Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The poverty of economic explanations of consumption and an action theory alternative

The purpose of this essay is to critique economic conceptualizations of consumer behaviour and explanations of consumer choice, and to propose an alternative rooted in the philosophy of mind and action, as well as in nascent social psychological and marketing models of purposive behaviour. It is claimed that economic theory harbours ideological and methodological biases in how consumer behaviour is conceived and obscures understanding of the many decision processes constituting consumer behaviour and its causes and effects. A novel multistage model is proposed to account for consumer goal achievement|goal failure, where goal outcomes are hypothesized to be joint functions of consumer actions and physical, social, or other environmental forces. Consumer action, in turn, is proposed to begin with reasoning processes (subject to nonconscious biases found in neural operations), to undergo appraisals of anticipated goal outcomes, which are experienced as positive and negative emotions, to involve a subsequent integrative stage of desire production, where reasoning, emotional, and social processes are integrated and transformed into a decision to act or not, and finally to encompass additional affective and reasoning processes that are initiated in a stage termed, 'trying to consume', wherein decisions are planned and implemented, and goal-directed behaviours activated. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retinal prosthesis phosphene shape analysis

A retinal prosthesis system to restore sight for the blind is under development. The system is analogous to cochlear implants, in which photoreceptor input is bypassed and replaced by direct electrical stimulation of the retinal ganglion cells. Currently, six test subjects have been implanted with a 4×4 electrode array and stimulator. We report here psychophysical clinical data examining how stimulation amplitude affects phosphene shape and repeatability on a single electrode. Phosphene shape data was quantified by a set of numerical descriptors calculated from image moments. Comparison of phosphene descriptors for a single electrode across repeated trials and amplitude levels measured the repeatability within an amplitude group. Our experimental findings show that stimulation of the retina creates repeatable percept shapes and that an increase in stimulation amplitude causes a significant change in size and shape of phosphenes.
THE GRAVITY OF PAKISTAN's EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN STRATIFIED SAMPLING 1

The trade environment of Pakistan is facing a chronic trade deficit. The primary reason for the deficit are the exports of Pakistan being flowing towards specific trade partners and secondly, the lack of export diversification. As such, this paper examines the main factors behind the export performance of Pakistan by estimating a gravity model using panel estimation for the period of 1995 – 2011 across 142 countries. The estimation results reveal the main determinants of Pakistan’s exports being the GDP of importer and exporter country, dummy variables of language, religion, trade agreements and membership of the world trade organization. The study also reveal that trade costs and common border does not play a role in boosting the trade of Pakistan. As such, the study suggest that Pakistan’s exports be diversified and directed towards countries in close proximity and where trading costs are low. JFL classification: C31; F14
What Do Census Price-Cost Margins Measure?

PRICE-cost margins have been used in numerous industrial organization studies ever since their popularization by Collins and Preston. ' Their primary appeal is the luxury they afford the researcher of working with census data, generally acknowledged to be the data set least tainted by the muddying influence of firms that are diversified across industry lines. Unfortunately, this luxury, like others, can be had only at a cost. The costs engendered by the use of census data are due primarily to the lack of a variable that directly measures accounting profitability. The very characteristic of census data most responsible for their appeal (that they are based on establishments, not firms) also makes it impossible to use profit data taken from the balance sheets of firms that are engaged in lines of business in more than one industry. In order to use census data, researchers have had to search for alternative measures of profitability. Indeed, many researchers in the field of industrial organizations seem to have accepted the census-derived pricecost margin as a legitimate measure of profitability. The following state-
Efficacy of adjuvant XELOX and FOLFOX6 chemotherapy after D2 dissection for gastric cancer.

AIM To compare the efficacy of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) with 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX6) in gastric cancer patients after D2 dissection. METHODS Between May 2004 and June 2010, patients in our gastric cancer database who underwent D2 dissection for gastric cancer at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 896 patients were enrolled into this study according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these patients, 214 received the XELOX regimen, 48 received FOLFOX6 therapy and 634 patients underwent surgery only without chemotherapy. Overall survival was compared among the three groups using Cox regression and propensity score matched-pair analyses. RESULTS Patients in the XELOX and FOLFOX6 groups were younger at the time of treatment (median age 55.2 years; 51.2 years vs 58.9 years), had more undifferentiated tumors (70.1%; 70.8% vs 61.4%), and more lymph node metastases (80.8%; 83.3% vs 57.7%), respectively. Overall 5-year survival was 57.3% in the XELOX group which was higher than that (47.5%) in the surgery only group (P = 0.062) and that (34.5%) in the FOLFOX6 group (P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis showed that XELOX therapy was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio = 0.564, P < 0.001). After propensity score adjustment, XELOX significantly increased overall 5-year survival compared to surgery only (58.2% vs 44.2%, P = 0.025) but not compared to FOLFOX6 therapy (48.5% vs 42.7%, P = 0.685). The incidence of grade 3/4 adverse reactions was similar between the XELOX and FOLFOX6 groups, and more patients suffered from hand-foot syndrome in the XELOX group (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION Adjuvant XELOX therapy is associated with better survival in patients after D2 dissection, but does not result in a greater survival benefit compared with FOLFOX6 therapy.
The VE‐cadherin binding domain of fibrinogen induces endothelial barrier permeability and enhances transendothelial migration of malignant breast epithelial cells

Fibrin deposition and exudation of plasma fibrinogen (Fg) have long been recognized as hallmarks of inflammation, cardiovascular disease and neoplasia. The Fg‐β15–42 domain binds to the endothelial cell adhesion molecule, VE‐cadherin, promoting endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis and leukocyte diapedesis. Furthermore, spontaneous blood‐borne and lymphatic metastasis of some types of tumor emboli requires plasma fibrin(ogen); however, the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are poorly understood. We sought to determine whether Fg‐β15–42 and VE‐cadherin binding interactions promote endothelial barrier permeability and breast cancer cell transendothelial migration (TEM) using transwell insert culture systems. Synthetic peptides containing/missing residues β15–17 critical for Fg‐β15–42 binding to VE‐cadherin, and antibodies that bind to Fg‐β15–21 (T2G1) and VE‐cadherin (BV9) were used to induce or inhibit Fg‐mediated permeability and TEM. Fg induced dose‐dependent permeability of human umbilical vein and microvascular endothelial but not epithelial cell barriers. Maximal Fg‐induced endothelial permeability required Fg‐β15–42 and VE‐cadherin‐binding interactions involving Fg‐β15–17. Fg‐induced TEM of malignant MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells also required Fg‐β15–42 and VE‐cadherin binding; however, such TEM was independent of E‐cadherin or estrogen receptor expression. In contrast, Fg did not induce TEM of nonmalignant MCF‐10A breast epithelial cells. Fg‐induced endothelial permeability was retained in the presence of MDA‐MB‐231 but inhibited in the presence of MCF‐10A cells. It is intriguing to speculate that loss of Fg‐β15–42 binding by premalignant breast epithelial cells serves as a molecular switch to induce a highly aggressive, metastatic breast cancer phenotype. Hence, Fg‐β15–42 represents a potential molecular target for therapeutic intervention of breast cancer metastasis. © 2009 UICC
Retrospective analysis of biopsied oral and maxillofacial lesions in South-Western Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To report the prevalence and types of biopsied oral and maxillofacial lesions (OMLs) in South-Western (Jazan Province) region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: This retrospective study was based on the retrieval of clinicopathological data for a period of 6 years between January 2009 and December 2014. These data were obtained between October 2014 and June 2015 from the histopathology records of King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan, KSA, which is the only referral center for biopsy services. Results: Out of the 32149 biopsies received, 714 (2.2%) were OMLs. The age ranged from 0 (neonatal) to 100 years, with a mean age of 46.8±23.4 and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.3. The tongue was the most common site for OMLs and for malignant neoplasms, in particular. The most common category was malignant neoplasm (38.7%), followed by inflammatory lesions (16.5%). Oral malignancies accounted for 15.8% of all malignancies. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (36.1%) was the most frequent type, followed by pyogenic granuloma and mucocele (7% each). Shammah-associated OSCC and epithelial dysplasia were twice as common in females. Conclusion: The number of non-malignant OMLs was much lower than expected in comparison to oral malignancies. This difference can likely be explained by the fact that the biopsies were taken only when malignancy was suspected. The higher rate of OSCC reported from this region is attributed to shammah usage. This study emphasizes the importance of biopsy services for all OMLs and the prevention of shammah use.
The perception of dividends by Canadian managers: new survey evidence

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to analyze survey results on the perception of dividends by managers of dividend-paying firms listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Design/methodology/approach - Managers from a sample of 291 dividend-paying TSX-listed Canadian firms were surveyed about their views on dividends. Findings - The most important factors influencing dividend policy are the level of current and expected future earnings, the stability of earnings, and the pattern of past dividends. Despite dramatic differences in the level of ownership concentration between Canadian and US firms, their corresponding managers' views on the determinants of dividends are similar. Canadian managers believe that dividend policy affects firm value but express little agreement with the theory of a residual dividend policy. They express strong support for the signaling and lifecycle explanations for paying dividends, but not for the bird-in-the-hand, tax-preference and dividend clientele, agency cost, or catering explanations. Compared with non-dividend payers, Canadian dividend-paying firms are significantly larger and more profitable, have greater cash reserves and ownership concentration, and have fewer growth opportunities. Originality/value - This study updates and expands previous survey-based research on dividends and provides new evidence from managers of Canadian firms.
Computed tomography findings in pathological usual interstitial pneumonia: relationship to survival.

