Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychographic measure of service quality of fastfood chain in Davao city

Consumer behavior and consumer preference are two different but related areas in marketing. This study was conducted to develop a construct of service quality in the fastfood chains. Demographic characteristics of the respondents were interacted to simulate effects on the perceived quality of service. A total of 417 respondents participated in the study. Most of the respondents were in their teens or early 20’s, of these, most were female students. An exploratory factor analysis revealed six components explaining service quality. These were physical setup and prompt service, cheerfulness of the service crew; food selection and food display; staff knowledge of the product and the prices of it; and finally, the accessibility to the place. Further, ordinal regression indicated no statistical characterization of the respondents according to age, sex (male or female), and occupation (working or student) to indicate particular preference of services offered by an establishment. This suggests that preferences of food chain are influenced by the fastfood’s crews attending with promptness; affordability of the food and its variety; and that the establishment is readily accessible to the eating public. Key words: Service quality, factor analysis, ordinal regression.
Interactive comment on “The atmospheric chemistry general circulation model ECHAM5/MESSy1: consistent simulation of ozone from the surface to the mesosphere” by P. Jöckel et al

Our manuscript is the first in a series to accumulate into an ACP(D) special issue. It introduces our new model, presents first results, and provides the initial evaluation by comparing with observations. We emphasise that the model couples comprehensive representations of tropospheric and stratospheric processes, and the manuscript intends to highlight some of the outstanding model features. Obviously such a paper is larger than a regular scientific article. Nevertheless, the point is well taken that the
Sex and the Grand Old Party

We report the results of an experiment involving 820 randomly sampled adults. Half heard about a female Republican candidate for Congress. The other half learned of an otherwise identical male candidate. Democrat and Independent voters were more likely to trust, think qualified, view as a leader, and vote for the female Republican (contrasted with the male Republican). On the other hand, being female led to associations that hurt Republican women within their own party. We augment our experimental results by providing evidence that Republican women have done significantly worse than Democratic women in winning nominations in open-seat congressional districts.
Common Characteristics Of An Effective English Language Teacher

Etkili ogrenme, etkili ogretmen ve ogretimle yakindan iliskilidir. Bu baglamda, ogretmenlerin ozellikleri ogrencilerin uzun soluklu ogrenme sureclerini engelleyen zorluklari ve problemleri azaltma ve anlamada buyuk onem arz eder. Bu calismanin amaci, ogretmen egitimiyle ilgili arastirmalarda yer alan ortak ozellikleri arastirarak etkili Ingilizce ogretmeninin ozellikleri hakkinda bir literature ozeti sunmak ve Ingilizce ogretmenlerinin sinif icindeki etkinliklerinin nasil artirilmasina donuk bir takim pedagojik oneriler sunmaktir. Bu amacla, yabanci dil ogretim alaninda yapilmis 30’ dan dan fazla calisma gozden gecirilmis ve bu calismalarda en fazla konu edinilen etkili Ingilizce ogretmeninin temel ozellikleri dort temel baslik altinda toplanmistir. Bu dort kategori sirasiyla sosyoduyussal beceriler, pedagojik bilgi, alan bilgisi ve kisisel ozelliklerdir. Calismanin sonuclarina gore bir Ingilizce ogretmeni daha iyi dil ogretimi ve ogrenimi icin sosyo-duyussal becerilere, pedagojik bilgiye, alan bilgisine ve kisisel niteliklere sahip olmalidir. Ayrica etkili bir Ingilizce ogretmeni bu dort temel yonun ozelliklerine esit bir sekilde sahip olmalidir.
A stochastic optimization model for gas retail with temperature scenarios and oil price parameters

The paper deals with a new stochastic optimization model, named Optimization Modelling for Gas Seller–Second Stochastic Version (OMoGaS–2SV), to assist companies dealing with gas retail commercialization. We consider temperature as a source of stochasticity, but we take into account also information on energy-related indices. Temperature influences gas consumption of small consumers and is modelled by a mean reverting process. Oil prices and exchange rates influence the energy-related indices to which sell and purchase prices are related. Forward curves of these are analyzed by a vector autoregressive model while exchange rates are modelled by a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model. The profit function depends on the number of contracts with the final consumers, the typology of such consumers, the cost supported to meet the final demand and penalties for daily maximum consumption exceeding daily maximum capacity. Linear constraints related to a maximum daily gas consumption and binary constraints on indexation formulas are included.
Sparsity-Based Representation for Classification Algorithms and Comparison Results for Transient Acoustic Signals

