Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relating the Zone of Tolerance to Service Failure in the Hospitality Industry

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the zone of tolerance concept in relation to perceptions of service encounters, specifically when service failures are likely to occur. A simulated restaurant experience consisting of a series of dining service encounters was conducted with a sample of academic staff and research students. Results showed that individuals have different perceptions with different variability in their zone of tolerance; individuals appear to have a larger zone of tolerance when dealing with negative encounters and a narrower zone of tolerance for positive encounters. In addition, an initial negative encounter predisposes customers to future negative encounters. Failure is seen as a difficult concept to judge as individuals have diverse perceptions of what constitutes a failure and when it starts. Further research directions are proposed.
Thermostability of Reovirus Disassembly Intermediates (ISVPs) Correlates with Genetic, Biochemical, and Thermodynamic Properties of Major Surface Protein μ1

ABSTRACT Kinetic analyses of infectivity loss during thermal inactivation of reovirus particles revealed substantial differences between virions and infectious subvirion particles (ISVPs), as well as between the ISVPs of reoviruses type 1 Lang (T1L) and type 3 Dearing (T3D). The difference in thermal inactivation of T1L and T3D ISVPs was attributed to the major surface protein μ1 by genetic analyses with reassortant viruses and recoated cores. Irreversible conformational changes in ISVP-bound μ1 were shown to accompany thermal inactivation. The thermal inactivation of ISVPs approximated first-order kinetics over a range of temperatures, permitting the use of Arrhenius plots to estimate activation enthalpies and entropies that account for the different behaviors of T1L and T3D. An effect similar to enthalpy-entropy compensation was additionally noted for the ISVPs of these two isolates. Kinetic analyses with other ISVP-like particles, including ISVPs of a previously reported thermostable mutant, provided further insights into the role of μ1 as a determinant of thermostability. Intact virions, which contain ς3 bound to μ1 as their major surface proteins, exhibited greater thermostability than ISVPs and underwent thermal inactivation with kinetics that deviated from first order, suggesting a role for ς3 in both these properties. The distinct inactivation behaviors of ISVPs are consistent with their role as an essential intermediate in reovirus entry.
Margin Changes and Stock Price Behavior

The relationship between Federal Reserve margin requirements and the behavior of stock prices has long been of interest to academicians and investors. This paper reports the results of a study of price movements around times when margins were changed. Using data from the 1933-69 period, the study concludes that increases in margin appear, at most, to have a trivial depressing influence on stock prices, which takes place over a number of days following the announcement of increases. Margin decreases, on the other hand, do not seem to have any significant impact on price behavior.
Laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) management of benign kidney diseases: evaluation of complications.

BACKGROUND To present our experience with Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) management of benign kidney diseases. MATERIAL AND METHOD Between September 2008 and November 2009, 18 patients underwent single port transumbilical laparoscopic surgery for nephrectomy for a nonfunctioning kidney (7 cases), cyst decortications for symptomatic renal cyst (10 cases), and redo-dismembered pyeloplasty with previously failed laparoscopic surgical repair (1 case). Patients underwent surgery through a single 2-cm infraumbilical incision with the triport laparoscopic-port. All pathological reports of LESS nephrectomy and cyst decortications confirmed with chronic pyelonephritis and simple cysts, respectively Histology of xanthogranulomotus pyelonephritis showed two cases of the nephrectomy procedure. RESULTS Mean patient age and BMI were 61 +/- SD 14.2 years and 24.75 +/- SD 11.2 kg/m2, respectively Mean operating time was 187.7 +/- SD 71.4 min. LESS was a possible and safe approach in 77.8% of patients. All LESS cyst decortications and redo-pyeloplasty were completed without major complications or conversion to open surgery. However, there was one case each of LESS cyst decortication and pyeloplasty requiring an additional 3-mm port for suturing due to bleeding and an instrument error. For LESS nephrectomy, two (28.6%) with higher waist circumference were converted to standard laparoscopic nephrectomy due to failure to progress. One post operative complication of incisional hernia occurred in a patient with chronic bronchitis and asthma. CONCLUSION LESS for the management of benign kidney diseases is an effective and safe treatment option with selected patients and experienced surgeon.
Taking Dogs to Tourism Activities

