Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimization of Transmission Loss in Meshed AC/DC Grids With VSC-MTDC Networks

The paper considers the optimal power flow (OPF) of a meshed AC/DC power transmission network with voltage source converter based multi-terminal DC (VSC-MTDC) networks. The OPF problem is formulated to minimize the transmission loss of the whole AC/DC network with two different VSC control strategies considered, constant DC voltage control (master-slave control) and DC voltage droop control. In addition, Grid Code compliance of wind farms is also embedded in the OPF formulation. The presented OPF is evaluated and demonstrated in the paper by two example meshed AC/DC power systems.
Brand building in the 1990s

Claims that the time has come to consider how to apply marketing principles and practices in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing environment. Argues that as it becomes increasingly difficult to sustain a comparative advantage over competitors it will become increasingly important to position organizations as “brands” in the minds of actual and potential customers. Examines the nature of brand building and methods for building company brand and concludes that brand building provides the organization with limitless possibilities for growth.
THE IMPACT OF INSTITUTIONAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: EVIDENCE FROM JAPAN

We examine the determinants of Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI) focusing on institutional and social factors. Using panel data on 59 countries from 1995 to 2008, we find that host countries with free and open markets and greater cultural distance from Japan attract Japanese FDI. Good institutions, such as a well-developed legal framework and an effective government, are important in promoting Japanese FDI to emerging economies, whereas fewer regulatory restrictions, lower tax burden, and more religious diversity attract Japanese FDI to developed countries. We find that corruption stimulates Japanese FDI to developed countries, which is contrary to most previous research.
The Comparative Evaluation of Hotel Service Quality from a Managerial Perspective

ABSTRACT Total customer satisfaction is one of the most important strategic weapons of best-practice hotel organizations, because it reflects the effectiveness and efficiency of the hotel's service delivery system. To achieve total customer satisfaction, a hotel needs to build and sustain a loyal customer relationship. The establishment of a loyal customer relationship often starts with the monitoring of hotel employees who represent “internal customers” as a front-line, initial contact with hotel guests. With this in mind, this paper analyzes feedback of both hotel employees (internal customers) and guests (external customers), compares their perceived differences in the importance of service attributes to overall hotel service quality, identifies service gaps, and takes corrective action to reduce such gaps. Based on the longitudinal surveys of both hotel employees and guests who have stayed at first-class hotels in Korea, this paper develops customer retention and continuous service improvement strategies.
Heterogeneity in growth inhibition by beta-trans-retinoic acid of metastatic B16 melanoma clones and in vivo-selected cell variant lines.

Abstract A malignant B16 melanoma parental cell line, four unselected clones derived from this line which possess varying lung colonization potentials (clones 9 and 14 > parental B16 > clones 12 and 15), four variant cell lines selected in vivo for increased ability to colonize preferentially lungs (B16-F10 > B16-F1, parental B16), brain (B16-B10n > B16-F1, parental B16), or ovaries (B16-O10 > B16-F1, parental B16), and a line selected in vitro for resistance to lymphocyte cytotoxicity (B16-F10 Lr-6 ) have been examined in culture for their susceptibilities to growth inhibition by retinoic acid. The proliferation of all clones and cell lines was inhibited in the presence of noncytotoxic concentrations of retinoic acid (10 −5 and 10 −6 m); however, the extent of inhibition varied significantly. The parental B16 line and parental clone 14, as well as the in vivo -selected variant cell lines B16-F1 and B16-B10n, were extremely sensitive to retinoic acid, and their growth was inhibited by 75 to 90% after a 5-day incubation in the presence of 10 −5 m retinoic acid. Under similar conditions, the growth of parental clones 9, 12, and 15 and of selected cell lines B16-F10, B16-F10 Lr-6 , and B16-O10 was inhibited only moderately (40 to 60%). A more striking difference in sensitivity was observed when cells were exposed to a low retinoic acid concentration (10 −9 m). While the parental B16 line and B16-F1 were inhibited by nearly 40%, parental clones 12 and 14 and selected cell line B16-F10 Lr-6 were inhibited by about 20%, and parental clones 9 and 15 and lines B16-B10n, B16-O10, and B16-F10 were not significantly affected (0 to 10% inhibition). These results demonstrate that the parental B16 melanoma line is heterogeneous with respect to sensitivity to retinoic acid and includes some cell variants with reduced susceptibility to the drug.
Experiential Marketing On Brand Advocacy: A Mixed-Method Approach On Global Apple Product Users

