Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic influences on perceived value, quality expectations and customer satisfaction

Consumer research has extensively analysed psychological determinants of customer satisfaction. As macro-level customer satisfaction data were not available until recently, researchers have only taken first steps towards analysing economic determinants of customer satisfaction. Based on a more complex conceptual framework and on data from Germany and Japan, this article examines how economic processes influence the perceived value of goods and services, quality expectations and customer satisfaction. Using principal component analysis, regression analysis and structural equation modelling, this study finds that perceived value is positively influenced by both economic growth and lagged economic expectations. Customer satisfaction is positively influenced by economic growth and negatively by current economic expectations, with half of the impact mediated by perceived value. Economic expectations positively influence expectations regarding the quality of goods and services. These results imply that consumer researchers should no longer ignore economic influences on consumer attitudes. Marketing managers are advised to be cautious not to misinterpret economic-induced variations in customer satisfaction as caused by corporate performance.
Faster Fully Dynamic Matchings with Small Approximation Ratios

Maximum cardinality matching is a fundamental algorithmic problem with many algorithms and applications. The fully dynamic version, in which edges are inserted and deleted over time has also been the subject of much attention. Existing algorithms for dynamic matching (in general n-vertex m-edge graphs) fall into two groups: there are fast (mostly randomized) algorithms that achieve a 2-approximation or worse, and there are slow algorithms with Ω([EQUATION]) update time that achieve a better-than-2 approximation. Thus the obvious question is whether we can design an algorithm that achieves a tradeoff between these two: a o([EQUATION]) update time and a better-than-2 approximation simultaneously. We answer this question in the affirmative. Previously, such bounds were only known for the special case of bipartite graphs. Our main result is a fully dynamic deterministic algorithm that maintains a (3/2 + e)-approximation in amortized update time O(m1/4e--2.5). In addition to achieving the trade-off described above, our algorithm manages to be polynomially faster than all existing deterministic algorithms (excluding an existing log n-approximation of Onak and Rubinfeld), while still maintaining a better-than-2 approximation. We also give stronger results for graphs whose arboricity is at most α. We show how to maintain a (1 + e)-approximate fractional matching or a (3/2 + e)-approximate integral matching in worst-case time O(α(α + log n)) for constant e. When the arboricity is constant, this bound is O(log n) and when the arboricity is polylogarithmic the update time is also polylogarithmic. Previous results for small arboricity non-bipartite graphs could only maintain a maximal matching (2-approximation). We maintain the approximate matching without explicitly using augmenting paths. We define an intermediate graph, called an EDCS and show that the EDCS H contains a large matching, and show how to maintain an EDCS in G. The EDCS was used in previous works on bipartite graphs, however the details and proofs are completely different in general graphs. The algorithm for bipartite graphs relies on ideas from flows and cuts to non-constructively prove the existence of a good matching in H, but these ideas do not seem to extend to non-bipartite graphs. In this paper we instead explicitly construct a large fractional matching in H. In some cases we can guarantee that this fractional matching is γ-restricted, which means that it only uses values either in the range [0, γ] or 1. We then combine this matching with a new structural property of maximum matchings in non-bipartite graphs, which is analogous to the cut induced by maximum matchings in bipartite graphs.
“Micro” versus “small” family businesses: a multinational analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare “micro” enterprise (0-9 employees) to “small” enterprise (10-49 employees) family businesses with regard to 12 important managerial characteristics in eight countries: Argentina, Croatia, Egypt, France, Kosovo, Kuwait, Serbia, and the USA (n=601). Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology was survey research. To statistical test 12 hypotheses, MANCOVA was run to compare differences between micro and small family business, while controlling for years in business. Findings – Six significant differences were: “small” firms are more likely to employ non-family member managers, are more likely to engage in the formulation of succession plans, are more likely to utilize outside advisory services, make greater use of sophisticated financial management methods, and have a more formal management style than “micro” firms; but the influence of the founder is greater in “micro” firms. Practical implications – For practitioners and consultants the findings.
Mental Health Problems and Social Supports Among Homeless Mothers and Children Victims of Domestic and Community Violence

BACKGROUND Children and mothers who have suffered domestic or neighbourhood violence constitute a high risk group, although it has not been clear whether their mental health needs are specifically related to the type of violence. This paper reports on the prevalence of mental health problems in homeless parents and children who have experienced domestic and neighbourhood violence and their access to social support networks. METHODS Three groups of families who had become homeless were compared: those experiencing domestic violence (48 with 75 children), victims of neighbourhood violence (14 with 29 children), and those who became homeless for other reasons (31 with 54 children). Mothers completed a service use semi-structured interview, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, the Family Support Scales, and the SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire. RESULTS Levels of psychiatric morbidity were high in the group experiencing domestic violence (35.7% in children and 21.9% in mothers) and higher still in those who were victims of neighbourhood violence (52.2% in children and 50% in mothers). Levels of social support were found to be an important factor, particularly in relation to professional support and support from other family members, as they predicted both child and maternal psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS Mental health interventions for victims of domestic and neighbourhood violence should be integrated with community programmes of social reintegration. Mental health professionals should work in close collaboration with Housing Departments, Social Services, Education and the Police.
Hedge Fund Payoffs and Loss Aversion

