Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loyalty Typologies and Consumer Choice Factors in the Online Sports-Betting Industry: An Explorative Study into the Italian Regulated Market

The paper analyses the loyalty typologies and consumer choice factors in the regulated online sports-betting industry. From the methodological viewpoint an empirical investigation has been carried out through the administration of a questionnaire towards customers who make sports bets on online gambling sites in the Italian regulated market. We have found that, in keeping with consumersi¯ behaviour i°regularitiesi± which normally characterize frequently purchased consumer goods markets, the number of customers who are exclusively loyal to one gambling website is rather limited and that, therefore, online bettors mostly adopt a i°multi-brandi± buying behaviour. In the markets in which this behaviour pattern emerges, customer loyalty programs appear less efficacious in increasing market penetration of the companies with respect to the firmsi¯ decisions on marketing mix-inputs that influence consumer choice of purchasing. The empirical investigation has therefore permitted us to single out the factors that influence the decision to bet at one online gambling site over another, and to show how the importance of these factors varies in relation to the different degree of the gamblers loyalty. The results are then applied to marketing strategies of the online gambling operators.
Determinants of capital structure: evidence from the Czech automotive industry

The objective of the paper is to identify the determinants influencing the capital structure of large and medium-sized enterprises of the automotive industry in the Czech Republic. The sample consists of 100 companies belonging to NACE division 29. The data come from financial statements of selected companies and cover a period from 2006 to 2010. For the purpose of the paper quantitative research is used. The selection of appropriate dependent and independent is realized on the basis of secondary research on studies of capital structure. The analysis of variance, correlation and regression analyses have been performed to see the nature of relationship between variables. Size, tangibility, profitability and liquidity appear to be relevant determinants of capital structure. Growth is not a statistically significant determinant of leverage. It has been observed that the maturity of debt has to be considered, since the investigation of total debt only does not provide precious results. The findings do not unequivocally support either the static trade-off theory or the pecking order theory.
The Welfare Economics of Default Options in 401(K) Plans

Default contribution rates for 401(k) pension plans powerfully influence workers’ choices. Potential causes include opt-out costs, procrastination, inattention, and psychological anchoring. We examine the welfare implications of defaults under each of these theories. We show how the optimal default, the magnitude of the welfare effects, and the degree of normative ambiguity depend on the behavioral model, the scope of the choice domain deemed welfare-relevant, the use of penalties for passive choice, and other 401(k) plan features. Depending on which theory and welfare perspective one adopts, virtually any default contribution rate may be optimal. Still, our analysis provides reasonably robust justifications for setting the default either at the highest contribution rate matched by the employer or – contrary to common wisdom – at zero. We also identify the types of empirical evidence needed to determine which case is applicable.
CULTIVATION OF THE EDIBLE MUSHROOM OUDEMANSIELLA CANARII (JUNGH.) HÖHN. IN LIGNOCELLULOSIC SUBSTRATES

The edible mushroom Oudemansiella canarii (Jungh.) Hohn is common in the Brazilian territory, being found in different biomas, where they colonize several plant species. In this study, the O. canarii cultivation was evaluated in polypropilene bags containing sugar-cane bagasse (200 g) or eucalyptus sawdust (200 g) supplemented with wheat bran (50 g). The composts were sterilized at 121oC for 1 hour, after cooling they were inoculated with 3 g of spawn and then remained incubated at 25oC until the basidiomata primordia formation. The mushrooms, harvested after the pilei opening, presented varied sizes reaching 9 cm of diameter and 10 cm of height. The fresh mushrooms presented mild taste and soft consistency. When kept at 4oC, they maintained good appearance and good consistency for 7 days. In a period of 60 days, the largest basidiomata production was obtained in the compost with sugar-cane bagasse, showing greater productivity (4.47% ± 1.34), biological efficiency (55.66% ± 20.41) and compost consumption (38.78% ± 4.59) averages. Wilcoxon's non-parametric statistical analysis used to compare the biomass production in the two composts, showed significant differences at 5% significance level.
The effects of restaurant attributes on satisfaction and return patronage intentions: Evidence from solo diners’ experiences in the United States

