Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Process-Based Species Pools Reveal the Hidden Signature of Biotic Interactions Amid the Influence of Temperature Filtering

A persistent challenge in ecology is to tease apart the influence of multiple processes acting simultaneously and interacting in complex ways to shape the structure of species assemblages. We implement a heuristic approach that relies on explicitly defining species pools and permits assessment of the relative influence of the main processes thought to shape assemblage structure: environmental filtering, dispersal limitations, and biotic interactions. We illustrate our approach using data on the assemblage composition and geographic distribution of hummingbirds, a comprehensive phylogeny and morphological traits. The implementation of several process-based species pool definitions in null models suggests that temperature—but not precipitation or dispersal limitation—acts as the main regional filter of assemblage structure. Incorporating this environmental filter directly into the definition of assemblage-specific species pools revealed an otherwise hidden pattern of phylogenetic evenness, indicating that biotic interactions might further influence hummingbird assemblage structure. Such hidden patterns of assemblage structure call for a reexamination of a multitude of phylogenetic- and trait-based studies that did not explicitly consider potentially important processes in their definition of the species pool. Our heuristic approach provides a transparent way to explore patterns and refine interpretations of the underlying causes of assemblage structure.
Investor Sophistication and Target-Date Fund Investing

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 identified target-date funds as an appropriate default investment for defined contribution retirement plans. Using the 2009 National Financial Capability Study, this article examines the relationship between investor sophistication and the decision to primarily invest retirement assets in target-date funds. The article finds that Americans with low investor sophistication are 22% more likely than highly sophisticated investors to make target-date funds their primary retirement saving vehicle. It is possible that the Pension Protection Act improved the economic welfare of many Americans, given that this article provides evidence that investors who stand to benefit the most from target-date fund investing are the ones who are more likely to use the product.
Thin Film Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonators for their Application in Microwave Filters

Thin film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR) devices have been fabricated using ZnO films grown by RF magnetron sputtering. The FBARs have been characterized by measuring their microwave frequency performance from 2-5 GHz, It was found that the fundamental resonance frequency was 2.367 GHz. The values for the insertion loss (S21), quality factor (Qs) and the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient (keff 2) are: 2.198 dB, 20 and 1.15%, respectively. A circuit model based on the Butterworth Van-Dyke model was used to model the FBAR and the energy losses in this device.
Recommendations for a Cost-Offset Model of Psychotherapy Allocation Using Generalized Anxiety Disorder as an Example

As inexpensive interventions gain empirical support, there is an increasing risk that such data may be used by health maintenance organizations to unfairly restrict the number and type of therapy sessions reimbursed for all clients, even those less likely to benefit from economical treatments. As a result, it is important to identify clients who may not respond to specific therapies and to empirically support ways to treat them. Successful treatment of nonresponders is also valuable because predictors of treatment failure tend to predict cost related to medical and disability expenses. Using generalized anxiety disorder as an example, this article suggests a flexible and comprehensive approach to cost-benefit analysis in psychotherapy that includes clients who may not improve in response to current data-based interventions. In addition, suggestions are made for the identification of alternative treatment approaches, and a potential treatment allocation model is recommended.
Pricing Luxury Brands: Specificities, Conceptualization and Performance Impact

Traditional pricing procedures do not equally apply to luxury brands. In luxury more than in any other segment, the role of price is beyond being a monetary sacrifice. Consumers refer to it as an indicator of finest quality, prestige, rarity, and hedonic value. To enhance and preserve this image prices for luxury brands should not only be highest in the relevant market but also kept stable over time. For example, the French malletier Louis Vuitton has never relied on price discounts throughout its more than 150 years of history. The Swiss horologist Rolex even bought back its products from licensed retailers to prevent sales at reduced prices during the financial crisis 2009. Any volatility in prices jeopardizes the luxury brand image. However, little is known about which specific pricing procedures luxury firms follow to drive profitability and enhance the luxury brand image by achieving high-end and stable prices.
The Discounting of Discounts and Promotion Thresholds

This study examines consumers' response to retailers' price promotions. It shows that consumers discount the price discounts. It also suggests that the discounting of discounts and changes in purchase intention depend on the discount level, store image, and whether the product advertised is a name brand or a store brand. The study goes one step further to investigate the existence of promotion thresholds. We use experimental data and an econometric methodology to gather empirical evidence that consumers do not change their intentions to buy unless the promotional discount is above a threshold level. This threshold point differs for name brands and store brands. Specifically, we find that the threshold for a name brand is lower than that for a store brand. In other words, stores can attract consumers by offering a small discount on name brands while a larger discount is needed for a similar effect for a store brand. The study also indicates the existence of a promotion saturation point above which the effect of discounts on changes in consumers' purchase intention is minimal. These results confirm consumers' S-shaped response to promotions.
Compact band-notched printed monopole antenna for ultrawideband communication

A compact wideband printed monopole antenna with band notch characteristics is proposed and investigated. Introducing a two corner notches at the lower edges of radiating patch and notch in destructive ground surface (DGS) increased bandwidth from 3-11GHz. By inserting an inverted U-slot in the radiating plane 3.3-4.2GHz (Wi-Max and C-band satellite communication) band notch characteristics is obtained. Systematic parametric studies have been conducted by changing gap distance between radiating patch & defective ground surface (DGS), length and width of inverted U-notch. Antenna is simulated using CAD FEKO suite (6.2) using method of moment. A prototype of antenna is fabricated using a FR4 dielectric substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4 and loss tangent of 0.02 having dimensions of 11 mm × 15 mm × 1.59 mm. Radiation pattern shows directional pattern along E-plane and nearly omnidirectional pattern along H-plane. Simulated and measured results of the proposed antenna are presented.
Some Unanswered Questions in Turnover and Withdrawal Research

Current employee turnover research inadequately addresses several long recognized and important questions. Specifically, where is the process in turnover process research; what are the consequences of turnover and the processes related to these consequences; what is the role of performance in the turnover process; and what are the conceptual and empirical relationships among turnover and other so-called “withdrawal” critera? The importance of these questions and approaches to addressing these questions are discussed.
When the Younger Generation Takes Over: Singaporean Chinese Family Businesses in Singapore in Change

In line with developments in Southeast Asia, Singapore's society and economy are undergoing rapid changes. This article focuses on how Singaporean Chinese family businesses cope with the challenges of change. I shall begin with an outline of the common characteristics of Chinese family businesses, their evolution, development and change. Based on an intensive study of eight Chinese family businesses in Singapore, I illustrate the changes experienced, ranging from technological, personal, organizational to managerial, including also changes in marketing strategies. A great number of external and internal factors of change exists, which partly overlap and influence each other. Nevertheless, there is consistency in my findings which show that different upbringings, educational backgrounds, and modes of socialization of the younger generation in the booming economy of modern Singapore are of major relevance for change when inter-generational transfer of ownership takes place.
Magnetic dispersion of the diagonal incommensurate phase in lightly doped La2-xSrxCuO4.

We present inelastic neutron scattering experiments on a single-domain crystal of lightly doped La1.96Sr0. 04CuO4. We find that the magnetic excitation spectrum in this insulating phase with a diagonal incommensurate spin modulation is remarkably similar to that in the superconducting regime, where the spin modulation is bond parallel. In particular, we find that the dispersion slope at low energy is essentially independent of doping and temperature over a significant range. The energy at which the excitations cross the commensurate antiferromagnetic wave vector increases roughly linearly with doping through the underdoped regime.
A two-layer non-negative matrix factorization model for vocabulary discovery

A two-layer NMF model is proposed for vocabulary discovery. The model first extracts low-level vocabulary patterns based on a histogram of co-occurrences of Gaussians. Then latent units are discovered by spectral embedding of Gaussians at layer-1. Layer-2 discovers vocabulary patterns based on the histogram of co-occurrences of the latent units. Improvements in unordered word error rates are observed from the low-level representation to the two-layer model on the Aurora2/Clean database. The relation between the latent units and the states of an HMM is discussed.
Patterns and determinants of dietary micronutrient deficiencies in rural areas of East Africa

Micronutrient malnutrition is a large public health problem in many developing countries, but its dimensions and determinants are not yet clearly understood, especially with respect to sub- Saharan Africa. Based on 24-hour recall data from rural households in Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, this study analyzes dietary patterns to provide a comprehensive picture of the risk of micronutrient deficiencies, with particular emphasis on bioavailable vitamin A, iron and zinc intakes. The results confirm that micronutrient deficiencies are widespread and positively correlated with calorie deficiency. Regression analysis suggests that income growth will bring about important nutritional improvements. However, more targeted interventions are needed, especially for controlling vitamin A deficiency. Promising avenues include basic education, women empowerment, promotion of home gardens, awareness campaigns and vitamin A biofortification. Spatial differences within and across regions indicate that detailed knowledge of local conditions is imperative for designing and targeting effective food and nutrition policies.
Challenge of Understanding Multichannel Customer Behavior in 21st Century: A Meta-analysis