Traditionally, marketing was about delivering the right product to the consumer at the right place and set at the right price. In recent years, experiential marketing has increased in popularity among companies that aim at delivering holistic experiences to be enjoyed by their consumers. With the technology explosion and the level of development the past number of years, marketers have become more and more focussed on different ways and methods to reach consumers. The use of experiential marketing as a means of getting consumer buy-in and attention is gaining in momentum - with Apple leading the way. This study made use of a mixed-method approach to determine the relationship between experiential marketing and brand advocacy through brand loyalty. Qualitative research was utilised to deduce themes for brand advocacy for Apple, which was incorporated into the quantitative research in the form of a web-based questionnaire completed by consumers of Apple products. Apple consumers found the experiential marketing efforts by Apple to have an influence on their feeling of loyalty toward the brand. As that feeling of loyalty increased, these consumers displayed a high tendency toward becoming brand advocates for Apple.
Building customer relationships: do discount cards work?

The relationship between customer loyalty and satisfaction, profitability and customer retention is described within the framework of relationship marketing. The importance of loyal customers and their impact on business profitability is undisputed, but it is more difficult to build customer retention than it may appear. Various strategies including loyalty schemes and discount cards are sometimes used in an effort to retain customers, but their success is questionable. A New Zealand hotel case study is presented which describes customer reactions to a discount card promotion. It was found that customers who purchased the card exhibited the characteristics of Morgan’s “mercenaries”. Although they had high satisfaction, their commitment to the company was low. However, in order to succeed, loyalty programmes need to develop “loyalists”, customers who have high satisfaction, high loyalty and who will stay and be supportive of the company.
RecSys Challenge 2015 and the YOOCHOOSE Dataset

The 2015 ACM Recommender Systems Challenge offered the opportunity to work on a large-scale e-commerce dataset from a big retailer in Europe which is accepting recommender system as a service from YOOCHOOSE. Participants tackled the problem of predicting what items a user intends to purchase, if any, given a click sequence performed during an activity session on the e-commerce website. The challenge ran for seven months and was very successful, attracting 850 teams from 49 countries which submitted a total of 5,437 solutions. The winners of the challenge scored approximately 50% of the maximum score, which we considered as an impressive achievement. In this paper we provide a brief overview of the challenge and its results.
Nonsampling vs. Sampling Errors in Survey Research

To increase the validity and reliability of survey data, one must minimize total error and its components, sampling and nonsampling error. This article examines and empirically compares the components of total survey error for several research designs and data collection methods. The consistent finding is that nonsampling error is the major contributor to total survey error, while random sampling error is minimal. On this basis guidelines for improving quality of survey data are provided.
Atenolol and Metoprolol. A Comparison of Their Excretion into Human Breast Milk

Abstract. The transfer of atenolol and metoprolol to human breast milk was studied in 7 lactating women with hypertension. Concentrations of atenolol and metoprolol in maternal plasma and milk and in plasma of the nursed infants were determined. Blood samples were obtained from the women and from the infants during a dose interval. Milk was collected repeatedly from the left breast but only twice from the right breast. The ratio between the area under the milk concentration versus time curve (AUCm) and the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUCp) in the mother varied between 2.0 and 3.1 for metoprolol and 1.1 and 3.1 for atenolol. The milk concentrations of metoprolol in the right breast were similar to those in the left breast, although the latter had been emptied more frequently. For atenolol the milk concentrations in the right breast were lower than in the left breast. The plasma concentrations of metoprolol and atenolol in the infants were negligible or below the limit of detection. Our results show that exposure of the infant to metoprolol can be minimized if nursing is not undertaken earlier than 3‐4 hours after dose intake.
OB(oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding)‐fold: common structural and functional solution for non‐homologous sequences.