Abstract Purpose-This study examines the interrelationship among restaurant attributes (including food, service, and physical environment), satisfaction and return patronage intentions with a focus on solo diners’ experiences. Design/methodology/approach- A web-based survey was conducted to collect data from solo diners who resided in the United States. Findings- The findings showed that perceived quality of food, service, and physical environment were positively related to solo diners’ satisfaction. Satisfaction mediated the relationships between three service quality components and return patronage intentions. Additionally, perceived food quality had a direct positive effect on return patronage intentions of solo diners. Research limitations/implications- The data were collected from a convenience sample of solo diners in the United States; thus, the generalizability of the results is limited. Effects of only three factors were examined in terms of impact on satisfaction and patronage intentions. Other factors may be included in the future studies. Practical implications- The results provide restaurant managers with understanding of how food and service quality as well as restaurant’s environment can improve solo diner’s satisfaction and return patronage intentions. Originality/value- In addition to the examination of the mediating effect of satisfaction on the relationships among three types of perceived quality and return patronage intentions, the study is centered on solo diners, an influential and growing group of customers that has not received much research attention.
Does the magnetosphere behave differently on weekends ?

Global geomagnetic activity has been suggested to be enhanced during weekends above the weekly average after 1930. Before the 1930s, weekends and weekdays were found to be equally active. This so-called “weekend effect” was suggested to be due to power line harmonic radiation (PLHR) in the VLF range emitted by electric power lines. Since the consumption of electric power is different on weekends and weekdays, leading to different PLHR intensities, this could possibly cause the “weekend effect” in global geomagnetic activity. In the present paper, we reanalyse the suggested “weekend effect” in global geomagnetic activity using the 69-year planetary geomagnetic Ap index and the 131-year antipodal aa index. We conclude that there is no statistically significant “weekend effect” during the interval covered by these geomagnetic activity indices. Although global geomagnetic activity is slightly enhanced on weekends from the 1930s to the 1980s, the more recent data show rather a relative decrease in global geomagnetic activity on weekends, contrary to the expected increase in the “weekend effect”, due to increasing power consumption. Moreover, the weekly distribution is fairly similar in solar wind speed and global geomagnetic activity during the last 35 years, further supporting the view that the “weekend effect” is only a statistical fluctuation.
SHARDS Frontier Fields: Physical Properties of a Low-mass Lyα Emitter at z = 5.75

We analyze the properties of a multiply imaged Lyα (Lyα) emitter at z = 5.75 identified through SHARDS Frontier Fields intermediate-band imaging of the Hubble Frontier Fields (HFF) cluster Abell 370. The source, A370-L57, has low intrinsic luminosity (MUV ∼ −16.5), steep UV spectral index (β = −2.4 ± 0.1), and extreme rest-frame equivalent width of Lyα ( Å). Two different gravitational lens models predict high magnification (μ ∼ 10–16) for the two detected counterimages, separated by 7″, while a predicted third counterimage (μ ∼ 3–4) is undetected. We find differences of ∼50% in magnification between the two lens models, quantifying our current systematic uncertainties. Integral field spectroscopy of A370-L57 with MUSE shows a narrow (FWHM = 204 ± 10 km s−1) and asymmetric Lyα profile with an integrated luminosity L(Lyα) ∼ 1042 erg s−1. The morphology in the Hubble Space Telescope bands comprises a compact clump (re < 100 pc) that dominates the Lyα and continuum emission and several fainter clumps at projected distances ≲1 kpc that coincide with an extension of the Lyα emission in the SHARDS F823W17 and MUSE observations. The latter could be part of the same galaxy or an interacting companion. We find no evidence of a contribution from active galactic nuclei to the Lyα emission. Fitting of the spectral energy distribution with stellar population models favors a very young (t < 10 Myr), low-mass ( ), and metal-poor (Z ≲ 4 × 10−3) stellar population. Its modest star formation rate (SFR ∼ 1.0 yr−1) implies high specific SFR (sSFR ∼ 2.5 × 10−7 yr−1) and SFR density ( yr−1 kpc−2). The properties of A370-L57 make it a good representative of the population of galaxies responsible for cosmic reionization.
First Generation Iranian Immigrants and the Question of Cultural Identity: The Case of Iowa

Based on survey research and in-depth interviews, this article concerns first generation Iranian immigrants in Iowa and focuses on the extent of their integration into the host society's culture. The findings indicate that while the majority of respondents are fully bilingual and receptive of the host society's culture, they are confident enough to bring up their children based on Iranian cultural values. Yet the longer they stay in the United States, the more isolated they become and the lonelier they feel. There are two plausible explanations: first, their middle-class to upper-class status and above-average educational level is a determining factor in reinforcing Iranian ethnic pride; second, despite their educational and professional successes, Iranian immigrants’ failure to blend into the society at large signals a more serious problem of prejudice and subtle discrimination against them.
Happiness, Inequality and Relative Concerns in European Countries

This paper analyzes the relationship between happiness and income inequality using peer comparisons. We decompose the overall distribution of income into “between” and “within” reference groups with respect to inequality and propose a novel set of multidimensional indexes to control for the main dimensions of relative deprivation. We find that inequality between reference groups does not affect happiness and that within group inequality negatively affects individual happiness. From a theoretical perspective, we interpret these results as an extension of social comparison theory and a validation of the hypothesis that people perceive the income of their reference group in terms of their own future prospects. The analysis is based on the European Quality of Life Survey.
The Self Concept Change as a Tool for Developmental Academic Advising.