This research’s purpose is to examine the factors that affect pet owners’ decisions when taking pets to participate in tourism activities. Unlike tourist travelling alone, pet owners must consider their own circumstances as well as the constraints their pets place on them. To narrow the gap in the literature, 568 Taiwanese dog owners who have included their pets in tourism activities were recruited. The results from structural equation modeling show pet-associated constraints will negatively affect owners’ behavior. On the other hand, motivated owners who are attached to their pets will still include their pets in tourism activities if they have the needed negotiation strategy.
Diffusion tensor MRI of the human kidney

This study characterizes the diffusion anisotropy of the human kidney using a diffusion‐weighted, single‐shot echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence in order to access the full apparent diffusion tensor (ADT) within one breathhold. The fractional anisotropy (FA) of the cortex and the medulla were found to be 0.22 ± 0.12 and 0.39 ± 0.11, respectively (N = 10), which emphasizes the need for rotationally invariant diffusion measurements for clinical applications. Additional limitations for clinical diffusion imaging on the kidney are the strong susceptibility variations within the abdomen that restrict the use of imaging techniques employing long echo trains, and the severe motion sensitivity that limits the available imaging time to one breath‐hold. To overcome these problems an isotropic, diffusion‐weighted, segmented EPI protocol that facilitates the acquisition of high‐resolution diffusion‐weighted images within a single breath‐hold was implemented. Using this method, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the cortex and medulla were found to be 2.89 ± 0.28 · 10−9 m2/s and 2.18 ± 0.36 · 10−9 m2/s (N = 10). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:42–49. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Citizen and administrator perspectives of equity in the delivery of park services

Abstract This paper addresses the issue of what constitutes fairness and equity in the allocation of park resources. Four alternative equity models are presented. A general population sample and a sample of park and recreation directors were surveyed to gain empirical insights into which of these models the two groups perceived to be most appropriate for governing the allocation of park resources. Both samples overwhelmingly supported the view that parks should be allocated to all areas equally, rather than on the basis of need, demand, or amount of taxes paid. There was a lack of consensus on whether entrance fees should be set at a level that recovers operating costs. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Cloud-assisted trajectory data management and analysis: a case study

Massive trajectory data with spatio-temporal information are generated from various devices everyday. Due to a wide variety of devices and data collection methods, these data differ in terms of frequency and precision, which brings challenges to data management and analysis. This paper presents TrajMan, a cloud-assisted framework for trajectory data management and analysis, which adds an edge layer between clients and cloud servers. With the assistance of edge devices, TrajMan supports fast data acquisition of extensive trajectory data, and reduces the WAN bandwidth and computation overhead for cloud servers by calibrating and compressing data locally. Cloud servers focus on data interpolation based on trajectory similarity to handle data in various frequencies, deriving more accurate trajectory features. To demonstrate the feasibility and performance of TrajMan, a preliminary case study of commute behavior analysis is conducted using real dataset, which shows 88% of the calculated commute distance has the relative deviation less than 20% and 80% of the calculated commute time deviates less than 10 minutes.
Clinical evaluation and reproducibility of the Pastorex Aspergillus antigen latex agglutination test for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis.

AIMS--The performance of the Pastorex Aspergillus antigen latex agglutination test for the detection of galactomannan in sera of patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis was evaluated, and the impact of storage on the reproducibility of the antigen titre was tested. METHODS--During a one year period, 392 serum samples were obtained from 46 patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis and tested for the presence of galactomannan using an Aspergillus latex agglutination test (Pastorex). Twenty three positive serum samples which had been stored at -20 degrees C for 2-16 months were retrospectively retested. Furthermore, two positive serum samples were stored at -20 degrees C and -70 degrees C and prospectively tested at three month intervals for a period of 15 months. RESULTS--The Pastorex Aspergillus test was positive in eight patients with microbiological, radiological, or histological evidence for invasive aspergillosis, but was negative in the initial serum sample from five of these patients. In two patients with histological evidence for invasive aspergillosis no positive reaction was found in six samples. Six of 13 (45%) serum samples which had been stored at -20 degrees C for longer than six months had lost reactivity, while one of 10 (10%) samples had lost reactivity when stored up to six months. Two serum samples which had been stored at -20 degrees C and -70 degrees C and prospectively retested at three month intervals for 15 months, maintained stable antigen titres. CONCLUSIONS--The Pastorex Aspergillus test is too insensitive to diagnose invasive aspergillosis in an early stage, but may contribute to the diagnosis when cultures remain negative and serial samples are obtained. To maintain a good reproducibility, serum samples should be stored at -70 degrees C when the period of storage exceeds six months.
Essays on Trade and Equity

textabstractGlobalization is a central topic of current economic and public debate. The term glob­alizatio n is associated with the increase of tradevolumes,investmentﬂows, outsourcing activities and the expansion of multinational enterprises. However, a commonly accepted deﬁnition does not exist and other characterizations intertwine diﬀerent contemporaneous trends, such as,increased transport facilities, faster and cheaper communication technologies, changes in labor conditions, and even cultural change. No matter which deﬁnition is used, there is a common urge to know how globalization aﬀects our economic and social conditions. Trade liberalization is a main component of economic globalization and as such, there is much interest about the positive and negative eﬀects it may cause. However, tradepolicy reforms have been a recurring public issue for over a century and economic integration between developed countries had already expanded signiﬁcantly during the post war period. The interesting new element associated with globalization is the ever-increasing integration of developing countries into the process, which has been clearly noticeable since the 1980s. Inaddition, the recent spell of wage inequality and unemployment in OECD countries has added interest to the consequences of trade openness. As with any critical and heavily disputed public issue, many diverse and contradictory opinions exist. Mainstream economists and ﬁnancial international organizations claim that trade liberalization and capital mobility have increased economic growth in those countries that have successfully integrated into the worldeconomy. Moreover,these improved economic conditions have allowed these developing countries to reduce poverty (WorldBank,2002).
Performance Appraisal: Some Unintended Consequences

ew areas of personnel management have received more attention than perform­ ance appraisal, and few have remained as shrouded in controversy and contra­ diction. After ingest ing even a small portion of the l iterature on the subject, one typically ends up with an acute case of mental indigestion. Faced with a plethora of opinions, managers today are forced to wrestle wi th often-conflicting prescriptions for the "one best way" to devise a useful and effective w a y to appraise employee performance. The diversity evidenced in both the form and substance of their at­ tempts suggests the extent of the disagreements involved. ^ What is perhaps most disconcerting is that, despite all of the cautions about the complexity of the process, managers frequently succumb to the lure of simplicity and convenience that still beckons us, l ike the legendary Lorelei, to the shoals of organizational disaster. ^ Too often, they forget the admonitions Wallace Sayre offered four decades ago and yie ld to such temptation, fall ing victem to the ". canonization of rudimentary techniques, fascinated more by procedural rule and techniques rather than purpose or re­ sults. steadily more dependent upon a cold, impersonal, rigid quantification of hu­ man ability and worth. "^ The unfortunate result is that many managers still find themselves flying by the seat of their pants, without any real appreciation of what their performance appraisal system is doing for, or to, their organization. ''
A novel β1‐dependent adhesion pathway on neutrophils: a mechanism invoked by dihydrocytochalasin B or endothelial transmigration

It is generally accepted that the β2‐integrin is restricted to mononuclear leukocytes. The objective of this study was to determine whether neutrophils can also express β1‐integrin (specifically α4β1) and whether this can support neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells and to extracellular matrix. We stimulated neutrophils with dihydrocytochalasin B (DHCB) and various chemotactic stimuli and observed that chemotactic stimuli induced neutrophil adhesion via β2‐integrin (CD18), whereas DHCB and either fMLP, PAF, or IL‐8 induced adhesion to endothelium or protein‐coated plastic that was not inhibitable by and‐CD18 antibody, β2‐integrin‐deficient cells, which did not respond to chemotactic stimuli alone, also adhered avidly in the presence of chemotactic stimuli and DHCB. The induced neutrophil adhesion was inhibited by antibody to β1‐ or α‐integrin chains, but only if an anti‐α2‐integrin antibody was also present. Flow cytometry revealed increased expression of both β1 and α4 in the presence of fMLP plus DHCB. Transendothelial migration of neutrophils induced by chemotactic stimuli alone also increased expression of β1 and α4. Transmigration across deendothelialized membranes induced a similar β1 expression on neutrophils suggesting that events other than an endothelial signal elicited β1‐integrin expression. Transmigration‐induced β1‐dependent expression translated into only modest adhesion to protein‐coated plastic. These data suggest that both a pharmacological (DHCB) and a physiological (transmigration) stimulus can invoke expression of α4 and β1 on human neutrophils to mediate adhesion. —Kubes, P., Niu, X. ‐F. , Smith, C. W. , Kehrli, M. E. , Jr., Reinhardt, P. H. , Woodman, R. C. A novel β1‐dependent adhesion pathway on neutrophils: a mechanism invoked by dihydrocytochalasin B or endothelial transmigration. FASEB J. 1103‐1111 (1995)
Cardiorespiratory and sensory responses to exercise in well-controlled asthmatics

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate detailed ventilatory, cardiovascular and sensory responses to cycle exercise in sedentary patients with well-controlled asthma and healthy controls. Methods: Subjects included sedentary patients meeting criteria for well-controlled asthma (n = 14), and healthy age- and activity-matched controls (n = 14). Visit 1 included screening for eligibility, medical history, anthropometrics, physical activity assessment, and pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry. Visit 2 included spirometry and a symptom limited incremental cycle exercise test. Detailed ventilatory, cardiovascular and sensory responses were measured at rest and throughout exercise. Results: Asthmatics and controls were well matched for age, body mass index and physical activity levels. Baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was similar between asthmatics and controls (98 ± 10 versus 95 ± 9% predicted, respectively, p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between asthmatics and controls for maximal oxygen uptake (31.8 ± 5.6 versus 30.6 ± 5.9 ml/kg/min, respectively, p > 0.05) and power output (134 ± 35 versus 144 ± 32 W, respectively, p > 0.05). Minute ventilation (VE) relative to maximum voluntary ventilation (VE/MVV) was similar between groups at maximal exercise with no subjects showing evidence of ventilatory limitation. Asthmatics and controls achieved similar age-predicted maximum heart rates (92 ± 7 versus 93 ± 8% predicted, respectively, p > 0.05). Ratings of perceived breathing discomfort and leg fatigue were not different between groups throughout exercise. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that sedentary patients with well-controlled asthma have preserved sensory and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise with no evidence of exercise impairment or ventilatory limitation.
Biochemical pattern in experimental exposure of humans to white spirit. II. The effects of repetitive exposures.

The concentration of P-immunoglobulins (P-IgG, P-IgA, P-IgM), P-orosomucoid, S-creatine kinase (S-CK), and S-follicle stimulating hormone (S-FSH) was investigated in seven subjects exposed to 100 p.p.m. white spirit, 6 hrs daily during 5 days while 5 subjects were used as unexposed controls. The mean values for S-CK concentration in the exposed group increased significantly with 59% and 76% above the base-line (O-hr value) 96 hrs and 168 hrs, respectively, after the start of the exposure (P less than 0.05), while the mean values for S-FSH concentration decreased significantly to 11% and 9% below the base-line after 24 hrs and 96 hrs (P less than 0.05), respectively. S-CK concentration and S-FSH concentration in the control group remained unchanged. A marked interindividual and intraindividual variance in S-CK concentration and S-FSH concentration was observed. No changes in the concentration of immunoglobulins and orosomucoid were observed in both groups during the experiment. The mechanisms for the changes are at present only speculative, but solvent induced changes in muscle cell membranes with subsequent enzyme leakage seem the most reasonable explanation for the increase in S-CK concentration, while an effect on the hypothalamic FSH releasing hormone may explain the decrease in S-FSH concentration.
CONS should not CONS its arguments, part II: Cheney on the M.T.A.

Previous Schemes for implementing full tail-recursion when compiling into C have required some form of "trampoline" to pop the stack. We propose solving the tail-recursion problem in the same manner as Standard ML of New Jersey, by allocating all frames in the (garbage-collected) heap. The Scheme program is translated into continuation-passing style, so the target C functions never return. The C stack pointer then becomes the allocation pointer for a Cheney-style copying garbage collection scheme. Our Scheme can use C function calls, C arguments, C variable-arity functions, and separate compilation without requiring complex block-compilation of entire programs. Our C version of the "Boyer" benchmark is available at ftp://ftp.netcom. com/pub/hb/hbaker/cboyer13.c.
Doing Business in Germany and Australia: An Etic‐Emic Study of Contrasts

Suggests that important aspect of doing business in a foreign country is familiarity with its culture which preconditions its people to perceive, think, feel and act according to the norms of their culture. The norms and values of two different cultures frequently clash with each other, yet are crucial for the marketing and operational success of a foreign company. Discusses the German and Australian cultures and their implication for business decisions from an outside viewpoint.
Trademark: Multimedia image database system with intelligent human interface

An experimental multimedia database system TRADEMARK is being developed. This system includes image processing facilities as the primitive data operations. It provides (a) automatic image data registration and automatic indexing by abstracted image representation, (b) similarity retrieval from actual visual examples, and (c) multimedia document formatting of retrieved data. Similarity retrieval in this system also permits handwritten and rough sketches as visual examples. Its ability in similarity operations is also evaluated experimentally. The design principle proposed here is based on a hyperobject-oriented model which has the following features: (i) knowledge base-like representation of object world, (ii) extensive architecture by deduction of logic database, and (iii) AI-oriented human interface.
Spatio-Temporally Consistent Novel View Synthesis Algorithm From Video-Plus-Depth Sequences for Autostereoscopic Displays

In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm to generate multiple virtual views from a video-plus-depth sequence for modern autostereoscopic displays. To synthesize realistic content in the disocclusion regions at the virtual views is the main challenging problem for this task. Spatial coherence and temporal consistency are the two key factors to produce perceptually satisfactory virtual images. The proposed algorithm employs the spatio-temporal consistency constraint to handle the uncertain pixels in the disocclusion regions. On the one hand, regarding the spatial coherence, we incorporate the intensity gradient strength with the depth information to determine the filling priority for inpainting the disocclusion regions, so that the continuity of image structures can be preserved. On the other hand, the temporal consistency is enforced by estimating the intensities in the disocclusion regions across the adjacent frames with an optimization process. We propose an iterative re-weighted framework to jointly consider intensity and depth consistency in the adjacent frames, which not only imposes temporal consistency but also reduces noise disturbance. Finally, for accelerating the multi-view synthesis process, we apply the proposed view synthesis algorithm to generate the intensity and depth maps at the leftmost and rightmost viewpoints, so that the intermediate views are efficiently interpolated through image warping according to the associated depth maps between the two synthesized images and their corresponding symmetric depths. In the experimental validation, we perform quantitative evaluation on synthetic data as well as subjective assessment on real video data with comparison to some representative methods to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm.