Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Price-Matching Strategies in the German Gasoline Retail Market

This article investigates how prices are affected by price matching in the German gasoline retail market. The effects are noted for implementing and consulted (i.e. retailers whose prices are matched) retailers. While analyzing an extensive panel data set, I find a 11-14% markup increase for a relatively more expensive brand. A relatively inexpensive brand and its consulted stations decrease their prices. Evidence is found that price matching can enhance other price discrimination strategies by 43%. I cannot verify theoretical and empirical literature predicting that price matching has competition-reducing motives.
Market Structure Analysis: Hierarchical Clustering of Products Based on Substitution-In-Use

In this paper, product usage data, employing a substitution-in-use criterion, are analyzed and shown to yield managerially useful product-market structures for financial services. These structures are identified through a form of hierarchical clustering which is different from traditional clustering routines in that it focuses on the explained or accounted for variance in the categorization of objects, thereby reducing groupings due to chance covariation.
The impact of administrative tape on private firm performance Green or red tape in the Northern Netherlands

Many countries experience slow productivity growth. One of the possible reasons for this is over-bureaucratization and over-regulation that obstruct dynamic adaptation, innovative power and entrepreneurial activity. Alternatively, such bureaucracy and regulation could be interpreted as phenomena which society just has to learn to live with, and which otherwise do no real economic harm. This paper explores both opposite hypotheses. We do so by studying whether or not administrative tape determines the performance of private companies. Administrative tape is a multidimensional concept. We distinguish three dimensions: regulatory burden, regulatory quality, and regulatory change. The impact of these dimensions of administrative tape on private firm performance is estimated with unique survey data from 625 Dutch companies. We controlled for a variety of organizational, contextual and entrepreneurial characteristics. The results show that regulatory quality and regulatory change limit the performance of private companies.
Understanding the younger Singaporean consumers’ views of western and eastern brands

This study examines consumer brand associations, focusing on the differences between association held for western brands and eastern brands by young Singaporeans under the country‐of‐origin umbrella. The study also examines consumer ethnocentric tendencies (CET), finding very low levels of ethnocentrism among respondents, and results indicate CET had no effect on brand preference or purchase intention.
Time distribution of injury-related in-hospital mortality in a trauma referral center in South of Iran (2010–2015)

Abstract In Iran, there are no studies addressing trauma death timing and factors affecting time of death after injuries. This study aimed to examine time distribution of trauma deaths in an urban major trauma referral center with respect to victims’ injury characteristics during 2010 to 2015. This was a cross-sectional study of adult trauma-related in-hospital deaths resulting from traffic-related accidents, falls, and violence-related injuries. Information on injury characteristics and time interval between admission and death was extracted from 3 hospital databases. Mortality time distribution was analyzed separately in the context of each baseline variable. A total of 1117 in-hospital deaths (mean age 47.6 ± 22.2 years, 80% male) were studied. Deaths timing followed an extremely positive skewed bimodal distribution with 1 peak during the first 24 hours of admission (41.6% of deaths) and another peak starting from the 7th day of hospitalization to the end of first month (27.7% of total). Subjects older than 65 years were more likely to die after 24 hours compared to younger deceased (P = .031). More than 70% of firearm-related deaths and 48% of assault-related mortalities occurred early, whereas 67% and 66% of deaths from falls and motorcycle accidents occurred late (P < .001). Over 57% of deaths from severe thoracic injuries occurred early, whereas this value was only 37% for central nervous system injuries (P < .001). From 2010 to 2015, percentage of late deaths decreased significantly from 68% to 54% (P < .001). Considering 1 prehospital peak of mortality and 2 in-hospital peaks, mortality time distribution follows the old trimodal pattern in Shiraz. This distribution is affected by victims’ age, injury mechanism, and injured body area. Although such distribution reflects a relatively lower quality of care comparing to mature trauma systems, a change toward expected bimodal pattern has started.
New system for multilocus variable‐number tandem‐repeat analysis of the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains belonging to three major serogroups: O157, O26, and O111