The main goals of academic advising are not only to improving social and academic success of students during academic year, but to improve the retention of the students with the successful interventions inside the educational system. Many areas of practice and research are mentioned in the scientific literature. One of them is improving students' self-concept in order to make them more successful at their academic concerns. However, except for self-efficacy, few researchers took other important aspects of self-concept into consideration. Self-perceived values are the target in our research. The present research is inspired from a practical work of students' developmental advising and shows how self-perceptions of the students regarding certain characteristics could be positively altered not only by using an intervention derived from Festinger's social comparison theory (1) but also application of positive psychology (2). It has been found that students' self-perception is altered when students learned and improved their consciousness about how other peers perceive them regarding certain characteristics. Besides confirming once again the reality of social comparison theory in academic context, practical implications of the findings for developmental academic advising are concluded.
Comparison of spontaneous and secondary pneumomediastinum

Pneumomediastinum (PM) is an uncommon event defined as the presence of free air in the mediastinum. Its clinical picture includes retrosternal chest pain, subcutaneous emphysema, dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia and asthenia. PM is further divided into two groups of patients: spontaneous PM, without any obvious primary source, and secondary PM, with a specific responsible pathologic event, such as trauma, intrathoracic infections, violation of the aerodigestive track or others. We retrospectively examined and compared backgrounds, onset, treatments and outcomes of ten and 5 patients in spontaneous and secondary PM.
Bouncers: a design exploration into sharing and triggering personal activity amongst friends

Sports clubs are loosing their social role leading to a decrease in sports participation. The exploration discussed in this paper attempts to create a virtual sports club to stimulate social connectedness. For this purpose Bouncers, a live wallpaper for android smartphones, was created. Bouncers allows a group of friends to get insight into each other's physical activity. This resulted in an increase in social activity through which persuasion within the group emerged.
Design, fabrication and calibration of a novel MEMS logic gate

This paper presents the design, fabrication and calibration of a novel MEMS logic gate that can perform Boolean algebra as well as logic devices composed of solid-state transistors. Unlike existing designs, the proposed design can perform either NAND gate or NOR gate functions using the same mechanical structure, but different electrical interconnects. The proposed design imposes three requirements on the fabrication process: two voltage levels carried on a suspended plate, metal-to-metal contact between shuttle electrodes and fixed electrodes, and a low process temperature (<300 °C). To fulfill these requirements, the residual stress in the fabricated device is substantial which could impair the functionality of the device. Therefore, a novel in situ film stress calibration method is developed to assist the development of the fabrication process. In a prototype design, the fabricated device is 250 μm long, 100 μm wide and of 3.97 μm gap. Experimental results show that the device can operate at 25/−25 V and 100 Hz, and achieve the proposed logic functions. In addition, several properties of this device are experimentally evaluated, including power consumption, on/off resistance, lifetime and resonant frequency.
A Study on Socio Demographic Profile and Obstetric Profile among MTP Seekers from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Background: In India Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) legalised in 1971, India is one of the countries that legalized abortion on moderately liberal grounds for women to access safe abortion services. The higher fertility in India is attributed to early marriage, low level of literacy, poor level of living, limited use of contraceptives and traditional ways of life. Family planning plays a key role in deciding the desired family size and effective limitation of fertility. Though MTP is a safe procedure and legalised, its use is limited due complications to lack of awareness and it is dangerous to use it for spacing. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to understand the factors influencing MTPs & the subsequent adoption of contraceptive methods following it. The objectives of the study were to study the sociodemographic and obstetric profile of women undergoing termination of pregnancy and to study the reasons for termination of pregnancy and the concurrent contraceptive methods adopted by these women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women who underwent MTP at SUT hospital during the study period. The details regarding their socio demographic profile, previous obstetric history, reason for undertaking MTP and acceptance of post abortal contraception were taken. Results: Among the 168, MTP seekers 26.19% of women were below the age of 26 to 29 years, 80.3% of women resided in urban area and 45.2 % of the women were either had primary education. Humanitarian grounds (54.7%) were the main reason for current termination of pregnancy. Majority (70%) opted for IUDs as post abortion contraception and (30%) opted for permanent sterilisation as a method for contraception. Conclusions: Eligible couples have to be educated regarding the various methods of family planning to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Leadership and Ethical Development: Balancing Light and Shadow

