Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Antecedent and Consequence of Consumer Perceived Deception in Loan Services

This paper assesses the antecedent and consequence of consumer perceived deception (CPD) on consumer trust, satisfaction, attitude recommendation and intentions to acquire future loans from financial service providers. The proposed research model was tested using data from a survey of 371 loan customers of leading financial service providers in Ghana. Data were analysed using SmartPLS 2.0 for Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The results show high information quality could significantly reduce CPD. Moreover, results indicate that CPD has negative effects on trust, satisfaction and likelihood to recommend loan service providers. However, CPD did not influence respondents’ general attitude towards loans and future intentions for loan acquisition. This paper uniquely contributes to theory by testing a framework of antecedent and consequence of CPD in order to extend scholar’s understanding of CPD in loan financial service context. The findings provide important implications for managing CPD in loan service delivery, and sustaining customer future intentions in spite of CPD in loan service. While this study is limited in terms of generalizability of the findings in developing countries, it provides avenues for further research to test the applicability of the proposed research model in financial markets in other research settings.
Persistent Muscle Inhibition after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Role of Reflex Excitability.

PURPOSE Persistent voluntary quadriceps activation deficits are common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but the direct causes are unclear. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether spinal reflex excitability deficits are present in individuals with a history of ACLR, and secondarily to determine whether spinal reflex excitability predicts which individuals possess full voluntary quadriceps activation. METHODS One hundred and forty-seven individuals (74 healthy and 73 ACLR) participated in this cross-sectional case-control study. Quadriceps spinal reflex excitability was quantified using the Hoffmann reflex normalized to the maximal muscle response (H:M ratio). Voluntary quadriceps activation was evaluated with the burst superimposition technique and calculated via the central activation ratio (CAR). Separate 2 × 2 ANCOVA tests were used to compare between-limb and between-group differences for H:M ratio and CAR. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the accuracy of H:M ratio to predict if ACLR participants present with full voluntary activation (CAR ≥ 0.95). RESULTS The ACLR H:M ratio was not different between limbs or compared with the healthy group (P > 0.05). Although ACLR CAR was lower bilaterally compared with the healthy group (P < 0.001), it did not differ between limbs. The H:M ratio has poor accuracy for predicting which individuals exhibit full voluntary activation (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.37,0.66; odds ratio = 2.2, 95% CI = 0.8, 5.9). CONCLUSIONS Spinal reflex excitability did not differ between limbs in individuals with ACLR or compared with healthy participants. The level of quadriceps spinal reflex excitability has poor accuracy at predicting which ACLR individuals would demonstrate full voluntary quadriceps activation.
An efficient hidden Markov model training scheme for anomaly intrusion detection of server applications based on system calls

Recently hidden Markov model (HMM) has been proved to be a good tool to model normal behaviours of privileged processes for anomaly intrusion detection based on system calls. However, one major problem with this approach is that it demands excessive computing resources in the HMM training process, which makes it inefficient for practical intrusion detection systems. In this paper a simple and efficient HMM training scheme is proposed by the innovative integration of multiple-observations training and incremental HMM training. The proposed scheme first divides the long observation sequence into multiple subsets of sequences. Next each subset of data is used to infer one sub-model, and then this sub-model is incrementally merged into the final HMM model. Our experimental results show that our HMM training scheme can reduce the training time by about 60% compared to that of the conventional batch training. The results also show that our HMM-based detection model is able to detect all denial-of-service attacks embedded in testing traces.
Is Scenic Beauty a Proxy for Acceptable Management?

Pacific Northwest mountain scenes tested whether perceptions of scenic beauty correspond to those of management acceptability, and for whom. A stratified sample of participants included those favoring resource protection, production, or neither. Scenes were rated for either scenic beauty or acceptability. All participants saw very beautiful scenes as acceptable, and the two rating types were correlated but diverged in ways corresponding to environmental attitudes. Participants with opposite attitudes rendered the two ratings in reversed ways: Those favoring resource production had lower standards for both qualities, rated acceptability higher than beauty, and saw ugly scenes as acceptable. Those favoring resource protection had higher standards for both qualities, rated acceptability lower than beauty, and needed beauty to see acceptable management. The nonaligned respondents were in between, judging the two qualities very similarly. Beauty can be a proxy for acceptability within homogeneous or general constituencies but only with careful interpretation across conflicting value orientations.
Sources of informal pressure on problematic drinkers to cut down or seek treatment