RATIONALE Patients with a clinicopathological diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may have typical findings of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) on computed tomography (CT) or nonspecific or atypical findings, including those often seen in nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to revisit the high-resolution CT findings of IPF and to clarify the correlation between the CT findings and mortality. METHODS The study included 98 patients with a histologic diagnosis of UIP and a clinical diagnosis of IPF. Two observers evaluated the CT findings independently and classified each case into one of the following three categories: (1) definite UIP, (2) consistent with UIP, or (3) suggestive of alternative diagnosis. The correlation between the CT categories and mortality was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test, as well as Cox proportional hazards regression models. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Thirty-three of the 98 CT scans were classified as definite UIP, 36 as consistent with UIP, 29 as suggestive of an alternative diagnosis. The mean survival was 45.7, 57.9, and 76.9 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival among the three categories (all P > 0.05). Traction bronchiectasis and fibrosis scores were significant predictors of outcome (hazard ratios: 1.30 and 1.10, respectively; 95% confidence intervals: 1.18-14.2 and 1.03-1.19, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In patients with IPF and UIP pattern on the biopsy, the pattern of abnormality on thin-section CT, whether characteristic of UIP or suggestive of alternative diagnosis, does not influence prognosis. Prognosis is influenced by traction bronchiectasis and fibrosis scores.
Social Capital and Union Revitalization: A Study of Worker Networks in the UK Audio‐Visual Industries

This article examines Jarley's contention that trade union revitalization is conditional upon the generation of social capital through the systematic creation of networks. It draws on a qualitative study of freelance workers in the UK audio‐visual industry to consider two propositions. The first, that ‘social capital within networks is forged on “bonds” that are conducive to trade union identity’ was not sustained by the data, which instead suggested that social capital is more likely to be generated by networks outside trade union structures. However, the data did support the second proposition that ‘trade unions can harness social capital in order to achieve concrete industrial relations outcomes’ by linking networks to reservoirs of expertise and influence.
A FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO THE ENERGY DEPENDENCE OF ANGIOTENSIN II‐INDUCED CONTRACTIONS OF ISOLATED SMOOTH MUSCLE PREPARATIONS

1 The energy dependence of angiotensin and acetylcholine‐induced contractions of rat descending colon and uterus was investigated. 2 Differences were observed in the effect of anaerobic substrate depletion upon responses of colon and oestrous and dioestrous uterus. These were attributed to differences in the energy metabolism of the tissues and were correlated with differences in tissue levels of glycogen. 3 The preferential reduction of angiotensin responses of dioestrous uterus and descending colon when exposed to 2,4‐dinitrophenol, was evidence for an energy dependent stage in the angiotensin response distinct from the contraction process itself. 4 The absence of a preferential reduction of the angiotensin response of oestrous uterus when exposed to 2,4‐dinitrophenol appeared to be related to the ability of this tissue to generate ATP by anaerobic glycolysis. 5 It was concluded that the energy for the angiotensin response may be derived either anaerobically or aerobically, depending upon the tissue.
The transformation of employee participation: Consequences for the work environment

This article reviews the research literature on the relationship between employee participation, influence and the work environment. The main part of the literature points to a positive connection in line with how it has been almost institutionalized in Karasek and Theorell’s demand—control model. However, more recent research into psychosocial work environment problems questions the model’s assumption of high job control compensating for high job demands. Taking its point of departure in a ‘deconstruction’ of the concept of participation based on research on employee participation from the past few decades, the article questions why increased employee participation does not seem to result in a healthy work environment.The article concludes that there are limitations to the demand— control model in modern working life given the contextual changes in the employer—employee relationship, which may mean a transformation of the significance of participation.
Gene conversion in steroid 21-hydroxylase genes.

