Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategy by Bottom‐up Abstractions of the Customer Interface

Recently it has been suggested that marketing should reassert itself and reclaim its strategic role from the adjacent discipline of strategic management. This can be done by abstracting strategy from the customer interface by building a mental model of the key components of the customer interaction. To accomplish this undertaking, however, we need leaders, or managers, who are able to make holistic abstractions out of complex interactions. This paper has the aim to illustrate how market, or marketing, strategy empirically has been abstracted from customer interfaces by managers in six case studies by means of finding out, and building, either generic, or specific systems of different degrees of complexity. Generic systems may yield scale economy, which specific systems may not. It is suggested that more standardised systems are more strategic in nature.
A Case of Response Rate Success

Postal survey response rates are affected by the intersection of a variety of dependent and independent variables. This paper outlines the response rate variables manipulated in a survey that generated a 75.2% return. The case of a university-sponsored, UK-based postal survey of the general public is documented, with Fox, Crask & Kim's (1988) five key response rate issues - respondent contact, the covering letter, incentives, the questionnaire and postage mailing - providing a framework for discussion. The aim is to provide those conducting future surveys, exhibiting like characteristics in terms of sponsorship, topic and sample population, with an example of response rate success, from which comparative lessons may be learned.
It′s a kind of magic

Discusses the policies of the Walt Disney Company in respect of its commitment to employee training and recognition. Explores the many ways in which employees (cast members) are made to feel an essential part of the company, particularly in reinforcing the company policy that every day is a show. Outlines the world‐wide training programme, highlighting Disney familiarization classes, Professional Development programmes, Cast Development, Clerical Development, Career Development, Personal/Professional Development, and Computer Software Training. Explores cast priorities as developed in accordance with a list made up by customers and mentions the quarterly Spirit of Disneyland awards, in which any cast member may nominate another who exemplifies the Disney spirit.
Price Discovery Across Equity and Option Markets

This paper measures the channels by which private information is incorporated in prices in the equity and option markets. Using a mispricing events approach and conditioning on the option market being the cause of the mispricing event, I analyse the subsequent behaviour of both the options and equity markets and I find that options markets play an important role in the price discovery process. When conditioning on option caused mispricing events, the equity price adjusts towards the options price to reconcile the prices. I find that around 40% of the option caused mispricing events contain information, and the equity prices adjust 35-40%, depending on the exchange, of the maximum discrepancy before prices reconcile. When the equity market causes the mispricing, the option market follows due to the autoquote mechanism. Additionally, I use Monte Carlo to assess the suitability of the Hasbrouck (1995) Information Share and Gonzalo-Granger (1995) Component Share measures in the option-equity context. I find that neither metric is suitable, however the Putnins (2013) Information Leadership metric is and the options market has on average a 35% information leadership share.
Better Budgeting methods : a comparative effect analysis on traditional budgeting problems

In today s business environment, companies are forced to constantly adapt to ever changing internal and external influences. Yet, the traditional budgeting process with its inherent flaws has remained relatively stable for decades. In order to stay competitive, companies need to improve their budgeting process by implementing Better Budgeting methods. The aim of this research was to develop a framework that helps companies to identify their budgeting problems and address them more efficiently with fitting Better Budgeting methods. Through a detailed literature review, a comprehensive list of budgeting problems was developed and explained, which can act as a checklist for companies to evaluate which problems they are facing. In addition, a theoretical framework was developed that matches Better Budgeting methods and the respective traditional budgeting problems they are able to solve/decrease. A survey that tested the framework with actual organizations was used to validate the theoretical results. The results proved a strong correlation between the implementation of certain Better Budgeting methods and the reduction of certain traditional budgeting problems and therefore supported the managerial and academic value of the developed framework; however additional layers, such as company size, industry, or quality of method implementation need to be evaluated in order to increase precision of the framework.
An introduction to LLC resonant half-bridge converter

Although in existence for many years, only recently has the LLC resonant converter, in particular in its half-bridge implementation, gained in the popularity it certainly deserves. In many applications, such as flat panel TVs, 85+ ATX PCs or small form factor PCs, where the requirements on efficiency and power density of their SMPS are getting tougher and tougher, the LLC resonant half-bridge with its many benefits and very few drawbacks is an excellent solution. One of the major difficulties that engineers are facing with this topology is the lack of information concerning the way it operates. The purpose of this application note is to provide insight into the topology and help familiarize the reader with it, therefore, the approach is essentially descriptive.
Isolation of hepatitis C virus RNA from serum for reverse transcription-PCR