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a food‐ and waterborne pathogen, causes diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and life‐threatening HUS. MLVA is a newly developed and widely accepted genotyping tool. An MLVA system for EHEC O157 involving nine genomic loci has already been established. However, the present study revealed that the above‐mentioned MLVA system cannot analyze EHEC O26 and O111 isolates—the second and third most dominant EHEC serogroups in Japan, respectively. Therefore, with several modifications to the O157 system and the use of nine additional loci, we developed an expanded MLVA system applicable to EHEC O26, O111, and O157. Our MLVA system had a relatively high resolution power for each of the three serogroups: Simpson's index of diversity was 0.991 (95% CI = 0.989–0.993), 0.988 (95% CI, 0.986–0.990), and 0.986 (95% CI, 0.979–0.993) for O26, O111, and O157, respectively. This system also detected outbreak‐related isolates; the isolates collected during each of the 12 O26 and O111 outbreaks formed unique clusters, and most of the repeat copy numbers among the isolates collected during the same outbreak exhibited no or single‐locus variations. These results were comparable to those of cluster analyses based on PFGE profiles. Therefore, our system can complement PFGE analysis—the current golden method. Because EHEC strains of three major serogroups can be rapidly analyzed on a single platform with our expanded MLVA system, this system could be widely used in molecular epidemiological studies of EHEC infections.
Comparative Analysis of the Dynamics of Thrombocytopoietic, Granulocytopoietic, and Erythropoietic Systems in Irradiated Humans: A Modeling Approach

Abstract Biologically motivated mathematical models, which describe the dynamics of the thrombocytopoietic, granulocytopoietic, and erythropoietic systems in irradiated humans, are thoroughly investigated. These models are the systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, whose variables and constant parameters have clear biological meaning. The modeling studies reveal general regularities and peculiarities of the dynamics of the aforementioned hematopoietic lines in acutely and chronically irradiated humans. It is shown that the predictions of the models qualitatively and quantitatively agree with the respective clinical data for humans exposed to acute and chronic irradiation in wide ranges of doses and dose rates. Moreover, the “lethal” dose rate of chronic irradiation, which is evaluated in the framework of the granulocytopoiesis model, coincides with the real minimal dose rate of lethal chronic irradiation for humans. As for the thrombocytopoiesis and erythropoiesis models, the respective “lethal” dose rates of chronic irradiation are very close to the real one for humans. All this bears witness to the validity of employment of the developed models in the investigation and prediction of radiation effects on human hematopoiesis.
Reduced ethanol consumption and preference in cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) knockout mice

Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) is a neuropeptide implicated in addiction to drugs of abuse. Several studies have characterized the role of CART in addiction to psychostimulants, but few have examined the role of CART in alcohol use disorders including alcoholism. The current study utilized a CART knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of CART in ethanol appetitive behaviors. A two‐bottle choice, unlimited‐access paradigm was used to compare ethanol appetitive behaviors between CART wild type (WT) and KO mice. The mice were presented with an ethanol solution (3%–21%) and water, each concentration for 4 days, and their consumption was measured daily. Consumption of quinine (bitter) and saccharin (sweet) solutions was measured following the ethanol preference tests. In addition, ethanol metabolism rates and ethanol sensitivity were compared between genotypes. CART KO mice consumed and preferred ethanol less than their WT counterparts in both sexes. This genotype effect could not be attributed to differences in bitter or sweet taste perception or ethanol metabolism rates. There was also no difference in ethanol sensitivity in male mice; however, CART KO female mice showed a greater ethanol sensitivity than the WT females. Taken together, these data demonstrate a role for CART in ethanol appetitive behaviors and as a possible therapeutic drug target for alcoholism and abstinence enhancement.
Mouse spermatozoa with higher fertilization rates have thinner nuclei

