Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Applying the TOE framework in the Halal warehouse adoption study

This study aims to identify the contributing factors to the adoption of Halal warehousing services among Malaysia Halal manufacturers. ,A survey, based on the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework, was distributed to 200 participants at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2013. Of these, 140 responses were complete, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modelling approach and SMART-PLS 2.0 software. ,Perceived benefits, cost, customer pressure and organizational readiness were found to have a significant relationship with Halal manufacturers’ intention to adopt Halal warehousing services. Perceived benefits, customer pressure and organizational readiness were the drivers of adoption, and cost was a barrier. ,This paper examines the factors affecting Malaysian Halal manufacturers’ intention to adopt Halal warehousing services in three industries, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. ,The results provide insights into the adoption of Halal warehousing among Malaysian Halal manufacturers. The government, Halal warehouse service providers and customers may use these findings to expand the adoption of Halal warehouse services. ,Adopting the TOE framework, this study investigates and develops a model for Halal warehouse adoption. The results indicate that the variables from the TOE framework have a significant relationship with the adoption of Halal warehousing activities.
Plasma progesterone, estradiol-17 beta and testosterone in maternal and cord blood, and maternal human chorionic gonadotropin at parturition.

To understand the endocrine control of normal parturition in man and interactions of foetal and maternal hormones involved, it is desirable to estimate the hormone levels in the maternal and foetal blood around parturition time. Blood was obtained from the umbilical vessels of 22 male and 30 female neonates and the antecubital veins of their mothers during labour at term. The maternal and neonatal plasma levels of progesterone (P), testosterone (T) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) and maternal plasma levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The effect of the foetal sex on the maternal hormones at term was also evaluated. Mean values, with the standard errors of means, of plasma, P, T and E2 in cord blood were 5.3 +/- 0.3, 8.4 +/- 1.2 and 5.0 +/- 0.3 ng/ml, respectively; in the maternal plasma the values were 18.2 +/- 1.2, 1.2 +/- 0.1 and 4.3 +/- 0.4 ng/ml, respectively. The mean T level was significantly higher in cord than in maternal blood, while P was significantly higher in the maternal than in cord blood. The plasma concentrations of P, T and E2 in the mothers delivering male babies were 16.9 +/- 2.2, 1.2 +/- 0.4 and 4.5 +/- 0.7 ng/ml, respectively; in those delivering female babies, the levels were 16.1 +/- 2.4, 1.1 +/- 0.1 and 4.3 +/- 0.4 ng/ml, respectively. Mean plasma levels of hCG in the women was 0.9 +/- 0.1 microgram/ml with no significant difference between the values in the mothers of male and female babies. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A 99nW 70.4kHz resistive frequency locking on-chip oscillator with 27.4ppm/ºC temperature stability

We present a low power on-chip oscillator for system-on-chip designs. The oscillator introduces a resistive frequency locking loop topology where the equivalent resistance of a switched-capacitor is matched to a temperature-compensated resistor. The approach eliminates the traditional comparator from the oscillation loop, which consumes significant power and limits temperature stability in conventional relaxation oscillators. The oscillator is fabricated in 0. 18μm CMOS and exhibits 27.4ppm/oC and <;7ppm long-term stability while consuming 99.4nW at 70.4 kHz.
In situ conservation—harnessing natural and human‐derived evolutionary forces to ensure future crop adaptation

Ensuring the availability of the broadest possible germplasm base for agriculture in the face of increasingly uncertain and variable patterns of biotic and abiotic change is fundamental for the world's future food supply. While ex situ conservation plays a major role in the conservation and availability of crop germplasm, it may be insufficient to ensure this. In situ conservation aims to maintain target species and the collective genotypes they represent under evolution. A major rationale for this view is based on the likelihood that continued exposure to changing selective forces will generate and favor new genetic variation and an increased likelihood that rare alleles that may be of value to future agriculture are maintained. However, the evidence that underpins this key rationale remains fragmented and has not been examined systematically, thereby decreasing the perceived value and support for in situ conservation for agriculture and food systems and limiting the conservation options available. This study reviews evidence regarding the likelihood and rate of evolutionary change in both biotic and abiotic traits for crops and their wild relatives, placing these processes in a realistic context in which smallholder farming operates and crop wild relatives continue to exist. It identifies areas of research that would contribute to a deeper understanding of these processes as the basis for making them more useful for future crop adaptation.
Level of voluntary disclosure and the cost of capital of Brazilian companies: 2008 to 2012

This study analyzed whether the level of voluntary disclosure in the Brazilian market affects the cost of capital of companies listed on Bovespa during the period covering 2008 through 2012. The sample was composed of 46 Brazilian non-financial institutions, building on and complementing previous research such as that carried out by Lima, Lima, Favero and Galdi (2007), Murcia and Santos (2009a), and Li and Yang (2013). The panel data regression model is employed to relate the independent variables with the following dependent variables: Cost of Equity, Cost of Debt and Weighted Average Cost of Capital. Findings permit the conclusion that some voluntary disclosure practices influence the cost of capital, i.e., when a company chooses to voluntarily disclose information in its annual reports, this information can affect its cost of equity and cost of debt.
SSR240612 [(2R)-2-[((3R)-3-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-{[(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)sulfonyl]amino}propanoyl)amino]-3-(4-{[2R,6S)-2,6-dimethylpiperidinyl]methyl}phenyl)-N-isopropyl-N-methylpropanamide Hydrochloride], a New Nonpeptide Antagonist of the Bradykinin B1 Receptor: Biochemical and Pharmacological 

The biochemical and pharmacological properties of a novel non-peptide antagonist of the bradykinin (BK) B1 receptor, SSR240612 [(2R)-2-[((3R)-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-{[(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)sulfonyl]amino}propanoyl)amino]-3-(4-{[2R,6S)-2,6-dimethylpiperidinyl]methyl}phenyl)-N-isopropyl-N-methylpropanamide hydrochloride] were evaluated. SSR240612 inhibited the binding of [3H]Lys0-des-Arg9-BK to the B1 receptor in human fibroblast MRC5 and to recombinant human B1 receptor expressed in human embryonic kidney cells with inhibition constants (Ki) of 0.48 and 0.73 nM, respectively. The compound selectivity for B1 versus B2 receptors was in the range of 500- to 1000-fold. SSR240612 inhibited Lys0-desAr9-BK (10 nM)-induced inositol monophosphate formation in human fibroblast MRC5, with an IC50 of 1.9 nM. It also antagonized des-Arg9-BK-induced contractions of isolated rabbit aorta and mesenteric plexus of rat ileum with a pA2 of 8.9 and 9.4, respectively. Antagonistic properties of SSR240612 were also demonstrated in vivo. SSR240612 inhibited des-Arg9-BK-induced paw edema in mice (3 and 10 mg/kg p.o. and 0.3 and 1 mg/kg i.p.). Moreover, SSR240612 reduced capsaicin-induced ear edema in mice (0.3, 3 and 30 mg/kg p.o.) and tissue destruction and neutrophil accumulation in the rat intestine following splanchnic artery occlusion/reperfusion (0.3 mg/kg i.v.). The compound also inhibited thermal hyperalgesia induced by UV irradiation (1 and 3 mg/kg p.o.) and the late phase of nociceptive response to formalin in rats (10 and 30 mg/kg p.o.). Finally, SSR240612 (20 and 30 mg/kg p.o.) prevented neuropathic thermal pain induced by sciatic nerve constriction in the rat. In conclusion, SSR240612 is a new, potent, and orally active specific non-peptide bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist.
Assessment of Heating Rate and Non-uniform Heating in Domestic Microwave Ovens

Abstract Due to the inherent nature of standing wave patterns of microwaves inside a domestic microwave oven cavity and varying dielectric properties of different food components, microwave heating produces non-uniform distribution of energy inside the food. Non-uniform heating is a major food safety concern in not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) microwaveable foods. In this study, we present a method for assessing heating rate and non-uniform heating in domestic microwave ovens. In this study a custom designed container was used to assess heating rate and non-uniform heating of a range of microwave ovens using a hedgehog of 30 T-type thermocouples. The mean and standard deviation of heating rate along the radial distance and sector of the container were measured and analyzed. The effect of the location of rings and sectors was analyzed using ANOVA to identify the best location for placing food on the turntable. The study suggested that the best location to place food in a microwave oven is not at the center but near the edge of the turntable assuming uniform heating is desired. The effect of rated power and cavity size on heating rate and non-uniform heating was also studied for a range of microwave ovens. As the rated power and cavity size increases, heating rate increases while non-uniform heating decreases. Sectors in the container also influenced heating rate (p < 0.0001), even though it did not have clear trend on heating rate. In general, sectors close to the magnetron tend to heat slightly faster than sectors away from the magnetron. However, the variation in heating rate among sectors was only 2 °C/min and considered not practically important. Overall heating performance such as mean heating rate and non-uniform heating did not significantly vary between the two replications that were performed 4 h apart. However, microwave ovens were inconsistent in producing the same heating patterns between the two replications that were performed 4 h apart.
A snoring detector for OSAHS based on patient's individual personality

A conventional diagnostic tool for assessing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is polysomnography (PSG), which is expensive and uncomfortable for patients. It is an important and urgent topic to find a non-invasive and low-cost diagnostic approach for OSAHS detection. Recently, the snore signal analysis receives much attention due to its potential capability for OSAHS detection. In this paper, we propose a novel method for diagnosing OSAHS based on patient's individual personality. First, the first formant frequencies of each snorer are classified into two clusters by K-means clustering. And then, using the first cluster center of each snorer, we set a personalized threshold to distinguish the hypopneic snores from the normal ones. Since the proposed threshold varies with each individual, the patient's individual personality can be overcome effectively. Experimental results show the validity of the proposed detector. In the experiments, the sensitivity of our method can achieve 90% and the specificity can achieve 91.67%.
eurocognitive Profile in Adolescents with Early-Onset chizophrenia : Clinical Correlates

ackground: Neurocognitive impairments have been documented in adolescents with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS; onset by age 8) and are important treatment targets. Information concerning the severity, pattern, and clinical correlates of these deficits in EOS emains limited. ethods: Tests assessing motor skills, attention, memory, visuospatial abilities and executive functioning were administered to 54 linically stabilized adolescents with EOS and 52 ageand sex-matched healthy controls. Childhood-onset patients (onset by age 13) ere compared to those with an adolescent onset of illness. Patients’ neurocognitive profiles were compared to those of controls. elationships between neurocognitive deficits and demographic and clinical characteristics were explored. esults: Neurocognitive profiles did not differ between childhoodand adolescent-onset participants. Patients showed a generalized eurocognitive deficit of 2.0 SDs compared to controls, with relative deficit in executive functioning and relative sparing of language nd visuospatial abilities. Degree of generalized neurocognitive impairment was associated with premorbid adjustment and negative ymptom severity (Adjusted R .39). onclusions: Results document both a significant generalized deficit and a relative deficit of executive functioning in adolescents ith EOS. The overall pattern is similar to that observed in severely ill first-episode adult patients. The impairments across multiple eurocognitive domains suggest widespread brain dysfunction in EOS.
Directional multidimensional monogenic signal analysis using shearlet monogenic transform

The monogenic signal is the natural 2-D counterpart of the 1-D analytic signal. Shearlet transform combines the power of multiscale methods with a unique ability to capture the geometry of multidimensional data, which is optimally efficient in representing images containing edges. We construct a new shearlet monogenic analysis method using the monogenic and structure based method of the shearlet transform. The result is a representation which each decomposition component of shearlet transform is associated with local orientation, amplitude and phase, which are the AM/FM component of each characters. The new method is highly anisotropic at the fine scales and yields a well-interpretable amplitude/phase decomposition of the transform coefficients over all scales. We illustrate the specific feature extraction capabilities of the method. The results are directional and multidimensional characters of the original image.
Foreign Direct Investment, Exports and Economic Growth: Pooled Mean Group (PMG) and Causality Analysis for West Africa

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth and export in host countries is known to have an important role in economic literature suffering from unemployment problems and lack of technological progress. Given that these countries are at different stages of growth were explored this issue West Africa by applying the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) and the Granger causality test in the period 1980 to 2014 by using panel data. The initial panel Granger causality results confirm that there is no significant Granger causality from FDI to economic growth, from economic growth to FDI, from export to economic growth and from economic growth to export in the short run in West Africa. However, in the long run, The Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimation analysis reveals that economic growth as the common factor that drives growth in other variables such as FDI inflows and exports. The article supports the FDI-led growth and Exports Led Growth hypothesis for West Africa. This implies that the improvement in the export sector may enhance the economic growth activities in West Africa and a common experience in attracting FDI.
Interleaved boost converter for multi-string photovoltaic topologies

An interleaved boost topology suitable for multistring photovoltaic topologies is presented in this paper. The presented topology allows to use independent and decoupled Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithms in order to optimize the use of the solar energy, especially for large PV farms, where the special location of the panels is distributed. The main features of an interleaved structures are presented and why they are adequate for connect several PV modules is explained. A basic Perturb and Observe algorithm is used to achieve the Maximum Power Point of the PV strings and its extension for the proposed topology is presented. Several simulations were carried out to demonstrate the suitability of the interleaved boost topology for PV applications.
Issues in the Transition to CIO Role in the Public Sector of Developing Countries

The chief information officer (CIO) is pivotal in enabling public sector organizations of developing countries to gain the full potential of information and communication technologies. Extant literature studied important aspects related to CIOs, such as competencies, roles, and relationship with CEO, yet it is fragmented and insufficiently comprehensive to offer an effective pathway or model to guide the transition to the CIO role. Studies on how public organizations in developing countries can create a transition to accommodate CIOs in their existing structures are necessary. This research, based on secondary data, identifies key issues that delineate the transition to CIO role anchored in institutional theory and the context of developing countries, including perceived organizational readiness, human capacity, strategic orientation, and organizational culture. Their interrelationships with proper institutional interventions and adaptation to contextual characteristics establish the foundation for a process map for the transition to the CIO role.
A statistical model for determining the minimum size in integrated circuits

A physical-statistical model for determining the minimum linewidth in integrated circuits of any kind is described. The minimum linewidth in integrated circuits is determined on the basis of a physical-statistical model for layout of the circuit pattern. First, the minimum spot size, 2.5 nm, of photon, electron, or ion beams, is determined, based on the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, minimum molecule size of resist, or particle scattering. In a second step, the minimum resolvable distance in the pattern is determined. It is based on two independent measurements of the end points of the distance. Also proximity effects are considered. The resultant minimum distance is about 10 nm. In a third step, the statistics of all the required measurements to define a complex circuit pattern is considered in two extreme cases. In the first case, all measurements are assumed independent. In the second case, complete dependence is assumed corresponding to a repetitive circuit pattern. This procedure determines a minimum linewidth of 70 nm and 30 nm, respectively, assuming 105measurements and tolerances of ±100 percent in linewidth and yield of 37 percent. For integrated semiconductor circuits additional factors enter. Thus for silicon transistor circuits doping fluctuations and bombardment by cosmic rays and natural radioactivity set a minimum linewidth around 100 nm.
Deglycosylation of human glycoconjugates by the sequential activities of exoglycosidases expressed by Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae produces three surface‐associated exoglycosidases; a neuraminidase, NanA, a β‐galactosidase, BgaA, and a β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase, StrH. the proposed functions of NanA, which removes terminal sialic acid, include revealing receptors for adherence, affecting the function of glycosylated host clearance molecules, modifying the surface of other bacteria coinhabiting the same niche, and providing a nutrient source. However, it is unclear whether following desialylation S. pneumoniae can further deglycosylate human targets through the activity of BgaA or StrH. We demonstrate that NanA, BgaA and StrH act sequentially to remove sialic acid, galactose and N‐acetylglucosamine and expose mannose on human glycoproteins that bind to the pneumococcus and protect the airway. In addition, both BgaA and NanA were shown to contribute to the adherence of unencapsulated pneumococci, to human epithelial cells. Despite these findings, triple exoglycosidase mutants colonized mice as well as their parental strains, suggesting that any effect of these genes on colonization and disease may be host species‐specific. These studies highlight the importance of considering the complete ability of S. pneumoniae to deglycosylate human targets and suggest that in addition to NanA, BgaA and StrH also contribute to pneumococcal colonization and/or pathogenesis.
Soluble Forms of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)2 Capable of Modulating TLR2 Signaling Are Present in Human Plasma and Breast Milk

Dysregulation of the initial, innate immune response to bacterial infection may lead to septic shock and death. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in this innate immune response, and yet the regulatory mechanisms controlling microbial-induced TLR triggering are still to be fully understood. We have therefore sought specific regulatory mechanisms that may modulate TLR signaling. In this study, we tested for the possible existence of a functionally active soluble form of TLR2. We demonstrated the existence of natural soluble forms of TLR2 (sTLR2), which we show to be capable of modulating cell activation. We found that blood monocytes released sTLR2 constitutively and that the kinetics of sTLR2 release increased upon cell activation. Analysis of cells expressing the human TLR2 cDNA or its c-myc-tagged version indicated that sTLR2 resulted from the posttranslational modification of the TLR2 protein in an intracellular compartment. Moreover, an intracellular pool of sTLR2 is maintained. sTLR2 was found naturally expressed in breast milk and plasma. Milk sTLR2 levels mirrored those of the TLR coreceptor soluble CD14. Depletion of sTLR2 from serum resulted in an increased cellular response to bacterial lipopeptide. Notably, serum sTLR2 was lower in tuberculosis patients. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments and computational molecular docking studies showed an interaction between sTLR2 and soluble CD14 in plasma and milk. These findings suggest the existence of a novel and specific innate immune mechanism regulating microbial-induced TLR triggering, and may lead to new therapeutics for the prevention and/or treatment of severe infectious diseases.
A National Survey of Child Advocacy Center Directors Regarding Knowledge of Assessment, Treatment Referral, and Training Needs in Physical and Sexual Abuse

Mental health services are a core component of child advocacy centers in the United States. Child advocacy center directors were surveyed about (a) trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder; (b) referral criteria for treatment of abuse victims; (c) evidence-based treatments for abused children; (d) reliable, valid, and normed measures helpful in assessment; and (e) training needs. Directors accurately identified posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, but additional symptoms were misidentified. Directors identified best practices for assessment and treatment, but they misidentified non-evidence-based practices. Primary reasons for referral for services included severity of abuse and emotional response of the child. However, referrals based on assessment findings were not a high priority. Directors expressed some training needs for staff consistent with issues identified in the study.
Audit risk and articulation errors from different cash flow disclosures: evidence from China*

Abstract We investigate the effects of articulation errors on audit opinions and fees, and moderating effects of the auditor size and different litigation regimes on the relationships between articulation errors on audit opinions and fees in China. We find that auditors are more likely to issue modified audit opinions (MAOs) and charge higher audit fees from their clients with higher absolute articulation errors, especially for big auditors and in high litigation risk regime. We also find that auditors who do not issue MAOs to clients with abnormal articulation errors receive higher fees than auditors who do issue MAOs.