For an agent with loss averse preferences we derive the optimal payoffs with one option. A total of four different payoffs are found to be optimal, depending on the strike price of the option and whether the initial position of the agent is one of surplus or shortfall. Our results have implications for the hedge fund industry, where funds typically display nonlinear payoffs. Manager compensation typically includes a high-water mark for the incentive fee, which is a likely candidate for the reference point in loss averse preferences. The shape of the optimal payoffs for an initial shortfall position corresponds either to a short put or short straddle. This can be related to managers that are below their customary return, suggesting that investment strategies creating a short put payoff like those followed by LTCM might be driven by loss averse preferences. Furthermore, the steepness of the payoffs under loss aversion increases in the difference to an initial reference point, which corresponds to hedge funds increasing their risk when performance falls further behind.
THE INFLUENCE OF COMPANY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ON THE INTERPRETATION OF DIVIDEND AND EARNINGS SIGNALS: A STUDY OF ACCOUNTING- AND MARKET-BASED DATA

Numerous studies conducted in different countries have documented evidence that the announcements of changes in dividends and earnings convey specific information to the capital market. However, recent studies which have examined simultaneous announcements by firms have discovered that the signals of dividends and earnings may interact with one another; one announcement may either corroborate or contradict the other and, in consequence, influence the level of any abnormal share returns which are earned by investors (see Kane, Lee & Marcus, 1984; Easton, 1991; Eddy & Seifert, 1992). This problem is of special relevance to the UK where the announcement of dividends and earnings news on the same day is common practice. This simultaneous release of a variety of different combinations of dividend and earnings signals may make it more difficult for investors to decode complex messages contained in mixed signals and also make it harder for them to decipher relevance information conveyed by the individual components of combined signals.
Religion and Stock Price Crash Risk

This study examines whether religiosity at the county level is associated with future stock price crash risk. We find robust evidence that firms headquartered in counties with higher levels of religiosity exhibit lower levels of future stock price crash risk. This finding is consistent with the view that religion, as a set of social norms, helps to curb bad news hoarding activities by managers. Our evidence further shows that religiosity is more salient in curbing bad news hoarding for riskier firms and firms with weak governance mechanisms. Specifically, we find that the negative relation between religiosity and stock price crash risk is stronger (more negative) for riskier firms and for firms with weaker corporate governance monitoring mechanisms as measured by shareholder takeover rights and dedicated institutional ownership.
Library and Information Services to the Visually Impaired-The Role of Academic Libraries

Abstract: Libraries have a moral obligation to make information available to all categories of users regardless of their gender, age, race, political affiliation or disability. However, a lot of people have limited access to information materials most especially in developing countries like Nigeria. A review of the literature shows that library and information services to the visually impaired in Nigeria is largely undertaken by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Years of underfunding and neglect has weakened the functionality of the public libraries in this regard. Using the interview method, the study assessed library and information provision to the visually impaired by academic libraries across the country. The findings revealed that none of the libraries surveyed has Braille book, talking books, talking newspaper and assistive technologies were not available in the libraries. The only materials that were available were a few audio books. The study suggested some practical solutions to improving library and information services to the visually handicapped in Nigeria. Key words: Visually impaired; Library and information services; Nigeria; Academic libraries; Assistive technology; Information; Social inclusionResume: Les bibliotheques ont une obligation morale de rendre l'information accessible a toutes les categories d'utilisateurs, independamment de leur sexe, âge, race, appartenance politique ou d'un handicap. Cependant, beaucoup de gens ont un acces limite aux documents d'information plus particulierement dans les pays en developpement comme le Nigeria. Une revue de la litterature montre que le service d'information et les bibliotheque pour les malvoyants au Nigeria est en grande partie menees par les agences non gouvernementales (NGO). Aa cet egard, les annees de sous-financement et de la negligence a affaibli la fonctionnalite des bibliotheques publiques. En utilisant la methode de l'entretien, l'etude a evalue la bibliotheques et la disposition des informations pour des malvoyants par des bibliotheques universitaires a travers le pays. Les resultats ont revele qu'aucun des bibliotheques interrogees a un livre en braille, livres sonores, journaux parlants et de technologies d'assistance ne sont pas disponibles dans les bibliotheques. Les seuls materiaux qui etaient disponibles etaient quelques livres audio. L'etude suggere quelques solutions pratiques pour ameliorer la bibliotheque et les services de l’information pour les malvoyants au Nigeria. Mots cles: Deficience visuelle; Bibliotheque et services d'information; Le Nigeria; Les bibliotheques universitaires; Technologie d’aides; L'information; L'inclusion sociale
Regulation of Class I Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) by Nucleotide-binding Domain, Leucine-rich Repeat-containing (NLR) Proteins*

