Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Consumer Preferences for Major Food Markets in Taiwan

The Food Industry Research and Development Institute conducted a nationwide survey of food consumption in Taiwan in 1999. A sample of 1200 consumers responded to a questionnaire, which asked whether there was a use/visit experience in the past year for each of six types of food markets: traditional vegetable market, supermarket, hypermarket, consumer cooperative, chain convenience store, and grocery store. Questions also asked which types of food markets consumers used most frequently for the purchase of fresh foods, planned purchases or occasional purchases of processed foods, and what factors influenced consumers to choose their most frequently used market. Nearly 84 percent of surveyed consumers have used/visited traditional vegetable markets in the past year, while 47 percent choose traditional markets as their most frequented marketplace for buying fresh food in Taiwan. Some 81 percent of surveyed consumers have used or visited a supermarket in past year, while 17.7 percent and 29.0 percent choose supermarkets as the most frequented marketplace for planned and occasional purchases of processed foods, respectively. We apply stepwise logistic regression to identify significant sociodemographic factors (such as gender, age, and others) which influence the choice of each of the six major types of food markets and to identify the promotional factors which positively or negatively influence consumers' preferences for the most often used market. Female consumers have almost four times higher odds of frequently using traditional vegetable markets in the past year. The unmarried, divorced/widowed, and/or those who had higher family monthly incomes demonstrate lower odds of frequently using traditional markets. For purchases of fresh foods, female respondents, older consumers, and/or those living in northern Taiwan have higher odds of choosing traditional vegetable markets as the most frequently used market, while occupation "chief," and those with higher levels of education have lower odds of choosing traditional markets. Price level influences consumers positively in choosing traditional vegetable markets, while products with mark registrations, such as GMP or CAS, negatively influence this choice. For planned purchases of processed foods, older consumers are more likely than others to choose traditional vegetable markets, and price level is also a positive influence for choosing these markets. For occasional purchases of processed foods, manual laborers and/or those living in northern Taiwan have higher odds of choosing traditional vegetable markets, while unmarried respondents have lower odds. Price level and products with nutrition labeling are positive promotional factors influencing consumers to choose traditional vegetable markets. For the other five market types, sociodemographic factors influence consumers' choices of markets differently in each case, but marketing factors also influence choices of which type of marketplace to use most frequently.
Potential Minimum Threshold for Pallid Sturgeon Relative Condition in the Lower Missouri River

Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) condition has declined in the lower Missouri River but the cause and the effects of this decline remain uncertain. Adult Pallid Sturgeon are becoming reproductively ready less frequently and sub-adult Pallid Sturgeon are likely delaying sexual maturation. Even more concerning, Pallid Sturgeon capture rates have declined the past two years (i.e., 2016 and 2017), despite the ongoing Pallid Sturgeon stocking program. Several Pallid Sturgeon that have been captured are visually emaciated but a minimum condition threshold has not been described. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a potential lethal condition level for adult Pallid Sturgeon in the lower Missouri River then determine the capture frequency of Pallid Sturgeon below this assumed minimum condition threshold to test the validity of this hypothesis. Based on the mortality of an individual female adult Pallid Sturgeon held in captivity, mortality occurred when condition was 0.71. This potential minimum threshold is further supported with very few adult Pallid Sturgeon captured below this predicted minimum threshold. Using the minimum condition threshold established here to continue monitoring the Pallid Sturgeon population and the occurrence of individuals below this condition level could help managers better address factors hindering Pallid Sturgeon recovery.
Bank Credit, Trade Credit or No Credit: Evidence from the Surveys of Small Business Finances

In this study, we use data from the SSBFs to provide new information about the use of credit by small businesses in the U.S. More specifically, we first analyze firms that do and do not use credit; and then analyze why some firms use trade credit while others use bank credit. We find that one in five small firms uses no credit, one in five uses trade credit only, one in five uses bank credit only, and two in five use both bank credit and trade credit. These results are consistent across the three SSBFs we examine—1993, 1998 and 2003. When compared to firms that use credit, we find that firms using no credit are significantly smaller, more profitable, more liquid and of better credit quality; but hold fewer tangible assets. We also find that firms using no credit are more likely to be found in the services industries and in the wholesale and retail-trade industries. In general, these findings are consistent with the pecking-order theory of firm capital structure. Firms that use trade credit are larger, more liquid, of worse credit quality, and less likely to be a firm that primarily provides services. Among firms that use trade credit, the amount used as a percentage of assets is positively related to liquidity and negatively related to credit quality and is lower at firms that primarily provide services. In general, these results are consistent with the financing-advantage theory of trade credit. Firms that use bank credit are larger, less profitable, less liquid and more opaque as measured by firm age, i.e., younger. Among firms that use bank credit, the amount used as a percentage of assets is positively related to firm liquidity and to firm opacity as measured by firm age. Again, these results are generally consistent with the pecking-order theory of capital structure, but with some notable exceptions. We contribute to the literature on the availability of credit in at least two important ways. First, we provide the first rigorous analysis of the differences between small U.S. firms that do and do not use credit. Second, for those small U.S. firms that do participate in the credit markets, we provide new evidence regarding factors that determine their use of trade credit and of bank credit, and whether these two types of credit are substitutes (Meltzer, 1960) or complements (Burkart and Ellingsen, 2004). Our evidence strongly suggests that they are complements.
Environmental Factors Related to the Distribution, Abundance, and Life History Characteristics of Mountain Whitefish in Idaho

Abstract Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni are a broadly distributed native salmonid in western North America, but comparatively little investigation has been made regarding their population characteristics. We surveyed 2,043 study sites to assess whether physiochemical stream conditions affected mountain whitefish distribution and abundance in southern Idaho, and at 20 of these sites life history characteristics were also estimated. A total of 581 sites were dry or contained too little water to support any fish species. Mountain whitefish were captured at 106 sites; for these sites only, mean abundance was 2.2/100 m2. They were rarely present when mean wetted width was less than 10 m but were almost always present when wetted width was greater than 15 m. We estimated that within the study area there were approximately 4.7 ± 1.8 million mountain whitefish, mostly in fifth- to seventh-order streams, which comprised only 13% of the total stream kilometers but accounted for 93% of the total abundance .
Factor Analysis of Academic Staff Satisfaction in Dire Dawa University, Ethiopia

Job satisfaction is defined as how people feel about their jobs, different aspects of their jobs and it is an emotion, a feeling and a matter of perception. This study was conducted to explore academic staff satisfaction with the university and to extract a set of factors from various dimensions used to measure satisfaction. A cross-sectional study on a sample of 150 academic staff selected using simple random sampling technique was conducted. Primary data was collected on teaching-learning, facility provision, benefits & incentives, research undertakings, community engagement, interpersonal relationship and management of the university. Descriptive statistics together with factor analysis using principal component extraction via varimax rotation was used. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Barlett’s test of sphericity was employed to check the sample size and sufficiency of correlation between the variables. Analysis of data revealed that the general satisfaction level of Academic staff in the university is 40%. The results indicated higher satisfaction levels for teaching-learning, interpersonal relationship, management of the university with 74.6%, 69.7% and 74.8% respectively. The factor analysis identified four factors within teaching-learning, facility provision and research undertaking. It also identified two factors within benefits & incentives, community engagement, interpersonal relationship and management of the university. Additionally the satisfaction level did not indicate variation across sex. Therefore, although satisfaction level for the academic staff increased from the previous academic year it is still moderate and requires further work. Additionally service quality of Dire Dawa University showed progress but the management and other stakeholders should focus on improving the facilities related with recreation, internet access, transportation and restrooms on buildings.
Basal Melt and Freezing Rates From First Noble Gas Samples Beneath an Ice Shelf

A climatically induced acceleration in ocean‐driven melting of Antarctic ice shelves would have consequences for both the discharge of continental ice into the ocean and thus global sea level, and for the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water and the oceanic meridional overturning circulation. Using a novel gas‐tight in situ water sampler, noble gas samples have been collected from six locations beneath the Filchner Ice Shelf, the first such samples from beneath an Antarctic ice shelf. Helium and neon are uniquely suited as tracers of glacial meltwater in the ocean. Basal meltwater fractions range from 3.6% near the ice shelf base to 0.5% near the sea floor, with distinct regional differences. We estimate an average basal melt rate for the Filchner‐Ronne Ice Shelf of 177 ± 95 Gt/year, independently confirming previous results. We calculate that up to 2.7% of the meltwater has been refrozen, and we identify a local source of crustal helium.
Diagnosis of tuberculosis in a high TB-HIV environment using microscopy and culture: The example of Kakiika Prison-Kyamugorani, Mbarara, Uganda

There is growing concern about the high transmission of tuberculosis (TB) in prisons posing a risk to the outside community. There are high levels of overcrowding in the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) with some prisons accommodating 4 times above their designed capacities. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of active pulmonary tuberculosis among prisoners. In addition we assessed the accuracy and reliability of TB smear microscopy using culture as gold standard and determined TB-HIV co-infection. Using a cross-sectional survey, we enrolled 140 male inmates in Kakiika prison-Kyamugorani, Mbarara. TB diagnosis was performed using direct sputum smear microscopy (DSSM) and culture for mycobacteria. HIV results were obtained from the clinical register with consent from the study participants. The prevalence of active pulmonary MTB was 2.9% based on culture findings. Microscopy had no smear positive results. However, there was no evidence that culture is different from microscopy in this sample (P=0.13). The overall HIV prevalence was 15.7% and TB-HIV co-infection was 25%. TB prevalence in this prison was greater than that of other prisons in Uganda at 0.7% and the general opulation at 0.4%. This is because the social and economic conditions that increase vulnerability to TB also increase vulnerability to criminal behavior and imprisonment. In addition, the high TB burden is due to the high HIV prevalence in prisons. The study recommended the use of a more sensitive technique for TB diagnosis specially in settings where the level of transmission is presumed to be high. Keywords : Culture, Microscopy, Prisons, Tuberculosis, TB/HIV co-infection
Effects of Altered Calcium Metabolism on Cardiac Parameters in Primary Aldosteronism

Background Increasing evidence supports interplay between aldosterone and parathyroid hormone (PTH), which may aggravate cardiovascular complications in various heart diseases. Negative structural cardiovascular remodeling by primary aldosteronism (PA) is also suspected to be associated with changes in calcium levels. However, to date, few clinical studies have examined how changes in calcium and PTH levels influence cardiovascular outcomes in PA patients. Therefore, we investigated the impact of altered calcium homeostasis caused by excessive aldosterone on cardiovascular parameters in patients with PA. Methods Forty-two patients (mean age 48.8±10.9 years; 1:1, male:female) whose plasma aldosterone concentration/plasma renin activity ratio was more than 30 were selected among those who had visited Severance Hospital from 2010 to 2014. All patients underwent adrenal venous sampling with complete access to both adrenal veins. Results The prevalence of unilateral adrenal adenoma (54.8%) was similar to that of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Mean serum corrected calcium level was 8.9±0.3 mg/dL (range, 8.3 to 9.9). The corrected calcium level had a negative linear correlation with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD, ρ=−0.424, P=0.031). Moreover, multivariable regression analysis showed that the corrected calcium level was marginally associated with the LVEDD and corrected QT (QTc) interval (β=−0.366, P=0.068 and β=−0.252, P=0.070, respectively). Conclusion Aldosterone-mediated hypercalciuria and subsequent hypocalcemia may be partly involved in the development of cardiac remodeling as well as a prolonged QTc interval, in subjects with PA, thereby triggering deleterious effects on target organs additively.
Spectro-morphology of galaxies: A multi-wavelength (UV-R) classification method

We present a quantitative method to classify galaxies, based on multi-wavelength data and constructed from the properties of nearby galaxies. Our objective is to define an classification method that can be used for low and high redshift objects. We estimate the concentration of light (C) at the galaxy center and the 180° rotational asymmetry (A), computed at several wavelengths, from ultraviolet (UV) to I-band. The variation of the indices of concentration and asymmetry with the wavelength reflects the proportion and the distribution of young and old stellar populations in galaxies. In general C is found to decrease, and A to increase from optical to UV: the patchy appearance of a galaxy in the UV with no bulge is often very different from its counterpart at optical wavelengths, with a prominent bulge and a more regular disk. We quantify the variation of C and A with wavelength. In this way we are able to distinguish five types of galaxies that we call spectro-morphological types: compact, ringed, spiral, irregular and central-starburst galaxies, which can be differentiated by the distribution of their stellar populations. We discuss in detail the morphology of the galaxies of the sample, and describe the morphological characteristics of each spectro-morphological type. We apply spectro-morphology to three objects at a redshift z~1 in the Hubble Deep Field North, which gives encouraging results for applications to large samples of high-redshift galaxies. This method of morphological classification could be used to study the evolution of the morphology with redshift and is expected to put observational constraints on scenarios of galaxy evolution.
Moisture Adsorption Isotherms of African Arrowroot Lily (Tacca involucrata) Tuber Mash as Influenced by Blanching and Natural Fermentation

The adsorption isotherms of African arrowroot lily (Tacca involucrata) as influenced by blanching and natural fermentation were investigated at 10, 20, 30, and 40°C using gravimetric method. The BET, GAB, Oswin, Halsey, Henderson equations were fitted to the experimental sorption data and Clausius-Clapeyron equation was used to determine the isosteric heat of sorption. The equilibrium moisture content of the products at a given water activity is decreased by blanching and fermentation. The developed models, GAB, Oswin, Halsey and Henderson equations in that order provided good fit to experimental data. The BET monolayer moisture contents (Mo) values were lower than the values predicted by the GAB model. The surface areas for monolayer moisture sorption decreased with increasing temperature and blanching and fermentation reduced these values. Isosteric heat of sorption decrease at the average temperatures investigated with increase in moisture content. Blanching and fermentation offer perspectives to improve the shelf life of the product.
Large submarine earthquakes that occurred worldwide in a 1-year period (June 2013 to June 2014) – a contribution to the understanding of tsunamigenic potential

Abstract. This paper is a contribution to a better understanding of the tsunamigenic potential of large submarine earthquakes. Here, we analyze the tsunamigenic potential of large earthquakes which have occurred worldwide with magnitudes around Mw = 7.0 and greater during a period of 1 year, from June 2013 to June 2014. The analysis involves earthquake model evaluation, tsunami numerical modeling, and sensors' records analysis in order to confirm the generation of a tsunami (or lack thereof) following the occurrence of an earthquake. We also investigate and discuss the sensitivity of tsunami generation to the earthquake parameters recognized to control tsunami occurrence, including the earthquake location, magnitude, focal mechanism and fault rupture depth. Through this analysis, we attempt to understand why some earthquakes trigger tsunamis and others do not, and how the earthquake source parameters are related to the potential of tsunami generation. We further discuss the performance of tsunami warning systems in detecting tsunamis and disseminating the alerts. A total of 23 events, with magnitudes ranging from Mw = 6.7 to Mw = 8.1, have been analyzed. This study shows that about 39 % of the analyzed earthquakes caused tsunamis that were recorded by different sensors with wave amplitudes varying from a few centimeters to about 2 m. Tsunami numerical modeling shows good agreement between simulated waveforms and recorded waveforms, for some events. On the other hand, simulations of tsunami generation predict that some of the events, considered as non-tsunamigenic, caused small tsunamis. We find that most generated tsunamis were caused by shallow earthquakes (depth
Toward Design Criteria In Constructed Oyster Reefs: Oyster Recruitment As A Function Of Substrate Type And Tidal Height

Restoration of degraded oyster reef habitat generally begins with the addition of substrate that serves as a reef base and site for oyster spat attachment. Remarkably, little is known about ho\v substrate type and reef 1norphology affect the development of oyster populations on restored reefs. Three-dilnensional, intertidal reefs were constructed near Fishennan's Island, Virginia: two reefs in 1995 using surfclam (Spisula solidissima) shell and six reefs in 1996 using surfclan1 shell, oyster shell, and stabilized coal ash. "\Ve have 1nonitored oyster recniitment and gro\vth quarterly at three tidal heights (intertidal, tnean low water, and subtidal) on each reef type since their constn1ction. Oyster recn1itn1ent in 1995 exceeded that obsen•ed in the two subsequent years. High initial densities on the 1995 reefs decreased and stabilized at a 1nean of 418 oyster/Jn• Oyster settlement occurred on all reef types and tidal heights in 1996; however, postsettlement mortality on the surfclan1 shell and coal ash reefs exceeded that on the oyster shell reefs, which remained relatively constant throughout the year (1nean = 935 oystershn). Field observations suggest that predation accounts for most of the obsen'ed mortality and that the clam shell and coal ash reefs, which have little interstitial space, suffer greater predation. Oyster abundance \Vas consistently greatest higher in the intertidal zone on all reefs in each year studied. The patterns observed here lead to the preliminary conclusion that the provision of spatial refugia (both intertidal and interstitial) fron1 predation is an essential feature of successful oyster reef restoration in this region. In addition, high levels of recruitment can provide a numerical refuge, whereby the oysters then1selves will provide stn1cture and increase the probability of an oyster population establishing successfully on the reef. KEY H'ORDS: oyster, Crassostrea virginica, habitat restoration, recn1itment substrate, intertidal, Virginia
The solar wind at solar maximum: comparisons of EISCAT IPS and in situ observations

Abstract. The solar maximum solar wind is highly structured in latitude, longitude and in time. Coronal measurements show a very high degree of variability, with large variations that are less apparent within in situ spacecraft measurements. Interplanetary scintillation (IPS) observations from EISCAT, covering distances from 20 to 100 solar radii (RS), are an ideal source of information on the inner solar wind and can be used, therefore, to cast light on its evolution with distance from the Sun. Earlier comparisons of in situ and IPS measurements under solar minimum conditions showed good large-scale agreement, particularly in the fast wind. In this study we attempt a quantitative comparison of measurements made over solar maximum by EISCAT (20–100 RS) and the Wind and Ulysses spacecraft (at 215 RS and 300–1000 RS, respectively). The intervals studied were August–September 1999, May 2000, September 2000 and May 2001, the last-named being the period of the second Ulysses fast latitude scan. Both ballistic and – when possible – MHD/ballistic hybrid models were used to relate the data sets, and we compare the results obtained from these two mapping methods. The results of this study suggest that solar wind velocities measured in situ were less variable than those estimated from IPS measurements closer to the Sun, with the greatest divergence between IPS velocities and in situ measurements occurring in regions where steep longitudinal velocity gradients were seen in situ. We suggest that the interaction between streams of solar wind with different velocities leads to "smoothing" of solar wind velocities between 30–60 RS and 1 AU, and that this process continues at greater distances from the Sun. Key words. Interplanetary physics (solar wind plasma; sources of the solar wind; instruments and techniques)