Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Price Perceptions in an Integrated Model of Behavioral Intentions

Compared to the emphasis that service quality research has received in service marketing, much less work has been done on the role of price perceptions and their effect on customer retention. This article seeks to fill this gap in the literature. The authors build propositions of price’s role vis-à-vis customer value, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions and then test these propositions using empirical data from the banking industry in the United States and New Zealand. Their findings indicate that (a) price perceptions have a stronger influence on customer value perceptions than quality, and (b) price perceptions, when measured on a comparative basis, have a significant direct effect on customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions— over and above their mediated effect through the construct of customer value. These results indicate that price perceptions significantly affect customer retention and suggest that managers may benefit from actively managing consumers’ price perceptions, in addition to consumers’ quality perceptions.
Judicial Independence and the Validity of Controverted Elections

This article examines whether the judges of the French Constitutional Court demonstrated partisanship when ruling on the validity of the elections to the lower house of the French Parliament between 1958 and 2005. It uses a new dataset on the decisions of the Constitutional Court which takes into account the characteristics of the controverted parliamentary elections. The rulings of the Constitutional Court are found to be biased against far-right candidates. However, the judges are also found to display some form of independence vis-a-vis the government since they do not favor candidates from the ruling party when they render their decisions.
Eigenvalue problems with indefinite weight

We consider the linear eigenvalue problem -Delta u = lambda V(x)u, u is an element of D-0(1,2)(Omega), and its nonlinear generalization -Delta(p)u = lambda V(x)u(p-2)u, u is an element of D-0(1,p)(Omega). The set Omega need not be bounded, in particular, Omega = R-N is admitted. The weight function V may change sign and may have singular points. We show that there exists a sequence df eigenvalues lambda(n) --> infinity.
BRAZILIAN INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS, UNDERWRITERS, AND PREMIUM CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SEGMENTS LISTING

We examined 89 offers in the most recent Brazilian IPO wave between 2004 and 2007, all listed in premium segments of the exchange that demand better corporate governance practices. Two non-US underwriters dominated the market, often acting as co-leaders and rarely as second-tier underwriters. Twenty-eight percent of issuers received pre-IPO loans from underwriters, which may constitute a conflict of interest. Syndicate membership increased with offer size, suggesting that distribution risk was relevant. Underwriter compensation increased with offer size, but percentage fees suggested scale effects. There was no evidence in favor of the relevance of underwriter reputation, certification, and price discovery roles. The study brings a portrait of underwriter relationships in this unique period of the Brazilian capital market.
Ultrastructure of the Nuclei and Intranuclear Microtubules of Paramecium aurelia

SUMMARY: Electron microscope observations on the micronucleus of Paramecium aurelia showed that the mitotic spindle was organized within the nuclear envelope. At the intranuclear metaphase plate stage some microtubules were attached to chromosomes by localized centromeres and other interzonal microtubules ran between the chromosomes. The interzonal microtubules elongated tenfold during telophase and were tightly packed in a narrow cylindrical membrane-limited stem of the spindle. Some microtubules persisted in the micronucleus during interphase and formed a layer near the nuclear envelope. There were scattered groups of microtubules in the isthmus of the macronucleus during its amitosis. The nuclear envelope remained intact. Large and small bodies persisted throughout the amitosis and the microtubules pass between them. Before the first postconjugal fission there was a stage during which the two macronuclear anlagen were separated by a sheet of cytoplasm only 0.3 μm. wide.
Does the concept of spawning per recruit make sense

Density dependence means that exploited fish populations exhibit earlier maturity, a faster growth rate, increased fecundity and reduced egg size. Here, the consequences of these effects on population dynamics, the estimation of spawning biomass per recruit and associated biological reference points are examined by a simulation model. The model is a self-regenerating model in which the population parameters (age at maturity, growth, fecundity, egg size) vary according to three classes of population abundance. Early life stages are characterized by a size-dependent growth and mortality model. It is concluded that spawning per recruit is an ambiguous concept because, if density dependence occurs in the adult population, the spawning biomass of a cohort is not proportional to the number recruited. This leads to significant level of uncertainty in the estimates of spawning biomass per recruit and the associated biological reference points such as F-low, F-med, F-high and VSPR.
Airborne Asian Dust: Case Study of Long-Range Transport and Implications for the Detection of Volcanic Ash