Background: Multiple functions have been ascribed to NLRC5 including MHC-I transcription and cytokine responses. Results: We generated Nlrc5−/− mice and showed that Nlrc5 increases classical and nonclassical MHC-I and causes removal of the gene-silencing H3K27me3 histone modification on MHC-I promoter. Conclusion: Nlrc5 regulates MHC-I expression. Significance: NLRC5, with CIITA, constitutes an NLR subfamily that regulates MHC. Most of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins regulate responses to microbial and damage-associated products. Class II transactivator (CIITA) has a distinct function as the master regulator of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II) transcription. Recently, human NLRC5 was found to regulate MHC-I in cell lines; however, a host of conflicting positive and negative functions has been attributed to this protein. To address the function of NLRC5 in a physiologic setting, we generated an Nlrc5−/− strain that contains a deletion in the exon that encodes the nucleotide-binding domain. We have not detected a role for this protein in cytokine induction by pathogen-associated molecular patterns and viruses. However, Nlrc5−/− cells showed a dramatic decrease of classical (H-2K) and nonclassical (Tla) MHC-I expression by T/B lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and myeloid-monocytic lineages. As a comparison, CIITA did not affect mouse MHC-I expression. Nlrc5−/− splenocytes and bone marrow-derived macrophages were able to up-regulate MHC-I in response to IFN-γ; however, the absolute levels of MHC-I expression were significantly lower than WT controls. Chromatin immunoprecipitation of IFN-γ-treated cells indicates that Nlrc5 reduced the silencing H3K27me3 histone modification, but did not affect the activating AcH3 modification on a MHC-I promoter. In summary, we conclude that Nlrc5 is important in the regulation of MHC-I expression by reducing H3K27me3 on MHC-I promoter and joins CIITA as an NLR subfamily that controls MHC gene transcription.
Segmenting the senior tourism market in Ireland based on travel motivations

The mature market in Ireland as a tourism cohort is viable in terms of both size and disposable income. Not only is this, but international travel by the mature market in Ireland is a relatively new phenomenon, presenting opportunities for targeting this group. Previous research has indicated the heterogeneous nature of this cohort and the need for segmentation within this group has been documented. However, in an Irish context little or no research has been conducted into the motivations and behaviour of this tourism segment. Therefore, taking a sample of 500 mature Irish individuals, this article incorporates the multivariate techniques of both factor and cluster analyses to segment the mature tourism market in Ireland based on an examination of their push and pull (Dann, 1977) travel motivations. From this analysis, four distinctive segments are identified, namely enthusiastic travellers, cultural explorers, escapists and spiritual travellers.
Animals, Poor People and Food Insecurity: Opportunities for Improved Livelihoods through Efficient Natural Resource Management

Poverty is a rural dilemma and continues to be a persistent multidimensional problem. It is associated with poor farmers, small farm systems, the landless, resource endowments, the socioeconomic environment and externalities. Over 75% of the poor live and work in rural areas, trapped in a poverty–adaptation–fragile lives–little hope–low life expectancy complex, with an enduring hope for self-reliance and a more comfortable life tomorrow. Since agricultural growth is central to improved livelihoods, strategies that focus on promoting such growth are critical: improved efficiency in natural resource management (NRM), of which animals are a part, can directly contribute to productivity enhancement and reduced poverty. It is estimated that approximately 678 million of the rural poor keep animals, within which the largest ownership of animals is seen in mixed crop–animal systems. The role and contribution of animals is discussed with reference to household benefits — current, medium-term and long-term savings, increased productivity of mixed farm systems, sustainability of agricultural systems and the environment, and enhancement of social stability. While large ruminants (buffalo and cattle) are very valuable for agriculture and farm security, milk and beef, ploughing and dung production, small animals (goats, sheep, chickens, pigs and ducks) are particularly important for nutritional and household security. The link between gender and animals is emphasized, especially the implications of the very strong relationship between women and children and small animals. This paper describes in detail characteristics of poor farmers and small farm systems. It discusses opportunities for NRM, and presents examples of data from different categories of animals and the extent of their contribution to total farm income, which in Asia ranges from 7–69%. It is concluded that improved animal production systems can increasingly make a significant contribution to improved human welfare, rural growth and reduced poverty. To achieve this, however, much more investment in agricultural research and development is necessary that can target less-favoured rainfed areas, coupled with participatory and interdisciplinary approaches, effective public–private sector partnerships, and commitment to purpose.
Procurement Issues in Malaysia

Purpose- This study was undertaken with the aim of surveying the perception of the two main stakeholders in procurement system; the contractors and the procurement officers on issues such as accountability, transparency, corruption, integrity and cronyism pertaining to the public procurement system in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach- Interviews were conducted over a nine-month period in 2007 to gauge the perception of the procurement officers and contractors on procurement issues in Malaysia. The interview data were then transcribed and grouped according to six main themes; transparency, procurement policies and procedures and its implementation, personnel involved in the procurement system, estimation/budget/pricing, professionalism and ethics and timeliness. Findings- One of the common complaints made by the contractors was prevalence of interference from outside parties and cronyism, which affects the awarding of contracts. The procurement officers were blamed for malpractice and non compliance to the policies and procedures of the procurement system. Practical implications- The paper deals with sensitive issues and takes several months to successfully gather respondents who willing to give feedback on their experience with the procurement system. The data are first hand information and are carefully transcribed and categorized into categories to help better understanding of the issues raised by the respondents. Originality/value- The paper deals with sensitive issues and takes several months to successfully gather respondents who willing to give feedback on their experience with the procurement system. The data are first hand information and are carefully transcribed and categorized into categories to help better understanding of the issues raised by the respondents and the private sector.
Les travailleurs âgés face à l'emploi

[fre] Depuis une vingtaine d 'annees,la situation des jeunes face a l 'emploi a suscite un grand nombre de travaux d 'etudes et de recherche. Des enquetes statistiques specifiques lui ont ete consacrees ' telles que les complements «Jeunes » a l'Enquete(Insee, 1997) ou encore l'enquete Generation 92 puis 98 du Cereq (2001). Cette focalisation sur les jeunes et l'entree dans la vie active a contribue a occulter jusqu 'a recemment les questions,en quelque sorte symetriques,des seniors (1) et de la cessation d'activite. Pourtant, parallelement a la montee du chomage des jeunes qui retenait toute l'attention, une autre tendance lourde se confirmait, voire s'accelerait : la baisee prononcee du taux d'activite (2) des travailleurs âges - et notamment ceux de plus de 55 ans. Si bien qu 'emergeait en France - mais aussi dans certains autres pays d 'Europe continentale,comme l'Italie ou la Belgique - une configuration assez particuliere des taux d 'activite et d'emploi,celle d 'une societe ou «une seule generation travaille a la fois »,selon la formule de Elbaum et Marchand (1993). Malgre une remontee recente,le taux d'emploi des 55-64 ans est aujourd 'hui remarquablement faible en France compare aux autres pays de l 'OCDE (34,2 %contre 49,4 %en 2002 ' OCDE,,2003). Les debats sur la retraite se sont,en grande partie, cristallises sur la question du rapport demographique entre actifs et non-actifs,et par la, sur celle de la necessite d 'allonger ou non la duree moyenne d'activite. La reforme des retraites adoptee en 2003 promeut cet allongement. Elle avait ete precedee par la fixation au niveau europeen d'objectifs qui vont dans le meme sens : un taux d'emploi des 55-64 ans devant atteindre 50 % d'ici 2010 (resolution du Conseil europeen de Stockholm de mars 2001), un relevement progressif d 'environ cinq ans de l'âge moyen de sortie de l'activite au meme horizon (Conseil europeen de Barcelone de mars 2002).
Evaluation of nonlinear elastic behaviors of skin

Assuming small deformation and incompressible material properties, Hendriks et al. (1) obtained an initial elastic modulus, E 5 6C10. They found that the elastic modulus of their samples was around 0.069 MPa, which is much smaller than those reported by Barel et al. (2) (0.13–0.26 MPa). They attributed this huge difference to omitting the effects of C11, and suggested that these parameters were not directly comparable. Although we agree with Hendriks et al. (1) that the elastic material behavior can be more appropriately simulated using a nonlinear model than using a linearly elastic model, we feel it is not an appropriate approach to evaluate the elastic stiffness of skin by comparing the material parameters of different models. We believe that the elastic deformation behaviors of the skin defined using different models should be compared by evaluating their stress/strain relationships, rather than merely comparing the material parameters. For incompressible material in uniaxial stretch, the stretch ratio in the loading direction is l1 5l, l2 5l3 5 l , and the corresponding nominal strain is e5l 1. The first and second invariant of the strain tensors are obtained as I1 5l 12l 1 and I2 5l 12l, respectively. The nominal stress in the stretch direction can be obtained by differentiation of the strain energy density function (Eq. 1):