Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing and measuring experience quality: the customer's perspective

Today many customers, managers, and scholars have become aware of the importance of experiences, which are characterized as satisfying customers' psychic or personal needs. For customers, they care more about the experiences that are provided by stores, and they are willing to pay for them. As for managers, attractive experiences are the products they have taken great efforts to create, manage, and sell. For academic researchers, experiences are considered as distinct economic offerings that are different from goods and services. These scholars believe that the focus of the economy has been transferred to experience (O'Sullivan, E.L., & Spangler, K.J. (1998). Experience marketing: Strategies for the new millennium. State College, PA: Venture Publishing), and that experience industries are on the rise (O'Sullivan, E.L., & Spangler, K.J. (1998). Experience marketing: Strategies for the new millennium. State College, PA: Venture Publishing; Pine, B.J., & Gilmore, J.H. (1998). Welcome to the experience economy. Harvard Business Review (July–August), 97–105; Pine, B.J., & Gilmore, J.H. (1999). The experience economy: Work is theatre & every business a stage. Boston: Harvard Business School Press; Schmitt, B.H. (1999). Experiential marketing: How to get customer to sense, feel, think, act, relate to your company and brands. New York: The Free Press). Although experiences have moved to the centre of customers' consumption activities and have become crucial for business success, very few studies have investigated the customers' perceptions of experience quality. In this research, we have conceptually defined experience quality as the customers' emotional judgment about an entire experience with an elaborately designed service setting. We have undertaken multiple phases in conceptualizing and measuring the concept of experience quality.
The effects of monetary policy in the Czech Republic: an empirical study

In this paper, we examine the effects of Czech monetary policy on the economy within the vector auto regression (VAR), structural VAR, Bayesian VAR with sign restrictions, and factor-augmented VAR, frameworks. We document a well-functioning transmission mechanism similar to the euro area countries, especially in terms of persistence of monetary policy shocks. Subject to various sensitivity tests, we find that a contractionary monetary policy shock has a negative effect on the degree of economic activity and the price level, both with a peak response after one year or so. Regarding prices at the sectoral level, tradables adjust faster than non-tradables, which is in line with microeconomic evidence on price stickiness. There is no price puzzle, as our data come from a single monetary policy regime. There is a rationale in using the real-time output gap instead of current GDP growth, as using the former results in much more precise estimates. The results indicate a rather persistent appreciation of the domestic currency after a monetary tightening, with a gradual depreciation afterwards.
Potential pitfalls of serum free light chain analysis to assess treatment response for multiple myeloma

Response to treatment in patients with a plasma cell disorder is typically measured by evaluating the bone marrow and myeloma markers, including monoclonal protein spike and immunofixation (IFE) in blood and urine, and serum free light chains (sFLCs). Stringent complete response criteria for Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients require a normal FLC ratio and absence of clonal cells in bone marrow by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. We performed a retrospective chart review to further evaluate these criteria. A total of 142 patient charts were analysed. Of these, 17 patients were found to have an abnormal sFLC ratio, but no other evidence of disease, including normal flow cytometry and normal fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on highly selected plasma cells. In all patients, the abnormal sFLC ratio was caused by abnormalities in the serum kappa light chains. These results suggest that current definitions may need to be revised to take aberrancies related to abnormal immune recovery into account.
Class Dynamics of Agrarian Change

Development processes are never neutral. They impact various groups and classes of people differently. A high food price may benefit some rich peasants who produce and sell food surplus, but it may disadvantage landless rural laborers. A project on irrigation may benefit those who own the land, but not the landless tenants. Nowadays, official documents by governments and development agencies tend to lump different groups of people into vague categories like "rural poor". This might be useful in some cases, but in large part this thinking can harm the poorest of the poor. Using Marx's theory of capitalism, Class Dynamics of Agrarian Change argues that class dynamics should be the starting point of any analysis of agrarian change. It provides an accessible introduction to agrarian political economy while showing clearly how the argument for "bringing class back in" provides an alternative to inherited conceptions of the agrarian question. It illustrates what is at stake in different ways of thinking about class dynamics and the effects of agrarian change in today's globalized world.
Other Kinases Can Substitute for Jak2 in Signal Transduction by Interferon-γ*

Each cytokine which utilizes the Jak-Stat signal transduction pathway activates a distinct combination of members of the Jak and Stat families. Thus, either the Jaks, the Stats, or both could contribute to the specificity of ligand action. With the use of chimeric receptors involving the interferon γ receptor (IFN-γR) complex as a model system, we demonstrate that Jak2 activation is not an absolute requirement for IFN-γ signaling. Other members of the Jak family can functionally substitute for Jak2. IFN-γ can signal through the activation of Jak family members other than Jak2 as measured by Statlα homodimerization and major histocompatibility complex class I antigen expression. This indicates that Jaks are interchangeable and indiscriminative in the Jak-Stat signal transduction pathway. The necessity for the activation of one particular kinase during signaling can be overcome by recruiting another kinase to the receptor complex. The results may suggest that the Jaks do not contribute to the specificity of signal transduction in the Jak-Stat pathway to the same degree as Stats.
On Combining Family‐Based and Population‐Based Case–Control Data in Association Studies

Summary Combining data collected from different sources can potentially enhance statistical efficiency in estimating effects of environmental or genetic factors or gene–environment interactions. However, combining data across studies becomes complicated when data are collected under different study designs, such as family‐based and unrelated individual‐based case–control design. In this article, we describe likelihood‐based approaches that permit the joint estimation of covariate effects on disease risk under study designs that include cases, relatives of cases, and unrelated individuals. Our methods accommodate familial residual correlation and a variety of ascertainment schemes. Extensive simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed methods for estimation and inference perform well in realistic settings. Efficiencies of different designs are contrasted in the simulation. We applied the methods to data from the Colorectal Cancer Family Registry.
Biomarker discovery using a comparative omics approach in a mouse model developing heterogeneous mammary cancer subtypes

Identification of biomarkers for early breast cancer detection in blood is a challenging task, since breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with a wide range of tumor subtypes. This is envisioned to result in differences in serum protein levels. The p53R270H/+WAPCre mouse model is unique in that these mice spontaneously develop both ER− and ER+ tumors, in proportions comparable to humans. Therefore, these mice provide a well‐suited model system to identify human relevant biomarkers for early breast cancer detection that are additionally specific for different tumor subtypes. Mammary gland tumors were obtained from p53R270H/+WAPCre mice and cellular origin, ER, and HER2 status were characterized. We compared gene expression profiles for tumors with different characteristics versus control tissue, and determined genes differentially expressed across tumor subtypes. By using literature data (Gene Ontology, UniProt, and Human Plasma Proteome), we further identified protein candidate biomarkers for blood‐based detection of breast cancer. Functional overrepresentation analysis (using Gene Ontology, MSigDB, BioGPS, Cancer GeneSigDB, and proteomics literature data) showed enrichment for several processes relevant for human breast cancer. Finally, Human Protein Atlas data were used to obtain a prioritized list of 16 potential biomarkers that should facilitate further studies on blood‐based breast cancer detection in humans.
Oil Companies and Climate Change—Inconsistencies between Strategy Formulation and Implementation?

This article examines major oil companies in terms of climate strategies and their implementation. More speciªcally, it takes a critical look at Shell, BP, and ExxonMobil, and the relationship between rhetoric and action regarding investments in climate-friendly activities. Empirical evidence indicates a generally high degree of consistency between what these companies say and what they do, but interesting differences are also found: ExxonMobil has done somewhat more than its climate strategy formulations would suggest; Shell has done somewhat less; whereas BP's activities are mainly in line with its statements. Factors at three levels contribute to explaining these differences: (1) the company level, 2) the political framework conditions in the various regions where the companies operate, 3) international climate cooperation. The ªndings and explanations, although restricted to the three oil companies with regard to climate change, provide insight into the relationship between corporate strategies and implementation more generally. They offer understanding and analytical categories for assessing how well and why such multinational entities put into practice stated objectives.
Sexual dimorphism in antennal morphology and sensilla ultrastructure of a pupal endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a pupal parasitoid of a great number of Lepidoptera pests, has a great potential for biological control. To investigate the olfactory system of this parasitoid, we examined the morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of both male and female T. howardi using scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. Antennae of male and female T. howardi were geniculate in shape, which consisted of scape, pedicel and flagellum with 5 and 4 flagellomeres, respectively. The sexual differences were recorded in the types, structure, distribution and abundance of antennal sensilla of T. howardi. Fourteen morphologically distinct types of antennal sensilla were found on the female antennae, while seventeen on the male antennae. They were: multiporous plate sensilla (MPS1‐4), chaetica sensilla (CH1‐3), multiporous trichodea sensilla (MTS), aporous trichodea sensilla (ATS1‐5), multiporous grooved peg sensilla (MGPS), coeloconic sensilla (COS), campaniform sensilla (CAS), terminal finger‐like hairy sensilla (TFI), cuticular pore (CP), and ventral sensory plaque (VSP). MPS4, ATS (3‐5), and VSP only occurred on the male antennae, while MPS2 and MPS3 only on the female antennae. The MPSs, MTS, MGPS, TFI, and CP may function as olfactory sensilla involving in detecting odor stimuli whereas the ATSs, CHs, and CAS may serve as mechanoreceptors. COS were presumed to play a role as chemo‐, thermo‐ or hygro‐receptor. The results could facilitate future studies on the biology of olfaction in T. howardi. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:374–384, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations between tumor necrosis factor alpha gene -238 G/A and -308 G/A polymorphisms and the risk of pneumoconiosis: update of a meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene (-238 G/A [rs361525] and -308 G/A [rs1800629]) polymorphisms have been extensively studied in relation to various diseases, several epidemiologic studies have been performed to investigate the associations of TNF-α gene polymorphisms with pneumoconiosis; however, the results of these studies were not entirely consistent. In an effort to clarify earlier inconclusive results, we performed this meta-analysis of case–control genetic association studies. Methods: We identified eligible studies by searching the relevant databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBMdisc, CNKI, and Google Scholar, until February 15, 2013. Additionally, hand searching of the references of identified articles were performed. Heterogeneity and publication bias across studies were determined and the meta-analysis was performed by Stata 11.0. Results: Fourteen articles involving 20 studies were included in the final meta-analysis, covering a total of 1935 pneumoconiosis cases and 3753 controls. The results showed evidence for significant association between TNF-α gene -308 G/A polymorphism and pneumoconiosis risk, suggesting that TNF-α gene -308 A allele may be a risk factor for pneumoconiosis (for A allele vs. G allele: OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.10–1.81, p = 0.01; for A/A + G/A vs. G/G: OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.21–1.91, p < 0.01). For TNF-α gene -238 G/A polymorphism, no significant association was found between this genetic variation and pneumoconiosis risk. Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that TNF-α gene -308 G/A polymorphism is associated with an increased pneumoconiosis risk.
Australian CEO compensation: The descriptive evidence

CEO compensation has been well documented in the US in the academic and professional literature. However, despite widespread attention by the Australian business community and the federal government to this issue, descriptive evidence on Australian CEOs' compensation contracts is very sparse. Using a sample of large Australian firms for three years, this study provides the first detailed descriptive evidence on both the levels and structures of Australian CEO compensation. The study compares these findings with those from the US and reveals significant variations in CEO compensation contracts between the Australian and US markets.
Correspondence – ‘A study of noninvasive positive-pressure mechanical ventilation in the treatment of acute lung injury with a complex critical care ventilator. Is it the best choice?’

Dear Sir, We are grateful for Dr Claudett’s attention to this article, in which he has highlighted some constructive points. In our study, the findings suggest that there were more satisfactory clinical outcomes following the treatment of patients with acute lung injury when noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) was delivered, using a complex critical care ventilator compared with a conventional mini-ventilator. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation can be delivered using various types of ventilatory equipment and interfaces. Fullservice intensive care unit (ICU) ventilators, portable bilevel pressure generators and devices specifically designed to be used for NIPPV are available. Our team has achieved satisfactory results in the treatment of acute lung injury using NIPPV delivered via a complex critical care ventilator in clinical practice, and therefore undertook this study, with the conclusions summarized above. However, as Dr Claudett has pointed out, NIPPV with a critical care ventilator is not the ideal choice in the management of acute lung injury. In contrast to invasive ventilation, NIPPV uses an open-circuit design that is inherently leaky. Although ventilation can often be assisted even in the presence of sizeable leaks, different ventilators and ventilator modes may be more (or less) able to compensate for air leakage. This compensatory capability may be important in optimizing the success of NIPPV. As Dr Claudett mentioned, modern noninvasive mechanical ventilation systems have automatic compensation for leakage, whereas double-circuit critical care ventilators (such as the one in our study) have a limited capacity to compensate for leaks. ICU ventilators were originally designed to ventilate intubated patients, with minimal or no leakage. However, when they are used to deliver NIPPV, air leaks are inevitable. Air leaks have generally caused triggering problems with ICU ventilators but, with the growing popularity of noninvasive ventilation, some newer ICU ventilators (such as the Hamilton G5, Hamilton Medical AG, Bonaduz, Switzerland) have ‘noninvasive modes’ among their standard inventory of ventilatory patterns. When the noninvasive modes are activated, the ventilator automates leak compensation, adjusting bias flow and trigger sensitivity, and deactivates some nuisance alarms. It has been reported Journal of International Medical Research 2014, Vol. 42(6) 1376–1377 ! The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0300060514548711 imr.sagepub.com
Exposure to ambient air pollution-does it affect semen quality and the level of reproductive hormones?

Abstract Background: Ambient air pollution has been associated with a variety of reproductive disorders. However, a limited amount of research has been conducted to examine the association between air pollution and male reproductive outcomes, specifically semen quality. Aim: The present study was designed to address the hypothesis that exposure to fluctuating levels of specific air pollutants adversely affects sperm parameters and the level of reproductive hormones. Subjects and methods: The study population consisted of 327 men who were attending an infertility clinic in Łodź, Poland for diagnostic purposes and who had normal semen concentration of 15–300 mln/ml. All participants were interviewed and provided a semen sample. Air quality data were obtained from AirBase database. Results: The statistically significant association was observed between abnormalities in sperm morphology and exposure to all examined air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX, CO). Exposure to air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, CO, NOx) was also negatively associated with the level of testosterone. Additional exposure to PM2.5, PM10 increase the percentage of cells with immature chromatin (HDS). Conclusions: The present study provides suggestive evidence of an association between ambient air pollution and sperm quality. Further research is needed to explore this association in more detail. Individual precise exposure assessment would be needed for more detailed risk characterization.
Down-regulation of Myc as a Potential Target for Growth Arrest Induced by Human Polynucleotide Phosphorylase (hPNPaseold-35) in Human Melanoma Cells*

Terminal differentiation and senescence share several common properties, including irreversible cessation of growth and changes in gene expression profiles. To identify molecules that converge in both processes, an overlapping pathway screening was employed that identified old-35, which is human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPaseold-35), a 3′,5′-exoribonuclease. We previously demonstrated that hPNPaseold-35 is a type I interferon-inducible gene that is also induced in senescent fibroblasts. In vitro RNA degradation assays confirmed its exoribonuclease properties, and overexpression of hPNPaseold-35 resulted in growth suppression in HO-1 human melanoma cells. The present study examined the molecular mechanism of the growth-arresting property of hPNPaseold-35. When overexpressed by means of a replication-incompetent adenoviral vector (Ad.hPNPaseold-35), hPNPaseold-35 inhibited cell growth in all cell lines tested. Analysis of cell cycle revealed that infection of HO-1 cells with Ad.hPNPaseold-35 resulted in arrest in the G1 phase and eventually apoptosis accompanied by marked reduction in the S phase. Infection with Ad.hPNPaseold-35 resulted in reduction in expression of the c-myc mRNA and Myc protein and modulated the expression of proteins regulating G1 checkpoint and apoptosis. In vitro mRNA degradation assays revealed that hPNPaseOLD-35 degraded c-myc mRNA. Overexpression of Myc partially but significantly protected HO-1 cells from Ad.hPNPaseold-35-induced growth arrest, indicating that Myc down-regulation might directly mediate the growth-inhibitory properties of Ad.hPNPaseold-35. Inhibition of hPNPaseold-35 by an antisense approach provided partial but significant protection against interferon-β-mediated growth inhibition, thus demonstrating the biological significance of hPNPaseold-35 in interferon action.
Attributes of Destination Attractiveness in Taiwanese Bicycle Tourism: The Perspective of Active Experienced Bicycle Tourists

This study extends previous studies by examining the demand-side perspective towards the factors determining the attractiveness of a bicycle tourism destination and choosing Taiwan as the research context. Thirteen determinants of destination attractiveness were selected by reviewing the relevant literature. The relative importance of these determinants was analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process method. Using the snowball sampling approach, a total of 28 active experienced bicycle tourists were involved in this study. Results show that provision of catering services (grocery and convenience stores), comfortable climate, smooth pavement surface, and provision of lodging facilities are the most important attributes determining the attractiveness of a bicycle tourism destination. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.