Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electronic marketing practices at hotels in Turkey and a survey with four and five star hotels.

Marketing activities to provide competition advantage, particularly electronic marketing have been a very important need for hotel operations. Through electronic marketing tools, hotel operations can have access to more mass of people faster with less cost. Electronic marketing of hotels in Turkey were not analyzed enought and in this survey, it was questioned how much hotel establishments in Turkey benefited from electronic marketing practices and how much they could keep up with the changes in electronic marketing. With this purposes, it was intended to determine the level of electronic marketing practices and electronic marketing elements via their own website, according to the types and classes of hotel establishments. The method of content analysis was used. According to data of collected from hotels’ web sites in Marmara Region, %96.8 of hotels are covered by search engines and five star hotels & chain hotels were found more dynamic and were allowing the practices for electronic marketing.
Imaging study of early hepatocellular carcinoma: usefulness of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging.

PURPOSE To describe imaging findings of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, dynamic contrast material-enhanced computed tomography (CT), CT during arterial portography (CTAP), and CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) and to compare the diagnostic performance of each modality for small (≤ 2 cm) HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS The institute ethics committee deemed study approval unnecessary. One hundred eight resected small lesions in 64 patients were diagnosed as a dysplastic nodule (DN) (n = 12), progressed HCC (n = 66), or early HCC (n = 30). All but two patients underwent all imaging examinations. The imaging characteristics of the lesions with each modality were determined. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the modalities, two radiologists graded the presence of HCC with use of a five-point confidence scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (A(z)), sensitivity, and specificity of each modality were compared. RESULTS The imaging features that are statistically significant for differentiating an early HCC from a DN include fat-containing lesions at dual-echo T1-weighted MR imaging (seen in 16 of the 30 early HCCs and none of the DNs), low attenuation at unenhanced CT (seen in 13 of the 30 early HCCs and none of the DNs), low attenuation at CTAP (seen in 11 of the 30 early HCCs and none of the DNs), and low signal intensity at hepatocyte phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging (seen in 29 of the 30 early HCCs and none of the DNs). The diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging (A(z), 0.98 and 0.99) was significantly greater than that of contrast-enhanced CT (A(z), 0.87) and CTHA-CTAP (A(z), 0.85 and 0.86) owing to its significantly higher sensitivity (P < .001). CONCLUSION Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging is the most useful imaging technique for evaluating small HCC, including early HCC.
Proline‐rich (PxxP) motifs in HIV‐1 Nef bind to SH3 domains of a subset of Src kinases and are required for the enhanced growth of Nef+ viruses but not for down‐regulation of CD4.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus Nef proteins contain a conserved motif with the minimal consensus (PxxP) site for Src homology region 3 (SH3)‐mediated protein‐protein interactions. Nef PxxP motifs show specific binding to biotinylated SH3 domains of Hck and Lyn, but not to those of other tested Src family kinases or less related proteins. A unique cooperative role of a distant proline is also observed. Endogenous Hck of monocytic U937 cells can be specifically precipitated by matrix‐bound HIV‐1 Nef, but not by mutant protein lacking PxxP. Intact Nef PxxP motifs are dispensable for Nef‐induced CD4 down‐regulation, but are required for the higher in vitro replicative potential of Nef+ viruses. Thus, CD4 down‐regulation and promotion of viral growth are two distinct functions of Nef, and the latter is mediated via SH3 binding.
COUNTER MODE DEVELOPMENT FOR BLOCK CIPHER OPERATIONS

There are two basic types of symmetric algorithms: block ciphers and stream ciphers. Block ciphers operate on blocks of plaintext and ciphertext—usually of 64 bits but sometimes longer. Stream ciphers operate on streams of plaintext and ciphertext one bit or byte (sometimes even one 32-bit word) at a time. With a block cipher, the same plaintext block will always encrypt to the same ciphertext block, using the same key. With a stream cipher, the same plaintext bit or byte will encrypt to a different bit or byte every time it is encrypted. In this paper we introduce three developments of Counter Mode of Operation of Block cipher. These developments merge between advantages of Counter Mode with other Modes. This gives a good secure Modes for General purpose block-oriented transmission Authentication, Random access, Stream-oriented transmission over noisy channel.
Acetazolamide reduces exercise capacity following a five-day ascent to 4559 m on Monte Rosa

Acetazolamide (Az) is widely used to prevent and treat the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) but whether it alters exercise capacity at high altitude is unclear. Az (250 mg twice daily) or placebo were administered to 20 healthy adults (age range, 21-77 years) in a double-blind, randomized manner. Participants ascended over five days to 4559 m, before undertaking an incremental exercise test to exhaustion on a bicycle ergometer, with breath-by-breath gas measurements recorded using a portable gas analysis system. Maximum power output (Pmax) was reduced on Az compared with placebo (p=0.03), as was maximum O2 uptake (VO2max) (20.7 vs 24.6 mL/kg/min; p=0.06) and maximum expired CO2 (VCO2max) (23.4 vs 29.5 mL/kg/min; p=0.01). Comparing individuals matched for similar characteristics, Az-treated participants had smaller changes than placebo-treated participants in minute ventilation (88 vs 116 L/min: p=0.05), end tidal O2 (6.6 vs 9.3 mm Hg: p=0.009), end-tidal CO2 (−2.3 vs −4.2 mm Hg: p=0.005), VO2max (9.8 vs 13.8 mL/kg/min; p=0.04) and VCO2max (14.7 vs 20.8 mL/kg/min; p=0.009). There was a negative correlation between the mean ages of paired vs placebo-treated individuals and differences in Pmax reductions from base-line to altitude (r =−0.83: p<0.005) and HRmax at altitude (r=−0.71; p=0.01). Glomerular filtration rate (measured at sea-level) declined with increasing age (r=−0.69; p=0.001). Thus, 250mg of Az twice daily reduced exercise performance, particularly in older individuals. The age-related effects of Az may reflect higher tissue concentrations due to reduced drug clearance in older people.
Disentangling User Interest and Popularity Bias for Recommendation with Causal Embedding

Recommendation models are usually trained on observational data. However, observational data exhibits various bias, such as popularity bias. Biased data results in a gap between online environment and offline evaluation, which makes it difficult to measure the real effect of recommendation. To bridge this gap, most existing methods exploit causal inference to eliminate the bias in historical observational data, e.g., by re-weighting training samples or leveraging a small fraction of unbiased data. However, different causes of an interaction are bundled together as a unified representation in these algorithms. In this paper, we present DICE, a general framework that learns representations where user interest and item popularity are structurally disentangled. We leverage separate embeddings for different causes, and make each embedding capture only one cause by training with cause-specific samples and imposing direct disentanglement supervision. Our algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art baselines with remarkable improvements on two real-world datasets with various backbone models. We further demonstrate that the learned embeddings successfully capture the desired causes.
Social-cognitive predictors of fruit and vegetable intake in children.

Social-cognitive theory (SCT) was used to explain the fruit and vegetable intake of 1,398 3rd graders. SCT variables assessed included self-efficacy, outcome expectations, preferences, social norms, asking skills, and knowledge. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed with 7-day records. Bivariate correlations with fruit and vegetable intake ranged from . 17 for asking skills to . 29 for fruit and vegetable preferences. In analyses controlling for school-level clustering, only preferences and positive outcome expectations remained significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake, accounting for approximately 10%-11% of the variance. Limitations in the conceptualization, scope, and measurement of the variables assessed may have contributed to the weak associations observed. Models incorporating factors other than individual-level social-cognitive variables may be required to more fully explain children's dietary behavior.
Identification of interneurons activated at different inclines during treadmill locomotion in adult rats

By using c‐fos as an activity‐dependent marker, we identified the cholinergic interneurons around the central canal and lumbar interneurons throughout the gray matter that were activated after a 30‐min bout of quadrupedal treadmill stepping at a 0° or 25° incline in adult rats. Increased loading (elevated treadmill incline) imposed during treadmill stepping activated more cholinergic interneurons in the proximity of the central canal, i.e., central canal cluster cells and partition neurons. Since cholinergic central canal cells are thought to modulate motoneuron excitability, these data suggest that increased load during stepping may increase motoneuronal activity through activating more cholinergic central canal cells. We identified the muscle‐specific motoneurons and afferent terminals in the spinal cord by injecting cholera toxin subunit B in the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles. The number of interneurons in lumbar segments L4 (tibialis anterior) and L5 (soleus) was higher in both groups that stepped on the treadmill compared with control and was highest in rats that stepped at a 25° incline. In a majority of laminae, the distribution of total and muscle‐specific activated interneurons was highest in the 25° incline group and lowest in the control group for both muscles. These data could reflect increased peripheral (proprioceptive) input as well as supraspinal drive associated with stepping and demonstrate the differences in 1) the activation of cholinergic interneurons near the central canal and 2) the laminar and segmental location of interneurons throughout the gray matter that play a role in generating stepping under different loading conditions in adult rats. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Dual-Specificity Phosphatase MKP-1 Limits the Cardiac Hypertrophic Response In Vitro and In Vivo