A novel folding motif has been observed in four different proteins which bind oligonucleotides or oligosaccharides: staphylococcal nuclease, anticodon binding domain of asp‐tRNA synthetase and B‐subunits of heat‐labile enterotoxin and verotoxin‐1. The common fold of the four proteins, which we call the OB‐fold, has a five‐stranded beta‐sheet coiled to form a closed beta‐barrel. This barrel is capped by an alpha‐helix located between the third and fourth strands. The barrel‐helix frameworks can be superimposed with r.m.s. deviations of 1.4–2.2 A, but no similarities can be observed in the corresponding alignment of the four sequences. The nucleotide or sugar binding sites, known for three of the four proteins, are located in nearly the same position in each protein: on the side surface of the beta‐barrel, where three loops come together. Here we describe the determinants of the OB‐fold, based on an analysis of all four structures. These proposed determinants explain how very different sequences adopt the OB‐fold. They also suggest a reinterpretation of the controversial structure of gene 5 ssDNA binding protein, which exhibits some topological and functional similarities with the OB‐fold proteins.
CAG repeat expansions in bipolar and unipolar disorders.

Family, twin, and adoption studies consistently have indicated that the familial aggregation of bipolar (BP) disorder and unipolar recurrent major depression (UPR) is accounted for largely by genetic factors. However, the mode of inheritance is complex. One of the possible explanations could be that a gene with variable penetrance and variable expression is involved. Recently there have been reports on a new class of genetic diseases caused by an abnormal trinucleotide-repeat expansion (TRE). In a number of genetic disorders, these dynamic mutations were proved to be the biological basis for the clinically observed phenomenon of anticipation. DNA consisting of repeated triplets of nucleotides becomes unstable and increases in size over generations within families, giving rise to an increased severity and/or an earlier onset of the disorder. It has been recognized for a long time that anticipation occurs in multiplex families transmitting mental illness. More recent studies also suggest that both BP disorder and UPR show features that are compatible with anticipation. Although the findings of anticipation in BP disorders and in UPR must be interpreted with caution because of the possible presence of numerous ascertainment biases, they support the hypothesis that pathological TREs are implicated in the transmission of thesemore » disorders. TRE combined with variable penetrance of expression could explain the complex transmission pattern observed in BP disorder. In view of this, the recent reports of an association between CAG-repeat length and BP disorder in a Belgian, Swedish, and British population are promising. 14 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab. « less
Methylated DNA in Borrelia species

The DNA of Borrelia species was examined for the presence of methylated GATC sequences. The relapsing-fever Borrelia sp. , B. coriaceae, and only 3 of 22 strains of B. burgdorferi contained adenine methylation systems. B. anserina lacked an adenine methylation system. Fundamental differences in DNA methylation exist among members of the genus Borrelia.
An Examination Of Determinants Of Likelihood Of Consideration Of Counterfeit Luxury Branded Products

This study examines the determinants of likelihood of consideration of counterfeit branded luxury handbags in the context of nondeceptive counterfeiting. The effects of consumer-perceived brand personality, benefits, product attributes, perceived risks, and consumer demographic variables are anticipated and explored. Focus groups are used to generate criteria which consumers used to evaluate studied brands, and an interview survey is used to collect data for the main study. SPSS and R software are used to analyze data. Generalised linear model analyses reveal that the brand personality is the dominant factor in determining the likelihood of the consideration of the counterfeit branded luxury products. In general, the perceived risks and the demographic variables do not appear to be significantly influential on the formation of the consideration set in the context of nondeceptive counterfeiting. In addition, factor analysis results provide empirical evidence on Plummer's (2000, 1985). Brand image components notion and further suggest that the perceived risks shall not be regarded as part of the benefit/consequence component of brand image concept.
Corporate cash holdings: Determinants and implications from Vietnamese market

