conveyance, storage, and retention functions of wetlands is a cost-effective means of generating the scientific information required for watershed management and wetland protection/restoration. However, it has been a challenge to appropriately represent wetlands in models, and few SWAT applications reported in the literature have considered wetlands. The objectives of this study were to (1) demonstrate how to incorporate wetlands into a SWAT model using a "hydrologic equivalent wetland" (HEW) concept and (2) use the SWAT model to simulate the streamflows in the 4506 km 2 upper portion of the Otter Tail River watershed in northwestern Minnesota. The HEWs were defined in terms of six calibrated parameters: the fraction of the subbasin area that drains into wetlands (WET_FR), the volume of water stored in the wetlands when filled to their normal water level (WET_NVOL), the volume of water stored in the wetlands when filled to their maximum water level (WET_MXVOL), the longest tributary channel length in the subbasin (CH_L1), Manning's n value for the tributary channels (CH_N1), and Manning's n value for the main channel (CH_N2). The model performance was judged in terms of three statistics: the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (Ej 2 ), the coefficient of determination (R 2 ), and the performance virtue (PVk). For the study area, the HEWs were determined to have a value for WET_FR ranging from 50% to 96%, i.e., draining more than 50% of the subbasins, depending on the spatial distribution and types of the wetlands in each subbasin. A wetland with a minimal alteration tended not to contribute water to the streams until it reached its maximum capacity, as indicated by identical calibrated values for WET_NVOL and WET_MXVOL for all the subbasins except for the three that included altered wetlands. The results indicated a strong linear relationship between WET_NVOL and the corresponding surface area (R2 = 0.98) and an overall average depth of 0.85 m for the HEWs. The parameters WET_NVOL and WET_MXVOL may primarily represent the storage function of the wetlands, whereas the conveyance and retention functions would be reflected by the latter five parameters. In addition, the SWAT model incorporating the HEW assumption had an acceptable or satisfactory performance in simulating the streamflows for an evaluation period from 1 December 1969 to 31 May 1975 at daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual time steps (Ej 2 > 0.36, PVk > 0.75), although its performance varied from one evaluation station to another and might be weak for spring and fall in some evaluation years. Nevertheless, additional model runs with the "no wetland" and "synthetic wetland" assumptions, which are two approaches typically used to deal with wetlands for modeling purposes, indicated that the HEW concept is superior in incorporating wetlands into SWAT for the study area.
Basic Strategy of Health Monitoring on Submarine Pipeline by Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor

Submarine pipeline system is a main pattern in collection and transmission of offshore oil and gas, which sends oil and gas from offshore oil/gas field to land, and it plays an important role in the production of oil and gas. Because of the complicated and harsh condition in which pipeline system works, such as impulsion, corrosion and free-spanning vibration, failure of submarine pipeline system occurs occasionally, it causes oil leakage, environment pollution and economic losses. Health monitoring is a feasible and effective manner to ensure submarine pipeline safe and reliable during service, especially when all factors affecting pipeline failure are not still entirely realized or controlled. The basic strategy of a new real-time monitoring system for long distance submarine pipeline is introduced in this paper, which has the function of diagnosis and auto-alarm. In this system, a new distributed optical fiber sensor (DOFS), which uses optical time domain reflectometry theory based on Brillouin backscatter, is applied to monitor the strain and temperature along the pipeline. To be used for long distance submarine pipeline, this system applies Wavelength Division Multiplex (WDM) technology and series DOFSs in series so as to extend the measure scope for long distance submarine pipeline. By using signal processing system to analyze the outcome data of sensor, the strain along the pipeline can be obtained. If the strain reaches the alarm setting, the system will send out caution and meanwhile accurately give the damage position. The system can also analyses vibration frequency of pipeline, if free-spanning vibration occurs, caution will also be given, so that the operator can take some measures in time to avoid the failure of pipeline. In this paper, the makeup of distributed optical fiber sensor and developing principle are specified, system development, application and construction in engineering are analyzed as well. The brand new practical system can not only be used for submarine oil and gas pipeline but also for land oil and gas transfer system, city coal gas transfer system, electricity-transmission cable and so on. This system can be widely used in many prospects of other industries. © 2003 ASME
The Coexistence of Obesity and Physical Inactivity Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Slow Coronary Flow: Lifestyle Change Requirement

Life style characteristics including physical inactivity and unhealthy eating cause obesity. With rising obesity, the number of people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is also increasing. If untreated, OSA causes increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study examined coexistence of obesity and physical inactivity in the OSA patients which were diagnosed with slow coronary flow. Material and Methods: After coronary angiography of 4515 patients, 316 patients were diagnosed with slow coronary flow. These patients were examined by an ear nose throat specialist and 276 patients were diagnosed in terms of OSA by using Berlin questionnaire (BQ). Control group patients (n=40) had normal coronary artery, which means they did not have slow coronary flow. Two hundred seventy-six patients with OSA were investigated for obesity and physical inactivity. The diagnosis of obesity was based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) according to the rules of the World Health Organization. Physical activity levels of the patients were evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ, the short form). Results: The study group consisted of 276 patients (188 males, 88 females). The mean ages of the study group were 48.48 ±7.61 years. Of 276 patients, 258 patients were obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) according to WHO criteria. Mean BMI in the study group patients was 33.02±2.18 kg/m2. According to IPAQ-short form, 74% patients were inactive, 17% patients had low level activity, and 9% patients were active. Conclusion: We determined that obesity and physical inactivity coexist in OSA patients with slow coronary flow. Therefore, we recommend lifestyle changes, including increasing physical activity and healthy dietary habits to prevent obesity.
On the Occurrence of Mathieu Instabilities of Vertical Cylinders

Large offshore platforms with vertical circular cylindrical hull shapes have been designed and employed in recent times. Classical spar platforms and mono-column concepts are just two examples of designs with such simple configuration, supposed to perform limited motion responses in waves. Reports on investigations on the occurrence of parametric resonance of spar platforms have been published recently in which the relevance of Mathieu amplifications have been assessed making use of different mathematical models. However, some uncertainties still remain on the influence of crucial design parameters as, for instance, metacentric height, draft/diameter ratio, associated damping and mooring system. In an attempt to clarify some of these aspects, in this paper the dynamic stability of a vertical cylinder in regular waves is investigated theoretically and experimentally. A coupled non-linear mathematical model is employed to model and simulate the coupled heave, roll and pitch motions. Theoretical aspects related to the development of resonant motions are discussed. In addition to the numerical and theoretical investigations, an extensive series of experiments with a model of a typical mono-column have been recently conducted at LabOceano. The findings of these investigations are compared and summarized.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Bay Bridge congestion-pricing project : Lessons learned to date

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, connecting San Francisco and the East Bay, is one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the nation. In an effort to address traffic congestion in this corridor, the Bay Area Congestion Pricing Task Force—a group of business, environment, public interest, and government organizations—has been examining the viability of variable tolls on the Bay Bridge. Tolls would be higher during peak commute hours when demand is highest and lower in off-peak hours when the bridge has excess capacity. This supply-and-demand-based concept is known as congestion pricing. The federally sponsored planning phase of the Bay Bridge congestion-pricing demonstration program commenced in the fall of 1993. Its purpose was to determine the most feasible alternatives for reducing congestion on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge through implementing a congestion-pricing program. The process by which the task force developed a congestion-pricing proposal for the Bay Bridge is described, as are.