Abstract: What makes a leader ethical? This paper critically examines the answer given by developmental theory, which argues that individuals can develop through cumulative stages of ethical orientation and behavior (e.g. Hobbesian, Kantian, Rawlsian), such that leaders at later developmental stages (of whom there are empirically very few today) are more ethical. By contrast to a simple progressive model of ethical development, this paper shows that each developmental stage has both positive (light) and negative (shadow) aspects, which affect the ethical behaviors of leaders at that stage. It also explores an unexpected result: later stage leaders can have more significantly negative effects than earlier stage leadership.
Development of Calanus euxinus during spring cold homothermy in the Black Sea

In copepodites and adults of Calanus euxinus abundance, body length and weight, chemical composition and respiration rate in relation to age were studied during the cruise of R/V 'Knorr' in April 2003 in the southwestern Black Sea and in laboratory experiments. Data on morphol- ogy and physiology of C. euxinus collected during other seasons were also used in comparative analyses. At high concentrations of the diatom Proboscia alata during spring homothermy (6.8 to 8.5°C) C. euxinus did not undertake diel vertical migrations to the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). The majority of the population was located above the OMZ, feeding on phytoplankton during nighttime and daytime whilst nearly 10% of copepodite stages IV and V (CIV and CV) and adults remained constantly in the OMZ. Although a diapausing stock of the population began to form in the OMZ, the majority of CV developed without diapause. The development times of copepodite stages at 8°C were determined on the basis of field observations of ontogenetic changes in carbon content and calculated absolute growth rates. Development time from CI to CV amounted to 22 d. In CV the time for lipid deposition from 0.008 ± 0.007 mm 3 in postmolts up to a maximum volume of 0.165 ± 0.054 mm 3 in intermolts constituted 26 d. The total generation time from eggs to adults is not less
Costless Versus Costly Signaling: Theory and Evidence from Share Repurchases *

When does a good firm separate itself from a bad firm by “putting its money where its mouth is” and when does it engage in cheap talk? We develop a simple model in this paper to find out which signaling mechanism will be used under what circumstances in a capital market. We find, as one would expect, that the good firm prefers cheap talk over costly signaling, because in the latter method, all of the cost of separation is being borne by the firm. However, costless signaling can only be used by good firms who are more undervalued and are more ignored. These restrictions exist because cheap talk will only attract attention from speculators when scrutiny is likely to uncover more opportunities for trading profits that will cover the costs of scrutiny. We then test the predictions of the model using a data set of open market share repurchases that contains firms that employ costless signals (announce share repurchases, but do not repurchase) as well as firms that employ costly signals (announce share repurchases, and repurchase). The evidence in favor of the predictions of the model is surprisingly robust.
Rapid micropropagation and callus induction of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. - An endangered plant

An in vitro micropropagation system has been develo ped for Terminalia bellerica Roxb. , an important In dian medicinal plant. Nodal segments obtained from 15-d- old aseptically grown seedlings were used as explan ts. MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP was found most suita ble for culture initiation. Although shoot multipli cation was achieved on MS medium containing BAP and Kn, the ma ximum number of shoots was obtained with 3.5 mg/l B AP+ 0.5 mg/l Kn. Best rooting response was observed on medium containing quarter strength MS salts, 0.8% a gar and 1.0 mg/l IBA. Plantlets were hardened initially in culture room conditions and then transferred to mis thouse. Maximum callus induction response was observed on M S medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/l 2,4-D+ 0.3 mg/ l Kn within 4 weeks from leaf petiole.
Strategic Delegation and Semipublic Firms

By considering a mixed oligopoly and considering that public firms are less efficient than private firms, White (2001) shows that if private firms hire managers then the public firm does not do so. We show in this paper that if we consider that a private firm competes with a firm that is owned jointly by both the private and public sectors (a semipublic firm) and that all the firms are equally efficient, then in equilibrium both firms hire managers.
Glacier Melting and Retreat: Understanding the Perception of Agricultural Households That Face the Challenges of Climate Change

This work was financed by the International Development Research Center (IDRC), and leaded by the Center of Studies for Economic Development (CEDE) from Universidad de los Andes and the Latin-American and the Caribbean Environmental Economics Program (LACEEP), through the project “The Strengthening of Capacities for Economic Research on Climate Change Adaptation”. This is an initiative of joint efforts of Environment for Development – Central America) and LACEEP.