2014 dissertation for MSc in International Accounting and Finance. Selected by academic staff as a good example of a masters level dissertation. This paper investigates the determination of corporate cash holdings in Vietnam. The sample includes Vietnamese publicly-traded firms for the period 2010-2013. Determinants include financial indicators as firm-specific characteristics and state ownership as an institutional factor for the purpose of exploring the existence of agency costs for this emerging market. Findings of the study suggest that the theoretical frameworks, namely trade-off model, pecking order theory and free cash flow theory, are at work for the Vietnamese sample. Significant determinants are profitability, firm size, leverage, dividend payout and investment in asset tangibility. However, the findings do not confirm the largely found relationship between market-to-book ratio and corporate cash holdings for Vietnamese firms, which is normally expected to be positive in sign. At industry level, findings for determinants on cash holdings by different industry sectors show a significant variance, especially for the sectors that are mainly composed of state-own enterprises (SOEs). In general, sectors with mostly private firms mirror the results of the entire sample better. Although agency problems due to state ownership are detected at industry level, they are not severe in general.
The Differential Effects of Exercised and Unexercised Power Sources in a Marketing Channel

Though considerable research has been reported on the effects of coercive and noncoercive power sources in marketing channels, the particular effects of power sources that have been exercised, as opposed to those that remain unexercised, have not been identified. The authors summarize the findings of a research project examining these differential effects on selected variables of interest to channel managers, including power, conflict, dealer satisfaction, and channel performance.
Event Management: For Tourism, Cultural, Business and Sporting Events

1. Introduction to Event Management. Size of Events. Types of Events. The Event Team. Code of Ethics. 2. Concept and Design. Developing the Concept. Analyzing the Concept. Designing the Event. Logistics of the Concept. 3. Feasibility. Keys to Success. The SWOT Analysis. 4. Legal Compliance. Relevant Legislation. Stakeholders and Official Bodies. Contracts. 5. Marketing. Nature of Event Marketing. Process of Event Marketing. The Marketing Mix. Sponsorship. 6. Promotion. Image/Branding. Advertising. Publicity. Public Relations. 7. Financial Management. The Budget. Break-Even Point. Cash Flow Analysis.Profit and Loss Statement. Balance Sheet. Financial Control Systems. Panic Payments. 8. Risk Management. Process of Risk Management. Incident Reporting. Emergency Response Plans. Standards for Risk Management. 9. Planning. Develop a Mission/Purpose Statement. Establish the Aims of the Event. Establish the Objectives. Prepare an Event Proposal. Make Use of Planning Tools. 10. Protocol. Titles. Dress for Formal Occasions. Protocol for Speakers. Religious and Cultural Protocol. Protocol for Sporting Ceremonies. Rules for Flag Flying. 11. Staging. Choosing the Event Site. Developing the Theme. Conducting Rehearsals. Providing Services. Arranging Catering. Organizing Accommodation. Managing the Environment. 12. Staffing. Developing Organization Charts. Preparing Job Descriptions. Recruitment and Selection. Drawing Up Rosters. Training. Briefing Staff. Managing Legal Requirements. Preparing Staffing Plans. Developing Recognition Strategies. Managing Volunteers. 13. Leadership. Developing Leadership Skills. Managing Temporary and Diverse Teams. Group Development. Improving Communication. Time Management. Planning and Managing Meetings. 14. Operations and Logistics. Logistics. Policies. Procedures. Performance Standards. Functional Areas. Leadership and Staff Motivation. 15. Safety and Security. Security. Occupation Safety and Health. Incident Reporting. 16. Crowd Management and Evacuation. The Crowd Management Plan. Major Risks. Crowd Management. Emergency Planning. Implementing Emergency Procedures. 17. Monitoring, Control and Evaluation. Monitoring and Control Systems. Operational Monitoring and Control. Evaluation. The Broader Impact of Events. 18. Careers in a Changing Environment. Job opportunities. Keeping Up to Date. Appendix 1. Supplementary Internet Links. Appendix 2. Event Proposal. Appendix 3. Professional Associations. Appendix 4. Education Programs. Bibliography. Index.
Short-term heat acclimation prior to a multi-day desert ultra-marathon improves physiological and psychological responses without compromising immune status

