Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Building Consumer-Based Brand Equity in Retail Banks: A Quantitative Study On a Pakistani Star Bank

Firms are striving to increase their brand equity that ultimately leads to an increase in profitability. The purpose of the study is to identify the causal relationship of endorser's credibility with Brand credibility and its meditating role on consumer-based brand equity in the banking sector of Pakistan. 384 active HBC account holders taken as the sample and data collected through a comprehensive questionnaire. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted to test the factors of attractiveness, expertise, trustworthiness, and popularity on Brand credibility and further its effect on Brand equity. The results suggest that in banking sector firm Expertise of endorser is the most significant factor followed by trustworthiness and popularity that influence brand credibility and attractiveness does not have any impact on brand credibility. The study provides an understanding of brand building strategy, and it also highlights a clear brand differentiation strategy for bank brands.DOI: 10.15408/etk.v17i2. 6728
The in fl uence of cultural identity on the WTP to protect natural resources : Some empirical evidence

a Environmental Economics Unit, Institute for Public Economics, University of the Basque Country, E48015 Bilbao, Spain b Department of Applied Economics III (Econometrics and Statistics), University of the Basque Country, E48015 Bilbao, Spain c Department of Applied Economics III (Econometrics and Statistics) and Institute for Public Economics, University of the Basque Country, E48015 Bilbao, Spain
Social Responsibility of Multinational Corporations to Train Their Personnel. An Evaluation of Explanatory Variables for a Telecommunications Company

Corporate social responsibility in the field of employee-employer relation has enjoyed a growing attention in recent years. In this context, workplace training plays an essential role for the harmony of interdependence between community and company. This paper provides a top-down analysis of training effects and a model for an empirical evaluation of explanatory variables for training intensity in the case of a multinational telecommunications company. The analysis of training effects revealed that there are important motivational, social and functional benefits for the employee. Empirical results were dependent on the calculation method of training intensity. Thus, the percentage of employees from a subsidiary, which participates in a training program, is related to the degree of market development but not to the average labour productivity. Nevertheless, when training intensity is expressed as the number of hours of training compared to the total person-hours worked, there is empirical evidence that both labour productivity and market development can be accepted as explanatory variables. The examination of results has highlighted significant discrepancies in personnel training between developed countries and less developed ones.
Dynamic Panels with Predetermined Regressors: Likelihood-Based Estimation and Bayesian Averaging With an Application to Cross-Country Growth

This paper discusses likelihood-based estimation of linear panel data models with general predetermined variables and individual-specific effects. The resulting (pseudo) maximum likelihood estimator is asymptotically equivalent to standard GMM but tends to have smaller finite-sample biases as illustrated in simulation experiments. Moreover, the availability of such a likelihood function allows applying the Bayesian apparatus to this class of panel data models. Combining the aforementioned estimator with Bayesian model averaging methods we estimate empirical growth models simultaneously considering endogenous regressors and model uncertainty. Empirical results indicate that only the investment ratio seems to robustly cause long-run economic growth. Moreover, the estimated rate of convergence is not significantly different from zero.
Metrological traceability of oceanographic salinity measurement results

Abstract. Consistency of observed oceanographic salinity data is discussed with respect to contemporary metrological concepts. The claimed small uncertainty of salinity measurement results traceable to the conductivity ratio of a certified IAPSO Standard Seawater reference is not metrologically justified if results are compared on climatic time scales. This applies in particular to Practical Salinity SP, Reference Salinity SR, and the latest estimates of Absolute Salinity using the TEOS-10 formalism. On climate time scales an additional contribution to the uncertainty that is related to unknown property changes of the reference material must be accounted for. Moreover, when any of these measured or calculated quantity values is used to estimate Absolute Salinity of a seawater sample under investigation, another uncertainty contribution is required to quantify the accuracy of the equations relating the actually measured quantity to the Absolute Salinity. Without accounting for these additional uncertainties, such results cannot be used to estimate Absolute Salinity with respect to the International System of Units (SI), i.e. to the unit chosen for the mass fraction of dissolved material in the sample, which is "g kg−1". From a metrological point of view, such deficiencies in the calculations involving other quantities will produce SI-incompatible results. We outline how these problems can be overcome by linking salinity to primary SI measurement standards.
Secondary production of a dominant oligochaete (Monopylephorus rubroniveus) in the tidal creeks of South Carolina and its relation to ecosystem characteristics

