Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Souvenir shopping satisfaction: antecedents and consequences

Souvenirs function as mementos and are palpable evidence of a journey. The souvenir is certainly a key element of the destination experience of tourists. In this study, we analyze shopping value as an antecedent of tourist souvenir-shopping satisfaction, the consequences of which are positive word of mouth and overall tourist satisfaction. Using Partial Least Squares, a variance-based structural equation modeling technique for data analysis, we arrive at results that show a positive and significant relationship between tourist souvenir shopping satisfaction and both positive word of mouth and overall tourist satisfaction. Moreover, the results also suggest that it is shopping value above all through its hedonic dimension that heightens tourist shopping satisfaction. The study provides useful insights into business strategy for souvenir retailers and its results may serve to guide the tourism planning and promotion activities of destination marketing organizations.
Assessment of seed quality using non-destructive measurement techniques: a review

Abstract Seed quality is of great importance in optimizing the cost of crop establishment. Rapid and non-destructive seed quality detection methods must therefore be developed for agriculture and the seed production industry. This review focuses primarily on non-destructive techniques, namely machine vision, spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, soft X-ray imaging, thermal imaging and electronic nose techniques, for assessing the quality of agricultural seeds. The fundamentals of these techniques are introduced. Seed quality, including chemical composition, variety identification and classification, insect damage and disease assessment as well as seed viability and germinability of various seeds are discussed. We conclude that non-destructive techniques are accurate detection methods with great potential for seed quality assessment.
Impact of the Last Glacial Cycle on Late-Holocene temperature and energy reconstructions from terrestrial borehole temperatures in North America

H. Beltrami, G. S. Matharoo, L. Tarasov, V. Rath, and J. E. Smerdon Climate & Atmospheric Sciences Institute and Department of Earth Sciences, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Facultad CC. Físicas, Departamento de Astrofísica y CC de la Atmósfera, Madrid, Spain Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, School of Cosmic Physics, Geophysics Section, Dublin, Ireland Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, New York, USA
A novel Retinex algorithm based on alternating direction optimization

The goal of the Retinex theory is to removed the effects of illumination from the observed images. To address this typical ill-posed inverse problem, many existing Retinex algorithms obtain an enhanced image by using different assumptions either on the illumination or on the reflectance. One significant limitation of these Retinex algorithms is that if the assumption is false, the result is unsatisfactory. In this paper, we firstly build a Retinex model which includes two variables: the illumination and the reflectance. We propose an efficient and effective algorithm based on alternating direction optimization to solve this problem where FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) is used to speed up the computation. Comparing with most existing Retinex algorithms, the proposed method solve the illumination image and reflectance image without converting images to the logarithmic domain. One of the advantages in this paper is that, unlike other traditional Retinex algorithms, our method can simultaneously estimate the illumination image and the reflectance image, the later of which is the ideal image without the illumination effect. Since our method can directly separate the illumination and the reflectance, and the two variables constrain each other mutually in the computing process, the result is robust to some degree. Another advantage is that our method has less computational cost and can be applied to real-time processing.
Connexive Implication, Modal Logic and Subjunctive Conditionals

McCall’s article on “connexive implication” [4] credits Meredith with the suggestion that the matrices for →, ·, and ∼ in connexive implication can be replaced by the matrices for · and ∼ supplemented by a matrix for the unary necessity operator, 2. Since the matrices for McCall’s connexive implication are those of this writer’s subjunctive conditional [1], it follows that the latter, also, may be reduced to a modal logic. In this paper two axiom sets for a modal logic based on Meredith’s observation are constructed. Both are shown consistent, and they are shown complete with respect to (1) this writer’s system, PA1, and (2) McCall’s system CC1, respectively. Certain differences between these two systems are pointed out, together with observations concerning Post-completeness and functional completeness in the latter. Finally, a brief discussion is presented concerning some philosophical implications of finding connexive implication, or subjunctive conditionals, reducible to a modal logic. Professor Storrs McCall and I share an interest in logical systems which contain the non-classical theorems: 1. ∼(p→ ∼p)—It is false that if p then not-p, 2. (p→ q)→ ∼(p→ ∼q)—If (if p then q) then it is false that (if p then not-q); although our motives differ. I called my system PA1 (in [1]) a logic of subjunctive conditionals; he called his system, CC1 (in [4]) a system of “connexive implication” and allied himself with those who, according to Sextus Empiricus, “say that a conditional is sound when the contradictory of its consequent is incompatible with its This paper was supported by NSF Grants GS 630 and GS 1010. Vol. 3 No. 3 2016 IFCoLog Journal of Logics and their Applications
Scholz's First Conjecture: A Brief Demonstration