ABSTRACT Multistage, ultra-endurance events in hot, humid conditions necessitate thermal adaptation, often achieved through short term heat acclimation (STHA), to improve performance by reducing thermoregulatory strain and perceptions of heat stress. This study investigated the physiological, perceptual and immunological responses to STHA prior to the Marathon des Sables. Eight athletes (age 42 ± 4 years and body mass 81.9 ± 15.0 kg) completed 4 days of controlled hyperthermia STHA (60 min·day‒1, 45°C and 30% relative humidity). Pre, during and post sessions, physiological and perceptual measures were recorded. Immunological measures were recorded pre-post sessions 1 and 4. STHA improved thermal comfort (P = 0.02), sensation (P = 0.03) and perceived exertion (P = 0.04). A dissociated relationship between perceptual fatigue and Tre was evident after STHA, with reductions in perceived Physical (P = 0.04) and General (P = 0.04) fatigue. Exercising Tre and HR did not change (P > 0.05) however, sweat rate increased 14% (P = 0.02). No changes were found in white blood cell counts or content (P > 0.05). Four days of STHA facilitates effective perceptual adaptations, without compromising immune status prior to an ultra-endurance race in heat stress. A greater physiological strain is required to confer optimal physiological adaptations.
Increasing Winter Maximal Metabolic Rate Improves Intrawinter Survival in Small Birds

Small resident bird species living at northern latitudes increase their metabolism in winter, and this is widely assumed to improve their chances of survival. However, the relationship between winter metabolic performance and survival has yet to be demonstrated. Using capture-mark-recapture, we followed a population of free-living black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) over 3 yr and evaluated their survival probability within and among winters. We also measured the size-independent body mass (Ms), hematocrit (Hct), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and maximal thermogenic capacity (Msum) and investigated how these parameters influenced survival within and among winters. Results showed that survival probability was high and constant both within (0.92) and among (0.96) winters. They also showed that while Ms, Hct, and BMR had no significant influence, survival was positively related to Msum—following a sigmoid relationship—within but not among winter. Birds expressing an Msum below 1.26 W (i.e., similar to summer levels) had a <50% chance of survival, while birds with an Msum above 1.35 W had at least a 90% chance of surviving through the winter. Our data therefore suggest that black-capped chickadees that are either too slow or unable to adjust their phenotype from summer to winter have little chances of survival and thus that seasonal upregulation of metabolic performance is highly beneficial. This study is the first to document in an avian system the relationship between thermogenic capacity and winter survival, a proxy of fitness.
Scoring Rubrics: What, When and How?

Scoring rubrics have become a common method for evaluating student work in both the K-12 and the college classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to describe the different types of scoring rubrics, explain why scoring rubrics are useful and provide a process for developing scoring rubrics. This paper concludes with a description of resources that contain examples of the different types of scoring rubrics and further guidance in the development process.
Gender Diversity and Service Quality in NCAA Division I Women's Teams

Abstract This research aimed to examine the effects of gender diversity of a head coach on the perceived service quality of women student-athletes. Furthermore, the researchers investigated the relationship between the proportion of women on a coaching staff and service quality as perceived by women student-athletes. Data were collected from 192 women student-athletes participating in a variety of collegiate sports from 32 universities in NCAA Division I. Budgets, participation rates of staffs, and the gender composition of each team coaching staff each year were obtained from the 2005 Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) report. Results from multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that the gender of the head coach did not affect the service quality perceived by the women student-athletes. Further, there was no evidence to suggest that the compositional diversity of the top management team leading the group (i.e., coaching staff) impacted the perceived service quality of women student-athletes. These findings contribute to and extend the common ingroup identity literature at the intercollegiate athletics level.