Measurements of the annual production of the oligochaete Monopylephorus rubroniveus, microphytobenthos, pore‐water ammonia, sediment composition, and water quality were made from January through December 2001 in the upper and lower reaches of two tidal creeks in southeastern South Carolina. Secondary production of M. rubroniveus was greater in the shallow upper reaches of tidal creeks (1.0–10.5 g ash‐free dry weight [AFDW] m−2 yr−1) than in the lower reaches (0.05–0.2 g AFDW m−2 yr−1), as were benthic chlorophyll a levels and pore–water ammonia concentration. Production of M. rubroniveus was greater in both reaches of Okatee Creek (0.1–10.5 g AFDW m−2 yr−1) than in Malind Creek (0.05–2.0 g AFDW m−2 yr−1). The only significant difference in environmental characteristics between the two creeks was a greater incidence of hypoxia (dissolved oxygen < 28% air saturation) in Malind Creek than in Okatee Creek, 5% of all records observed versus 0.3%, respectively. The rates of production estimated for M. rubroniveus in these creeks were relatively high compared with similar macrobenthos in other environments. Furthermore, the pattern of production within and between creeks provides a basic understanding of energy and material flows out of these important ecosystems and the processes that influence them.
Variability of phytoplankton and mesozooplankton biomass in the subtropical and tropical Atlantic Ocean

Data from over 40 yr (1950-1992) of expeditions to the Atlantic Ocean are summarised in the form of macroscale contour maps between 40°N and 40°S. The chl a concentrations from the sur- face and mesozooplankton in the upper layer (0 to 100 m) were analysed from 3992 casts and 1124 hauls respectively. General agreement between chlorophyll concentrations and mesozooplank- ton biomass distributions was noted on an ocean basin scale. There were non-linear relationships be- tween mean chlorophyll concentration within the 0 to 10 m layer and mesozooplankton biomass within the 0 to 100 m layer for summed data between December to May and June to November. A comparison of the total biomass of mesozooplankton und phytoplankton, in carbon units, indicated that this ratio varied from 0.15 to 1 in the 0 to 100 m layer and, on average, the phytoplankton biomass exceeded twice that of mesozooplankton. The seasonal cycles of phyto- and zooplankton biomass for 6 provinces of the tropical zone were qualitatively comparable. Quantitative differences were found in the sea- sonal amplitudes, which were greater for the regions with nutrient enrichment of the upper layer. Re- lationships were established between phytoplankton and mesozooplankton biomass for 8 provinces.
Principles of Pedagogy and Evaluation for Web-Based Learning

The authors have designed a number of courses at Arizona State University, which were delivered on the internet and supported with computer conferencing software. In this paper the authors will present an online course, discuss issues relating to online learning environments, reflect on their experiences from teaching online and discuss the findings of the course evaluation. Emphasis of the discussion will be on the pedagogical principles for effective teaching and evaluation of learning in an online environment. Principes de pédagogie et d'évaluation pour l'apprentissage fondé sur le Web Les auteurs ont conçu et élaboré un certain nombre de cours à l'Université d'Etat de l'Arizona qui ont été donnés sur Internet, complétés par des logiciels de conférences. Dans cet article les auteurs présentent un cours en ligne, discutant des problèmes soulevés par les environnements des apprentissages en ligne, réfléchissant sur leurs expériences d'enseignants utilisant ce mode d'enseignement et discutant des résultats des évaluations des cours. L'accent sera mis sur les principes pédagogiques conduisant à un enseignement efficace et à une évaluation de l'apprentissage dans un tel environnement. Grundregeln von Pädagogik und Evaluation für web-basiertes Lernen Die Autoren haben eine Anzahl von Kursen an der Arizona Landesuniversität entworfen, die auf das Internet geliefert und mit Computer-Conferencing-Software unterstützt wurden. In diesem Papier stellen die Autoren einen Onlinekurs vor, behandeln Einzelfragen in bezug auf Onlinelernumgebungen, reflektieren ihre Erfahrungen über das Online-Unterrichten und behandeln die Frage der Kursauswertung. Im Mittelpunkt der Diskussion stehen pädagogische Grundregeln für effektives Lehren und die Überprüfung des Lernens in einer Online-Umgebung.
Texture-Based brain tumor segmentation in MR images

In this thesis, we explored the idea of texture as a tumor segmentation approach in MR images. To deal with this, we extended the definition of the texture descriptors provided by Kovalev et al., co-occurrence matrices [1]. Then, we defined a rotation-robust feature space derived from the natural feature space that our definition of co-occurence matrices defined. We used these features to train a random forest classifier [2] and see if tumors could be detected from MR images, and if the different tissues within a tumor could be distinguished.
A Crucial Testing Ground The Governance of Labour Migration in the Long-Term Care Sector

European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a large and growing demand of long-term care services. To a varying, but overall substantial, extent this increasing demand is satisfied through migration, with migrant women workers representing everywhere a considerable share of the workforce available in the care sector. In this paper two key questions arising from these observations will be addressed: What has been the specific role of migration in addressing labour shortages in the care sector across Europe? And, secondly, what are the drivers of the different immigration policy approaches adopted? Drawing on EU-LFS data I will describe the main entry channels of migrant care workers, also distinguished by skill and occupational level, to highlight the specific immigrant labour supply policy mix adopted by national governments. Recent theories of managed migration policies will be critically assessed to ultimately discuss their ability to explain the immigrant labour supply policy mix in the care sector.
Effects of Two Types of Service Quality on Brand Equity in China : The Moderating Roles of Satisfaction , Brand Associations , and Brand Loyalty

In mature industries characterized by the differences in environmental elements, service quality often distinguishes an organization from its rivals. Two types of service quality, such as physical and perceived ser� vice quality, may have different approaches to enhance brand equity. The authors developed a model that addresses the interrelationships between two types of service quality and brand equity and examined the moderating effects of satisfaction, brand associations, and brand loyalty. Based on survey data collected from department store customers in two major cities of China, the findings indicate that when the moderating effects are considered, the effect of physical service quality on brand equity is much stronger than the effect of perceived service quality.
Can Foreign Firms Inhibit Knowledge Spillover to Local Firms? The Role of Innovation Capabilities and Tacit Knowledge

To date, the literature on knowledge spillover has tended to focus on how the presence of foreign firms affects the productivity of local firms. While knowledge spillover is beneficial to local firms, it is generally harmful to foreign firms. Foreign firms thus should devote significant attention to the prevention of knowledge spillover. Incorporating research on knowledge spillover and the knowledge-based view, this study examines the question of whether foreign firmsâ€™ innovation capabilities and tacit knowledge can reduce the amount of knowledge spillover. Examining 102 Taiwanese manufacturing firms operating in China, this study finds that innovation capabilities have an inverted U-shaped relationship with knowledge spillover, while tacit knowledge has a negative relationship. Additionally, while locating within agglomerations can lead to access to valuable local resources, it may also serve to accelerate knowledge spillover to local firms. This study suggests that the positive relationship is stronger when innovation capabilities is intermediate; however, the positive relationship is likely to weaken when innovation capabilities is high. Finally, tacit knowledge leads to a lessening of the positive relationship between agglomeration and knowledge spillover.
ON THE κ-REGULAR SEQUENCES AND THE GENERALIZATION OF F-MODULES

For a given ideal I of a Noetherian ring R and an arbitrary integer k 1, we apply the concept of k-regular sequences and the no- tion of k-depth to give some results on modules called k-Cohen Macaulay modules, which in local case, is exactly the k-modules (as a generalization of f-modules). Meanwhile, we give an expression of local cohomology with respect to any k-regular sequence in I, in a particular case. We prove that the dimension of homology modules of the Koszul complex with respect to any k-regular sequence is at most k. Therefore homology modules of the Koszul complex with respect to any lter regular sequence has nite length.
Composition of some botanical mixtures as potential feed additives for laying hens

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality of four botanical mixtures (AFC): AFC 1 (containing red corn, pumpkin pulp and marigold), AFC 2 (containing alfalfa meal, pumpkin pulp and marigold), AFC 3 (containing kale, alfalfa meal, marigold and spinach leaves), AFC 4 (containing buckthorn, red corn, pumpkin pulp and marigold), in terms of proximate analysis (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash), amino acid (AA) profile, vitamin E concentration and lutein and zeaxanthin content, in order to determine the potential of AFCs as feed additives in laying hens nutrition. The crude protein content for the analysed botanical mixtures ranged between 9.07-18.18% DM, and crude fiber between 10.41-30.83% DM. The amino acid profile of the mixture AFC 4 revealed a content of limiting essential amino acids required for laying hens: lysine 5.719% CP, methionine 1.058% CP and threonine 4.415% CP. The highest content of lutein and zeaxanthin was found in the mixture AFC 4 (66.659 mg/100 g), which also had the highest amount of vitamin E (640.93 mg/kg). With regard to safety of the botanical mixtures, lead and cadmium concentrations were determined. Concentration of lead ranged from 0.28-0.75 µg/g DM and 0.06-0.09 µg/g DM for concentration of cadmium, which was within the legislation of maximal limits of EU regulations. It can be concluded that the botanical mixture AFC 4 had the highest concentration of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E, with an adequate content of essential amino acids. Furthermore, all four botanical mixtures had high amounts of xantophylls and should be tested in laying hens trials in order to establish their effects on lutein and zeaxanthin concentration in egg yolk.
Evaluation Of Complete Blood Count Parameters To Predict Ovarian Torsion In Women With Adnexal Mass

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate complete blood count parameters to predict ovarian torsion in cases presented with ovarian mass. Study Design: Pre-operative demographic data and complete blood count parameters of 72 patients, who were operated on preliminary adnexal torsion and diagnosed as adnexal torsion with a benign ovarian cyst (Study group) were retrospectively compared with those of 77 patients who were operated with an indication of persistent benign ovarian cysts without torsion (control group) at Zeynep Kamil Women and Children’s Health Training and Research Hospital and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Erciyes University Medical Faculty between 2011 and 2015. Complete blood count parameters were utilized to predict ovarian torsion cases. Result: Neutrophil (AUC=792, P=<0.001), white blood cell (AUC=787, P=<0.001) counts and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (AUC=770, P=<0.001) were significant predictors for adnexal torsion. Optimal cut off value for white blood cell, neutrophil count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were 8.3x103 (72% sensitivity, 73% specificity), 5.5x103 (73% sensitivity, 76% specificity), 2.9 (73% sensitivity, 79% specificity) respectively. Conclusion: Among all the parameters white blood cell count, neutrophil/lymphocyte and neutrophil count were the most powerful predictors for real adnexal torsion cases. Simple blood count parameters detailed evaluation may help clinicians to confirm or rule out adnexal torsion in cases presented with ovarian cyst and adnexal mass.
Swimming with limb absence: A systematic review

Swimming with limb absence is undertaken as a source of leisure or rehabilitation and forms part of the current Paralympic Games competition programme. Whilst it is often proposed that research into sport with limb absence can be limited, this study identified the volume, type and historical interest of research regarding swimming with limb absence. A modified PRISMA search protocol was adopted for this review, and five bibliographic databases were used to identify relevant articles. The review identified 24 papers which met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. The identified peer-reviewed publications dated from 1983 to 2015. The trend of publication indicated an initial focus on the design of prosthetics technology with emphasis then shifting specifically to an interest in swimming biomechanics from 2006. The overall trend of publication in this field is a positive one. In this review, four clear themes emerged. These included the general background of swimming with limb absence, the development of lower limb prosthetics technology, swimming with limb absence whilst performing the front crawl stroke and the technique used by those with unilateral elbow disarticulation. From these, four further themes have been identified for pursuit in the immediate future. This review will assist those who are interested in prescribing swimming with limb absence as a form of exercise or to those who wish to pursue it competitively.
Stellar scattering and the origin of the planet around gamma-cephei-A

In the last years several exoplanets have been discovered that orbit one component of a compact binary system (separation < 50 astronomical units), the probably best-known case is gamma-Cephei. So far, all attempts to explain the in-situ formation of these planets has been unsuccessful, in part because of the strong gravitational perturbations of the secondary star on any initial planetesimal swarm. Here we test whether planetary bodies in compact binaries, in particular gamma-Cephei, could have originated from a close encounter with a passing star, assuming initial configurations for the stellar system suitable for planetary formation. In other words, we analyze whether the orbital configuration of the current binary system might have been generated after the formation of the planet, and as a consequence of a close encounter with a third star in hyperbolic orbit. We performed a series of time-reverse N-body simulations of stellar scattering events in which the present-day configuration of gamma-Cephei was used as the initial condition plus a hypothetical third star as an impactor. We analyzed which configurations and system parameters could have given birth to the current system. Depending on the maximum impact velocity allowed for accretional collisions, we find that between 1% and 5% of stellar encounters correspond to an "original" system in which planetary formation around the primary star is not inhibited by the secondary, but is acceptable within the classical core-accretion scenario. Thus, although not highly probable, it is plausible that stellar encounters may have played a significant role in shaping these types of exoplanetary systems.
Running head: MORALITY’S ABILITY TO DIVIDE AND CONQUER 1 Deliver Us From Evil: Morality’s Ability to Divide and Conquer By

At one point there was consensus that morality was solely based on matters of harm and justice. However, with advances in cultural and anthropological research, Haidt and Joseph (2004) proposed a more expansive approach to morality, known as the Moral Foundations Theory. This theory highlights five foundations: Harm/Care and Fairness/Equality (Individualizing foundations) and Ingroup/Loyalty, Authority/Respect, and Purity/Sanctity (Binding foundations). Established links between the five foundations and political ideologies have been made, as well as broad links with religious affiliation in a US context. Considerably less research has been conducted on these foundations outside of an American context. Due to New Zealand’s particular ethnic composition, multi-party electoral politics and electoral system, and relatively secular climate, it makes for an ideal setting to investigate moral foundations in the context of political and religious ideology. I sampled 354 New Zealand participants (a mixture of general population and students: 39.5% male, 57.1% females, 3.4% other) on moral foundations, political self-identification, religious ideology, and individual-level individualism and collectivism. Political identification and religious ideologies were correlated with morality as predicted, with more conservative political and religious ideology being associated more strongly with the Binding foundations and more liberal political ideology being associated more strongly with the Individualizing. Furthermore, results raise speculation that the vertical dimension of individual-level cultural affiliation may be a strong predictor of morality endorsement alongside collectivism. This study replicates the connection between political and religious ideology, and morality but also adds additional insight into these relationships.