Abstract : In this report, we propose a general sparsity-based framework for the classification of transient acoustic signals; this framework enforces various sparsity structures like joint-sparse or group-and-joint-sparse within measurements of multiple acoustic sensors. We further robustify our models to deal with the presence of dense and large but correlated noise and signal interference (i.e., low-rank interference). Another contribution is the implementation of deep learning architectures to perform classification on the transient acoustic data set. Extensive experimental results are included in the report to compare the classification performance of sparsity-based and deep-network-based techniques with conventional classifiers such as Markov switching vector auto-regression, Gaussian mixture model, support vector machine (SVM), hidden Markov model (HMM), sparse logistic regression, and the combination of SVM and HMM methods (SVM-HMM) for 2 experimental sets of 4-class and 6-class classification problems.
Deforestation and Shade Coffee in Oaxaca, Mexico: Key Research Findings

More than three-quarters of Mexico's coffee is grown on small plots shaded by the existing forest. Because they preserve forest cover, shade coffee farms provide vital ecological services including harboring biodiversity and preventing soil erosion. Unfortunately, tree cover in Mexico's shade coffee areas is increasingly being cleared to make way for subsistence agriculture, a direct result of the unprecedented decline of international coffee prices over the past decade. This paper summarizes the key findings of a three-year study of deforestation in Oaxaca, one of Mexico's prime regions for growing shade coffee. First, we find that deforestation during the 1990s was significant. Second, the loss of tree cover can likely be slowed by promoting coffee-marketing cooperatives and "green" certification, providing coffee price supports, and specifically targeting areas populated by small, indigenous farmers for assistance. Finally, to be effective, such policies must be implemented quickly after price shocks occur.
Biochemical Status of Edible Palaemonid Prawn Macrobrachium idella idella (Hilgendorf, 1898)

The freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium idella idella is dominant in the Vellar estuary during October-December. The local communities are eating M. idella idella during the above period without knowing its nutritional value. But practically no information is available on the biochemical composition during different phase of growth in palaemonid prawns in general and M. idella idella in particular. So in the present study, proximate composition (protein, carbohydrate, lipid, ash and moisture) and fatty acids were studied in different size groups and sexes of M. idella idella. In general, the protein content was higher in younger ones than in adults. The total values of saturated fatty acids were maximum in females (34.81%) than in males (28.49%). Among various saturated fatty acids recorded, the amount of oleic acid (C18:1n9c) in both sexes was more. As in saturated fatty acids the total amount of monounsaturated fatty acid also shows maximum in females rather than males. The total amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids of M. idella idella is minimum than monounsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids. The present study clearly indicated that the nutritive value of M. idella idella is very well comparable to the edible species of decapod crustaceans already studied (shrimp, prawns, and lobsters). Considering the above results from the nutritional point of view, M. idella idella can be very well used as food and perhaps as a candidate species in future for culture.
Geochemistry of Monazite within Carbonatite Related REE Deposits

Approximately >50% of global rare earth element (REE) resources are hosted by carbonatite related deposits, of which monazite is one of the most important REE minerals. Monazite dominates more than 30 carbonatite-related REE deposits around the world, including currently exploited mineralization at Bayan Obo and Mount Weld. These deposits are widely distributed across all continents, except Antarctica. Though rare, monazite occurs as the primary mineral in carbonatite, and mostly presents as a secondary mineral that has a strong association with apatite. It can partially or completely replace thin or thick overgrowth apatite, depending on the availability of REE. Other mineral phases that usually crystallize together with monazite include barite, fluorite, xenotime, sulfide, and quartz in a carbonate matrix (e.g., dolomite, calcite). This review of monazite geochemistry within carbonatite-related REE deposits aims to provide information regarding the use of monazite as a geochemical indicator to track the formation history of the REE deposits and also supply additional information for the beneficiation of monazite. The chemical compositions of monazite are highly variable, and Ce-monazite is the dominant solid solution in carbonatite related deposits. Most monazite displays steep fractionation from La to Lu, absent of either Eu or Ce anomalies in the chondrite normalized REE plot. The other significant components are huttonite and cheratite. Some rare sulfur-bearing monazite is also identified with an SO3 content up to 4 wt %. A 147Sm/144Nd ratio with an average ~0.071 for monazite within carbonatite-related ores is similar to that of their host rocks (~0.065), and is the lowest among all types of REE deposits. Sm/Nd variation of monazite from a single complex reflects the differentiation stage of magma, which decreases from early to late. Based on the differences of Nd and Sr abundances, Nd isotopic composition for monazite can be used to track the magma source, whereas Sr isotopic composition records the signatures of the fluid source. Th-(U)-Pb age determination of the secondary monazite records variable thermal or metasomatic disturbances, and careful geochronological interpretation should be brought forward combined with other lines of evidence. ThO2 is the most difficult contamination in the beneficiation of monazite, luckily, the ThO2 content of monazite within carbonatite is generally low (<2 wt %).
BACTERIAL METAL RESISTANCE SYSTEMS REGULATED BY TRANSCRIPTION REGULATORS OF THE MERR FAMILY