Standard multistep extraction and isolation of RNA for hepatitis C virus (HCV) reverse transcription (RT)-PCR are impractical for routine use in clinical laboratories. We compared three simple commercially available methods for RNA isolation (RNAzol B, TRISOLV, and ULTRASPEC; Biotecx Laboratories, Houston, Tex.) and a total nucleic acid isolation method (IsoQuick; MicroProbe Corp., Garden Grove, Calif.) for the recovery of HCV RNA from sera obtained from 12 viremic patients for RT-PCR. RNAzol B, TRISOLV, ULTRASPEC, and IsoQuick extraction methods detected 87.5, 79.2, 33.3, and 58.3% of the paired positive samples, respectively. The method used for isolation of RNA is an important concern when optimizing HCV RT-PCR.
Audit Fees and Audit Risk – Evidence from German Speaking Countries

The objective of this paper is to examine the risk-related premiums of disclosed audit fees in the Austrian and German markets for audit services. The idea of the paper is to determine a risk-free, entity-specific audit fee. By comparing this fee with the disclosed audit fee, we determine risk-related audit fee premiums. In contrast to the previous studies that measured audit risk, we develop an alternative approach based on the differences in volatility of taxable income and GAAP-defined income with respect to earnings management. The results indicate that no relationship between systematic risk and adequate audit fee pricing exists.
Risk-taking behaviour of Cape Peninsula high-school students. Part IX. Evidence for a syndrome of adolescent risk behaviour.

OBJECTIVES To ascertain whether the notion of a syndrome of adolescent risk behaviour (which includes problem drinking, marijuana use, having experienced sexual intercourse, 'general deviance' and cigarette smoking) is valid for this setting; and to investigate whether suicidal behaviour and behaviour that exposes the adolescent to injury should be included in this syndrome. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey utilising a self-completed questionnaire; for both sexes, relationships between behaviours were documented as odds ratios. SETTING High schools in the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. SUBJECTS 7,340 students from 16 schools in the three major education departments. OUTCOME MEASURES Participation in the following behaviours: alcohol bingeing, cannabis smoking, sexual intercourse, knife-carrying at school, cigarette smoking, attempting suicide, failure to use a seat belt, and walking home at night from beyond the neighbourhood. RESULTS All the odds ratios were greater than 1. There were statistically significant odds ratios between all the pairs of risk behaviours included in the 'original' syndrome of risk behaviour except for cigarette smoking and having had sexual intercourse in the case of girls. There were statistically significant relationships between all these risk behaviours, suicidal behaviour, and behaviours that exposed the adolescent to risk of physical injury, except for failure to use a seat belt and: (i) suicidal behaviour for both sexes; and (ii) walking home alone at night and having had sexual intercourse in the case of girls. CONCLUSION The notion of a syndrome of adolescent risk behaviour is valid for this population, and both suicidal behaviour and behaviour that exposes the adolescent to injury should be included in this syndrome.
Transformations of Check Constraint PIM Specifications

Platform independent modeling of information systems and generation of their prototypes play an important role in software development process. However, not all tasks in this process have been covered yet, i.e. not all pieces of an information system can be designed using platform independent artifacts that are later transformable into the executable code. One of the examples is modeling of database check constraints, for which there is a lack of appropriate mechanisms to formally specify them on a platform independent level. In order to provide formal specification of check constraints at platform independent level, we developed a domain specific language and embedded it into a tool for platform independent design and automated prototyping of information systems, named Integrated Information Systems CASE (IIS*Case). In this paper, we present algorithms for transformation of check constraints specified at the platform independent level into the relational data model, and further transformation into the executable SQL/DDL code for several standard and commercial platforms: ANSI SQL-2003, Oracle 9i and 10g, and MS SQL Server 2000 and 2008. We have also implemented these algorithms in IIS*Case as a part of the process of generation of relational database schema.
Sex Differences in Susceptibility to Epinephrine-Induced Arrhythmias

