The Impact of Labeling Practices on Perceived Quality of GM Food Products: A Revealed Preferences Approach

This article contributes to the ongoing discussion about the impact of different labeling practices on the quality of genetically modified (GM) food products as perceived by the consumer. Thus far, many studies have adopted a stated preferences approach, finding that consumers have different willingness to pay for GM and non-GM products. This article offers an empirically tractable theoretical model that can be used easily to investigate the impact of GM labeling practices on the perceived quality of GM food products, making use of market data.consumer preferences, genetically modified food products, labeling, quality, variety, elasticity of substitution, Consumer/Household Economics, Q11, Q18, D12,

Research study on neutral thermodynamic atmospheric model

The Global Reference Atmospheric Model is used along with the revised perturbation statistics to evaluate and computer graph various atmospheric statistics along a space shuttle reference mission and abort trajectory. The trajectory plots are height vs. ground range, with height from ground level to 155 km and ground range along the reentry trajectory. Cross sectional plots, height vs. latitude or longitude, are also generated for 80 deg longitude, with heights from 30 km to 90 km and latitude from -90 deg to +90 deg, and for 45 deg latitude, with heights from 30 km to 90 km and longitudes from 180 deg E to 180 deg W. The variables plotted are monthly average pressure, density, temperature, wind components, and wind speed and standard deviations and 99th inter-percentile range for each of these variables

Four-D global reference atmosphere users manual and programmers manual, part 2

For abstract, see N74-33021

The NASA/MSFC global reference atmospheric model: MOD 3 (with spherical harmonic wind model)

Improvements to the global reference atmospheric model are described. The basic model includes monthly mean values of pressure, density, temperature, and geostrophic winds, as well as quasi-biennial and small and large scale random perturbations. A spherical harmonic wind model for the 25 to 90 km height range is included. Below 25 km and above 90 km, the GRAM program uses the geostrophic wind equations and pressure data to compute the mean wind. In the altitudes where the geostrophic wind relations are used, an interpolation scheme is employed for estimating winds at low latitudes where the geostrophic wind relations being to mesh down. Several sample wind profiles are given, as computed by the spherical harmonic model. User and programmer manuals are presented

Structure in the Disk of epsilon Aurigae: Analysis of the ARCES and TripleSpec data obtained during the 2010 eclipse

Context: Worldwide interest in the recent eclipse of epsilon Aurigae resulted in the generation of several extensive data sets, including those related to high resolution spectroscopic monitoring. This lead to the discovery, among other things, of the existence of a mass transfer stream, seen notably during third contact. Aims: We explored spectroscopic facets of the mass transfer stream during third contact, using high resolution spectra obtained with the ARCES and TripleSpec instruments at Apache Point Observatory. Methods: One hundred and sixteen epochs of data between 2009 and 2012 were obtained, and equivalent widths and line velocities measured, selected according to reports of these being high versus low eccentricity disk lines. These datasets also enable greater detail to be measured of the mid-eclipse enhancement of the He I 10830A line, and the discovery of the P Cygni shape of the Pa beta line at third contact. Analysis: We found evidence of higher speed material, associated with the mass transfer stream, persisting between third and fourth eclipse contacts. We visualize the disk and stream interaction using SHAPE software, and use CLOUDY software to estimate that the source of the enhanced He I 10830A absorption arises from a region with log n = 10 (/cm3) and temperature of 20,000 K consistent with a mid B type central star. Results and Next Steps: Van Rensbergen binary star evolutionary models are somewhat consistent with the current binary parameters for the case of a 9 plus 8 solar mass initial binary, evolving into a 2.3 and 14.11 solar mass end product after 35 Myr. Prior to the next eclipse, it is possible to make predictions which suggest that continued monitoring will help resolve standing questions about this binary

EFFECTIVENESS OF IN-HOUSE DISTRIBUTION IN MANUFACTURING SECTORS: A Case study of Kisii Bottlers Limited

