Unbinned test of time-dependent signals in real-time neutrino oscillation experiments

Real-time neutrino oscillation experiments such as Super-Kamiokande (SK), the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO), the Kamioka Liquid scintillator Anti-Neutrino Detector (KamLAND), and Borexino, can detect time variations of the neutrino signal, provided that the statistics is sufficiently high. We quantify this statement by means of a simple unbinned test, whose sensitivity depends on the variance of the signal in the time domain, as well as on the total number of signal and background events. The test allows a unified discussion of the statistical uncertainties affecting current or future measurements of eccentricity-induced variations and of day-night asymmetries (in SK, SNO, and Borexino), as well as of reactor power variations (in KamLAND).Comment: 17 pages, including 3 figure

Mixed methods research: why and how to use it

Chapter 5: This chapter elucidates and justifies mixed methodological foundations and research design. It describes mixed-method research design with justification of the choice of methodologies. This chapter can be used by postgraduate researchers who are considering following this approach or applying it. The case study of consumers’ perceptions towards HSBC visual identity is employed to illustrate how mixed-method approach can deliver insight

Examining antecedents and consequences of perceived-service-quality in the hotel industry: a comparison between London and New York

Purpose The paper aims at exploring the relations among the concepts of customer-relationship-management, convenience, trust, perceived-service-quality, satisfaction, perceived value, loyalty, image and purchase-intention in the hotel sector. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted using interviews with hospitality managers and guests who had a direct connection with the hotel industry. According to our qualitative study results and literature review, we designed a model which was examined via structural-equation-modelling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Findings Our paper presents a conceptual framework which enhances existing research in the field of study, as it was implemented to measure the antecedent and consequences of perceived-service-quality. Based on the results from NY and London, we found customer relationship management and convenience have significant impact on perceived-service-quality. Interestingly the aggregated data illustrates the negative relationship between image, loyalty, and purchase intention. Originality The approach used by the current study is partially in line with previous theoretical analyses and shows appealing patterns in international service-quality perception. Besides, the paper adds insights into the realm, linking together different dimensions in order to reach an in-depth understanding and complex analysis of each item that affects and is affected by perceived-service-quality in the hotel industry

Neutrino mass and mixing parameters: A short review

We present a brief review of the current status of neutrino mass and mixing parameters, based on a comprehensive phenomenological analysis of neutrino oscillation and non-oscillation searches, within the standard three-neutrino mixing framework.Comment: 11 pages, including 7 figures. Presented at the 40th Rencontres de Moriond on Electroweak Interactions and Unified Theories, La Thuile, Aosta Valley, Italy, 5-12 Mar 200

Linking brand attitude to word-of-mouth and revisit intentions in the restaurant sector

Purpose – Following the planned behaviour theory, the aim of the paper is to analyse the role played by brand attachment, brand characteristics and congruence in enhancing brand attitude while leading to revisit intentions and word-of-mouth (WOM) in the restaurant sector. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on the quantitative method and considered 464 questionnaires fulfilled by customers of restaurants. The data were explored employing the partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings – This study expands the literature about WOM and revisit intentions. The paper states that brand attitude positively influenced revisit intentions and WOM. Besides, findings highlighted that analysed concepts were positively correlated and that they played an important role in impacting revisit intentions and WOM, apart from one factor: social self-congruity, which was not significantly related to brand attitude. Practical implications – The results of this paper show practitioners how to develop suitable strategies that set the bases for developing customer loyalty and repeat business. By putting into practice these suggestions in the restaurant sector, brands can easily build up their attitude and boost a positive WOM and the intention to revisit. Originality/value – The study offers a conceptual framework to explore the significance of several factors, including revisit intentions and WOM. In practice, taking into account the proposed framework, it is suggested that restaurant managers should assess these two items using several factors including congruence, brand characteristics and brand attachment

Surgical approaches to adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: the Siewert II conundrum.

BACKGROUND: The Siewert classification system for gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma has provided morphological and topographical information to help guide surgical decision-making. Evidence has shown that Siewert I and III tumors are distinct entities with differing epidemiologic and histologic characteristics and distinct patterns of disease progression, requiring different treatment. Siewert II tumors share some of the characteristics of type I and III lesions, and the surgical approach is not universally agreed upon. Appropriate surgical options include transthoracic esophagogastrectomy, transhiatal esophagectomy, and transabdominal extended total gastrectomy. PURPOSE: A review of the available evidence of the surgical management of Siewert II tumors is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Careful review of the data appear to support the fact that a satisfactory oncologic resection can be achieved via a transabdominal extended total gastrectomy with a slight advantage in terms of perioperative complications, and overall postoperative quality of life. Overall and disease-free survival compares favorably to the transthoracic approach. These results can be achieved with careful selection of patients balancing more than just the Siewert type in the decision-making but considering also preoperative T and N stages, histological type (diffuse type requiring longer margins that are not always achievable via gastrectomy), and the presence of Barrett\u27s esophagus

Fly me to the moon: from corporate branding orientation to retailer preference and business performance

Purpose – The airline aviation industry is both capital-intensive and competitive. Hence, the evolution of the sector needs original marketing strategies. To study the relationships between corporate branding and corporate image, taking into account two views, namely, corporate strategy and corporate expression in airline identity, this research aims to analyze the main indicators of the corporate branding that affect the outcomes of the corporate image. Design/methodology/approach – In order to inspect the theories, the foundational configural model was assessed through the perceptions of 395 employees in Indian aviation companies. By employing complexity theory, this study matched the concept of equifinality, and it examined the data via a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. Findings – Findings show that corporate strategy positively influences corporate image and corporate expression. The corporate expression offers the verbal and visual facets of a brand. Surprisingly, the paper shows that there is no link between corporate expression and corporate image. It also suggests that corporate expression, including corporate community, corporate promise, and corporate personality, are all components of a corporate brand and do not influence the corporate image. Finally, the study highlights that corporate image positively affects superior business performance, which influences superior retailer preference. Research limitations/implications - Our study identifies the corporate identity’s indicators (corporate strategy and corporate expression) that affect the corporate image, which results in stronger, superior business performance and retailer preference. It suggests that managers in the airline industry should follow the recommendations of this research by adopting more objective and fairer procedures to attain superior business performance and retailer preference. In addition, the continued growth and the financial impact of the airline sector require the use of pioneering branding strategies. Future study is needed in various nations to advance the generalizability of the research findings. Originality/value – The paper is the first to study corporate brand, its sub-dimensions (corporate strategy and corporate expression), and their individual links to brand image, which involves experience, relationships, and visual identity

Rethinking Bernstein communication wheel: a re-visitation of a communication tool

Purpose – The aim of this conceptual paper is to review Bernstein’s communication wheel in order to make it a tool that can be used in the selection of a corporate communication mix. Design/methodology/approach – A critical analysis of Bernstein’s communication wheel shows it to be a checklist, a starting point in the examination of corporate communication mix, but it is not as such of great help to the decision-maker. Findings – The findings of reviewing literature highlight that the principle of a clear distinction between strategic decisions and operational decisions is applicable also in the field of corporate communication. For each stakeholder relationship, our framework suggests typical combinations of activities and means to be employed. These combinations are useful to experiment with expert systems which are functional to the choices of corporate communication mix. Research limitations/implications – The analysis of communication gaps gives directions for formulating strategic decisions. In our framework tactical decisions concern the components of the communication mix architecture (or communication chain): activities, means and vehicles of communication. On the contrary, Bernstein’s communication wheel includes only generic channels (or media) and gives no indications as to the architecture of the communication mix. Originality/value – This study illustrates the hierarchy of decisions relating to corporate communication mix, the communication wheel could also be useful in communication planning. If this assumption is held to be true it then becomes possible to lay out a framework for a progressive decision-making path that means making sequential choices (first strategic, then tactical). In the stakeholder approach, the aim of strategic decisions is to choose the stakeholder groups on which a firm has to focus its corporate communication activities