Background Although spermatozoa with normal morphology are assumed to have uniform fertilization ability, recent data show that even normal spermatozoa have considerable variation in their head shape which is associated with differences in fertilization ability. Appropriate quantitative indicators for good sperm morphology, however, remain unidentified. Methods Therefore, in an effort to identify such an indicator, we compared the nuclear contour of normal mouse spermatozoa by quantitative multivariate analysis using elliptic Fourier descriptors combined with principal component analysis. The spermatozoa were obtained from different strains and collection sites which have been shown to be associated with different fertilization abilities. Results We found that the head was 5.7% thinner in spermatozoa from the B6D2F1 (BDF1) strain, known to have a higher fertilization rate, than in those from the C57BL/6N (B6N) strain, which has a lower fertilization rate. Moreover, zona-penetrated spermatozoa in the perivitelline space consistently had 5.4% thinner heads than those isolated from the epididymis before ejaculation. The aspect ratio, which represents the sperm head thinness, uniquely distinguished these sperm populations, confirming its validity as a morphological indicator. Discussion Because aspect ratio has also been shown to characterize human spermatozoa, this unique morphometric indicator might be applicable to compare normal spermatozoa among multiple patients, which will greatly facilitate and enhance current reproductive technologies.
A reconceptualisation of the satisfaction‐service performance thesis

The hypothesis that job satisfaction affects employee performance or favourable service behaviours could be considered a well‐worn topic. However, this paper shows that the extant literature has not adequately conceptualised nor addressed the complex relationship which could exist between employee satisfaction and service performance quality. Indeed, some studies appear to challenge this almost axiomatic view. This paper, therefore, considers the literature on “the job satisfaction‐service performance/quality thesis” and proposes a new model which reconceptualises the relationship between the two constructs. Suggestions for service practitioners, as well as new ways in which the thesis could be further tested, are also provided.
Sensory functions in dystonia: Insights from behavioral studies

The pathophysiology of primary dystonia is thought to involve dysfunction of the basal ganglia cortico‐striatal‐thalamo‐cortical motor circuits. In the past, emphasis was placed on the role of the basal ganglia in controlling movements; in more recent times, however, it has also become clear that they play an important part in sensory as well as cognitive functions. Here, we review evidence for dysfunction of sensory processing in patients with dystonia, and speculate that this may lead to abnormalities in a crucial role of the basal ganglia that links sensory information to appropriate motor output. Sensory function, particularly in the somatosensory domain, has been shown to be compromised in patients with primary dystonia, both in adult onset focal dystonia and in genetically characterized DYT1 dystonia. Given that nonaffected DYT1 gene carriers may show similar abnormalities to clinically affected individuals, sensory deficits could constitute a subclinical endophenotypic trait of disease that precedes overt clinical manifestations. Whether they can trigger primary dystonia or are an epiphenomenon is an issue warranting further study, but the fact that a number of different neurorehabilitative approaches explicitly manipulate somatosensory inputs to improve motor function suggests there may be a causal link between them. We believe that in future, randomized, blind and controlled studies in large patient populations should address this issue, providing efficient strategies to aid functional recovery, particularly in focal hand dystonia, where the available medical treatments offer little benefit. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Amelioration of the symptoms of acute mountain sickness by staging and acetazolamide.

Treatment by 4 d of residence at 1600 m plus the administration of 500 mg acetazolamide b.i. d. for the last 2 d at 1600 m and the first 2 d at 4300 m was compared with no treatment prior to ascent to 4300 m for prophylaxis of acute mountain sickness. The treatment successfully prevented almost all symptoms of acute mountain sickness. It had no effect on the diminished capacity for maximal or prolonged heavy physical work. The treatment produced a relative acidosis and a comparatively greater arterial oxygen tension at 4300 m.
Human glioblastoma ADF cells express tyrosinase, L‐tyrosine hydroxylase and melanosomes and are sensitive to L‐tyrosine and phenylthiourea

Melanocytes and neuroblasts share the property of transforming L‐tyrosine through two distinct metabolic pathways leading to melanogenesis and catecholamine synthesis, respectively. While tyrosinase (TYR) activity has been shown to be expressed by neuroblastoma it remains to be established as to whether also glioblastomas cells are endowed with this property. We have addressed this issue using the human continuous glioblastoma cell line ADF. We demonstrated that these cells possess tyrosinase as well as L‐tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and synthesize melanosomes. Because the two pathways are potentially cyto‐genotoxic due to production of quinones, semiquinones, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), we have also investigated the expression of the peroxisomal proliferators activated receptor α (PPARα) and nuclear factor‐kB (NFkB) transcription factor as well the effect of L‐tyrosine concentration on cell survival. We report that L‐tyrosine down‐regulates PPARα expression in ADF cells but not neuroblastoma and that this aminoacid and phenylthiourea (PTU) induces apoptosis in glioblastoma and neuroblastoma. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Professional Influence Skeptisisme, Competention, , Audit Situation, Audit Ethics, Experience and Expertise Make an audit of to Accuracy of Audit Opinion by Auditor BPK