The purpose of the study was to find out the effectiveness of in-house distribution in manufacturing sectors. The objective of the study was to establish the effect of in-house distribution on organizational productivity, to find out the mode of distribution used at Kisii Bottlers to send goods from manufacturing point to the point of selling and finally to find out in-house distribution challenges encountered while conducting in-house distribution. The study was carried out during the month of April to May 2013 at Kisii Bottlers. The study adopted a descriptive case study design. The target population for the study was all employees of Kisii Bottlers who were 119. A sample size of 36 presented the whole population. The researcher used researcher developed questionnaires to collect data from the 36 respondents. Pre-test with non-sampling group was conducted to determine the reliability of the instrument. The researcher will rely on expert judgment to determine the validity of the instrument. Quantitative data was analyzed and presented descriptively using tables of frequencies and percentage, while qualitative data was presented in narration form according to the study objectives. The study established that KBL did in-house distribution intensively, exclusively and selectively and the factors which influenced this were product type, control level of product, type of image to be created, company’s resources and marketing nature, and that there were challenges like financial problems, management problems, high initial cost, marketing nature, legal constraints and competition environment which were facing in-house distribution and the main reason for in-house distribution at KBL were to control the product to maximize products to reduces prices increased by middlemen, for reputation, for communication control and for convincing purposes. KBL used the following methods in evaluating performance which were: product and service output, cost level, error level, expanded and reduced distribution coverage and level of customer complaints. The study recommended that Kisii Bottlers should reconsider their distribution strategies so as to make in-house distribution effective, management of Kisii Bottlers should increase control of finances and even exercise management effectively to correct the situation of financial and management problems and management of Kisii bottlers should reconsider channel networks in-order reduce channel conflicts.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CONSUMER RANKING OF RETAIL OUTLETS IN KENYA (A Case of Supermarkets in Kisii Town)

This study was about factors that influence the preference for retail outlets (supermarkets) by consumers in Kisii Town and the relative importance of such factors. The major objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence consumers' choice of the supermarket to patronize. Other specific objectives included, ranking the identified factors in order of their importance, to determine consumers' supermarket loyalty status and to find if demographic characteristics of consumers who patronized specific supermarkets was related to loyalty. To achieve this, a sample of 120 supermarket customers in all the eight supermarkets existing in Kisii town was selected using systematic sampling. The study utilized survey research and descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. From the research the following were ranked as eight most important factors in influencing patronage: Adequate number of cashiers to reduce queuing, reasonable prices of products, employees' courtesy and warmth with customers, knowledgeable employees, display and arrangement of merchandise, convenient operating hours, availability of all types of merchandise and channel for customer complaints. It was also found out that consumers in Kisii town were loyal to specific supermarkets, however there was no evidence to prove that consumers' demographics influenced loyalty. In conclusion retailers should gear their marketing efforts towards satisfying consumers in order to influence their patronage decisions. KEY WORDS: Patronage, consumer loyalty, super market

Factors That Influence Consumer Preference For Retail Outlets In Kenya (A Case of Supermarkets in Kisii Town)

This study was about factors that influence the preference for retail outlets (supermarkets) by consumers in Kisii Town and the relative importance of such factors. The major objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence consumers' choice of the supermarket to patronize. Other specific objectives included, ranking the identified factors in order of their importance, to determine consumers' supermarket loyalty status and to find if demographic characteristics of consumers who patronized specific supermarkets was related to loyalty. To achieve this, a sample of 120 supermarket customers in all the eight supermarkets existing in Kisii town was selected using systematic sampling. The study utilized survey research and descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. From the research the following were ranked as eight most important factors in influencing patronage: Adequate number of cashiers to reduce queuing, reasonable prices of products, employees' courtesy and warmth with customers, knowledgeable employees, display and arrangement of merchandise, convenient operating hours, availability of all types of merchandise and channel for customer complaints. It was also found out that consumers in Kisii town were loyal to specific supermarkets, however there was no evidence to prove that consumers' demographics influenced loyalty. In conclusion retailers should gear their marketing efforts towards satisfying consumers in order to influence their patronage decisions. KEY WORDS: Patronage, consumer loyalty, super market