Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risky Predictions and Damn Strange Coincidences: An Initial Consideration of Meehl's Index of Corroboration

The explication and empirical testing of theories are critical components of research in any field. Despite the long history of science, the extent to which theories are supported or contradicted by the results of empirical research remains ill defined. Meehl (1997) has proposed an index of corroboration (Ci) that may provide a standardized means of expressing the extent to which empirical research supports or contradicts a theory. The index is the product of a theory’s precision of prediction and the extent to which observed data are close to those predictions. Large values of Ci are expected from strong theories making tight, accurate predictions. Small values should result from (a) weak theories making weak predictions (regardless of their accuracy), or (b) strong theories that are not accurate.
Picoeconomics: The Strategic Interaction of Successive Motivational States within the Person , George Ainslie. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992, xvi + 440 pages.

Over three hundred years ago, Thomas Hobbes ([1651J1968, pp. 16061) observed that people act to promote their future, as well as present, interests, writing that "the object of mans desire, is not to enjoy once onely, and for one instant of time; but to assure for ever, the way of his future desire. " He was well aware, however, of the all-too-human tendency to sacrifice more weighty long-term interests on the altar of shortterm gain, and he offered this explanation of that tendency:
Packet scheduling for on-demand data services to high-speed trains over wireless links

In this paper, we consider a cellular/infostation integrated network which supports on-demand data service delivery over a wireless link to users in a high-speed train. For the requests with different lifetimes and prices that they are willing to pay, we develop the optimal packet schedule that aims at earning the maximum revenue. To this end, we formulate the problem as an integer linear program (ILP) which is in general NP-hard. However, by exploring the special structure of the formulated ILP, we show that this problem can be turned into a P problem that admits efficient solvers. Specifically, we propose a novel Checker algorithm and prove that this algorithm is guaranteed to find the offline optimal schedule for the intended problem in polynomial time, when the number of total requests is proportional to the length of the total transmission time span. Based on the relevant insights, a class of efficient online Checker algorithms are then developed to approach the optimal schedule when a-priori knowledge of service demands and/or wireless channel capacities is not available in practical systems. It is shown that these online algorithms have a competitive ratio of 1/2, i.e., total revenue earned by them is at least half as much as the revenue earned by offline optimal schedule. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the merit of the proposed algorithms.
Cruise Passengers in a Homeport: A Market Analysis

Abstract The aim of this study is to examine cruise passengers' characteristics, preferences and their overall experience in a port of call. Based on 1,361 survey data collected from passengers in the port of call of Cartagena, during the third quarter of 2009, a three-step multivariate market segment analysis is employed. First, a correspondence analysis is run to reveal the underlying factors in the data; second, based on the correspondence analysis, a hierarchical cluster investigation is performed to segment the sample into homogeneous groups; third, a decision tree is computed to characterise each group. The cluster analysis identifies six distinct market segments differentiated by nationality, satisfaction, safety perception and expenditure. The findings imply several policy directions. In particular, institutions should enhance the perception of safety in Cartagena to guarantee repeated visits, an ad hoc marketing policy may encourage revisit by young South Americans, and managers should extend the inland visiting time that is likely to produce local multiplier effects.
Regulation of immune cell adhesion and migration by regulator of adhesion and cell polarization enriched in lymphoid tissues

Rap1 has emerged as an important regulator of adhesion in multicellular organisms. In the immune system, Rap1 functions as an inside‐out signalling molecule for leucocyte integrins following stimulation with chemokines or antigens. Regulator of adhesion and cell polarization enriched in lymphoid tissues (RAPL) is a novel Rap1 effector molecule that mediates Rap1 signalling to integrins. The Rap1–RAPL complex regulates the spatial distribution of the integrin lymphocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 as well as cell polarization. The linking of inside‐out signalling with polarization synergistically promotes highly efficient lymphocyte trafficking. Targeted deletion of RAPL in mice has demonstrated multiple indispensable roles for this protein in lymphocyte and dendritic cell trafficking critical for immunosurveillance.
Benchmarking Best Practice in Hotel Front Office

