Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does service quality of self-checkout technology improve purchasing intention in Malaysia retail industry?

The aim of this research is to determine the factors that affect self-checkout technology service quality and to investigate the relationships among service quality, customer satisfaction and purchasing intention in Malaysian supermarkets. The service quality dimensions include speed, ease of use, reliability, enjoyment and control was adapted from Dabholkar’s attribute based model. A questionnaire-based survey was used and data were collected from 394 customers from selected supermarket at Putrajaya. The data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis by IBM-SPSS version 23. All hypothesis formulated in the study were positive significant. The contribution of this study is to provide practical insights into service quality dimensions for managing customer satisfaction and business performance.
Is the air in amber ancient?

Reports regarding ancient air "trapped" in amber have motivated an alternative analysis and explanation of the observations reported by Bemer and Landis (1, 2) and by Horibe and Craig (3). Our results indicate that, far from being a sealant, amber dissolves and transports molecules that are even larger than atmospheric components and therefore amber cannot trap ancient air in its clearly visible bubblelike inclusions. Gravimetric absorption experiments on cryo-ground Dominican amber powder (10,um characteristic particle diameter) were performed in our laboratories with a Cahn, recording electrobalance in a high-vacuum system. This amber has been dated by nucle-
INFLUENCE OF DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES ON FIRM PERFORMANCE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN KENYA. A CASE OF KETEPA LIMITED

This study investigated the effect of dynamic capabilities on manufacturing sector performance; a case of Ketepa Ltd. This research adopted explanatory design and targeted a total of 104 respondents comprising of all level managerial employees and supervisors at Ketepa Tea Limited who were involved in strategy development and implementation at the corporate, business and operational level. Census method was adopted since the target population is small. The study utilized structured questionnaires to collect primary data from the field and the data collection instruments was piloted in selected tea processing firms in Nandi County. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics computed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23). Descriptive analysis summarized data into meaningful forms while inferential analysis was used to show variable relationships. 91 out of the sampled 104 respondents returned dully filled questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics showed that all conceptualized independent variables significantly influenced performance of Ketepa Tea Ltd. That is; from the values of unstandardized regression coefficients with standard errors in parenthesis, both the independent variables; alliance management and dynamic management were significant predictors of firm performance (dependent variable). The study concluded that, dynamic management capability significantly influences manufacturing firm performance, thus a management that efficiently respondents to emerging issues and has a clear understanding of where the company is going can save a firm’s performance in turbulent times. The study recommended that f irst, managers of tea processing firms should continuously engage in systematic formulation of long term strategy and timely response to competitive strategic moves which can impact positively on the performance of a manufacturing firm. Further, management of tea processing firms should be alert to timely respondent to emerging issues in tea processing sector and remain steady fast in the clear understanding of where the company is going so as to save the firm’s performance in turbulent times. Key Words : Alliance Management, Dynamic Management, Performance of Manufacturing Sector CITATION: Tonui, C. K. , & Otinga, H. N. (2019). Kimani, M. M. , & Otinga, H. N. (2019). Influence of dynamic capabilities on firm performance in the manufacturing sector in Kenya. A case of Ketepa Limited. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 6 (1), 719 – 732.
Shape reconstruction for computer assisted surgery based on non-rigid registration of statistical models with intra-operative point data and X-ray images

L'objectif de cette these est la reconstruction de surfaces anatomiques a partir d'un nombre restreint de radiographies et de points acquis en phase per-operatoire. L'approche propos'ee repose sur une mise en correspondance des donn'ees avec un modele d'eformable statistique afin d'incorporer de la connaissance a priori sur la forme de l'objet a reconstruire. L''elaboration d'un tel modele statistique n'ecessite l'analyse de forme dans une population donn'ee. Pour cette analyse un modele g'en'erique de l'objet est utilis'e afin d'effectuer simultan'ement la segmentation des structures et la mise en correspondance de points appari'es dans un ensemble d'examens tomodensitom'etriques. La reconstruction a partir d'un nuage de points est effectu'ee par une m'ethode de recalage 3D/3D non rigide. L'application de cette technique d'interpolation et d'extrapolation de donn'ees incompletes est montr'ee dans un systeme pour la reconstruction du ligament crois'e ant'erieur. Pour la reconstruction a partir de radiographies une m'ethode de recalage 3D/2D non rigide est propos'ee afin de mettre en correspondance le modele statistique avec les contours de l'objet segment'e dans les radiographies calibr'ees. Des exp'erimentations ont 'et'e effectu'ees avec un modele statistique de vertebres lombaires, en vue de l'application clinique du vissage p'ediculaire. De plus il est montr'e que la mise en correspondance hybride combinant le recalage 3D/3D et le recalage D/2D pourrait etre une option int'eressante pour certaines applications dans le domaine des Gestes M'edicaux Chirurgicaux Assist'es par Ordinateur.
Una Implementación Eficiente de Algoritmos de Encaminamiento Distribuido para Redes dentro del Chip

Resumen—El diseno de redes dentro del chip para procesadores con varios nucleos introduce nuevas limitaciones como el area, consumo de enerǵia y latencias bajisimas. Aunque el uso de topoloǵias regulares (como las mallas bidimensionales) esta extendido, varias causas como errores de fabricacion, problemas de fiabilidad o la necesidad de particionamiento (virtualizacion, dominios de coherencia) y aislamiento del trafico, pueden inducir topoloǵias irregulares. En estas situaciones se necesita un encaminamiento eficiente. Aunque el uso de tablas de encaminamiento es flexible, esta solucion incrementa drasticamente el consumo de enerǵia, el area y la latencia. En este articulo proponemos el LBDR (Logic-Based Distributed Routing) como un metodo de encaminamiento para el cual no hace falta el uso de tablas de encaminamiento. LBDR permite aplicar la mayoŕia de algoritmos de encaminamiento usando para ello una logica minima en topoloǵias irregulares (y regulares, por supuesto). Los resultados de las evaluaciones muestran que con LBDR los algoritmos de encaminamiento consiguen el mismo rendimiento que cuando se usan tablas de encaminamiento con un coste menor en area, consumo de enerǵia y latencias.
BIOTECHNOLOGICALLY RELEVANT ENZYMES AND PROTEINS Design of a serine protease-like catalytic triad on an antibody light chain displayed on the yeast cell surface

Lc-WT, the wild-type light chain of antibody, and Lc-Triad, its double mutant with E1D and T27aS designing for the construction of catalytic triad within Asp1, Ser27a, and original His93 residues, were displayed on the cell surface of the protease-deficient yeast strain BJ2168. When each cell suspension was reacted with BODIPY FL casein and seven kinds of peptide-MCA substrates, respectively, a remarkable difference in hydrolytic activities toward SucGPLGP-MCA (succinyl-Gly-Pro-Leu-Gly-Pro-MCA), a substrate toward collagenase-like peptidase, was observed between the constructs: Lc-Triad-displaying cells showed higher catalytic activity than Lc-WT-displaying cells. The difference disappeared in the presence of the serine protease inhibitor diisopropylfluorophosphate, suggesting that the three amino acid residues, Ser27a, His93, and Asp1, functioned as a catalytic triad responsible for the proteolytic activity in a similar way to the anti-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) antibody light chain. A serine protease-like catalytic triad (Ser, His, and Asp) is considered to be directly involved in the catalytic mechanism of the anti-VIP antibody light chain, which moderately catalyzes the hydrolysis of VIP. These results suggest the possibility of new approach for the creation of tailor-made proteases beyond limitations of the traditional immunization approach.
ICES REPORT 17-13 June 2017 Adaptive Numerical Homogenization for Non-Linear Multiphase Flow and Transport