The transport of fine-grained Asian dust from its source (e.g., the Gobi Desert, Mongolia) to North America is a common springtime phenomenon. Because of its chemical composition (silicon, iron, aluminum, and calcium) and its particle size distribution (mean aerodynamic diameter 2‐4 mm), Asian dust produces a negative signal in the split-window T4 2 T5 algorithm, as does airborne volcanic ash. The split-window algorithm is commonly used by operational volcanic ash advisory centers. Thus, it is important to find ways to differentiate between airborne Asian dust and airborne volcanic ash. Use of Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer aerosol and sulfur dioxide indices, in conjunction with the split-window method, can mitigate the possibility of a false airborne volcanic ash alarm. Asian dust also is important for other reasons. Thus, meteorological agencies should monitor it because 1) it can be transported thousands of kilometers from its source region and thus is of global interest (e.g., effects on radiative forcing) and 2) fine-grain particles pose a potentially serious public health hazard.
Teachers’ Perception: Competent or Not in Curriculum Development

The purpose of the study is to determine teachers’ perceptions on curriculum development competencies and determine whether their perceptions differ according to gender, branches, seniority and graduated faculty type. The study consist of two parts: One part is the improvement of curriculum development competency scale with the participation of 350 teachers in Turkey; the other is the determination of teachers’ perceptions on curriculum development competencies with the participation of 472 teachers in Turkey. The validity of the scale is provided with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The analysis results indicate the scale with 37 items has a single factor and the Cronbach Alpha coefficient parameter is calculated as . 945. Descriptive statistics are examined to determining the teachers' perceptions on their curriculum development competencies. Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis H test are used to determine whether the teachers’ perceptions on curriculum development competencies differ according to gender, branch, seniority and graduated faculty type. As a result, teachers often perceive themselves incompetent on curriculum development and their perceptions only differ as regards branch.
Linear and nonlinear optical anisotropy of amorphous oxidized silicon films induced by a network of pores

By thermal oxidation of initially birefringent porous silicon, highly optically transparent films of porous silicon oxide are produced. These films exhibit strong in-plane birefringence, which is twice as high as that of crystalline quartz. The experimentally measured refractive indices for ordinary and extraordinary waves in oxidized porous silicon are explained in terms of an effective-medium model by taking into account the form anisotropy of preferentially oriented pores in a silicon oxide matrix. The third-harmonic generation efficiency studied as a function of the pump wavelength suggests that the form birefringence of porous silicon oxide films can be used to phase match the nonlinear optical interactions.
APPLICABILITY ASSESSMENT Of A STANdARdIZEd MICROSATELLITE MARKER SET IN ENdANgEREd BuSHA CATTLE

Summary: This study is focused on evaluating 12 microsatellite markers (TGLA227, BM2113, TGLA53, ETH10, SPS115, TGLA126, TGLA122, INRA23, BM1818, ETH3, ETH225, BM1824) as recommended by International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) for paternity testing in Busha cattle in Serbia. A herd of 47 heads of Busha cattle were sampled for blood. The number of alleles ranged from 6 (ETH10) to 16 (TGLA122), with a mean value of 9.5. Total number of alleles at all 12 analyzed loci was 114. PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) values ranged from 0.513 (in BM1818) to 0.905 (TGLA53). Power of exclusion (PE) for single markers ranged from 0.228 (BM1818) to 0.607 (BM2113) and the power of discrimination (PD) from 0.75 (BM1818) to 0.96 (TGLA227). The combined power of exclusion and discrimination was very high (0.999 and 0.995 respectively) when all 12 markers were used in combination. Cervus software performed 96% successful paternity assignments. These results show that the 12 markers set recommended by ISAG can be used with high confidence for forensic purposes in Busha cattle.
Are there any first-generation stars in globular clusters today?

C. Charbonell, et al., “Are there any first-generation stars in globular clusters today? ”, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Vol. 569, September 2014. This version of record is available online at: https://www.aanda. org/articles/aa/abs/2014/09/aa24804-14/aa24804-14.html Reproduced with Permission from Astronomy and Astrophysics, © ESO 2014.
Connections between Entropic and Linear Projections in Asset Pricing Estimation

The concept of entropy has a long and distinguished history in the physical sciences and engineering, in -elds ranging from thermodynamics to image processing. Each of these applications employs a probability distribution that solves a relative entropy projection problem, i.e. an optimization problem with an entropy objective, subject to linear (e.g. moment) constraints. This paper develops the relationship between relative entropy project approaches and the better-known linear projection approaches to problems of estimation and performance diagnostics for stochastic discount factor models in asset pricing. Frequentist interpretations of relative entropy, enabled by large deviations theory, are used to unify the interpretation of the seemingly disparate procedures. c 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. JEL classi+cation: C111; C13
Genetic relationships among okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) cultivars in Nigeria