Abstract During the past decade there have been significant changes in the hotel sector, the marketplace and its operations. This paper reports a research study across a number of western European countries into the changing functions within front office operations and the role of personnel in a range of hotels and locations. Issues addressed include the flattening of organisations; the increasing expectation of multi-tasking and multi-skilling; and creating a balance between technological solutions and the delivery of quality customer care. These issues are linked to wider findings on the growth in the need for the more generic skill types together with the importance of personal attributes as key selection criteria and the growing emphasis of the employers role in providing training for vocational skills. Work in these areas has seen a decline in routine activities and has become increasingly complex, involving the use of a wide range of software, maintaining in-house systems and the expectations of faster response to more complex methods of communications. Industry has realised the importance of customer care and the subsequent increase in focus by operators on its provision. These issues have led to the setting of procedures and benchmarks for the various functions and services of front office and the empowerment of employees in their implementation. The paper provides an insight into changes in front office and the manner in which technology is acting as an enabling force rather than replacing traditional roles. The paper addresses education and training implications for the hotel sector and education providers by examining current curricula and training provision and questions the relevance of some “sacred cows” that have traditionally been taught. The paper concludes with recommendations for future education and training provision.
Threshold triggers and accelerator for deep submicron interconnection

In this work, the high-threshold capacitor coupling trigger (HCCT) and the low-threshold capacitor coupling trigger (LCCT) circuits are presented An interconnection speed-up circuit called the capacitor coupling accelerator (CCA) is also proposed. Using the CCA, the delay of a 10,000 /spl mu/m wire in a 0.18 /spl mu/m process is 43% reduced The CCA is operated without dc power consumption. Moreover it can be applied to the transmission of bi-directional signals.
Budget deficits and U.S. economic growth

This paper explores how the U.S. budget deficit affects U.S. economic growth. Time-series data for the 1973-2004 period is applied to a simultaneous equation model to estimate the various direct and indirect effects of budget deficits on growth. The results indicate that, ceteris paribus, an increase in budget deficits slows growth. However, the “twin” current account deficits, which our model shows tend to accompany budget deficits, increase growth. Hence, the overall relationship between budget deficits and economic growth is ambiguous.
Real estate appraisal: a review of valuation methods

The valuation of real estate is a central tenet for all businesses. Land and property are factors of production and, as with any other asset, the value of the land flows from the use to which it is put, and that in turn is dependent upon the demand (and supply) for the product that is produced. Valuation, in its simplest form, is the determination of the amount for which the property will transact on a particular date. However, there is a wide range of purposes for which valuations are required. These range from valuations for purchase and sale, transfer, tax assessment, expropriation, inheritance or estate settlement, investment and financing. The objective of the paper is to provide a brief overview of the methods used in real estate valuation. Valuation methods can be grouped as traditional and advanced. The traditional methods are regression models, comparable, cost, income, profit and contractor’s method. The advanced methods are ANNs, hedonic pricing method, spatial analysis methods, fuzzy logic and ARIMA models.
Impact of Patient Perceptions on Compliance with Treatment for Hypertension

Patient noncompliance with medical regimens is a major obstacle in achieving hypertension control. In this study the relationships between patients' perceptions of health, disease and medical treatment and compliance were examined in personal interviews with 142 patients under treatment for hypertension. Compliance was measured in terms of blood pressure control, self-reported medication-taking, and appointment keeping. A multivariate log linear technique was used to control confounding. Blood pressure control was found to be associated with the perceived efficacy of the antihypertensive regimen, having medications prescribed for other chronic conditions, a high level of anxiety when hypertension was first diagnosed, the impact of hypertension and its treatment on lifestyle, and a higher educational level. For self-reported medication-taking, the perceived severity of hypertension, having medications prescribed for other chronic conditions and older age were predictive. Blood pressure control and self-reported medication-taking were highly correlated with each other (p = .02). Older age and being employed were the only variables that contributed independently to improved appointment keeping behavior. From these findings, it might be expected that emphasis on the effectiveness of treatment and on the potential threat posed by hypertension would motivate improved blood pressure control.
The role of CXCR4 in highly malignant human gliomas biology: Current knowledge and future directions