Objective: To examine how patterns of expressions of concern about drinking from family members and friends differ according to the demographic characteristics of the drinker. Method: A probability sample of adult treated (n=926) and untreated (n=672) problem‐drinking individuals from a Northern California county. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict having received pressure about drinking from a specific family member or friend. Results: Spouses and significant others were the most common relations to have said anything about the respondent's drinking, suggested they cut down or given an ultimatum to enter treatment. When controlling for severity, the respondent's degree of dependence and number of social consequences strongly predicted pressure from all sources. Having a higher income remained a strong predictor of pressure by a spouse, while having a lower income was significant in receiving pressure from siblings and other relatives and friends. Younger respondents were more likely to be pressed by a father or mother, while older respondents were more likely to be pressed by sons and daughters. Conclusions: Results show the importance of family relationships other than that with a spouse or significant other, in the efforts at informal control of drinking and efforts to seek treatment.
Multi-task Learning with Task Relations

Multi-task and relational learning with Gaussian processes are two active but also orthogonal areas of research. So far, there has been few attempt at exploring relational information within multi-task Gaussian processes. While existing relational Gaussian process methods have focused on relations among entities and in turn could be employed within an individual task, we develop a class of Gaussian process models which incorporates relational information across multiple tasks. As we will show, inference and learning within the resulting class of models, called relational multi-task Gaussian processes, can be realized via a variational EM algorithm. Experimental results on synthetic and real-world datasets verify the usefulness of this approach: The observed relational knowledge at the level of tasks can indeed reveal additional pair wise correlations between tasks of interest and, in turn, improve prediction performance.
Port Based Capacity Extensions (PBCEs): Improving SDNs Flow Table Scalability

Software-defined networks (SDNs) come with great promises regarding flexible operation of networks. A key component within SDN-switches is the flow table which holds the rules that determine how data streams are handled. The flow table, however, is a scarce resource with a rather limited rule capacity. To soften this well-known hassle, we propose a novel delegation mechanism for OpenFlow-based SDNs called Port Based Capacity Extension (PBCE). PBCE provides the possibility to delegate flows from a switch with many flow table entries to another less loaded neighboring switch without breaking control plane transparency, i.e., without interfering with existing SDN applications. To do so, PBCE uses flow rule aggregation based on ingress ports and a small number of special rules for both switches. In this paper, we present the PBCE delegation middleware along with a prototypical implementation and first promising performance results that demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.
Exact mapping of prokaryotic gene starts

It is known that while the programs used to find genes in prokaryotic genomes reliably map protein-coding regions, they often fail in the exact determination of gene starts. This problem is further aggravated by sequencing errors, most notably insertions and deletions leading to frame-shifts. Therefore, the exact mapping of gene starts and identification of frame-shifts are important problems of the computer-assisted functional analysis of newly sequenced genomes. Here we review methods of gene recognition and describe a new algorithm for correction of gene starts and identification of frame-shifts in prokaryotic genomes. The algorithm is based on the comparison of nucleotide and protein sequences of homologous genes from related organisms, using the assumption that the rate of evolutionary changes in protein-coding regions is lower than that in non-coding regions. A dynamic programming algorithm is used to align protein sequences obtained by formal translation of genomic nucleotide sequences. The possibility of frame-shifts is taken into account. The algorithm was tested on several groups of related organisms: gamma-proteobacteria, the Bacillus/Clostridium group, and three Pyrococcus genomes. The testing demonstrated that, dependent or a genome, 1-10 per cent of genes have incorrect starts or contain frame-shifts. The algorithm is implemented in the program package Orthologator-GeneCorrector.
Continuum emission around AGB stars at 1.2 mm

It is generally acknowledged that the mass-loss of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars undergoes variations on different time-scales. We constructed models for the dust envelopes for a sample of AGB stars to assess whether mass-loss variations influence the spectral energy distribution. To constrain the variability, extra observations at millimetre wavelengths (1.2 mm) were acquired. From the analysis of the dust models, two indications for the presence of mass-loss variations can be found, being (1) a dust temperature at the inner boundary of the dust envelope that is far below the dust condensation temperature and (2) an altered density distribution with respect to p(r) oc r -2 resulting from a constant mass-loss rate. For five out of the 18 studied sources a two-component model of the envelope is required, consisting of an inner region with a constant mass-loss rate and an outer region with a less steep density distribution. For one source an outer region with a steeper density distribution was found. Moreover, in a search for time variability in our data set at 1.2 mm, we found that WX Psc shows a large relative time variation of 34 per cent which might partially be caused by variable molecular line emission.
Modèle interactif du risque suicidaire chez les jeunes contrevenants