The steroid 21-hydroxylase gene, CYP21B, encodes cytochrome P450c21, which mediates 21-hydroxylation. The gene is located about 30 kb downstream from pseudogene CYP21A. The CYP21A gene is homologous to the CYP21B gene but contains some mutations, including a C----T change which leads a termination codon, TAG, in the eighth exon. We found the same change in a mutant CYP21B gene isolated from a patient with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Furthermore, a reciprocal change--i.e., a T----C change in the eighth exon of the CYP21A gene--was observed in the Japanese population and was associated with the two HLA haplotypes, HLA-B44-DRw13 and HLA-Bw46-DRw8. These changes may be considered the result of gene conversion-like events.
Time-Varying Volatility, Precautionary Saving and Monetary Policy

This paper analyses the conduct of monetary policy in an environment where households’ desire to amass precautionary savings is influenced by fluctuations in the volatilities of disturbances that hit the economy. It uses a simple New Keynesian model with external habit formation that is augmented with demand and supply disturbances whose volatilities vary over time. If volatility fluctuations are ignored by policy, interest rates are set at a suboptimal level. The extent of ‘policy bias’ is relatively small but of greater importance the higher the degree of habit formation. The reason is that habit-forming preferences raise risk aversion, increasing the importance of the precautionary savings channel through which volatility fluctuations impact upon inflation and output.
Leader-following control of multiple nonholonomic systems over directed communication graphs

This paper considers the leader-following control problem of multiple nonlinear systems with directed communication topology and a leader. If the state of each system is measurable, distributed state feedback controllers are proposed using neighbours’ state information with the aid of Lyapunov techniques and properties of Laplacian matrix for time-invariant communication graph and time-varying communication graph. It is shown that the state of each system exponentially converges to the state of a leader. If the state of each system is not measurable, distributed observer-based output feedback control laws are proposed. As an application of the proposed results, formation control of wheeled mobile robots is studied. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
An Integrative Review of Published Research in the Recreational Sports Journal, 1998–2010

The body of inquiry in the field of recreational sport management has continued to expand over the past decade; however, there have been few, if any, systematic evaluations of the body of knowledge in the field. The purpose of this paper was to conduct an integrative review of the research studies published in the Recreational Sports Journal (RSJ) to identify the themes and trends in recreational sports research since the journal's inception in 1998. Results of this review indicated that RSJ would benefit from more theoretically-driven, empirical studies, studies that move beyond examining participation motivations and constraints, and studies that employ more diverse and rigorous research methodologies. These findings, as well as others related to research methodology, sample size, and topic selection, provide a snapshot of the trends and gaps in the body of knowledge in recreational sport management, and have implications for future research efforts in the field.
Effects of switching to aripiprazole from current atypical antipsychotics on subsyndromal symptoms and tolerability in patients with bipolar disorder

We evaluated the effectiveness of aripiprazole among bipolar patients who had switched to this medication as a result of difficulty maintaining on their prestudy atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) because of subsyndromal mood symptoms or intolerance. This study included 77 bipolar patients who were in syndromal remission with an AAP as monotherapy or with an AAP combined with a mood stabilizer(s) who needed to switch from their present AAP because of subsyndromal symptoms or intolerance. At 24 weeks after switching to aripiprazole, the remission rates on the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and on both the MADRS and the Young Mania Rating Scale were increased significantly in the full sample and in the inefficacy subgroup. In the inefficacy subgroup, the MADRS score change was significant during the 24 weeks of study. Total cholesterol and prolactin decreased significantly after switching to aripiprazole. The proportion of patients who had abnormal values for central obesity and hypercholesterolemia decreased significantly from baseline to week 24. These findings suggest that a change from the current AAP to aripiprazole was associated with improvement in subsyndromal mood symptoms and several lipid/metabolic or safety profile parameters in patients with bipolar disorder with tolerability concerns or subsyndromal mood symptoms.
Entrepreneurial competencies of women entrepreneurs pursuing business growth

Purpose – Entrepreneurial competencies have an impact on firm performance and growth. The purpose of this paper is to report empirical research into the entrepreneurial competencies reported by female entrepreneurs who are committed to the growth of their business.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire‐based survey of female entrepreneurs in England and Wales was conducted. The core of the questionnaire was a list of entrepreneurial competencies compiled from previous theoretical and empirical frameworks, coupled with Likert scales through which the entrepreneurs were invited to rate their ability in relation to each competency. PCA was conducted in order to identify clusters of competencies, and to identify the competencies that loaded onto those clusters.Findings – Four main clusters of competencies were identified: personal and relationship, business and management, entrepreneurial, and human relations competencies. Whilst previous research on the competencies of entrepreneurs has identified the.
Value Event Studies

This paper discusses appropriate methodology for measuring the effect of an event on the value of a firm's equity. Th e key points are (1) cumulative abnormal returns do not measure the effect of an event on firm value if there are dividends during the event window; (2) it is generally appropriate to use pre-event parameters of the return-generating process even if the event alters the parameters during the event window, and (3) controlling for fact ors other than the return on the market portfolio improves the power of the estimation. The formula for the effect of an event on the value of a firm when there are dividends during the event window is developed a nd applied to a study of the effect of the Bhopal disaster on the value of Union Carbide. Copyright 1992 by MIT Press.