Given the extensive histomorphological heterogeneity of high‐grade gliomas, in terms of extent of invasiveness, angiogenesis, and necrosis and the poor prognosis for patients despite the advancements made in therapeutic management. The identification of genes associated with these phenotypes will permit a better definition of glioma heterogeneity, which may ultimately lead to better treatment strategies. CXCR4, a cell surface chemokine receptor, is implicated in the growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis in a wide range of malignant tumors, including gliomas. It is overexpressed in glioma cells according to tumor grade and in glioma tumor initiating cells. There have been various reports suggesting that CXCR4 is required for tumor proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and modulation of the immune response. It may also serve as a prognostic factor in characterizing subsets of glioblastoma multiforme, as patients with CXCR4‐positive gliomas seem to have poorer prognosis after surgery. Aim of this review was to analyze the current literature on biological effects of CXCR4 activity and its role in glioma pathogenesis. A better understanding of CXCR4 pathway in glioma will lead to further investigation of CXCR4 as a novel putative therapeutic target. GLIA 2014;62:1015–1023
Stochastic Dominance Tests for Risk Lovers: with Application to Oil Spot and Futures Markets

The stochastic dominance (SD) tests for risk averters have been established but not for risk lovers. This paper first develops the SD tests for risk lovers. We then apply the SD tests for risk averters and risk lovers to study the performance of the oil spot and futures markets in both pre-AsianFinancial-Crisis (AFC) and post-AFC sub-periods. For comparison, we also apply the meanvariance (MV) criterion and capital asset pricing model (CAPM) measures to the analysis. Our results show that both MV criterion and CAPM measures are unable to draw any conclusive preference between the returns in any sub-period but the SD tests lead us conclude that spot dominates futures in the downside risk while futures dominate spot in the upside profit in the postAFC sub-period. It infers that the risk-averse investors prefer investing in spot index whereas risk lovers are attracted to futures index to maximize their expected utilities in the post-AFC subperiod. In addition, our SD results enable us to conclude that there is no arbitrage opportunity between these two markets and conclude that market efficiency and market rationality could hold well in spot and futures markets for both pre- and post-AFC sub-periods. This shows the superiority of SD test over MV and CAPM measures.
Virtual Reality-Induced Symptoms and Effects (VRISE)

An experimental program of research was carried out to assess the potential health and safety effects of participating in virtual environments (VEs) via head-mounted displays (HMDs). This paper presents the results obtained from nine experiments examining the effects experienced during and after participation in a variety of VR systems, VE designs, and task requirements, for a total participant sample of 148 individuals. A combination of methods including self-report scales, performance measures, physiological indicators, observation, interview, and user attitude/opinion questionnaires were used to measure simulator (VE) sickness, postural instability, psychomotor control, perceptual judgment, concentration, stress, and ergonomics effects. Greatest effects across the different systems, VEs, and exposure times were found for sickness symptoms and physiological measures, with some concern over postural instability and physical ergonomics, also. Although many of the effects were relatively minor and short lived, they were serious for five percent of participants and irritating for a considerable percentage more. The aetiology of the effects is sufficiently different to that for simulators or transport systems to justify us using a new term, virtual reality-induced symptoms and effects (VRISE). Implications are drawn for VR system design, VE specification, and the ways in which industrial use of VR/VE should be planned and supported.
Hedonic modelling of high street retail properties: a quality design perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between urban design quality and the real estate value of high street retail properties. Quantitative research on the added value of quality design has seen little advancement during the past two decades and hedonic analysis of the high street retail sector remains embryonic. This paper bridges this gap by providing empirical evidence on the added value of quality design.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a unique dataset of 301 Belfast City Centre retail transactions during the period 1994‐2009. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis is used to estimate a hedonic pricing model that utilises a composite range of variables. These variables were designed employing quantitative and qualitative approaches complementarily to strengthen the value of the empirical research.Findings – The findings suggest that aspects of quality design such as connectivity, frontage continuity and variety, material quality and massing appro.
Identification of a Novel Host-Specific IgM Protease in Streptococcus suis

ABSTRACT Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is a highly invasive, extracellular pathogen in pigs with the capacity to cause severe infections in humans. This study was initiated by the finding that IgM degradation products are released after opsonization of S. suis. The objective of this work was to identify the bacterial factor responsible for IgM degradation. The results of this study showed that a member of the IdeS family, designated IdeSsuis (Immunoglobulin M-degrading enzyme of S. suis), is responsible and sufficient for IgM cleavage. Recombinant IdeSsuis was found to degrade only IgM but neither IgG nor IgA. Interestingly, Western blot analysis revealed that IdeSsuis is host specific, as it exclusively cleaves porcine IgM but not IgM from six other species, including a closely related member of the Suidae family. As demonstrated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy, IdeSsuis modulates binding of IgM to the bacterial surface. IdeSsuis is the first prokaryotic IgM-specific protease described, indicating that this enzyme is involved in a so-far-unknown mechanism of host-pathogen interaction at an early stage of the host immune response. Furthermore, cleavage of porcine IgM by IdeSsuis is the first identified phenotype reflecting functional adaptation of S. suis to pigs as the main host.
An FPGA-Based Test System for RRAM Technology Characterization