Bien que l’on observe une diminution marquee de la mortalite par suicide chez les jeunes au cours des dernieres annees, le suicide represente la deuxieme cause de mortalite chez les 15-19 ans et la premiere chez les 20-34 ans. Les delinquants juveniles constituent un groupe a risque accru de comportements suicidaires, mais les facteurs de risque chez cette population sont encore peu etudies. Cet article presente les principaux facteurs de risque et de protection associes au risque suicidaire chez les jeunes contrevenants en les integrant dans un modele interactif. Parmi les facteurs pris en compte dans le modele se trouvent les facteurs lies aux evenements de vie, les facteurs individuels (psychopathologie, consommation de substances psychotropes et/ou d’alcool, caracteristiques individuelles et de personnalite), les facteurs sociaux (famille, reseau social) et les facteurs residentiels (milieu de vie et voisinage, ecole, milieu residentiel pour jeunes contrevenants). Afin d’appuyer le modele interactif presente, le cas d’un adolescent jeune contrevenant, Olivier, est expose.
Driving Map Construction by a Process-Oriented Context Model

In this paper, we outline an approach to the automatic generation of task-specific maps that uses a process-oriented context model to drive map construction. We introduce this context model, and schematization and schematic maps as our approach of providing task-specific assistance. We then explain how instantiating the constituents of the context model results in scripts determining the automatic construction of task-specific maps.
Entanglement, EPR correlations, and mesoscopic quantum superposition by the high-gain quantum injected parametric amplification

We investigate the multiparticle quantum superposition and the persistence of bipartite entanglement of the output field generated by the quantum injected high-gain optical parametric amplification of a single photon. The physical configuration based on the optimal universal quantum cloning has been adopted to investigate how the entanglement and the quantum coherence of the system persists for large values of the nonlinear parametric gain g.
Of What Use Is It? Multiple Conceptualizations of Service Learning within Education.

Service learning has become a prominent feature of the K–16 educational landscape. Service learning is seen to enhance student outcomes, foster a more active citizenry, promote a ‘‘scholarship of engagement’’ among teachers and institutions, support a more equitable society, and reconnect K–16 schools with their local communities. Yet despite (or perhaps because of) the recent proliferation and expansion of servicelearning theory and practice, there is a troubling ambiguity concerning even basic principles and goals in the service-learning literature. This article attempts to clarify service-learning practice and theory by offering four distinct conceptualizations of service learning: technical, cultural, political, and poststructuralist. In so doing, it hopes to accomplish two goals: first, to clarify the assumptions of and implications for service learning within each perspective; second, to suggest that the dissonance and synthesis across multiple perspectives offers a means of reframing some of the most vexing problems within service-learning theory and practice. Specifically, this article focuses on the limited community impact of service learning, the limited empirical evidence for defining and articulating best practices that lead to meaningful and sustained student outcomes, and the difficulty of rigorous and authentic assessment of service-learning outcomes. The article offers a means, through multiple perspectives, of reframing and dealing with such issues.
Tilt determination in MEMS inertial vestibular prosthesis.

BACKGROUND There is a clear need for a prosthesis that improves postural stability in the balance impaired. Such a device would be used as a temporary aid during recovery from ablative inner-ear surgery, a postural monitor during rehabilitation (for example, hip surgery), and as a permanent prosthesis for those elderly prone to falls. METHOD OF APPROACH Recently developed, small instruments have enabled wearable prostheses to augment or replace vestibular functions. The current prosthesis communicates by vibrators mounted on the subject's trunk. In this paper we emphasize the unique algorithms that enable tilt indication with modestly performing micromachined gyroscopes and accelerometers. RESULTS For large angles and multiple axes, gyro drift and unwanted lateral accelerations are successfully rejected. In single-axis tests, the most dramatic results were obtained in standard operating tests where balance-impaired subjects were deprived of vision and proprioceptive inputs. Balance-impaired subjects who fell (into safety restraints) when not aided were able to stand with the prosthesis. Initial multiaxis tests with healthy subjects have shown that sway is reduced in both forward-back and sideward directions. CONCLUSIONS Positive results in initial testing and a sound theoretical basis for the hardware warrant continued development and testing, which is being conducted at three sites.
Sparse expression bases in cancer reveal tumor drivers