Abstract— Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are important regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and stress responsiveness. A family of dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) act as critical counteracting factors that directly regulate the magnitude and duration of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. Here we show that constitutive expression of MKP-1 in cultured primary cardiomyocytes using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer blocked the activation of p38, JNK1/2, and ERK1/2 and prevented agonist-induced hypertrophy. Transgenic mice expressing physiological levels of MKP-1 in the heart showed (1) no activation of p38, JNK1/2, or ERK1/2; (2) diminished developmental myocardial growth; and (3) attenuated hypertrophy in response to aortic banding and catecholamine infusion. These results provide further evidence implicating MAPK signaling factors as obligate regulators of cardiac growth and hypertrophy and demonstrate the importance of dual-specificity phosphatases as counterbalancing regulatory factors in the heart.
KNOWLEDGE SOURCE NETWORK CONFIGURATION IN E-BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Abstract Today e-business requires an intensive knowledge exchange between participants of the global business information environment (e-business environment). Along with a large number of distributed knowledge sources representing knowledge in various formats this leads to appearance of a new direction in knowledge management called knowledge logistics (KL). The paper describes Knowledge Source Network configuration approach (KS Net-approach) to KL through knowledge fusion (KF) and an agent-based architecture of the system “KSNet” based on this approach. Some major subtasks of the approach are described in detail, with related examples being included.
A Comparative Analysis of IDB Approaches Supporting SMEs: Assessing Results in the Brazilian Manufacturing Sector

The Office of Evaluation and Oversight (OVE) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB, or the Bank) conducted an impact evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the main types of programs through which IDB has supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America and the Caribbean. It does not evaluate Bank projects directly or compare executing agencies, models of interventions or financial instruments, but rather examines the effectiveness of Bank-supported approaches implemented by Brazilian institutions. Focusing only on the manufacturing sector, the evaluation examines how these interventions affect firm-level outcomes such as employment, real wages, exports, and patent and trademark registration. The overarching objective of this exercise is to provide insight for future strategic decisions regarding the targeting of Bank support to SMEs. The rationale for choosing Brazil is threefold: (i) Brazil represents 55% of IDB's total volume of lending supporting SMEs; (ii) country stakeholders have collected data from SMEs exposed to various types of interventions, allowing OVE to learn about alternative SME support approaches in Brazil; and (iii) OVE has access to comprehensive datasets that facilitate impact evaluations in Brazil. OVE bases the analysis on the types of interventions the Bank has supported in Brazil, compares the results they achieved, and draws lessons for the future design and implementation of SME support strategies and budget allocation considerations.
Sustainable supply chain management: achieving optimal performance and outcomes

The research summarises theory in the fields of supply chain management (SCM) and its extension into sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Recent literature reviews reflect a lack of theoretical development in SSCM. Where present these are imported from other disciplines. A key difference between SCM and SSCM is the latter's need to consider environmental and social externalities. A conceptual review finds that systems theory is a research paradigm shared by SCM, environmental science, social theory and service dominant logic. Meta-synthesis of these is then possible, to inform a conceptual framework for case study research into SSCM practice by proactive companies.
5-HT3 Receptors

5-Hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptors are cation-selective Cys loop receptors found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. There are five 5-HT3 receptor subunits (A–E), and all functional receptors require at least one A subunit. Regions from noncontiguous parts of the subunit sequence contribute to the agonist-binding site, and the roles of a range of amino acid residues that form the binding pocket have been identified. Drugs that selectively antagonize 5-HT3 receptors (the “setrons”) are the current gold standard for treatment of chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting and have potential for the treatment of a range of other conditions.
Evolution Of Corporate Dividend Policy

The dividend policy of present - day corporations is the result of a long process, which runs within the framework of the development of strategic financial management. In the article there are traced the separate stages in the evolution of dividend payments, the purpose being to outline the most important characteristics of the policy with the distribution of corporate income in the context of the changes in the activities of corporations. There has been analysed the emergence of the various alternatives in the formation of dividend policy and have been drawn conclusions regarding its optimal development.
Functional Comparison of d‐Serine and Glycine in Rodents: The Effect on Cloned NMDA Receptors and the Extracellular Concentration

Abstract: We compared the activity of free d‐Ser on the potentiation of cloned NMDA receptors with that of Gly by using a Xenopus oocyte expression system. The extracellular concentration of free d‐Ser and Gly was further studied by means of microdialysis. The ED50 values of d‐Ser were three to four times lower than those of Gly in any combination of ε1, ε2, ε3, or ε4 and ζ1. Site‐directed mutagenesis of ζ1 subunits revealed that some aromatic residues necessary for the action of Gly affected the ED50 value of d‐Ser. This result showed that the residues play crucial roles in the action of d‐Ser. In vivo microdialysis of rodent brain revealed that the extracellular concentration of free d‐Ser in the frontal cortex (6.5 µM) was high enough to saturate the Gly site on the NMDA receptor, but that in the cerebellum was not. These findings suggest that d‐Ser is a candidate of the endogenous potentiator of the NMDA receptor in the rodent frontal cortex.
A knowledge-based framework for image enhancement in aviation security