One of the major objectives in the development of upscaling approaches is to reduce the computational costs associated with solving fine scale flow and transport problems in heterogeneous porous media. This is due to the availability of reservoir rock property data at fine spatial scales, such as facies distributions, obtained from geological models and field data from well logs. The data sets from each of these sources are themselves at different spatial scales which further adds to the computational challenge. The upscaling approach must not only accommodate these disparate data sets but also capture the flow physics accurately while maintaining computational efficiency. We present a novel upscaling approach which draws upon previous developments of two-scale homogenization [4] to obtain coarse scale properties in addition to dynamic mesh refinement using an enhanced velocity mixed finite element method (EV MFEM) [27]. A transient region is defined where changes in saturation/concentration are above a chosen threshold compared to a non-transient region where these are relatively small. Since most of the recovery technologies employed in oil and gas field operations involve flooding the subsurface porous medium; as in the case of water-flooding, chemical or gas enhanced oil recovery (EOR), these aforementioned transient regions are usually restricted to much smaller subdomains of the entire reservoir domain. The computational efficiency is achieved by using coarse scale parameters, from numerical homogenization, in the non-transient region. Furthermore, the solution accuracy is preserved by using fine scale information only in the transient region. The numerical results section shows that our adaptive homogenization approach closely captures fine scale flow and transport features while maintaining a computational speedup of approximately 4 times for a variety of permeability distributions extracted from the SPE 10 comparative upscaling project [13].
Generation of Simulated Fractal and Multifractal Traffic

We create software tools for the generation of sample traces of self-similar traffic as fractional Brownian motion, using Mathcad. These methods have been widely used in simulation studies, but they present the difficulty of generating negative samples. So we also introduce a very efficient technique for the generation of multifractal traffic by means of wavelet synthesis, which posses the property of positiveness.
PKD1/PKC l promotes a v b 3 integrin recycling and delivery to nascent focal adhesions

To identify kinases that regulate integrin recycling, we have immunoprecipitated a v b 3 integrin from NIH 3T3 ﬁbroblasts in the presence and absence of primaquine (a drug that inhibits receptor recycling and leads to accumulation of integrins in endosomes) and screened for co-precipitating kinases. Primaquine strongly promoted association of a v b 3 integrin with PKD1, and ﬂuorescence microscopy indicated that integrin and PKD1 associate at a vesicular compartment that is downstream of a Rab4-dependent transport step. PKD1 association was mediated by the C-terminal region of the b 3 integrin cytodomain, and mutants of b 3 that were unable to recruit PKD1 did not recycle in a PDGF-dependent fashion. Furthermore, suppression of endogenous PKD1 levels by RNAi, or overexpression of catalytically inactive PKD1 inhibited PDGF-dependent recycling of a v b 3 from early endosomes to the plasma membrane and blocked recruitment of a v b 3 to newly formed focal adhesions during cell spreading. These data indicate that PKD1 inﬂuences cell migration by directing vesicular transport of the a v b 3 integrin heterodimer.
Survey of undeclared egg allergen levels in the most frequently recalled food types (including products bearing precautionary labelling)

ABSTRACT Since the number of recalls involving undeclared allergens is commonly associated with bakery and snack foods, we aimed to determine the frequency of egg allergens in a large number of these products using two commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Samples were chosen that either had no egg identified on the product label or which had an egg precautionary statement. Among all samples, egg protein was detected in 5% of products using a Morinaga (MO) kit and 1% of products using a R-Biopharm (RB) kit. For bakery samples, egg protein was detected in 6% of 363 samples with no precautionary labelling (6% by MO and 1% by RB kit) and 12% of 80 samples which had precautionary labelling. For snack samples, egg protein was detected in 2% of 371 samples with no precautionary labelling (2% by MO and < 1% by RB kit) and 5% of 21 samples which had precautionary labelling. The disagreement rates between two methods were 5.2% for bakery products and 2.6% for snack products. The sample repeatability was at an acceptable level for bakery (< 12.5%) and snack foods (< 7.5%) for each method. The relative standard deviation between test kits was high (103.1%) for bakery foods. Four bakery products without precautionary labelling had a higher level of egg protein per serving compared with the eliciting dose (ED10 of 3.7 mg protein) for egg allergic patients. These results highlight the fact that detection methodology plays a vital role for accurate labelling control and mitigation of risk for egg allergic consumers. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Low Complexity Detection Scheme for NOFDM Systems Based on ML Detection over Hyperspheres

Nonorthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (NOFDM) is a digital modulation technique that promises to provide extremely high spectral efficiencies. However, this modulation scheme is seldom used in practice due to the high computational complexity involved in decoding the received signal in the presence of noise. The basic aim of this paper is to reduce this decoding complexity. Here, we propose a low complexity detection algorithm which makes use of maximum likelihood (ML) decoding not over the entire signal constellation but over a proper subset of the constellation that lies on a hypersphere thereby reducing the computational complexity for decoding. Computational complexity has been evaluated for various values of transmitted power and the result has been plotted for both ML detection algorithm and the proposed algorithm at a fixed data rate. The BER performance for both the algorithms has also been compared at a fixed data rate and the result has been plotted. The results show that the proposed algorithm is far superior to ML detection algorithm in terms of computational complexity.
The Effect of Switching Business Focus on Share Returns Predictability

The study aims to examine the announcement effects on shareholders’ returns among the Malaysia firms associated with decision of switching business focus during the study period of 2010 to 2015. In addition to apply an event study methodology, there are 66 announcements related to business switching have been analyzed. Based on the analysis, the main finding of the study indicates positive share returns of around 6% on the announcement day. However, the result shows insignificant value which suggesting that business decision for switching the business direction carry an implication value for capital market in terms of increasing shareholders’ value. While, the insignificant share returns for shareholders could be dedicated to possible reason of premature leakage information and the timing for information release. Perhaps, the timing of information arrival to public coincides with other positive market events could lead to this result. Also, the result emphasizes conclusive evidence of the Malaysia capital market characteristics with the semi strong efficient market. Moreover, the motive for changing business focus on share returns prediction is correlated with the various indicators of economic activities in the capital market.
USE PATTERN AND ACTIVITIES: THE EVALUATION OF MALAYSIAN GREEN OPEN SPACE DESIGN

Numerous studies acknowledged green open space (GOS) as part of the sustainable component which promotes livability and active community. GOS offers the opportunity for people to socialise through appropriate outdoor setting. Acknowledging countless GOS benefits, hence it appears relevant to plan for a good quality of GOS (QGOS). A QGOS ensures park users enjoy maximum utilisation and benefit of outdoor spaces. Having a good QGOS is one of the government strategies included in the 11th Malaysian Plan 2016-2020, to improve people quality of life. Numerous urban related studies had shown that proximity, use pattern, sociability, accessibility and varieties of activities are the significant factors for successful parks design with the consideration of needs and preferences of park users. Hence, this paper will focus on park use pattern to access the quality of the neighbourhood park (QNP) in Malaysia. The objectives are; i) to identify park use pattern among Malaysian, ii) to determine influential factors of Malaysian park use pattern. A quantitative method of questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain the data. Factor analysis results generated from the 1,500 respondents surveyed at 15 Malaysian neighbourhood parks indicated that nature appreciation loads the highest (Eigenvalue = 2.067, Variance Explained = 29.534%), social and active activities (Eigenvalue = 1.270, Variance Explained = 18.137%), followed by passive activities (Eigenvalue = 0.825, Variance Explained = 11.785%). Together, this finding provides essential guidance for park planners to plan for future QGOS and as part of the support to the 11th Malaysian Plan (2016-2020).
Preparation of animal tissues for surface‐scanning electron microscopy

This paper surveys common problems associated with the preparation of animal tissues so that natural or artificial surfaces may be studied in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Problems arise because (1) we need to prepare surfaces free from extraneous solids in solution (e.g. mucus, blood, tissue fluid); (2) surfaces of simple sections generally do not reveal significant information so that other methods of ‘opening up’ internal organization must be developed; (3) we need to remove the preponderant tissue component—water—without significantly altering the remaining structure, which generally has a very low density, is fragile and is non‐conducting.
Fruit and vegetable intakes and subsequent changes in body weight in European populations: results from the project on Diet, Obesity, and Genes (DiOGenes).

