Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alternative perspectives on service quality and customer satisfaction: the role of BPM

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to further investigate the linkages between business process management (BPM) and customer satisfaction. Also, to challenge the dominance of the customer contact perspectives on service processes and to propose a more systemic focus on the totality of service design.Design/methodology/approach – The research builds on the existing work of Maddern et al. through the use of structured equation modelling (SEM) tool. The multiple SEM models described here provide a more robust statistical approach for confirming/refuting the constructs found in the earlier research.Findings – This paper presents the results of an empirical analysis, based on longitudinal data from a large UK bank on drivers of customer satisfaction. The results confirm that process management is a critical driver of technical service quality. This suggests that companies with reliability/dependability issues should not emphasise customer satisfaction programmes based on SERVQUAL intangibles until substan.
Achieving business process change with improved business intelligence systems: a case of Slovenian company

In today's competitive marketplace, companies must focus scarce resources on the strategies most likely to yield success. Business Intelligence Systems (BIS) help them achieve this focus giving the complete vision to learn from the past, monitor and communicate the present, and gain insight into the future. Depending upon the level of BIS maturity companies have different information quality they can base their decision upon. The better the quality of information, the more sound business decisions companies can take and also appropriately carry out business process change for improving their performance. For all these reasons, we try to show throughout a case study, how BIS enhancement contributed to business process improvement in a Slovenian transport company.
Optimal control based push recovery strategy for the iCub humanoid robot with series elastic actuators

One of the biggest challenges of humanoid robots is to keep the balance at any moment, as they can be subject to different types of external perturbations. Therefore, push recovery is a relevant issue in humanoid robotics, which still represents an open challenge. In literature, the most used method is based on the capture point, where a reduced model of the robot is used to compute recovery motions. In this paper we want to explore the problem with a different approach, by using whole-body models combined with optimal control. The robot is subject to an external perturbation, which is taken into account in the system dynamics as continuous external force. Optimal control is used to generate whole-body recovery motions by using the whole-body dynamic model of the robot. Instead of the capture point criterion, we optimize for a stable motion that allows to perform recovery within one step, at the end of which the robot is in a state of zero velocity. We apply the method to the model of the humanoid robot HeiCub, where serial springs can be mounted in the knee and ankle pitch actuators to change them into Series Elastic Actuators (SEA). The recovery motion is computed for both the model with and without SEA.
The glucosinolates and their bioactive derivatives in Brassica: a review on classification, biosynthesis and content in plant tissues, fate during and after processing, effect on the human organism and interaction with the gut microbiota

Abstract The present study is a systematic review of the scientific literature reporting content, composition and biosynthesis of glucosinolates (GLS), and their derivative compounds in Brassica family. An amended classification of brassica species, varieties and their GLS content, organized for the different plant organs and in uniformed concentration measure unit, is here reported for the first time in a harmonized and comparative manner. In the last years, the studies carried out on the effect of processing on vegetables and the potential benefits for human health has increased rapidly and consistently the knowledge on the topic. Therefore, there was the need for an updated revision of the scientific literature of pre- and post-harvest modifications of GLS content, along with the role of gut microbiota in influencing their bioavailability once they are ingested. After analyzing and standardizing over 100 articles and the related data, the highest GLS content in Brassica, was declared in B. nigra (L.) W. D. J. Koch (201.95 ± 53.36 µmol g−1), followed by B. oleracea Alboglabra group (180.9 ± 70.3 µmol g−1). The authors also conclude that food processing can influence significantly the final content of GLS, considering the most popular methods: boiling, blanching, steaming, the latter can be considered as the most favorable to preserve highest level of GLS and their deriviatives. Therefore, a mild-processing strategic approach for GLS or their derivatives in food is recommended, in order to minimize the loss of actual bioactive impact. Finally, the human gut microbiota is influenced by Brassica-rich diet and can contribute in certain conditions to the increasing of GLS bioavailability but further studies are needed to assess the actual role of microbiomes in the bioavailability of healthy glucosinolate derivatives.
IMPACT OF SERVICE QUALITY ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: A CASE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY IN BANGLADESH

Academic literatures on tourist industry affirm that tourist satisfaction is dependent on the goodness of fit between the expectations of tourism services and the perception of the same. To evaluate satisfaction through service quality, SERVQUAL has been extensively used in many service settings, including tourism industry. The present study attempts to evaluate customer satisfaction through service quality in the tourism industry of Bangladesh in general, and in hotel sector in particular. The study reveals that the gap in hotel service quality is negative. Moreover, the mean satisfaction with hotel service quality is found to be ‘not highly satisfactory’. The study concludes suggesting some strategic implications for the hoteliers and a few policy guidelines for the Government of Bangladesh to raise the level of tourist satisfaction with hotel service quality.
[10PacRimLPolyJ383] The Role of Positive Comity in U.S. Antitrust Enforcement Against Japanese Firms: A Mixed Review

On October 7, 1999, the United States and Japan signed an antitrust cooperation agreement. The agreement contains provisions for notification and consultation, coordination and cooperation, and positive comity. These provisions address Japanese sovereignty concerns arising from the unilateral application of U.S. antitrust laws to the conduct of Japanese firms that occurs outside the territorial borders of the United States. The agreement also addresses U.S. perceptions that Japanese markets are closed to American businesses because it offers tools, other than unilateral antitrust enforcement, to open Japanese markets to American businesses. However, the positive comity provision does not proscribe unilateral antitrust enforcement. This Comment analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the positive comity provision and recommends several improvements.
Silent issues of ICT era: impact of techno-stress to the work and life balance of employees

The article aims to reveal the impact of techno-stress related to the usage of ICT on work and life balance of employees in Lithuaniaâ€™s organizations. The objectives of the research are twofold: to indicate the sources of techno-stress related to ICT usage at work in the Lithuaniaâ€™s organizations and to identify the impact of the issue on the work and life balance of employees. The paper presents an original research. The research is based on previous results of the analysis of computer mediated communication characteristics in Lithuanian organizations (Raisiene, Jonusauskas 2011; Raisiene 2012). Theoretical background of the given research is based on meta analysis and especially on the works of Tarafdar et al. (2011); Murray, Rostis (2007); Ayyagari et al. (2011); Park and Jex (2011). A questionnaire survey was applied for the empirical research. The survey was organized with the help of viral network, which involved social networks and chain e-mails. This method theoretically enables the whole researched population to take part. Method is useful due to its ability to reach significantly more representatives of different professions and sectors in a short period of time and with minimal resources in comparison to the method of sending questionnaires to particularly chosen organizations. The data of the empirical research was processed using a program SPSS Statistics. The results of the research reveal that employees in Lithuania are working under high techno-stress conditions that are formed by objective changes in global environment, organizationsâ€™ leadersâ€˜ attitude to ICT possibilities of increasing employee work efficiency, and by the behavior of the employees themselves. 75 % of the employees are affected by techno-stress, and 41 % of the respondents are suffering from work and life imbalance. It is necessary to critically appraise the benefits and disadvantages of life and work style, and to learn to better adapt in the environment of new technologies. It should be highl ighted that a big part of this responsibility should be taken by the leaders of organizations. There were no preceding researches on employee techno-stress in Lithuania. It is hoped that the results of the research will make this important problem more relevant, as it has an influence on organizationsâ€™ efficiency, peopleâ€™s life quality and development of healthy society.
Understanding clinical decision making for PRN medication in mental health inpatient facilities.

[Extract] The use of PRN (pro re nata) or ‘as needed’ psychotropic medication is a frequent clinical intervention in mental health settings. Additional medicines given PRN are the mainstay of treatment for the reduction of agitation, distress and aggression in inpatient mental health facilities, with either benzodiazepines or antipsychotics often given as the drug of choice (Usher & Luck 2004). However, there is very limited understanding of how mental health practitioners make decisions about the prescribing and administration of PRN psychotropic medications (Baker et al. 2007). This study aimed to explore the clinical team decision-making process associated with the prescription and administration of PRN medication, by analysing responses to two vignettes of clinical situations.
Optimal Dual-Antenna Design in a Small Terminal Multiantenna System

This letter introduces a novel 2.6-GHz multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system for mobile terminals. The antenna structures consist of a broadband main antenna covering most of the LTE-A bands and a narrowband second antenna operating at the 2.6-GHz band. The main antenna is a traditional monopole-type capacitive coupling element (CCE) placed on the short edge of the terminal. The second antenna consists of two out-of-phase fed inductive coupling elements (ICEs) placed on the long edges of the chassis. The main purpose of the letter is to demonstrate that this kind of antenna system offers good performance in terms of electromagnetic (EM) isolation and envelope correlation between the antennas. This has been experimentally verified and is originated on the fact that both antennas excite effectively different orthogonal wavemodes, which is studied with the help of the theory of characteristic wavemodes.
Production responses of tropical crossbred cattle to supplementary feeding and to different milking and restricted suckling regimes

The relationships between cow nutrition, restricted suckling and milking patterns and their effect on milk yield, milk composition and calf growth were examined under tropical conditions in south east Mexico. Eleven Bos indicus 3 Bos taurus cows, 14 days postpartum, with calves weighing on average 37 kg were used in a change-over experimental design. All cows were fed Cynodon nlemfuensis hay ad libitum, and either 4.0 kg Leucaena leucocephala, 2.0 kg sorghum grain and 0.25 kg sugar-cane molasses on a fresh weight basis (L1), or twice this amount of the same supplement (L2). The calves were offered the same hay ad libitum in addition to suckling milk. The milking / restricted suckling treatments were: twice-daily milking with suckling after morning milking (2 3 AM), and once-daily milking in the morning with afternoon suckling (1 3 PM). The two regimes were examined at L1 and L2 feeding levels. A suckling time of 30 min was allowed at each suckling occasion. For 2 3 AML1, 2 3 AML2, 1 3 PML1 and 1 3 PML2, respectively saleable milk yields (SMYs) (kg/day) were 5.43, 5.99, 3.47, 4.09 (S.E.M. 0.174); calf suckled milk (CSM) (kg/day) 1.36, 1.46, 3.14, 3.43 (S.E.M. 0.160); and total milk yield (kg/day) 6.79, 7.46, 6.62, 7.53 (S.E.M. 0.226). For SMYs, fat contents (g /kg) were 30.0, 29.4, 29.0, 28.7 (S.E.M. 1.11), respectively, and for CSM 59.6, 63.4, 38.8, 42.4 (S.E.M. 2.46). Protein contents (g /kg) for SMYs were 27.5, 29.1, 29.3, 30.4 (S.E.M. 0.67) and for CSM 27.9, 28.4, 29.1, 30.3 (S.E.M. 0.81). Total food intakes of cows were 10.84, 12.12, 10.99, 12.16 (S.E.M. 0.331) kg DM/day. Calf growth rates were, respectively, 0.17, 0.20, 0.41, 0.52 (S.E.M. 0.029) kg/day, and hay DM intake 0.58, 0.49, 0.41, 0.34 (S.E.M. 0.040) kg/day. It was concluded that level of supplementation and restricted suckling and milking regimes could both be used to manipulate TMY, SMY and calf performance.  2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Analysis of a multi-phase interleaved bidirectional DC/DC power converter with coupled inductor

This paper proposes a novel multi phase interleaved bi-directional dc/dc power converter to interface two dc sources of different voltage levels which applied for energy storage systems in high power level. The converter is proposed to reduce the input and output ripples, as well as, the size of passive components once the voltage and current ripple in the filters are four times higher than the switching frequency. A coupled inductor is employed to equal current splitting between the switch branch of the converter and obtain higher power density, and to reduce conduction loss, applying a multi phase interleaving technique. The operation and theoretical analysis of the converter are presented with different modes of power transfer. Furthermore, the key operational principle and simulation results are presented showing the converter operation in both directions of the power flow.
2,4-Diamino-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine methanol solvate

The crystal structure of the title compound, C4H7N5·CH4O, is determined by an extensive network of hydrogen bonding. A sequence of centrosymmetric dimeric associations, formed by two different N—H(amino)⋯N(ring) hydrogen bonds, connects the triazine rings into a planar molecular tape. The methanol solvent molecules act as di-acceptors and mono-donors of hydrogen bonds and interlink, almost perpendicularly, the hydrogen-bonded tapes into a three-dimensional structure.
Trust And Commitment As Mediators Of The Relationship Between Quality Advice And Customer Loyalty

Insurance agents globally struggle with clients who do not understand the importance of disciplined savings and of meeting with them at least once a year to make necessary adjustments to their financial plans. The purpose of the study was to provide assistance to these agents and explore trust and commitment as mediators of the relationship between quality advice and customer loyalty. The context of the study was clients of independent insurance agents (N=242), and self-administered surveys were used to test the research hypotheses formulated. It appears imperative for insurance agents providing clients with quality advice to focus strongly on building trust and commitment. These mediating variables contribute to a 27% change in the adjusted R² value, and resulted in a much higher R² value of 0.77 in the final model. The findings of the study could also assist larger organisations focusing on consultative selling practices and help them create solid client relationships with the potential to deliver great profit.
The extent of affinity maturation differs between the memory and antibody‐forming cell compartments in the primary immune response

Immunization with protein‐containing antigens results in two types of antigen‐specific B cell: antibody forming cells (AFCs) producing antibody of progressively higher affinity and memory lymphocytes capable of producing high affinity antibody upon re‐exposure to antigen. The issue of the inter‐relationship between affinity maturation of memory B cells and AFCs was addressed through analysis of single, antigen‐specific B cells from the memory and AFC compartments during the primary response to a model antigen. Only 65% of splenic memory B cells were found capable of producing high affinity antibody, meaning that low affinity cells persist into this compartment. In contrast, by 28 days after immunization all AFCs produced high affinity antibody. We identified a unique, persistent sub‐population of bone marrow AFCs containing few somatic mutations, suggesting they arose early in the response, yet highly enriched for an identical affinity‐enhancing amino acid exchange, suggesting strong selection. Our results imply that affinity maturation of a primary immune response occurs by the early selective differentiation of high affinity variants into AFCs which subsequently persist in the bone marrow. In contrast, the memory B‐cell population contains few, if any, cells from the early response and is less stringently selected.
Transcytosis in MDCK cells: identification of glycoproteins transported bidirectionally between both plasma membrane domains

MDCK cells display fluid-phase transcytosis in both directions across the cell. Transcytosis of cell surface molecules was estimated by electron microscopic analysis of streptavidin-gold-labeled frozen sections of biotinylated cells. Within 3 h, approximately 10% of the surface molecules, biotinylated on the starting membrane domain, were detected on the opposite surface domain irrespective of the direction of transcytosis. This suggests that the transcytosis rates for surface molecules are equal in both directions across the cell as shown previously for fluid-phase markers. A biochemical assay was established to identify transcytosing glycoproteins in MDCKII-RCAr cells, a ricin- resistant mutant of MDCK. Due to a galactosylation defect, surface glycoproteins of these cells can be labeled efficiently with [3H]galactose. Transcytosis of [3H]galactose-labeled glycoproteins to the opposite membrane domain was detected by surface biotinylation. Detergent-solubilized glycoproteins derivatized with biotin were adsorbed onto streptavidin-agarose and separated by SDS-PAGE. A subset of the cell surface glycoproteins was shown to undergo transcytosis. Transport of these glycoproteins across the cell was time and temperature dependent. By comparative two-dimensional gel analysis, three classes of glycoproteins were defined. Two groups of glycoproteins were found to be transported unidirectionally by transcytosis, one from the apical to the basolateral surface and another from the basolateral to the apical surface. A third group of glycoproteins which has not been described previously, was found to be transported bidirectionally across the cell.
Remote leakage current detector for identification of insulators discharges

Performances of high voltage insulators can be evaluated by analyses of leakage current (LC) patterns. When insulators are polluted, the development of the LCs may lead to discharges causing insulator flashovers. This paper proposes a simple method of identifying the state of discharge activities through remotely sensed LCs. A remote detector, which is capable of detecting LC by capturing resultant electromagnetic field, was first developed. Preliminary tests were conducted at the laboratory considering typical near-by interference effects on polluted insulators such as effects due to corona and line current in order to test the robustness of the proposed system under the said interference effects. The tests were extended by obtaining different LC patterns by conducting salt-fog spray tests on five different types of clean insulators (made of porcelain, glass and silicone rubber), at two salinity levels (10 g/L and 40 g/L) and six different voltage levels (50%–300% of rated voltage). LCs were also measured on five different field polluted insulators through clean fog tests. In order to verify the proposed method, LCs were measured directly for all the test cases. The directly measured LCs were classified in to three classes: sinusoidal, non-sinusoidal and discharge. The remotely sensed LCs were also classified to these three classes using a kurtosis analysis. The statistical measure of kurtosis was observed as a viable and robust parameter to distinguish these three classes based on the remote measurement. The sinusoidal class had kurtosis values less than 5; discharge group had kurtosis greater than 12; the non-sinusoidal class had kurtosis values between these two levels. Hence, this paper suggests the possibility of using kurtosis values of remotely sensed LCs to identify the state of discharge activity prior to the insulator flashover remotely while proving to be robust under typical interference effects.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in New York State Counties

The rate of low birth weight (LBW) is a national concern. In New York counties in 2009, the LBW rate was 8.2%. Reducing LBW has significant humanitarian and economic implications. At an average cost of $51,600 per infant, care for infants weighing less than 2,500 grams at birth is substantial. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic, socioeconomic, and health service factors that contribute to LBW among counties in New York. Analyses of data indicated that the number of MOMs providers and teen pregnancy rate were the strongest predictors for LBW. These findings reinforce the fact that LBW is a correctable phenomenon that can be addressed through public policy. With increasing budget cuts, provision of health services and implementation of programs that address teen pregnancy have become challenging. Public policy decisions and stewardship that support programs that increase the number of providers for the uninsured, underinsured, and economic underclass and maintain programs for the pregnant adolescent will help New York counties in their fight against LBW.
Inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase: a review of novel patented lead compounds

Importance of the field: The enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) regulates immune responses through the capacity to degrade the essential amino-acid tryptophan into kynurenine and other downstream metabolites that suppress effector T-cell function and favour the differentiation of regulatory T cells. The current experimental evidence indicates that IDO can be expressed by a variety of cell types, including dendritic cells, tumour cells and stromal cells. Recently, IDO has been implicated in B-cell stimulation and autoantibody production in experimental models of autoimmune diseases. Areas covered in this review: Advances in the biochemistry of IDO and our understanding of the biological relevance of IDO-mediated tryptophan consumption to the establishment of immune tolerance are summarised and discussed. A selection of recent patents in the field are also reviewed and analysed. What the reader will gain: Readers will gain an overview of the patented compounds with IDO inhibitory activity from an immunologist's perspective. They will also learn about the companies that are main players in the field. Take home message: Current evidence points to IDO as a molecular target for therapeutic intervention in order to restrain unwanted inflammatory/autoimmune responses and/or to boost antitumour immunity.