Summary Motivation: Understanding of the metal metabolism in bacteria is inseparable from investigation of metal resistance systems. One class of such systems is regulated by the MerR family of transcription regulators. Results: We selected metal-sensing regulators belonging to the MerR family and explored genomic loci where these regulators were located. Based on these loci and several known sites, we identified candidate regulatory sites for MerR family proteins in the regulator loci and (in several cases) elsewhere in the analyzed genomes.
The moderator effect of training in the adoption of ICT in microenterprises

[EN] This research aims to study two determinant factors of the ICT adoption and use in the Spanish micro-enterprise’s framework. Furthermore, this article analyses the combined influence of the age and the training experience of the entrepreneur according to the use of ICT in the company. Previous research has considered that the age of the entrepreneur has a negative effect while the level of education of the entrepreneur always have a positive effect in the use of ICT. However, any previous research has found the analysis of the combined effects of both variables together: the age and training, since the combined effects may be different from the effects of each variable separately. On this basis it has analysed a sample of 148 Spanish firms with fewer than 10 employees. The survey results seem to conclude that the specific training of entrepreneurs on issues related to ICT, (rather than the overall level of their training), moderates the negative effect caused by the increasing age the employer in the use of ICT.
Large-scale circulation patterns associated with heavy spring rain events over Taiwan in strong ENSO and non-ENSO years

Abstract Daily rainfall data at 15 stations in Taiwan and the grid dataset of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research during the period of February–March 1951–2000 were used to reveal the characteristics of large-scale circulations associated with spring heavy rain events over Taiwan in strong ENSO and non-ENSO years. The effect of interdecadal variation on the relationship of spring rainfall and ENSO was also examined. Results showed that the different regimes of interdecadal variation that occurred in the late 1970s exert significant effect on the relationship between ENSO and spring rainfall in Taiwan. A pronounced positive correlation with statistical significance between cold season Nino-3 SST and the following spring rainfall over western Taiwan was only found since the late 1970s. Large-scale environmental conditions associated with the heavy spring rain events in strong ENSO and non-ENSO years were found to be quite different. Intrusion of a weak .
Does foraging habitat quality affect reproductive performance in the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta?

Does foraging habitat quality affect reproductive performance in the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta? — In order to understand the role of foraging habitat quality on fecundity parameters we measured habitat use, breeding parameters, and body condition of chicks in six colonies of Little Egrets in southern France. The foraging habitat available differed between colonies; it was mainly natural marshes around the Carrelet colony, agricultural lands (rice fields and dry crops) around the Agon colony, a mix of agricultural and natural lands around the Redon and Fielouse colonies, a mix of natural and urbanised/industrial lands around the Palissade colony, and mainly cultivated and urbanised lands around the Chaumont colony. The habitat attractiveness to adult Little Egret breeding was higher for natural marshes than for other habitat types. Agricultural marshes (rice fields) came next. Other human-made habitats came last. Clutch size and body condition index of chicks did not differ between colonies. Brood size was influenced by both the association of the proportion of natural marshes in the foraging area and clutch size, and the association of clutch size and the total number of heron pairs in the colony. The effect of the proportion of natural marshes could not be distinguished from the effects of the colony size. The potential influence of other parameters not taken into account in this study is discussed.
Effects of Contractual Savings Scheme on Slovak National Economy

Contractual savings scheme is specific purpose saving, which was provided in Slovakia since 1993. It is a state-supported saving, the purpose of which is to finance housing needs in the Slovak Republic. Savers can be an individual, association of owners or legal person who enters into a contract with building society or for whom the contract about contractual savings scheme is concluded. State bonuses is contractual savings scheme, a significantly more attractive form of targeted saving. This ensures the supply of investment in the construction sector, which in turn through multiplier effect significantly affects other sectors of the national economy. In this article, the authors deal with the influence of contractual savings scheme to the national economy of the Slovak Republic. The main objective of this study is describing the effectiveness of state bonuses for contractual savings scheme. It is simulated through the impact of contractual savings scheme on employment, on public funds and impact on public finances. This effect is illustrated on a model of state subsidizing of each one Euro spent through the state bonuses for contractual savings scheme and its impact for the national economy with offsetting the significant role of the multiplier effect.
On interpreters’ working memory and executive control