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) technologies have recently gained large attention from the academic and industrial research communities. Significant efforts have been made to enhance the performance of the memory stacks from both communities through the design, simulation, and fabrication of novel devices. In this context, improvements can only be confirmed through a thorough device characterization process. Here comes a gap between industry and academia that usually lacks high-end test equipment to perform systematic device characterizations. In this paper, we propose a solution to fill this gap by introducing an easy, affordable, and effective field programmable gate array based RRAM characterization system.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT, NETWORKS, AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS

As the nature of international trade and competition changes to reflect an increasingly borderless world, it is apparent that the organization of multinational firms and their relationships with all pertinent stakeholders are changing as well. This is occuring due to the predominant role of multinational enterprises as global economic coordinators of production and investment. In fact, the changing organization of the firm in terms of structure, task, and strategy can be viewed as a natural process of evolution which employs and deploys the resources of the firm in the most strategic and economically efficient manner.
Voting tools in group decision support systems: theory and implementation

Group decision making is essential in organisations. Group decision support systems (GDSS) can aide groups in making decisions by providing tools and process support. Voting tools have been considered valuable assets in groups' decision processes. However, there is an insufficiency of theory and experiments in voting research in GDSS particularly web-based. This paper makes the following contributions: first, a theoretical framework for studying and using voting in GDSS is presented. This framework can be used as a basis for future research and applications of voting in GDSS. Next, the factors related to voting are carefully examined. This is followed by proposing and discussing classifications of voting methods. This paper also examines issues for implementing advanced voting tools in GDSS and suggests specific methods of augmenting voting functionalities in existing GDSS.
Impacts of software agents in eCommerce systems on customer's loyalty and on behavior of potential customers

Most of the software agents only perform simple product price comparisons; some support the purchase of products or the negotiation over multiple terms of a transaction, such as e. g. warranties, return policies, delivery times and loan options. Auctions help to find an effective pricing mechanism in electronic commerce. The active technologies enabling customers to purchase efficiently, force the merchants to offer high personalized, value-added and complementary services. The techniques such as rule-based matching or collaborative filtering provide contents that are appropriate to the customer’s preferences or analyze past purchases of other clients. The one-to-one marketing may be especially useful for sophisticated products demanding explanation or to enable cross-selling of other products. The merchants might achieve additional reduction of transaction costs (especially transport, storage and costs for safety measures) using electronic money systems.
An satellite synchronous observation experiment on oil slick detection with Cosmo X-SAR image

In this paper, a satellite simultaneous SAR observation experiment was introduced. Through twice satellite imaging (half an hour interval) over the experiment area, we study the time-spatial evolution of oil slick spread on the sea surface based on SAR backscattering features. The experiment demonstrated that SAR backscattering features can be of great help in tracking the evolution of spreading oil slick on the sea surface.
The trade union response to new technology

While there is ambivalence towards the new technology within the trade union movement, the general belief is that - provided its introduction is controlled by collective bargaining and sympathetic government action - it will lead to increased leisure and higher living standards. The author suggests that the ‘silicon dream’ is more likely to become a nightmare.
Sustainability of Scuba Diving Tourism on Coral Reefs of Saba

We examine the effects of recreational scuba diving in the Saba Marine Park in the Netherlands Antilles over a nine-year period. Levels of diving have remained low whereas dive fees have provided a major source of income to this park. We studied 5 dive sites where the average number of dives per site per year ranged from 445 to 2,163. At each site we recorded benthic parameters and levels of damage within at least 25 randomly placed quadrats in areas designated to be High use (0–20 m from mooring) or Low use (40–60 m from moorings), at yearly or biennial intervals. Within the same dive site, there was significantly more broken coral and fragments of live coral in High use areas than Low use. However, across sites, damage was not significantly related to diving intensity and nor did it accumulate over time. The Saba Marine Park shows that it is possible to fund protection at sustainable levels of use.