This paper presents a brief demonstration of Schulz’s first conjecture, which sets the upper and lower limits on the length of the shortest chain of addition. Two methods of the upper limit are demonstrated; the second one is based on the algorithm of one of the most popular methods for obtaining addition chains of a number, known as the binary method.
Determination of Eight Sudan Dyes in Chili Powder by UPLC-MS/MS

Sudan dyes are synthetic azo dyes which are widely used in industry. Although they are not allowed in foodstuffs, they have been found contaminating in different food products and their presence is regularly reported. It is assumed that these appearances are due to cross-contamination or adulteration. In this paper, we present a newly developed fast and sensitive method for the quantification of eight Sudan dyes, using liquid-liquid extraction and UPLC-MS/MS analysis. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.1-25 mg/kg. Mean recovery for the eight Sudan dyes ranged from 80.7% to 104.4%, and with the inter-day and intra-day precisions ranged from 2.24% to 12.2%. The method was successfully applied in the determination of Sudan dyes in chili powder of 10 samples.
Legal regulations of UAVs in Poland and France

The article presents issues related to legal regulations pertaining to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Poland and France. It describes commercial and non-commercial rules of UAV use. It also summarizes conditions concerning UAV weight, procedures of personnel and certification, as well as the space where UAVs may perform flight operations. Additionally, the application and use of UAVs in civil and military environments are described. It allows for the statement that the UAV role in air transport is increasing. Due to the benefits they offer, such as the possibility to remain in the air for a long time, performing flight operations in a harmful environment and little influence on the natural environment, UAVs will be increasingly important and systematically replacing manned aircraft.
The Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Calcium Chloride Dripping on the Quality and Shelf Life of Kurdistan Strawberries

The present research was conducted to evaluate the effects of MAP and calcium chloride on some quality parameters of strawberry fruits stored at 4°C. Several quality parameters were monitored during the storage period. The samples were analyzed 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days during storage. Fruit weight, sugar content, chromatic parameters L*, a*, b*, fruit firmness, total titratable acidity, pH, sensory evaluation are analyzed. The results evidenced that the immersion of fruit in 0.5% calcium chloride solution (CaCl2) didn’t affect significantly in their physico-chemical characteristics such as: pH, total titratable acidity (ATT). The packaged strawberries retained their weight throughout the experiment as opposed to the samples packaged under air which lost 0.5% of their weight per day because of dehydration. The results indicated that storage in a modified atmosphere (5-10% O2 and 5-10% CO2) can be used to maintain the quality of Kurdistan strawberries for a longer time, than if kept in air packaging. Hence any of the packages except packages under air could prove suitable for inhibiting Botrytis growth for 3 week at 4°C. In relation of post-harvest life, the results indicated that the calcium treatment (0.5%) and MAP increased it from 7 (control) to 21 days.
Role of Astrocyte in Cortical Spreading Depression: A Quantitative Model of Neuron-Astrocyte Network

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) involves depolarization of neurons and astrocytes due principally to a large increase in extracellular potassium. CSD is also accompanied by large increases in extracellular ATP and is blocked by glutamate Nmethyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. In a previous study, we used a neuronal model to investigate the instigation of CSD and propagation of CSD wave by increasing extracellular potassium. In this paper, we extend that model by constructing a neuron-astrocyte network and incorporating the effects of ATP via the coupled biochemical pathways involving glutamate and NMDA currents. We show that both the electrical current stimuli and the local elevation in the extracellular ATP or glutamate concentration can lead to CSD in the coupled neuron-astrocyte model, while ATP or glutamate increase fails to induce CSD when the glutamate NMDA channels are blocked. These results can explain both the potassium theory postulated by Grafstein and glutamate theory by Van Harreveld. Our model showed extracellular potassium plays the key role in CSD instigation and propagation, and glutamate is a key compound mediating CSD by activating NMDA channels through neuron-astrocyte interactive. AMS subject classifications: 35K57, 65M06, 92C05, 92C20
Exciton switching and Peierls transitions in hybrid inorganic-organic self-assembled quantum wells

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite semiconductors provide significant opportunities as multifunctional materials for many electronic and optoelectronic applications. These include organic-inorganic light emitting diodes, organicinorganic field-effect transistors, and nonlinear optical switches based on strong exciton-photon coupling in microcavity photonic architectures. 1‐4 The basic structure of these lead II halide-based two-dimensional 2D pervoskites takes the general form R-NH32PbI4 where R is organic consisting of layers of corner-sharing lead iodide octahedra with bilayers of organic cations stacked between the inorganic layers. 5‐7 These form ‘natural’ multiple quantum well structures, where wells of the 2D inorganic semiconducting layer are clad by barriers of the wider bandgap organic layers. Typical layer thicknesses of well and barrier are 6 and 10 A, respectively. The low dimensionality of carriers confined within the inorganic layers by quantum confinement combined with the large dielectric mismatch giving dielectric confinement between the layers, enables formation of stable excitons with large binding energy even at room temperatures. 8,9 These hybrids are thermally stable up
SCOPE-IT model applied to an occupation-based home intervention to increase performance skills : a case study