Research questions: The purpose of the study was to reveal new aspects of interpreters’ memory and executive control. Design: The memory and executive control of simultaneous and consecutive interpreters were compared to those of foreign language teachers and non-linguistic experts in two experiments: free recall and cocktail-party dichotic listening. Data: Volunteers were 94 participants (22 to 26 participants in each group) with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience. Findings: Simultaneous interpreters outperformed the non-linguistic experts in free recall. Though most of them detected their name in the cocktail-party test, they made no errors in the first and second word after it. In contrast, consecutive interpreters exceeded the performance of non-linguistic experts in seldom detecting their name in the cocktail-party test, as well as in making just a few errors in the first word after it. The results seem to indicate expertise-dependent differences between the two interpreter groups, as well as between foreign language teachers and non-linguistic experts. For simultaneous interpreters, the findings can be explained by conditions at work which demand the continuous dividing of attention between listening to the source text, formulating and speaking the target text, and even monitoring and comparing the equivalence of the two. With consecutive interpreters, the results could reflect high demands for resisting external distractions at work. Originality: The results seem to point to expertise-dependent differences in memory and executive control between different foreign language expert groups achieved as a result of thorough experience in their field of expertise. Significance: In addition to the memory processes, executive control seems to play a significant role in explaining the cognitive processes of simultaneous and consecutive interpreting compared to that of other experts, both linguistic and non-linguistic.
Predicting branch diameters on second-growth Douglas-fir from tree-level descriptors

The quality of lumber and veneer recovered from logs of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) is directly influenced by the maximum limb size attained on the crop tree. Because limb sizes are influenced by stand- density regimes, a need has arisen for quantitative tools that link a wide array of silvicultural regimes to wood-product quality by accounting for silvicultural effects on crown development. An equation for estimating maximum branch size at a given level within the live crown was developed from data collected on 96 felled sample trees in the Coast Ranges and Cascade foothills of Oregon and Washington. Height and basal diameter of the largest branch within each live whorl were measured on each felled tree, and a predictive equation was developed by various regression techniques. The final mixed-effects nonlinear model estimates maximum branch size as a function of depth into crown and tree diameter at breast height, height, and live crown length.
Risk and economic assessment of bronchitis and cancer metastasis: Semi-Markov chain analysis

The current situation in Taiwan regarding the Department of Public Health expenses requires study. The gratuitousness of the system promotes an abusive consumption by the population and it is not clear if the amount of money that the government is expending in Health Care is worthy and focuses on the right issues. The aims of this study are two: to find the relationship between common chronic diseases, such as cold, influenza and asthma, respiratory diseases, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer and its most common metastasis; and to make an estimation of the costs of the medical treatment for these diseases. The study is based on data obtained from the NHI data bank. To do such study, the first step was gathering the data from the National Health Insurance Database (NHIDB), where patient’s medical data is recorded and diseases are encoded following the ICD9 codes. Thereafter, transition times for each transition and patient were calculated by deducting the first visit date of both diseases of the transition. Owing to the absence of data regarding health and death states, some hypotheses were necessary to be assumed in order to set the transitions to such states. One state was removed from the model due to the lack of data and the final sample of population was set. Once the data was gathered, the semi-Markov model was built. It consisted of 10 states including health and death and all the possible connections between them. Using the transition times calculated from the NHIDB time dependent transition probabilities were obtained. Furthermore, with the real treatment costs from the data base a distribution was calculated for each cost. All this was defined as parameters for the simulation. At the same time, the model tree was built on the TreeAgePro software in order to simulate proceed with the simulation. Two different simulations were run: the first one consisted in a transient state study and the second one consisted in a steady state. Afterwards the results of both simulations were obtained and analysed meticulously. To conclude based on the results obtained, this model can be better used to simulate and predict virtual patients for short term simulations (one year). Long term simulation cannot be run using time dependent transition probabilities in such a big model (ten states) because simulated patients do not move to so many states.
Personality, faking and the ability to identify criteria

Although personality testing has been used for many years in the workplace because of its ability to reduce adverse impact and provide incremental validity for predicting job performance, the impact of intentional response distortion (i.e., faking) is always considered due to the fact that faking alters the internal validity of the test and misrepresents rank ordering. In fact, the factorial structure in personality tests may change under different administration conditions (e.g., honest condition vs. job applicant condition) (Schmit & Ryan, 1993). Previous research (Kleinmann, Ingold, Lievens, Jansen, Melchers & Konig, 2011) indicates that to the extent job applicants are able to recognize the relevant schema of an evaluative situation (i.e., ability to identify criteria; ATIC) they are capable of faking their responses in a manner that increases their chance of being hired. A within-subjects design study was conducted and suggested that faking effect of the ATIC was reduced by the forced-choice measure when the single-stimulus measure failed. Mixed results of the FC format measure were found and suggestions were made for future research. INDEX WORDS: personality, faking, response distortion, ability to identify criteria (ATIC), testing format, forced-choice PERSONALITY, FAKING AND THE ABILITY TO IDENTIFY CRITERIA: CAN FORCED-CHOICE FORMATS UNTANGLE THEIR RELATIONSHIPS?