This study was conducted on okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) cultivars at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate the level of genetic divergence and heritability of eight characters in 2015 and 2016 dry seasons using irrigation. The results showed highly significant (p<0.01) differences in the ten okra cultivars for days to anthesis, plant height, fresh capsule length, fresh mass per capsule and fresh capsule diameter across the two years. A high genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability, and genetic advance were detected in all the characters except for days to anthesis and fresh capsule diameter. This implied that different genetic constitution and preponderance of additive effects governed these characters, thus presenting a significant opportunity for selection. The Mahanalobis D 2 analysis allotted the ten cultivars into four clusters. The highest was cluster I comprising four cultivars, followed by cluster II containing three cultivars, cluster III consisting two cultivars, and cluster IV with mono genotypic. The three most superior okra cultivars (Salkade, Y’ar gagure and Kwadag) for yield and related characters could be exploited directly or introgressed with other promising ones in future breeding programs.
A Biomechanical Study of the Stability of Titanium Elastic Nails in the Treatment of Oblique Segmental Fracture of the Femur in Children

Purpose Titanium elastic nails are widely used in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children. The standard technique employs the retrograde insertion of two curved nails, with the apex of the curve at the fracture site. This study examines the biomechanical stability of this configuration of titanium elastic nails in segmental femoral fractures, an injury which is often highenergy and therefore inherently unstable. The stability of a new nailing technique is also tested, using an additional third nail inserted antegrade. Methods A model of a segmental femoral fracture was created in four synthetic femora. Two were fixed with the standard two retrograde nails and two with the third antegrade nail. A fifth was used as a control. Each was tested with axial, torsional and bending loads and the deflection measured. Result Minimal deviation of the models occurred under physiological loads in all forms of loading. There was statistically significant increased torsional and bending stiffness using the three-nail technique compared with the standard two-nail technique. Conclusion Titanium elastic nails in the standard two-nail retrograde system can provide a stable mechanical construct for the fixation of segmental femoral fracture. The use of a third nail inserted antegrade increased the stability in bending and torsion, however theoretically it carries a potential risk of splitting the femoral canal and creating subtrochantric fracture especially if the canal fill exceeds 80%. Accordingly we do not recommend the use of the three-nail system described in this study as a routine choice.Clinically Titanium elastic nail provide sufficient stability to avoid prolonged period in traction. Post-operative bed rest might be recommended to allow the development of early callus formation that further increase the stability of the fracture and allow weight bearing.
Outbreak dynamics of the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus in time and space

The European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) is one of the most important pests of mature Norway spruce Picea abies (Karst.) in Europe. Outbreaks (periods with large-scale beetle-caused tree mortality) are often triggered by large-scale stormfellings or drought, which provide a large surplus of suitable breeding material. The overall aim of the studies in this thesis was to increase knowledge about how forest characteristics and local beetle populations influence tree mortality and bark beetle outbreak dynamics in time and space. We found that the size of infestation spots in general were small (<10 killed trees), that they had high extinction probabilities in the next beetle generation. The main factors increasing the probability of infestation spots in new locations (i.e. colonisations) and decreasing the probability of spot extinction were volume of spruce per ha and to some extent connectivity (i.e. distance and spot size) to neighbouring infestation spots from the previous year. The total number of killed trees during the outbreak in stands surrounding storm gaps increased with the size of the local population of I. typographus initially produced in the storm-felled trees in the storm gaps (measured as number of colonised stormfelled trees). The effect of the previous year’s local population declined as the outbreak progressed due to host tree depletion in the areas with the largest storm gaps. The reproductive success of beetles at the tree level scale was negatively influenced by the colonisation density (as a result of intraspecific competition), which in turn was affected by the trees’ diameter. The reproductive success and colonisation density differed strongly between the outbreak years. A low reproductive success in the final years may have contributed to the ultimate collapse of the outbreak. Increases in the density of natural enemies were lower than expected but may also have contributed somewhat to the outbreak collapse. The results from the different studies demonstrate a large complexity in the bark beetle-host tree interactions that influence the outbreak dynamics of I. typographus in time and space.
Dislocation processes during the plastic deformation of γ-TiAl

In situ straining experiments in a high-voltage electron microscope have been performed on coarse-grained g -Ti± 52 at. % Al at room temperature and elevated temperatures, in addition to macroscopic compression tests. At all temperatures examined, ordinary dislocations, superdislocations of h 101] Burgers vectors and microtwins carry the deformation, with ordinary dislocations dominating. The processes controlling the deformation diA er greatly for the temperature ranges below and above about 850 K. At low temperatures, ordinary dislocations as well as superdislocations move jerkily between positions where they are locally pinned, which can best be described by a precipitation-hardening mechanism. At high temperatures, the h 101] superdislocations show a shape typical of the locking± unlocking mechanisms. The ordinary dislocations are created and move in a very instantaneous event. Later, theyare smoothly curved and move in a viscous way. The nonplanar arrangement of these dislocations indicates the importance of diA usion processes. The dynamic behaviour and the results of macroscopic deformation tests are explained by the formation of intrinsic atmospheres around the dislocations.
The Diversity of Insects Visiting Flowers of Saw Palmetto (Arecaceae)

ABSTRACT A survey of insect visitors on flowers of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) at a Florida site, the Archbold Biological Station, showed how nectar and pollen resources of a plant species can contribute to taxonomic diversity and ecological complexity. A list of 311 species of flower visitors was dominated by Hymenoptera (121 spp.), Diptera (117 spp.), and Coleoptera (52 spp.). Of 228 species whose diets are known, 158 are predators, 47 are phytophagous, and 44 are decomposers. Many species that visited S. repens flowers also visited flowers of other species at the Archbold Biological Station. The total number of known insect-flower relationships that include S. repens is 2,029. There is no evidence of oligolectic species that are dependent on saw palmetto flowers. This study further emphasizes the ecological importance and conservation value of S. repens.
Growth and ionic composition of the antennae of variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus (L., 1758) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)

This study examines the growth pattern and the ionic composition (Na+, K+, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , Fe 2+ , Po4 2- ,Cl - ) of the antennae of Zonocerus variegatus during its post embryonic development. The antennal length (cm) and number of antennal segments increased steadily during development with the adult stage having significantly (P<0.05) higher values than the lower instars. The growth gradient between the 6th instar and the adult stage was greater than that within the lower instars. Also, the growth rate of the body length (0.415x) was faster than the antennal length (0.215x). The 1st and 2nd instar stages of development had significantly higher ionic concentrations than the later instars and the adult stage. The relationship between these results and the behavior of the Z. variegatus is discussed.
Spatiotemporal emission dynamics of ridge waveguide laser diodes: picosecond pulsing and switching

We report on the observation of spatiotemporal dynamics on picosecond time scales for an antireflection-coated ridge waveguide laser diode that is only 5 mm wide. Depending on the applied current, three dynamic regimes can be distinguished, showing the transition from regular to irregular spatiotemporal emission. We discuss the underlying mechanisms and develop a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic behavior. First, for moderate pumping, we find a typical relaxation oscillation behavior of the fundamental lateral mode. Second, at intermediate current levels, we observe lateral high-frequency switching of the output intensity between the left-hand and the right-hand parts of the active region. The switching frequency increases linearly with the excitation current and is of the order of 10 GHz. We give evidence that this switching behavior results from the coexistence and interaction of fundamental and first-order lateral modes that belong to different longitudinal mode families. The observed dependence of the switching frequency on the bias current can be attributed to a change in the width of the emission profile. Third, at high pumping levels, irregular spatiotemporal dynamics with the coexistence of low- and high-frequency spatial switching and temporal pulsations can be found. Finally, the influence of waveguide design and consequences for applications are considered and discussed. © 1999 Optical Society of America [S0740-3224(99)01911-6] OCIS codes: 140.0140, 140.2020, 140.5960, 320.5390.
Response of Posidonia oceanica to burial dynamics.

Seagrasses are able to colonise and dominate unstable sandy sediments but natural (storms, hurricanes, bioturbation) and anthropogenically induced (harbour building, beach nourish- ment, siltation) sediment arrivals can result in the total or partial burial of meadows. Within this con- text, our main objective was to experimentally establish the ability of long-living Posidonia oceanica, the dominant seagrass in the Mediterranean, to counteract natural or human-induced changes in sedimentation, and to specifically examine plant survival and plastic responses (vertical rhizome growth, branching, number of leaves and sheath length) to different levels of burial intensity, fre- quency, timing, and duration. Shoot population strongly declined with increasing sedimentation, reaching ca. 65% shoot disappearance with a burial level of 4 cm, and undergoing 100% mortality with 9 cm burial. Sediment burial also enhanced shoot population decline regardless of frequency, duration or timing at which the burial event occurred. Nevertheless, at 4 cm burial, we detected some response capacity of plants to burial, consisting of rhizome elongation and rhizome branching. Rhi- zome vertical annual growth and internode length increased by 34% in the 4 cm treatment while it decreased by ca. 34% under high burial, although this response was meadow-specific. Rhizome branching also increased by ca. 36% at medium burial while being reduced by an average of 60% at high burial levels. On the other hand, there was no effect of burial on number of leaves or sheath length. Overall, this work provides experimental evidence that P. oceanica is very sensitive to sedi- ment burial, although it displays a certain capacity to respond, which is site-specific. Our results highlight the importance of sedimentation rates as a limiting factor in determining the distribution of P. oceanica meadows, both under natural conditions and under man-altered regimes.