Gender differences in incidence of cardiac arrhythmias have been documented. It is generally believed that cardiac pathology provides an arrhythmogenic substrate but that a trigger such as sympathetic nervous system activation is required to initiate arrhythmias. This study was done to determine whether there is a sex difference in susceptibility to epinephrine-induced arrhythmias in healthy rats without preexisting pathology and to determine whether gonadal hormones play a role in development of arrhythmias. Untreated, sham-operated, and gonadectomized male and female rats were anesthetized and given IV boluses of epinephrine. ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured continuously for 1 minute and intermittently over a period of 30 minutes. Male rat hearts have a higher occurrence and frequency of epinephrine-induced premature ventricular contractions, missed beats, and blocks than female rat hearts. Ovariectomy increases arrhythmias, thereby abolishing the female advantage. Castration has no effect on occurrence and frequency of premature ventricular contractions but attenuates missed beats and blocks. Sex differences and effect of gonadectomy on epinephrine-induced alterations in heart rate and blood pressure implicate baroreceptor reflex in the dimorphic arrhythmogenic response. Male rat hearts are more susceptible than female hearts to epinephrine-induced arrhythmias, and gonadal hormones play a role in this disparity.
The importance of values research for nonprofit organisations: the motivation‐based values of museum visitors

Marketing is very important to nonprofit organisations, and museums, being nonprofits, need to consider different market segments when designing and implementing their strategic and marketing plans. Marketing has traditionally been linked to concepts of profitability and providing a competitive edge, however with nonprofit organisations, marketing needs to focus on customer service. To achieve the best customer service, the organisation needs to know what the customer wants. Therefore this paper advocates that research on museums move away from demographic segmentation and factual recall, to psychographic segmentation and values. This paper discusses exploratory research undertaken on the Otago Museum, New Zealand, which looks at the motivation-based values of the museum patrons. The most important finding in this study is the prevalence of socially oriented values (being with friends and family), whereas traditionally a museum visit has been linked to more individualistic values, such as education and knowledge. These findings have important implications for museum managers (and other nonprofit organisations) in that they show the value of psychographic segmentation. A museum, and other arts organisations, can decide if they will target one particular segment, for example, families, or if they will design their museum with quite different sections that will appeal to different target markets. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
Relationship between Dimensions of Internal Service Quality and the Nature of the Internal Service Encounter - A Study in the Healthcare Industry

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study in the health care management industry aimed at investigating whether the dimensions of internal service quality are dependent on the nature of the internal service relationship. A typology of internal service relationships and a set of internal service quality dimensions suitable for this industry were derived from the literature and interviews with service managers. Responses to a SERVQUAL type questionnaire and follow up interviews found that dimensions of internal service quality are dependant on the nature of the internal service relationship.
The Price Decision Model for the System of Supply Chain and Reverse Supply Chain

The system of supply chain and reverse supply chain between the manufacturer and the retailer is studied in this paper.The price decisions are analyzed by game theory.A non-cooperative game equilibrium and a cooperative game equilibrium are obtained.Efficiency of every decision is further analyzed.In addition,an approach to coordination is given which can be used easily in practice.
Direct observation of tiers in the energy landscape of a chromoprotein: A single-molecule study

Single-molecule spectroscopic techniques were applied to individual pigments embedded in a chromoprotein. A sensitive tool to monitor structural fluctuations of the protein backbone in the local environment of the chromophore is provided by recording the changes of the spectral positions of the pigment absorptions as a function of time. The data provide information about the organization of the energy landscape of the protein in tiers that can be characterized by an average barrier height. Additionally, a correlation between the average barrier height within a distinct tier and the time scale of the structural fluctuations is observed.
, and Nový Jan Balance of Rural and Urban Structures

Urbanization and regionalization are two different approaches when it comes to economical structures and development, infrastructure and mobility, quality of life and living, education, social cohesion and many other topics. At first glance, the structures associated with urbanization and regionalization seems to be contradicting. This paper discusses possibilities of transfer and cooperation between rural and urban structures. An empirical investigation contributed to reveal scenarios of supposable forms of exchange and cooperation of remote rural areas and big cities. Keywords—Learning Regions, Quality of Life and Living, Regional and Rural Development, Social Innovation.
A novel automatic motion capture data recognition method based on statistics learning and subspace

In this paper, we propose a motion recognition method based on motion capture data. To recognise motion type, a generalised Isomap non-linear dimension reduction based on Radius Basis Function (RBF) networks and feature extraction is used to project original motion data into low-dimensional subspace. Then, some motion-type classifiers are learned for each human's joint in subspace. Then, we use ensemble reinforcement learning to enhance learning results. Experimental results show that our methods are effective for 3D human motion recognition and control.
Optimized estimation of moments for nonstationary signals

The behavior of nonstationary moment estimators that are based on linear time-invariant filtering is analyzed. The performance of such estimators is evaluated in terms of their time-averaged variance and time-averaged squared bias. Optimal estimators that minimize a convex combination of bias and variance are derived. The superiority of such optimally weighted filtering over the conventional (exponentially windowed) moment estimation technique is demonstrated by means of a simple example. The same example also serves to illustrate the difficulties encountered when the construction of optimal estimators relies on uncertain prior information, as well as to demonstrate the feasibility of overcoming such difficulties by using appropriately designed (robust) optimal estimators. We also include a brief discussion of the relevance of the proposed moment estimation technique to identification of linear time-variant systems and to estimation of time-variant spectra.
Web usage mining for predicting final marks of students that use Moodle courses

This paper shows how web usage mining can be applied in e‐learning systems in order to predict the marks that university students will obtain in the final exam of a course. We have also developed a specific Moodle mining tool oriented for the use of not only experts in data mining but also of newcomers like instructors and courseware authors. The performance of different data mining techniques for classifying students are compared, starting with the student's usage data in several Cordoba University Moodle courses in engineering. Several well‐known classification methods have been used, such as statistical methods, decision trees, rule and fuzzy rule induction methods, and neural networks. We have carried out several experiments using all available and filtered data to try to obtain more accuracy. Discretization and rebalance pre‐processing techniques have also been used on the original numerical data to test again if better classifier models can be obtained. Finally, we show examples of some of the models discovered and explain that a classifier model appropriate for an educational environment has to be both accurate and comprehensible in order for instructors and course administrators to be able to use it for decision making. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 135–146, 2013
A conceptual framework for the adoption of smartphones in a sports context

This study proposes a conceptual model to comprehensively understand how sports fans perceive and accept smartphones and applications in a sport consumption context by developing a series of propositions. Theoretically based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Sport Website Acceptance Model (SWAM), this study provides fundamental groundwork to better conceptualise sports fans' decision making processes involving the latest technology used to consume sport.
Impulse Spatial-Temporal Domains in Semiconductor Laser with Feedback

An initial value boundary problem for system of diffusion equations with delay arguments and dynamic nonlinear boundary conditions is considered. The problem describes evolution of the carrier density and the radiation density in the semiconductor laser or laser diodes with “memory” and with feedback. It is shown that the boundary problem can be reduced to a system of difference equations with continuous time. For large times, solutions of these equations tend to piecewise constant asymptotic periodic wave functions which represent chain of shock waves with finite or infinite points of discontinuities on a period. Applications to the optical systems with linear media and nonlinear surface optical properties with feedback have been done. The results are compared with the experiment.
Evaluation of a Clinical Program

The criteria of trustworthiness developed by Guba (1981) can be utilized to both plan and judge evaluations within the naturalistic inquiry paradigm. This article (1) describes the process and results of a study done to evaluate an educational program developed to increase faculty-student contact in a clinical clerkship, (2) applies the criteria of trustworthiness to the evaluation methodology, and (3) identifies some issues andproblems that may affect an evaluator's ability to apply the criteria of trustworthiness as completely as theoretically desirable.
FUTURE SCENARIOS OF IKEA SHOPPING CENTRES RUSSIA FOR 2020

This study aimed at developing scenarios for IKEA Shopping Centres Russia to help the company to be prepared for the future challenges and understand its own role and functions in the future. The theoretical background consists of an overview of the shopping centres industry, its past and present situation in Russia. In addition, methodologies of the future research and the PESTEL analysis were studied in order to understand the research tools and methods used in this study. As this thesis is mostly based on the qualitative research, the focus group method was scrupulously explained for the reader. The focus group interviews were conducted in December 2013 with 7 participants. They were business professionals from the headquarters of IKEA Shopping Centres Russia in Moscow. As a result, the author was able to construct a proficient PESTEL analysis, find and describe the consequences of the most influential trends on the performance of IKEA SCR by 2020 and write three future scenarios for the company. The results of this research are confidential. The confidentiality issues concerning this thesis were agreed on with the student, JAMK University of Applied Sciences and IKEA Shopping Centres Russia. The thesis committee of JAMK University of Applied Sciences can find the results of the research in the appendix 3 for the evaluation of this thesis.