The client selected for this case study is a six year-old boy with a diagnosis of Down syndrome who is being raised by a single father. The client and his sister, who also has a disability, were both adopted at a young age. The focus of this case study is on the collaboration with the client and his father to develop a home program that easily fits into their existing family routines. The case study involves the use of a newer model of practice that emphasizes clientcentered, occupation-based interventions as a means and an end through active participation within a natural environment. The Synthesis of Child, Occupation, Performance, Environment-In Time (SCOPE-IT) model (Poulsen & Ziviani, 2004a) was the model chosen to be the foundation in developing an occupation-based home program. In addition, this model emphasizes a topdown approach to therapy, which takes into consideration the dynamic nature of a child and the temporal factors that influence one’s performance. A home interview with client’s father and observations of the client in his home environment, as well as during school-based occupational therapy sessions were completed in order to gain an understanding of the child’s performance in the four domains outlined in the SCOPE-IT model including: 1) activities of daily living, 2) work, 3) rest, and 3) leisure/play. Based on the information gathered during these observations and interview, long-term and shortterm goals were formulated that addressed the above areas of performance. Interventions were designed to provide opportunities to practice and document each skill on a daily bases to ensure accountability of tasks. At the completion of the four-week home program, results indicated that the child demonstrated an increase in occupational performance across all domains. Additionally, this case study signifies the importance of the collaboration with a family when developing a home program for their child. SCOPE-IT & HOME PROGRAM 3
Beyond Vote Rigging: Common Patterns in Electoral Malpractices in De-Democratizing Regimes

For the past decade in many countries in Europe and its close neighborhood we have observed different types of processes which can be named as “de-democratization”. The aim of the article is to analyze the state of elections as the crucial democratic institution which fairness and competitiveness have a substantial impact on the political regime. While Turkey as a “role model” for our analysis remains a main focus of the article, three European countries were selected for a comparison based on their relative similarity to Turkey – Hungary, Macedonia (FYROM) and Serbia. The following questions are posed: Are elections in these countries free, fair and competitive? Can some types of electoral malpractice and irregularities be identified? How does the state of elections in terms of their fairness and competitiveness influence the political regime? The main hypothesis is that in the analyzed countries elections competitiveness limited by incumbents can become a factor deciding about the change within the political regime in the long run (loss of democratic quality) and also change the regime (to a less democratic one).
Multi-objective optimisation of external shading devices for energy efficiency and visual comfort

In highly glazed office buildings, external shading devices represent a valuable option to limit solar gains and achieve better thermal performance during the summer. At the same time they impact the visual comfort of the occupants by reducing the clear view to the outside. Depending on the location of the building, maximising the external view may represent a key driver for the definition of the façade’s architectural characteristics. Identifying the adequate geometry of external shadings is therefore a key aspect for the design of sustainable buildings. This article describes the application of a simulation-based optimisation tool to address this issue. Limiting solar gains and maximising the external view are two contradictory requirements, whose trade-off is investigated by means of multi-objective optimisation. Solar gains are assessed by means of dynamic thermal simulations: from the results of annual analyses, peak conditions are retrieved. For the quantitative assessment of the visual obstruction caused by the external shadings, an ad hoc script is employed. A Genetic Algorithm handles the results of these calculations and it searches for the optimum solutions that lie on the Pareto front. They all represent optimum options among which the preferred configuration can be selected during the decision making process. The optimisation algorithm, whose performance for this specific problem is validated, allows to identify the trade-off with a reasonable computational effort. From the results it is possible to determine the influence of the different variables – chosen in order to fully describe the geometric configuration of shading devices – on the balance between the two considered criteria. Calculations are run for different orientations in order to take into account the effect of variation in solar angle and exposure. In this way some general rules of thumb can be drawn for the design of effective shading elements.
Investment analysis of deferring a farmer owned ethanol plant: using real options

A farmers owned value-added (FOVA) business is often subject to changes in the political situations. So an investment analysis tool that incorporates uncertainty, such as real options is more appropriate. Application of real options is limited in FOVA businesses. In this thesis, the concept of real options is applied under the framework of a farmer owned ethanol plant. The impact of changes in the policy or political situations on ethanol industry is well known. Farmer investors that are currently interested in investing in an ethanol plant should decide whether it is worthwhile to invest now or wait for a year to understand the status of the Renewable Fuels Standard, a major pending policy. In order to make a decision, option values are estimated over a one year period using explicit finite difference method. The findings suggest that the option value is more than the net present value of the ethanol plant. Hence it is worthwhile to wait for one more year.
OS DETERMINANTES DO DESEMPENHO ESCOLAR: A ESTRATIFICAÇÃO EDUCACIONAL E O EFEITO VALOR ADICIONADO