BACKGROUND High fruit and vegetable intakes may limit weight gain, particularly in susceptible persons, such as those who stop smoking. OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the association of fruit and vegetable intake with subsequent weight change in a large-scale prospective study. DESIGN The data used were from 89,432 men and women from 5 countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). The association between fruit and vegetable intake and weight change after a mean follow-up of 6.5 y was assessed by linear regression. Polytomous logistic regression was used to evaluate whether fruit and vegetable intake relates to weight gain, weight loss, or both. RESULTS Per 100-g intake of fruit and vegetables, weight change was -14 g/y (95% CI: -19, -9 g/y). In those who stopped smoking during follow-up, this value was -37 g/y (95% CI: -58, -15 g/y; P for interaction < 0.0001). When weight gain and loss were analyzed separately per 100-g intake of fruit and vegetables in a combined model, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.97 (0.95, 0.98) for weight gain > or =0.5 and <1 kg/y, 0.94 (0.92, 0.96) for weight gain > or =1 kg/y, and 0.97 (0.95, 0.99) for weight loss > or =0.5 kg/y. In those who stopped smoking during follow-up, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.93 (0.88, 0.99), 0.87 (0.81, 0.92), and 0.97 (0.88, 1.07), respectively (P for interaction < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Fruit and vegetable intake relates significantly, albeit weakly inversely, to weight change. For persons who stop smoking, high fruit and vegetable intakes may be recommended to reduce the risk of weight gain.
The position control of induction motors using a binary disturbance observer

A control approach for the robust position control of an induction motor based on the binary disturbance observer is described. The binary controller with the binary disturbance observer is implemented for the position control of the induction machine subjected to load disturbances and realizes continuous control. The binary disturbance observer is used to eliminate the chattering problem of a sliding mode disturbance observer. In order to eliminate the steady-state error, the binary disturbance observer with an integral augmented switching hyperplane is proposed. The robustness is achieved, and continuous control is realized by employing the proposed observer without the chattering problem and the steady-state error. The effectiveness of the proposed observer is confirmed by the comparative experimental results.
Intracellular trafficking of phospholipids: import of phosphatidylserine into mitochondria.

Three mechanisms are commonly suggested for the movemerlt of lipids between intracellular organelles: transfer mediated by cytosolic lipid transfer proteins, vesicle-mediated transfer, and transfer via regions of membrane continuity between organelles. The mechanism of translocation of phosphatidylserine from its site of synthesis on the endoplasmic reticulum (and related membranes) to the site of phosphatidylserine decarboxylation in the mitochondria has been investigated. Several experiments indicate that a transfer mediated by soluble cytosolic phospholipid transfer proteins, or by vesicles, is unlikely. Rather, the most likely mode of import of newly-synthesized phosphatidylserine into mitochondria is contact between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membranes. In support of this mechanism we have isolated an endoplasmic reticulum-like. "mitochondria-associated membrane" fraction and shown that it has some, but not all, properties of the endoplasmic reticulum. The mitochondria-associated membranes are enriched in lipid biosynthetic enzymes, especially phosphatidylserine synthase. When either phosphatidylserine translocation to mitochondria is blocked (by ATP depletion), or phosphatidylserine decarboxylation is blocked (with hydroxylamine), newly-synthesized phosphatidylserine accumulates in the mitochondria-associated membrane but not in microsomes, suggesting that phosphatidylserine traverses the mitochondria-associated membrane on its route from the endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria.