A Cross-Generational Analysis of Spanish-to-English Lexico-Semantic Phenomena in Emerging Miami English

Sociolinguists have documented the substrate influence of various languages on the formation of dialects in numerous ethnic-regional setting throughout the United States. This literature shows that while phonological and grammatical influences from other languages may be instantiated as durable dialect features, lexical phenomena often fade over time as ethnolinguistic communities assimilate with contiguous dialect groups. In preliminary investigations of emerging Miami Latino English, we have observed that lexical forms based on Spanish lexical forms are not only ubiquitous among the speech of the first generation Cuban Americans but also of the second. Examples, observed in field work, casual observation, and studied formally in an experimental context include the following: “get down from the car,” which derives from the Spanish equivalent, bajar del carro instead of “get out of the car”. The translation task administered to thirty-one participants showed a variety lexical phenomena are still maintained at equal or higher frequencies.

Perceived Value of Fast-food Restaurant Franchises in the USA

The main research objective of this study was to find out whether perceived value significantly affects consumers’ purchase intention. Additionally, this study examined if there are any significant differences in perceived value for different fast-food restaurant brands and attempted to identify which fast-food restaurant is perceived to be the industry leader. A total number of six fast-food restaurants (McDonalds, Subway, Starbucks, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell) were selected. Findings showed that among the five perceived service value dimensions, Starbucks is the leader in terms of quality, emotional response, and reputation. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multiple regression analysis were performed to test the study hypotheses. Results indicated that there were significant differences in perceived value for different fast-food restaurant brands. Besides, monetary and behavioral price significantly affects consumers’ purchase intention. Findings are expected to help hospitality marketers to strategically manage their brands.

3D navigation with six degrees-of-freedom using a multi-touch display

With the introduction of new input devices, such as multi-touch surface displays, the Nintendo WiiMote, the Microsoft Kinect, and the Leap Motion sensor, among others, the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) finds itself at an important crossroads that requires solving new challenges. Given the amount of three-dimensional (3D) data available today, 3D navigation plays an important role in 3D User Interfaces (3DUI). This dissertation deals with multi-touch, 3D navigation, and how users can explore 3D virtual worlds using a multi-touch, non-stereo, desktop display. ^ The contributions of this dissertation include a feature-extraction algorithm for multi-touch displays (FETOUCH), a multi-touch and gyroscope interaction technique (GyroTouch), a theoretical model for multi-touch interaction using high-level Petri Nets (PeNTa), an algorithm to resolve ambiguities in the multi-touch gesture classification process (Yield), a proposed technique for navigational experiments (FaNS), a proposed gesture (Hold-and-Roll), and an experiment prototype for 3D navigation (3DNav). The verification experiment for 3DNav was conducted with 30 human-subjects of both genders. The experiment used the 3DNav prototype to present a pseudo-universe, where each user was required to find five objects using the multi-touch display and five objects using a game controller (GamePad). For the multi-touch display, 3DNav used a commercial library called GestureWorks in conjunction with Yield to resolve the ambiguity posed by the multiplicity of gestures reported by the initial classification. The experiment compared both devices. The task completion time with multi-touch was slightly shorter, but the difference was not statistically significant. The design of experiment also included an equation that determined the level of video game console expertise of the subjects, which was used to break down users into two groups: casual users and experienced users. The study found that experienced gamers performed significantly faster with the GamePad than casual users. When looking at the groups separately, casual gamers performed significantly better using the multi-touch display, compared to the GamePad. Additional results are found in this dissertation.^

Relationship between a middle school band director's attire and incidences of student off-task behaviors in the classroom

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a middle school band director's attire had an effect on off-task student behaviors in his classroom. One male middle school band director participated and three of his classes were observed. The study lasted twenty days and consisted of three treatments (casual attire, business casual attire, and formal business attire). A tally sheet was used to determine the number of off-task behaviors per student per minute. The results indicated that in this classroom, the students (of all three classes) were off-task less often when the band director wore business casual attire. This was the clothing that he wore consistently from the beginning of the school year. Straying from this consistency made off-task behaviors in the classroom rise. The most off-task behaviors occurred when the band director wore casual clothing. Off-task behaviors also rose when the band director wore business formal attire.

Think Before You Eat: Calories and Exercise Equivalents Presented on Menus at Point-of-Choice

Although calorie information at the point-of-purchase at fast food restaurants is proposed as a method to decrease calorie choices and combat obesity, research results have been mixed. Much of the supportive research has weak methodology, and is limited. There is a demonstrated need to develop better techniques to assist consumers to make lower calorie food choices. Eating at fast food restaurants has been positively associated with weight gain. The current study explored the possibility of adding exercise equivalents (EE) (physical activity required to burn off the calories in the food), along with calorie information as a possible way to facilitate lower calorie choice at the point-of-choice in fast food restaurants. This three-group experimental study, in 18-34 year old, overweight and obese women, examines whether presenting caloric information in the form of EE at the point-of-choice at fast food restaurants, will lead to lower calorie food choices compared to presenting simple caloric information or no information at all. Methods: A randomized repeated measures experiment was conducted. Participants ordered a fast food meal from Burger King with menus that contained only the names of the food choices (Lunch 1). One week later (Lunch 2), study participants were given one of three menus that varied: no information, calorie information, or calorie information and EE. Study participants included 62 college aged students. Additionally, the study controlled for dietary restraint by blocking participants, before randomization, to the three groups. Results: A repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted. The study was not sufficiently powered, and while the study was designed to determine large effect sizes, a small effect size of .026, was determined. No significant differences were found in the foods ordered among the various menu conditions. Conclusion: Menu labeling alone might not be enough to reduce calories at the point-of-choice at restaurants. Additional research is necessary to determine if calorie information and EE at the point-of-choice would lead to fewer calories chosen at a meal. Studies should also look at long-term, repeated exposure to determine the effectiveness of calories and or EE at the point-of-choice at fast food restaurants.

Student Independent Projects 2012: Sustainable Resource Management

Everyday Millions of disposable plates, cups and utensils are used in fast food establishments, cafeterias, restaurants and homes worldwide. These single-use disable plates, cup and utensils, when of polystyrene or plastic, do not biodegrade and decompose like fruit, vegetables or meat; they only breakdown into smaller pieces on a physical level. This lack of decomposition means that these products persist and accumulate in landfills consuming the available space and contaminate the surrounding area. With an ever growing global population, the disposable waste generated annually is increasing and landfills worldwide are rapidly filling. Therefore, more landfills are needed sooner but they are expensive to create, they consume a large amount of usable space and can harm the environment. In order to reduce the dependence on landfills, the waste can be diverted through recycling programs, reducing human consumption and purchasing reusable and/or compostable materials. These methods of waste reduction would be implemented at the municipal level but it would be possible to change provincial and state legislation so that municipalities would be required to do so rather than of their own volition. If initiated worldwide than the amount of waste produced by humans would be greatly reduced and the dependence on landfills would decrease.

Morningness-eveningness and sociosexuality: Evening females are less restricted than morning ones

Sociosexual orientation is a construct describing the propensity to engage in casual sex and sexual activity in uncommitted relationships, varying from restricted to unrestricted orientation. The personality profile of people exhibiting unrestricted sociosexuality matches a personality profile related to eveningness. Previous research on sociosexuality and morningness–eveningness is scarce, however, and conducted only with male participants. The present study aimed at testing whether eveningness is related to unrestricted sociosexuality in both genders. Participants were 352 (62.8% female) Poles aged between 17 and 57. They completed the reduced morningness–eveningness Questionnaire and the revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, consisting of three facets: behavior, attitude, and desire. The results revealed that females were more restricted than males in all facets of sociosexuality. Moreover, in both genders older age was related to less restricted behavior and attitude. Analyses showed that morningness– eveningness was unrelated to sociosexuality in males, but in females eveningness was linked to less restricted global sociosexuality .Eveningness in females could be regarded as a contributory factor to the instability of romantic relationships and high-risk sexual behaviors.

Older woman in restaurant (loneliness)

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

A Multiple Goal Perspective on Eating Behavior

Although people frequently pursue multiple goals simultaneously, these goals often conflict with each other. For instance, consumers may have both a healthy eating goal and a goal to have an enjoyable eating experience. In this dissertation, I focus on two sources of enjoyment in eating experiences that may conflict with healthy eating: consuming tasty food (Essay 1) and affiliating with indulging dining companions (Essay 2). In both essays, I examine solutions and strategies that decrease the conflict between healthy eating and these aspects of enjoyment in the eating experience, thereby enabling consumers to resolve such goal conflicts.

Essay 1 focuses on the well-established conflict between having healthy food and having tasty food and introduces a novel product offering (“vice-virtue bundles”) that can help consumers simultaneously address both health and taste goals. Through several experiments, I demonstrate that consumers often choose vice-virtue bundles with small proportions (¼) of vice and that they view such bundles as healthier than but equally tasty as bundles with larger vice proportions, indicating that “healthier” does not always have to equal “less tasty.”

Essay 2 focuses on a conflict between healthy eating and affiliation with indulging dining companions. The first set of experiments provides evidence of this conflict and examine why it arises (Studies 1 to 3). Based on this conflict’s origins, the second set of experiments tests strategies that consumers can use to decrease the conflict between healthy eating and affiliation with an indulging dining companion (Studies 4 and 5), such that they can make healthy food choices while still being liked by an indulging dining companion. Thus, Essay 2 broadens the existing picture of goals that conflict with the healthy eating goal and, together with Essay 1, identifies solutions to such goal conflicts.

3D Navigation with Six Degrees-of-Freedom using a Multi-Touch Display

With the introduction of new input devices, such as multi-touch surface displays, the Nintendo WiiMote, the Microsoft Kinect, and the Leap Motion sensor, among others, the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) finds itself at an important crossroads that requires solving new challenges. Given the amount of three-dimensional (3D) data available today, 3D navigation plays an important role in 3D User Interfaces (3DUI). This dissertation deals with multi-touch, 3D navigation, and how users can explore 3D virtual worlds using a multi-touch, non-stereo, desktop display. The contributions of this dissertation include a feature-extraction algorithm for multi-touch displays (FETOUCH), a multi-touch and gyroscope interaction technique (GyroTouch), a theoretical model for multi-touch interaction using high-level Petri Nets (PeNTa), an algorithm to resolve ambiguities in the multi-touch gesture classification process (Yield), a proposed technique for navigational experiments (FaNS), a proposed gesture (Hold-and-Roll), and an experiment prototype for 3D navigation (3DNav). The verification experiment for 3DNav was conducted with 30 human-subjects of both genders. The experiment used the 3DNav prototype to present a pseudo-universe, where each user was required to find five objects using the multi-touch display and five objects using a game controller (GamePad). For the multi-touch display, 3DNav used a commercial library called GestureWorks in conjunction with Yield to resolve the ambiguity posed by the multiplicity of gestures reported by the initial classification. The experiment compared both devices. The task completion time with multi-touch was slightly shorter, but the difference was not statistically significant. The design of experiment also included an equation that determined the level of video game console expertise of the subjects, which was used to break down users into two groups: casual users and experienced users. The study found that experienced gamers performed significantly faster with the GamePad than casual users. When looking at the groups separately, casual gamers performed significantly better using the multi-touch display, compared to the GamePad. Additional results are found in this dissertation.

"Sometimiento a la mujer" El caso particular de un comedor comunitario de Los Hornos. Una mirada crítica desde el Trabajo Social

En esta ponencia comenzamos un análisis sobre el sometimiento como un denominador común entre las mujeres que son "beneficiarias" del plan Jefes y Jefas de Hogar Desocupados en un comedor comunitario en Los Hornos Entendemos esto como un fenómeno complejo, adoptando una postura crítica sobre la problemática en cuestión, alejándonos de las posiciones simplistas de la vida cotidiana. Desde las políticas sociales se apela a las mujeres sin ingenuidad... No es casual que la mayoría de las "beneficiarias" del Plan Jefes/ as desocupados en los comedores sean mujeres. Se naturaliza la "tarea por amor", y se oculta la dimensión política de estas tareas, la necesidad de seguir legitimando políticas de exclusión, la explotación de estas mujeres y la constante violación a los derechos humanos. En este marco las políticas sociales, destinadas a brindar asistencia, no lo hacen en relación a un otorgamiento de un derecho sino como un acto solidario a una población carenciada. Las necesidades sociales no constituyen derechos, en un sentido reparatorio de la dignidad avasallada, sino que son mostradas como consecuencias de "cuestiones individuales" o del "destino". Lo reparatorio entonces pasa a tener el sentido de lo compensador, de lo faltante pero a partir de transformar la reparación en abandono del derecho colectivo. Es por eso que la comida se agradece, a la referente, a la manzanera, al puntero de turno. Ya no se es portador de derechos si no beneficiario de algo que constituye otra forma de sometimiento

"Sometimiento a la mujer" El caso particular de un comedor comunitario de Los Hornos. Una mirada crítica desde el Trabajo Social

En esta ponencia comenzamos un análisis sobre el sometimiento como un denominador común entre las mujeres que son "beneficiarias" del plan Jefes y Jefas de Hogar Desocupados en un comedor comunitario en Los Hornos Entendemos esto como un fenómeno complejo, adoptando una postura crítica sobre la problemática en cuestión, alejándonos de las posiciones simplistas de la vida cotidiana. Desde las políticas sociales se apela a las mujeres sin ingenuidad... No es casual que la mayoría de las "beneficiarias" del Plan Jefes/ as desocupados en los comedores sean mujeres. Se naturaliza la "tarea por amor", y se oculta la dimensión política de estas tareas, la necesidad de seguir legitimando políticas de exclusión, la explotación de estas mujeres y la constante violación a los derechos humanos. En este marco las políticas sociales, destinadas a brindar asistencia, no lo hacen en relación a un otorgamiento de un derecho sino como un acto solidario a una población carenciada. Las necesidades sociales no constituyen derechos, en un sentido reparatorio de la dignidad avasallada, sino que son mostradas como consecuencias de "cuestiones individuales" o del "destino". Lo reparatorio entonces pasa a tener el sentido de lo compensador, de lo faltante pero a partir de transformar la reparación en abandono del derecho colectivo. Es por eso que la comida se agradece, a la referente, a la manzanera, al puntero de turno. Ya no se es portador de derechos si no beneficiario de algo que constituye otra forma de sometimiento

"Sometimiento a la mujer" El caso particular de un comedor comunitario de Los Hornos. Una mirada crítica desde el Trabajo Social

En esta ponencia comenzamos un análisis sobre el sometimiento como un denominador común entre las mujeres que son "beneficiarias" del plan Jefes y Jefas de Hogar Desocupados en un comedor comunitario en Los Hornos Entendemos esto como un fenómeno complejo, adoptando una postura crítica sobre la problemática en cuestión, alejándonos de las posiciones simplistas de la vida cotidiana. Desde las políticas sociales se apela a las mujeres sin ingenuidad... No es casual que la mayoría de las "beneficiarias" del Plan Jefes/ as desocupados en los comedores sean mujeres. Se naturaliza la "tarea por amor", y se oculta la dimensión política de estas tareas, la necesidad de seguir legitimando políticas de exclusión, la explotación de estas mujeres y la constante violación a los derechos humanos. En este marco las políticas sociales, destinadas a brindar asistencia, no lo hacen en relación a un otorgamiento de un derecho sino como un acto solidario a una población carenciada. Las necesidades sociales no constituyen derechos, en un sentido reparatorio de la dignidad avasallada, sino que son mostradas como consecuencias de "cuestiones individuales" o del "destino". Lo reparatorio entonces pasa a tener el sentido de lo compensador, de lo faltante pero a partir de transformar la reparación en abandono del derecho colectivo. Es por eso que la comida se agradece, a la referente, a la manzanera, al puntero de turno. Ya no se es portador de derechos si no beneficiario de algo que constituye otra forma de sometimiento

The Effects of Teppanyaki Restaurant Stimuli on Diners’ Emotions and Loyalty

This research examines the influence of restaurant stimuli (i.e., chefs, service staff, other customers, food quality, and atmospherics) on diners’ emotions and loyalty to teppanyaki restaurants. In teppanyaki restaurants, chefs take orders from diners, prepare food in front of diners, and serve dishes to diners. Although the importance of chefs has been acknowledged by scholars, empirical research on the influence of chefs on diners has been scarce. To augment the literature on how chefs influence diners, this research incorporates “chef’s image” into an extended Mehrabian-Russell model (M-R model) to conceptualize diner loyalty to teppanyaki restaurants. A total of 308 diners from Taiwan were recruited. After examining their completed questionnaires, this study found that chef’s image, service quality, and food quality can affect the positive and negative emotions of diners. Moreover, other diners and restaurant atmospherics affect only the negative emotions of diners. Both positive and negative emotions can affect diner loyalty to teppanyaki restaurants. In addition, the managerial implications of this study are discussed.

Determination of 210Po content of vietnamese tobacco samples

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death. In recent years, numerous countries have initiated the prohibition of smoking in restaurants, workplaces and public spaces. The Vietnamese government intends to follow the precautions against public smoking as well. Over and above the number of some hazardous chemical components found in tobacco, ²¹⁰Po isotope content could enhance the probability of the development of lung cancer. In this study 14 Vietnamese tobacco products (commercial cigarettes and pipe tobacco) ²¹⁰Po activity concentration were determined using PIPS semiconductor alpha spectrometry. The results showed that the 210Po activity concentration of the investigated samples varied between 7.40 ± 1.09 - 128.64 ± 11.22 mBq g^-1. The average ²¹⁰Po content of commercial cigarettes was 15.5 mBq g^-1, whilst the average of pipe tobacco was 20.4 mBq g^-1. To estimate the risk of inhalation of ²¹⁰Po isotopes originating as a result of smoking, dose estimations were carried out. © Versita Sp. z o.o.