We define a new category of candidate tumor drivers in cancer genome evolution: ‘selected expression regulators’ (SERs)—genes driving dysregulated transcriptional programs in cancer evolution. The SERs are identified from genome-wide tumor expression data with a novel method, namely SPARROW (SPARse selected expRessiOn regulators identified With penalized regression). SPARROW uncovers a previously unknown connection between cancer expression variation and driver events, by using a novel sparse regression technique. Our results indicate that SPARROW is a powerful complementary approach to identify candidate genes containing driver events that are hard to detect from sequence data, due to a large number of passenger mutations and lack of comprehensive sequence information from a sufficiently large number of samples. SERs identified by SPARROW reveal known driver mutations in multiple human cancers, along with known cancer-associated processes and survival-associated genes, better than popular methods for inferring gene expression networks. We demonstrate that when applied to acute myeloid leukemia expression data, SPARROW identifies an apoptotic biomarker (PYCARD) for an investigational drug obatoclax. The PYCARD and obatoclax association is validated in 30 AML patient samples.
Mapping the forms of meaning in small worlds

Prox is a stochastic method to map the local and global structures of real‐world complex networks, which are called small worlds. Prox transforms a graph into a Markov chain; the states of which are the nodes of the graph in question. Particles wander from one node to another within the graph by following the graph's edges. It is the dynamics of the particles' trajectories that map the structural properties of the graphs that are studied. Concrete examples are presented in a graph of synonyms to illustrate this approach. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interrogating global flows in higher education

The paper critically reviews the concept of ‘global flows’, beginning with the discussions of flows and networks in Appadurai (1996), Castells (2000) and Held et al. (1999). Emphasising the need to embed ‘global flows’ in agency and history, and to explore global connectedness in terms of situated cases, the paper develops an analytical framework for analysing global flows in higher education. It then applies that framework in an examination of global ‘scapes’, impacts, transformations, situatedness and relations of power in two national universities, research leaders in their nations but located in contrasting nations: Universitas Indnesia and the Australian National University.
Senior Year Retention of Methods and Statistics Concepts

This article describes an empirical investigation of whether performance on a senior-level assessment of methodological and statistical knowledge was related to elapsed time since students took prerequisite methods and statistics courses. In a senior-capstone course, 50 students completed a 50-item multiple-choice assessment measuring their knowledge of methods and statistics. We also measured elapsed time (number of months) since students completed Research Methods and Quantitative Methods (statistics). Results revealed that performance on the assessment showed no significant correlation with elapsed time from the Research Methods course or with elapsed time from the Quantitative Methods course. On a self-report survey, however, students reported they believed the elapsed time negatively affected their performance.
World Heritage Site selection in sensitive areas: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The legacy of UNESCO World Heritage (WH) designation is renowned and for that reason is subject to increased visitor arrivals. This research-based article examines the issues associated with the selection of WH sites in one among the most remote and sensitive environments of the world, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India (ANI). It explores the benefits of sustainable tourism development and conservation measures that the designation could bring to the ANI. The appropriate research methods adopted to consult a wide range of stakeholders are discussed while addressing the challenges facing the potential properties. This article was written from outside of the official WH designation process.
Extracellular DNA in Single- and Multiple-Species Unsaturated Biofilms

ABSTRACT The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of bacterial biofilms form a hydrated barrier between cells and their external environment. Better characterization of EPS could be useful in understanding biofilm physiology. The EPS are chemically complex, changing with both bacterial strain and culture conditions. Previously, we reported that Pseudomonas aeruginosa unsaturated biofilm EPS contains large amounts of extracellular DNA (eDNA) (R. E. Steinberger, A. R. Allen, H. G. Hansma, and P. A. Holden, Microb. Ecol. 43:416-423, 2002). Here, we investigated the compositional similarity of eDNA to cellular DNA, the relative quantity of eDNA, and the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) community profile of eDNA in multiple-species biofilms. By randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis, cellular DNA and eDNA appear identical for P. aeruginosa biofilms. Significantly more eDNA was produced in P. aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida biofilms than in Rhodococcus erythropolis or Variovorax paradoxus biofilms. While the amount of eDNA in dual-species biofilms was of the same order of magnitude as that of of single-species biofilms, the amounts were not predictable from single-strain measurements. By the Shannon diversity index and principle components analysis of TRFLP profiles generated from 16S rRNA genes, eDNA of four-species biofilms differed significantly from either cellular or total DNA of the same biofilm. However, total DNA- and cellular DNA-based TRFLP analyses of this biofilm community yielded identical results. We conclude that extracellular DNA production in unsaturated biofilms is species dependent and that the phylogenetic information contained in this DNA pool is quantifiable and distinct from either total or cellular DNA.