Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Service quality models: a review

Purpose – The main objective of this paper is to critically appraise various service quality models and identify issues for future research based on the critical analysis of literature.Design/methodology/approach – The paper critically examines 19 different service quality models reported in the literature. The critical review of the different service quality models is intended to derive linkage between them, and highlight the area for further research.Findings – The review of various service quality model revealed that the service quality outcome and measurement is dependent on type of service setting, situation, time, need etc factors. In addition to this even the customer's expectations towards particular services are also changing with respect to factors like time, increase in the number of encounters with a particular service, competitive environment, etc. This paper provides a rich agenda for future research in the subject.Research limitations/implications – This research developed a linkage between.
Effective Management of Social Enterprises: Lessons From Businesses and Civil Society Organizations in Iberoamerica

effective management of social enterprises lessons from businesses and civil society organizations i are a good way to achieve details about operating certainproducts. Many products that you buy can be obtained using instruction manuals. These user guides are clearlybuilt to give step-by-step information about how you ought to go ahead in operating certain equipments. Ahandbook is really a user's guide to operating the equipments. Should you loose your best guide or even the productwould not provide an instructions, you can easily obtain one on the net. You can search for the manual of yourchoice online. Here, it is possible to work with google to browse through the available user guide and find the mainone you'll need. On the net, you'll be able to discover the manual that you might want with great ease andsimplicity
Understanding Poverty and Well-Being

In November 2010, the UK Department for International Development invited a small group of academics to discuss and take stock of 'what we think we know' about poverty. This led to conversations about " Where are the gaps in our knowledge and learning? " and, " What is the future direction for research on poverty? " DFID Research and Evidence Division convened two roundtable discussions with a group of senior academic researchers in November 2010 and March 2011 to reflect on new poverty concepts and indicators , to discuss their implications for policy and practice and, looking forward, to identify gaps that should be addressed through future research and synthesis. This final poverty and well-being note is an output from a further stage in the process where a drafting group came together to reflect on these questions in more detail and drafted this note to outline a position on key learning and future directions for research, which was then circulated back to the wider group for comment and feedback. The purpose of publishing the final paper now is to gather comment and generate debate over the issues raised across a broader range of voices. It is an opportunity both to test the level of consensus that can be built on defining priority research areas on poverty and wellbeing whilst identifying the remaining points of debate and divergence. The purpose of this debate is to stimulate further thinking and high quality research on poverty, and help inform the decisions and thinking of those working and engaged in poverty research.
Dose-response relationships using brain–computer interface technology impact stroke rehabilitation

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are an emerging novel technology for stroke rehabilitation. Little is known about how dose-response relationships for BCI therapies affect brain and behavior changes. We report preliminary results on stroke patients (n = 16, 11 M) with persistent upper extremity motor impairment who received therapy using a BCI system with functional electrical stimulation of the hand and tongue stimulation. We collected MRI scans and behavioral data using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) before, during, and after the therapy period. Using anatomical and functional MRI, we computed Laterality Index (LI) for brain activity in the motor network during impaired hand finger tapping. Changes from baseline LI and behavioral scores were assessed for relationships with dose, intensity, and frequency of BCI therapy. We found that gains in SIS Strength were directly responsive to BCI therapy: therapy dose and intensity correlated positively with increased SIS Strength (p ≤ 0.05), although no direct relationships were identified with ARAT or 9-HPT scores. We found behavioral measures that were not directly sensitive to differences in BCI therapy administration but were associated with concurrent brain changes correlated with BCI therapy administration parameters: therapy dose and intensity showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) or trending (0.05 < p < 0.1) negative correlations with LI changes, while therapy frequency did not affect LI. Reductions in LI were then correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with increased SIS Activities of Daily Living scores and improved 9-HPT performance. Therefore, some behavioral changes may be reflected by brain changes sensitive to differences in BCI therapy administration, while others such as SIS Strength may be directly responsive to BCI therapy administration. Data preliminarily suggest that when using BCI in stroke rehabilitation, therapy frequency may be less important than dose and intensity.
The Effects of Level-of-Interactivity and Gender on Learners' Achievement and Attitude in an E-learning Course on Computer Graphics

The interactivity of e-learning may affect how learners responding to the learning content. This study examined the effects of level-of-interactivity and gender on learners' achievement and attitudes under the condition of learning computer graphics on-line. One hundred and twenty one e-learners participated in this study and the effective sample size for the present study was ninety two. The effects of level-of-interactivity of e-learning courseware and gender on e-learners' performance and attitudes were analyzed with learners' prior- knowledge as a covariate to eliminate the effect caused by learners' various degrees of background knowledge in computers and the Internet. The analysis on e-learning performance revealed a significant interactivity- gender interaction and indicated that (a) when receiving the high-interactivity e-learning, male and female learners performed equally, but when receiving the low-interactivity e-learning, the male learners outperformed the female learners; (b) from the gender aspect, the male learners performed equally under the high-interactivity e-learning and the low-interactivity e-learning, the female learners, however, performed better when receiving the high-interactivity e-learning. The analysis on participants' attitudes revealed that (a) e-learners were satisfied with the design of e-learning and showed positive attitudes toward the learning guidance, prior- knowledge connection and practice, and (b) the high prior-knowledge learners approach e-learning more positive than the low prior-knowledge learners. It was concluded that the employment of interactivity should suit to the learning needs and individual difference of the learners in order to be effective.
Australians' Holiday Decisions in China: A Study Combining Novelty‐Seeking and Risk‐Perception Behaviors

This research examines how novelty‐seeking and risk‐taking characteristics influence holiday dining preferences and travel style. The study did this by applying the International Tourist Role scale (ITR) and the Food Activity Preferences scale (FAP) in combination with visual imagery to simulate different cultural food settings and restaurant situations. With regard to novelty‐seeking behavior and dining preferences, two distinct market segments were identified. The two clusters included organized comfort seekers and explorers. The findings highlight the differences between the two clusters with respect to their demographic profiles, travel styles, risk‐taking, and food preference decisions. Western tourists account for the major proportion of the Chinese inbound market. The findings suggest that if the Chinese tourist management wishes to stay competitive and attract the growing Western inbound market, they should take both novelty seeking and risk taking into account for planning their marketing strategies to target the specific demographic group that they are endeavouring to attract. The managerial implications of the results obtained are discussed. 本文旨在研究寻求新奇及冒险的性格对度假用餐偏好及旅游形态的影响。 为达到此目的，本文利用国际游客角色(ITR)等级及用餐行为偏好(FAP)等级，再结合视觉表象模拟不同文化的食物设置和餐厅环境。 本文针对寻求新奇行为和用餐偏好两方面，确定了两个截然不同的市场区隔，分别是安排得当、追求舒适的游客和爱探险的游客。 研究结果显示两者在人口统计特征、旅游形态、冒险和食物偏好上存在差异。 西方游客是中国入境旅游市场的主要部分。 研究结果显示，若中国的旅游管理层要保持竞争力及吸引与日俱增的西方入境游客，在设计市场策略时需要考虑寻求新奇及冒险这两项内力以针对特定的人口组群，从而吸引他们到中国旅游。 最后，本文进一步讨论该研究结果对旅游管理层的启示。
Risk Aversion among Smallholder High-value Crop Farmers in the Southern Philippines

Several elicitation techniques were employed to gauge the attitudes to risk of smallholder high-value crop farmers in the southern Philippines. Results showed varying degrees of risk aversion, neutrality, and preference among smallholder farmers. Although some of the techniques classified distinct groups of local growers as either risk-averse or risk-preferring, the estimated risk aversion coefficients were relatively low signifying an inclination toward risk neutrality. These may partly explain the degree of openness or non-openness of smallholder farmers to cultural changes and development interventions. Variations in farmers` risk attitude classification among the different elicitation methods indicate the need for further validation studies and more definitive evaluation standards.
Quality Grading in the Supply Chain

Abstract This paper examines the role of quality grades or standards in the supply chain using the case of the vegetable industry in Southern Philippines. A model is employed which shows that grading provides information that lower search cost of buyers. When standards are inadequate, information is distorted which results to asymmetric price transmission. Data show that majority of farmers surveyed grade their vegetables to get better prices and minimize transaction cost. Primary data analysis was supplemented with secondary data analysis by estimating a price asymmetry model. Results show that price transmission is symmetric for cabbage and asymmetric for onion. Asymmetry in price transmission implies that marketing information are not effectively transmitted in the food chain and that establishing quality grades is necessary to improve efficiency in the supply chain.
RoomBugs: simulating insect infestations in elementary classrooms

This paper presents research on a collaborative learning environment in an urban elementary science classroom. The application, called RoomBugs, simulates a dynamic ecosystem of insects within the physical space of a classroom. Using table-mounted tablet computers as "sand traps" that capture the foot-prints of virtual bugs walking across the screen, participants take on the role of scientists attempting to track and control the imagined insects that exist within their classroom walls. The simulation is designed to create authentic phenomenon without requiring heavy instrumentation.
Article Commentary: Orientation-Dependent Mechanisms in Shape Recognition: Further Issues

Tarr and Pinker (1989, 1990) delineated the conditions in which the orientation of a shape affects the time subjects take to recognize it. Relatively large effects of orientation were found (1) when misoriented asymmetrical shapes were unfamiliar, and (2) when familiar asymmetrical shapes appeared in unfamiliar orientations. In contrast, relatively small effects or no effect of orientation were found (1) when familiar asymmetrical shapes appeared at familiar orientations, (2) when unfamiliar mirror-reversals of familiar asymmetrical shapes appeared at unfamiliar orientations, (3) for misoriented symmetrical shapes, whether they were unfamiliar or familiar, and (4) for misoriented bilaterally redundant shapes, whether they were unfamiliar or familiar. To account for these data, two questions must be addressed: What mental processes underlie large effects of orientation or their absence; and why do these two patterns of data depend on manipulations of familiarity, handedness, and shape geometry? In Tarr and Pinker (1989, 1990) we proposed a theory that simultaneously answered both of these questions {what processes are used when very small effects of orientation are observed, and when are these processes used). The theory, multiple-views-plus-transformation, suggests that large effects of orientation in shape recognition are due to mental rotation. Crucially, this conclusion is based not only on the presence of an orientation effect, but on the similarity between our rotation rates and the rates observed in experiments by Shepard and Cooper (1982). These experiments used independent evidence to demonstrate the existence of an incremental mental rotation transformation, not confined to the effects of orientation, but depending on converging manipulations such as response time to probes at intermediate orientations and presentation points, effects of advance information and preparation time, and other techniques. We suggested that the absence of such large effects of orientation may result from orientation-invariant mechanisms of three kinds: orientation-specific representations of familiar shapes at familiar orientations; a 180° rotation in depth to align unfamiliar mirror-reversals with their familiar standards; and \Vi D orientation-independent descriptions for symmetrical and bilaterally redundant shapes. Together these hypotheses not only explain the causes of the absence of mental-rotation-size orientation
The Underrepresentation of Black Students in Advanced Placement Courses: Student Perceptions of Peers, Teachers and School

THE UNDERREPRESENTATION OF BLACK STUDENTS IN ADVANCED PLACEMENT: STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF PEERS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOL by Camille Elizabeth Havis Under the Direction of Dr. Jami Royal Berry In its annual Advanced Placement Report to the Nation, the College Board highlights increasing the participation rates of minorities in AP classes. Despite this emphasis, Blacks continue to be the most underrepresented students in AP courses. The research on the reasons for this underrepresentation from the perspective of Black students is limited. The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent, if any, peers, teachers or school influences the enrollment practices of Blacks in AP. Chapter 1 examines the history of AP and Black students, as well as existing literature with respect to peer pressure, teacher expectations and school practices. Using qualitative research, chapter 2 asks Black students to describe their experiences with AP as related to their peers, teachers, and school as influences on their AP course enrollment through Invitational Theory to determine if the environment is intentionally inviting them to enroll in these courses. The findings suggest that the students’ interest in the course, parental influence, and eventual college selection were the dominant influences in enrollment decisions. Their experiences can provide insight on academic choices and actions. This study may have implications for the recruitment of Black students in AP. INDEX WORDS: Advanced placement, College board, Black students, Peers, Teachers, School and underrepresentation, Invitational theory THE UNDERREPRESENTATION OF BLACK STUDENTS IN ADVANCED PLACEMENT: STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF PEERS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOL by Camille Elizabeth Havis
Quality of Life of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: Differential Perceptions between Spouse and Adult Child Caregivers

Background/Aims: Little research has been conducted into differences in the perceived quality of life of patients (QoL-p) when comparing spouse and adult child caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this study was to identify the differential variables in perceived QoL-p between patients and carers, distinguishing between spouse and adult child caregivers. Method: Cross-sectional analytic study of 251 patients and their carers (spouses: 112; adult children: 139) using the QoL-AD scale and sociodemographic and clinical data. Results: The more positive perception of spouses was associated with higher educational levels of the caregiver and greater functional autonomy in the patient. The more negative perception of adult children was associated with greater caregiver burden and higher levels of depression in the patient. The perception of daughter caregivers showed the strongest association with mental health and burden. Conclusions: Spouse caregivers have a more positive perception of the patient’s quality of life than adult child caregivers.
Safe Dynamic Reshaping of Reconfigurable MPSoC Embedded Systems for Self-Healing and Self-Adaption Purposes

Multiprocessor system-on-chip (MPSoC) architectures are a huge challenge in embedded system design. This situation arises from the fact that available MPSoCs and related designs flows are not tailored to the specific needs of embedded systems. This work demonstrates how to provide self-healing properties in embedded MPSoC design. This is achieved by combining the features of a generic approach to create virtualizable MPSoCs out of off-the-shelf embedded processors with a methodology to derive system configurations, such as task-processor bindings, which are optimal in terms of safety and execution time. The virtualization properties enable a reshaping of the MPSoC at runtime. Thus, system configurations may be exchanged rapidly in a dynamic fashion. As a main result of this work, embedded multiprocessor systems are introduced, which dynamically adapt to changing operating conditions, possible module defects, and internal state changes. We demonstrate the figures of merit of such reconfigurable MPSoC embedded systems by means of a complex automotive application scenario mapped to an FPGA featuring a virtualizable array of eight soft-core processors.
Stellar populations of early-type galaxies in different environments. I. Line-strength indices. Relations of line-strengths with sigma

This paper commences a series devoted to the study of the stellar content of early-type galaxies. The goal of the series is to set constraints on the evolutionary status of these objects. Methods. In this paper we describe the details of the galaxy sample, the observations, and the data reduction. Line-strength indices and velocity dispersions (sigma) are measured in 98 early-type galaxies drawn from different environments, and the relation of the indices with the velocity dispersion analysed in detail. Results. The present sample indicates that some of the index-sigma relations depend on galaxy environment. In particular, the slope of the relation between Balmer lines and s is steeper for galaxies in the Virgo cluster, small groups, and in the field than for galaxies in the Coma cluster. In several indices there is also a significant sigma. set in the zero point between the relations defined by the different subsamples. The slopes of the index-sigma relation for the Virgo and low-density environment galaxies are explained by a variation of both age and metallicity, with velocity dispersion, as previously noted in other studies. For the galaxies in the Coma cluster, however, the relation of the indices with s only requires a variation of the abundance along the s sequence. In agreement with other studies, we find that the models that better reproduce the slopes are those in which the a elements vary more than the Fe-peak elements along the s sequence, while, at a given s, older galaxies show an higher sigma/Fe ratio. Conclusions. The results can be explained assuming that galaxies in the Coma cluster have experienced a truncated star formation and chemical enrichment history compared to a more continuous time-extended history for their counterparts in lower density environments.
A Time-and-Times-Limited Strong Direct Anonymous Attestation Scheme

Direct Anonymous Attestation (DAA) has been adopted in Trusted Platform Module v 1.2 (TPM v1.2) Specification, described by Trusted Computing Group (TCG). It intends to solve the trusted platform attestation and the platform privacy protection. In DAA, the certificate can be used repeatedly and this will provide the opportunities for rogue TPMs to initiate the replay attacks. For identifying the rogue platform, DAA cannot but use a relatively fixed pseudonym rather than a random pseudonym, which would badly weaken the anonymity of the platform. To tackle this problem, a time-and-times-limited strong DAA (TTLS-DAA) scheme, which extends DAA by adding valid period of time and restriction of times into the certificate, is put forward. Since the pseudonym of the user platform is different for each attestation, TTLS-DAA provides stronger anonymity. Being able to control the use of the certificate, it can be widely used in practice especially in commercial fields.
Phrase Boundary Assignment from Text in Multiple Domains

Detecting and modeling proper phrasing from an input text string is an important aspect when producing synthesis that sounds intelligible and natural. Knowledge of proper phrase structure influences, e.g., the placement and length of pauses, and the realization of phrase-final boundary contours, both of which can have an effect in a listener’s percepts ranging from naturalness to semantic interpretation. In this work, we look at modeling the occurrence, and types, of phrase breaks from purely textual features, paying close attention to how the performance of the systems generalizes inand out-of-domain for corpora of various types (such as broadcast news, spontaneous speech, and synthesis databases), and as a function of various subsets of syntactical and lexical features investigated.
Discovery of a Second High-Frequency Quasi-periodic Oscillation from the Microquasar GRS 1915+105

We report the discovery in archival Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer data of a ~40 Hz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) in the hard X-ray flux from the Galactic microquasar GRS 1915+105. The QPO is detected only in the hard X-ray band above ~13 keV and was discovered in observations in which the previously known 67 Hz QPO is present. The 40 Hz QPO has a typical rms amplitude of ~2% in the 13-27 keV band and a width of ~5.5 Hz (FWHM). We show that the 67 and 40 Hz QPOs are detected in the same observations in 1997 July and November. However, the QPO is not detected in observations from 1996 April, May, and June in which the 67 Hz QPO was first discovered. The frequency of the 67 Hz QPO is significantly higher in the 1997 observations by about 5% compared with the 1996 data. The identification of the 40 Hz QPO makes GRS 1915+105 the second black hole binary to show a pair of simultaneous high-frequency QPOs (the other being GRO J1655-40). The similarities between the properties of the 67 Hz QPO in GRS 1915+105 and the recently discovered 450 Hz QPO in GRO J1655-40 suggest that the pairs of frequencies in these systems may be produced by the same physical mechanism, with the frequency differences between the two being likely due to different black hole masses in the two systems. We discuss the implications of our result for the mass and spin of GRS 1915+105 as well as for models of X-ray variability in black holes and neutron stars.