A literatura que trata dos fatores associados ao desempenho segmenta os determinantes em dois grupos as características do aluno e do ambiente escolar e centra o debate na comparação quanto ao poder de interferência de cada um na performance do individuo. As assimetrias existentes quanto a características de origem sócio-econômica e de acesso aos recursos providos pelo sistema de ensino geram, ao final do processo educacional, indivíduos com formações diferenciadas e habilidades produtivas distintas, que serão particularmente identificadas e recompensadas pelo mercado de trabalho. Esse processo de estratificação educacional torna-se especialmente grave nos países menos desenvolvidos, onde a desigualdade social é mais aguda e os insumos escolares mais escassos e pior distribuídos. Nesse sentido, essa monografia procura apresentar uma análise dos determinantes da proficiência de alunos da rede pública e urbana de ensino no norte, nordeste e centro-oeste brasileiros, através dos dados longitudinais da pesquisa Avaliação de Desempenho: Fatores Associados ao Desempenho Escolar – INEP no período 2000-2001. Para tanto, foram estimadas funções de produção educacional sob a ótica do valor adicionado, além de uma análise multivariada de correspondência múltipla, especificamente, análise HOMALS (Homogeneity Analysis by Means of Least Squares). Os resultados obtidos apontam para uma maior efetividade dos fatores familiares e individuais em relação às características escolares, além de explicitar a carência dos alunos quanto a ambos os fatores.
Effect of a long-term-care rotation on the University of Toledo physician assistant students ' knowledge of geriatrics and attitudes toward the elderly

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a four-week geriatrics rotation on PA students‟ knowledge of geriatrics and attitude toward the elderly. Methods: Final year PA students from the University of Toledo participated in a study that involved completing questionnaires before and after the rotation. The questionnaires included a 20-question geriatrics knowledge test and a14-question UCLA Geriatrics Attitudes Test. Results: PA students‟ knowledge of geriatrics increased significantly after the rotation. Paired t-tests showed a mean change in knowledge percent score of 26.67 (p < .05). Although attitudes toward the elderly remained unchanged after the rotation, it should be noted that students had favorable attitudes prior to the rotation. The mean change in attitude score was 0.04 (p = .46). Conclusion: A four-week geriatrics rotation will significantly improve PA students‟ knowledge of geriatric medicine thus; PA programs should consider incorporating such a rotation in their curriculum.
A Mathematical Model of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is one of the most common types of leukemia. It is characterized by a chronic, seemingly stable steady state, which gives rise to oscillatory instability in the hematapoietic stem cell count. There are also many cases of CML which involve oscillations about a steady state during the chronic period (called Periodic Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia). Though instabilities are found frequently in many biological systems, it is rather unusual for the stem cell count in a patient with leukemia to be nonmonotonic over time. As such, the instability in CML is of tremendous interest to mathematical biologists. A more clear understanding of the dynamics of this disease might not only help with the development of treatments or a cure to CML, but it might also be a useful aid in determining what causes instability in other oscillatory diseases such as Cyclical Neutropenia. This paper's aim is to create a mathematical model of CML which might aid us in understanding the mechanism by which the chronic phase of the disease becomes unstable and reaches the acute phase.
Antimicrobial Activity of Certain Bryophytes

The antibacterial effect of Plagiochasma articulatum (A. liverwort) and Fissidens bryoides (A. moss) was evaluated on some bacterial strains such as Agrobacterium tumifaciens, Streptomyces scabies and Xanthmonas citri. The solvent used for the extract preparation was water. The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by streak plate disc diffusion method (Spdd). P. articulatum extract was more potent than F. bryoides against all selected test microorganisms. Further it was concluded that S. scabies showed maximum growth inhibitory activity followed by X. citri and A.tumifaciens. The results obtained in the present work suggest that both the bryophytes can be used for the treatment of plant diseases caused by these test
Detecting pupils’ opinions on learning physics bodily by unsupervised machine learning

The purpose of this study is to explore the added value that bodily learning brings to the study of physics at lower secondary school and how pupils experience a new way of studying physics. The study compares how pupils who liked and disliked physics experienced the new teaching methods. Here we use unsupervised machine learning in order to discover new information from the inquiry, that was held after the workshop, where pupils were experimenting with new ways of studying physics. We find that unsupervised machine learning can be a helpful tool for teachers to detect students preferred learning styles and different types of personalities in the classroom.