The purposes of this study are to provide comprehensive reviews on multichannel consumer behaviors published in peer-reviewed academic journals from 2005 to 2014, to develop a conceptual framework that demonstrates multichannel determinants such as psychographics, demographics, social influences, and situational factors on consumers' search and purchase behavior based on customers' profits or costs judgment, and to provide possible direction for future research in multichannel consumer behavior. Three steps were taken in the process of analyzing consumers' channel determinants presented in the 37 studies, and 12 most frequently used factors that appear in the studies were extracted. These factors include convenience, service, trust/risk, saving money, product knowledge, experience, efficacy/usefulness, involvement, shopping environment/situation factors, demographics, product types, and social influence. With 12 determinants of multichannel consumers' search and purchase behavior, a conceptual framework was proposed based on expectancy theory. The directions for future research were also discussed.
E-Customer Relationship Management in the Clothing Retail Shops in Zimbabwe

The aim of this study was to analyse and explore how the top four clothing retail outlets in Zimbabwe are using Electronic Customer Relationship Management and ICT practices to enhance customer relationships. The results show that the channels that are used by clothing retail shops to communicate with their customers, include electronic mails, voice call facilities, traditional letters and personalised text messaging as well as websites. Customers select the mode of communication that is favourable to them when opening an account. The study recommends that retail shops in Zimbabwe should move to more sophiscicated eCRM and that the top management of the clothing retail outlets must fully involve themselves and support eCRM since top managers are the leaders and the strategy controllers. They must persuade their employees to have full attention and understanding of eCRM. The top management should lead their employees to the same direction of the company’s goal and vision of eCRM. The organisation should also train their employees to have knowledge and ability to work on eCRM continuously and efficiently.
When to fuse what? random forest based fusion of low-, mid-, and high-level information for land cover classification from optical and SAR images

With increasing availability of different sensors for earth observation, data fusion gained more and more importance. While previous publications focussed on new sensor combinations, new fusion techniques, or new applications, this work investigates at which stage of the image analysis pipeline the fusion process is most beneficial. The fusion of an optical and a SAR image for the task of land cover classification serves as an example. The experimental results indicate, that although the fusion of complementary data is generally advantageous, it is most helpful at later stages of the classification process.
Dominant retinitis pigmentosa phenotype associated with a new mutation in the splicing factor PRPF31

Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa results from mutations in 14 known proteins, and at least two further loci have been highlighted by genetic linkage in families (reviewed by the RetNet website; http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/Retnet/). The known genes include those encoding components of the phototransduction cascade, retinal transcription factors and retinal structural proteins.1 The list also includes four ubiquitously expressed splicing factors: pre-mRNA processing factor 8 (PRPF8),2 PRPF31,3 PRPF34 and PAP-1, also known as RP9.5 6 Splicing is a complex process that involves the precise excision of introns from pre-mRNA by a macromolecular structure called the spliceosome. Three of the splicing factors implicated in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) are components of the U4/U6-U5 tri-snRNP particle, an essential component of the spliceosome.7 8 Mutations in one of these, PRPF31, have been reported to cause between 5 and 20% of ADRP.9 10 In this report, a new mutation in the PRPF31 gene is described, together with the clinical phenotype. The proband was a 33-year-old female with a corrected visual acuity of 58 and 51 ETDRS letters in the right and left eye, respectively (approximate Snellen equivalents of 6/18 and 6/36). She had a myopic refraction with a spherical equivalence of −2 dioptres in each eye. Nyctalopia had been present since the middle of the second decade, and she had noticed a decrease in her central vision since the beginning of the third decade. At the most recent examination, she had early …
The Mixed Lineage Kinase DLK Utilizes MKK7 and Not MKK4 as Substrate*

Mixed lineage kinases DLK (dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase) and MLK3 have been proposed to function as mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases in pathways leading to stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation. Differences in primary protein structure place these MLK (mixed lineage kinase) enzymes in separate subfamilies and suggest that they perform distinct functional roles. Both DLK and MLK3 associated with, phosphorylated, and activated MKK7 in vitro. Unlike MLK3, however, DLK did not phosphorylate or activate recombinant MKK4 in vitro. In confirmatory experiments performed in vivo, DLK both associated with and activated MKK7. The relative localization of endogenous DLK, MLK3, MKK4, and MKK7 was determined in cells of the nervous system. Distinct from MLK3, which was identified in non-neuronal cells, DLK and MKK7 were detected predominantly in neurons in sections of adult rat cortex by immunocytochemistry. Subcellular fractionation experiments of cerebral cortex identified DLK and MKK7 in similar nuclear and extranuclear subcellular compartments. Concordant with biochemical experiments, however, MKK4 occupied compartments distinct from that of DLK and MKK7. That DLK and MKK7 occupied subcellular compartments distinct from MKK4 was confirmed by immunocytochemistry in primary neuronal culture. The dissimilar cellular specificity of DLK and MLK3 and the specific substrate utilization and subcellular compartmentation of DLK suggest that specific mixed lineage kinases participate in unique signal transduction events.
Bilayer graphene vertical tunneling field effect transistor

Electronic devices have been explored in the past based on resonant single-electron CB (conduction band) to CB tunneling between parallel quasi-two dimensional (2D) quantum wells within III-V heterostructures and their accompanying negative differential resistance (NDR) [1]. Such devices are attractive for high speed electronics, and digital logic circuits also have been demonstrated using a combination of conventional and such NDR FETs [2]. For two graphene layers separated by a tunnel barrier, we recently proposed the ultra-low-voltage Bilayer pseudoSpin FET (BiSFET) which would employ enhanced nonresonant VB (valence band) to CB tunneling, with a nevertheless very sharp NDR characteristic based on a predicted room-temperature many-body superfluid state [3]. However, NDR due to resonant single-particle CB-to-CB or VB-to-VB tunneling may also be achievable in such a structure. Furthermore, the atomically near-perfect 2D nature of the component graphene layers and the conduction/valence band symmetry may offer advantages over III-Vs. Here, we model the I-V characteristics due to single-particle tunneling in such a structure, Fig. 1, using a perturbative tunneling Hamiltonian approach [4,5], and deviations from this simple theory using atomistic tight-binding nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) simulation.
A Leading Indicator Model of Banking Distress - Developing an Early Warning System for Hong Hong and Other EMEAP Economies

This study develops a probit econometric model to identify a set of leading indicators of banking distress and estimate banking distress probability for Hong Kong and other EMEAP economies. Macroeconomic fundamentals, currency crisis vulnerability, credit risk of banks and companies, asset price bubbles, credit growth, and the occurrence of distress of other economies in the region are found to be important leading indicators of banking distress in the home economy. The predictive power of the model is reasonably good. A case study of Hong Kong based on the latest estimate of banking distress probability and stress testing results shows that currently the banking sector in Hong Kong is healthy and should be able to withstand well certain possible adverse shocks. Under some extreme shocks originating from real GDP growth and property prices such as those that occurred during the Asian financial crisis, the model indicates a non-negligible risk of an occurrence of banking distress in Hong Kong. However, the chances of the occurrence of such severe events are extremely low. Simulation results also suggest that compared to the period before the Asian financial crisis, the local banking sector is currently more capable of withstanding shocks similar to those that occurred during that crisis. The study also finds that banking distress is contagious, suggesting that to be effective in monitoring banking distress, close cooperation between central banks should be in place.
Fluoride removal from water using crushed limestone

An examination of defluoridation by industrial grade limestone indicated that a combination of precipitation and adsorption of fluoride can be more effective for defluoridation of water. Pre-acidified fluoride water using two edible acids, viz., acetic acid (AA) and citric acid (CA) have been used for treatment by crushed limestone of diameter 3-4 mm to precipitate fluoride as CaF 2 in addition to adsorption of fluoride on limestone. The study has been carried out in batches by varying the acid concentration and contact time. Addition of the acids to the water before treatment with the crushed limestone in batch tests significantly improved the fluoride removal and this increased with the increase in the concentrations of the acids. The concentration of CA and AA required bringing down the fluoride concentration from 10 to 1.5 mg/L, are 0.05 M and 0.033 M, respectively, when the crushed limestone chips sample was used for the first time with contact time of 12 h. The acids are neutralized by limestone during the defluoridation process and the resulting final pH of the treated water was found to be in the ranges of 6.2 and 7.0 for CA and 5.7 and 7.0 for AA.
Catalase expression, katG, and MIC of isoniazid for Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from São Paulo, Brazil.

The MIC of isoniazid, peroxidase-catalase expression, and the presence of the katG gene for 102 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from patients in São Paulo were compared. Fifty-three isoniazid-resistant and 49 isoniazid-sensitive isolates were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of katG sequences. All isoniazid-sensitive and 43 (81%) isoniazid-resistant isolates expressed catalase (P = .001). None of isoniazid-sensitive and 4 (7%) of 53 isoniazid-resistant isolates lacked katG sequences. Among 6 isolates with MICs > 50 micrograms/mL, 5 (83%) did not express catalase and 2 lacked katG sequences; only 1 had complete gene deletion shown by Southern blot analysis. These findings indicate a correlation between loss of catalase and isoniazid resistance among highly resistant isolates, but these isolates were a small proportion of resistant clinical M. tuberculosis isolates from São Paulo.