The main aim of this paper is to present a knowledge-based framework for automatically selecting the best image enhancement algorithm from several available on a per image basis in the context of X-ray images of airport luggage. The approach detailed involves a system that learns to map image features that represent its viewability to one or more chosen enhancement algorithms. Viewability measures have been developed to provide an automatic check on the quality of the enhanced image, i.e., is it really enhanced? The choice is based on ground-truth information generated by human X-ray screening experts. Such a system, for a new image, predicts the best-suited enhancement algorithm. Our research details the various characteristics of the knowledge-based system and shows extensive results on real images.
WHO PAYS DIVIDEND - AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF FIRMS LISTED WITH KARACHI STOCK MARKET

This paper empirically identifies the factors that influence the dividend decision of the firms listed with Karachi Stock Exchange using the firm wise data for 1980-86. The empirical findings validate the theoretical prediction that firms reach their targeted dividend payout gradually. However, in Pakistan all corporate activity is reflected in capital gains rather than in dividend. Unlike expected surpluses retained for investment and expansion purposes are not actualized atleast in short run. The results also envisage that the large size firms, firms with foreign ownership and private sector firms declare higher dividend payout. Surprisingly in our sample net profit after tax of the corporate firms does not ensure higher dividend payout.
Glutathione S-Transferase Gene Polymorphisms

This study investigated genetic damage in gasoline pump workers using the cytokinesis blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Blood and urine samples were collected from 50 gasoline pump workers and 50 control participants matched with respect to age and other confounding factors except for exposure to benzene through gasoline vapors. To determine the benzene exposure, phenol was analyzed in urinary samples of exposed and control participants. Urinary mean phenol level was found to be significantly high (P < 0.05) in exposed workers. The CBMN frequency was found to be significantly higher in gasoline pump workers (6.70 ± 1.78) when compared to control individuals (2.20 ± 0.63; P < 0.05). We also investigated influence of polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes on CBMN frequency. The individuals having GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes had significantly higher frequency of CBMN (P < 0.05). Our study indicates that chronic and long-term exposure of gasoline vapors can increase genotoxic risk in gasoline pump workers.
Importance of wavelet analysis in laser Doppler flowmetry time series

Spectral analysis of microvascular laser Doppler flowmetry time series is performed to resolve their complex dynamics. The method of analysis should be carefully chosen such that as much information as possible of the signal is obtained. Conventional Fourier transform and short-time Fourier transform are compared with wavelet analysis to resolve several oscillatory components on a wide frequency interval. Wavelet transform with the Morlet mother wavelet is shown to have an advantage of adjustable window length as it detects each frequency with a window of a corresponding length. In this way good localization in time and frequency is provided. Low and high frequencies can be resolved and their variations traced in time. This is of crucial importance in analysis of oscillations in LDF signals and studies of their physiological origin as well as their changes in health and disease.
Measures of interprofessional education and collaboration

Healthcare and social services professionals are being called to engage in interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) in order to provide efficient and effective care to clients and patients. As such, it is important to conduct research that contributes to evaluation of collaborative practice. A necessary component to any strong quantitative research methodology is the type of instruments used for data collection. However, identifying valid and reliable instruments to use in this area of research can be a daunting task. The purpose of this paper is to review the quantitative measures (i.e., surveys and questionnaires) described in the interprofessional literature. Twenty-three instruments were identified and analyzed for validity and reliability statistics, sample size, ease of access to items on measure, and applicability of measure to diverse professional populations. The two primary measures reviewed are the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (Parsell & Bligh, ) and the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (Luecht, Madsen, Taugher, & Petterson, ). Limited information existed for the remaining measures. Despite the number of measures available for assessing and evaluating IPE and IPC, most lack sufficient theoretical and psychometric development. Several issues that impact the development of sound measures are discussed and implications for future IPC are proposed.
Spectral broadening and pulse compression using argon filled hollow-core negative curvature fiber

We investigate self-phase modulation in 28m of negative curvature anti-resonant hollow-core fiber pressurized with argon. A 9.6ps pulse is spectrally broadened to 7.6nm, at 20bar of pressure, and compressed to 420fs with 8μJ output energy.