This research is a research that analyzes the factors that influence the decision to give an audit opinion. The focus of this study analyzed the relationship of professional skepticism, audit situation, competention , ethics, experience and expertise, with the decision to give an audit opinion by the auditor. The purpose of this study was to analyze and obtain empirical evidence on the relationship of professional skepticism in auditing, audit situation,interest, ethics, experience and expertise, make an audit of to accuracy of auditor opinion. Data collecting in this research use kuesioner to 40 laboring auditor at Badan Pemerikasaan Keuangan of Riau in Pekanbaru. Technique in intake of sample is sampling purposive and used by analyzer is doubled regresi. Result from this research is auditor professional skeptisisme have an effect on signifikan to accuracy giving of auditor opinion. And situation audit, competention, ethics, and experience and expertise of audit do not have an effect on signifikan to accuracy giving of auditor opinion.
Consequences of customer advocacy

The purpose of this research is to provide empirical evidence for a key driver of the close relationship between customers and service providers. Rooted in the market orientation and customer orientation literature this paper contributes to the literature by operationalising ‘customer advocacy’ as proposed by Urban (2004) and by identifying its consequences. Empirical evidence is provided for the fact that if a service company advocates for the best interests of its customers, they will reciprocate with stronger loyalty and spreading positive word-of-mouth about service providers. Structural equation modelling is used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings suggest that service companies can build customers' trust by adopting the customer advocacy strategy through establishing mutual dialogue with the customers and providing quality services. Finally if customers are satisfied and hold a positive affect towards the service provider, they will advocate the service provider amongst their peers.
Inflation Performance and Constitutional Central Bank Independence: Evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean

This paper explores the relationship between the constitutional entrenchment of central bank independence and inflation performance. Empirical studies for developing countries have not found a relationship between central bank independence, proxied by the de jure independence established in the central bank law, and inflation. We argue that the Constitution is likely to be better enforced than ordinary statutes owing to its higher legal rank. Our empirical analysis finds that in a sample of Latin American and Caribbean countries, those countries that entrench the independence of the central bank in the Constitution have a better inflation performance.
Effects of Curricular Activity on Students' Situational Motivation and Physical Activity Levels

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine (a) the effects of three curricular activities on students' situational motivation (intrinsic motivation [IM], identified regulation [IR], external regulation, and amotivation [AM]) and physical activity (PA) levels, and (b) the predictive strength of situational motivation to PA levels. Four hundred twelve students in grades 7–9 participated in three activities (cardiovascular fitness, ultimate football, and Dance Dance Revolution [DDR]) in physical education. ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers were used to measure students' PA levels for three classes for each activity. Students also completed a Situational Motivation Scale (Guay, Vallerand, & Blanchard, 2000) at the end of each class. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that students spent significantly higher percentages of time in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in fitness and football classes than they did in DDR class. Students reported higher IM and IR toward fitness than DDR. They also scored higher in IR toward fitness than football. In contrast, students displayed significantly lower AM toward fitness than football and DDR. Hierarchical Linear Modeling revealed that IM was the only positive predictor for time in MVPA (p = .02), whereas AM was the negative predictor (p < .01). The findings are discussed in regard to the implications for educational practice.
What is happening to the US textile industry? Reflections on NAFTA and US corporate strategies

The textile and apparel industries in North America have experienced dramatic changes in the past decade. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has prompted the formation of apparel supply networks throughout the Western Hemisphere combining textile industries and retailers in the USA with apparel industries in Mexico to compete against Asian countries. Contrary to the widely acclaimed intent of NAFTA, the increased apparel production in Mexico has not led to a growth for the US textile industry. Instead, the US textile industry has continuously lost ground in global competition, giving up a large portion of its manufacturing. Today, the US textile industry is undergoing negative profits, countless plant closings, layoffs, and eventual bankruptcies. This study analyzes the impact of NAFTA and US textile companies’ corporate strategies on the performance of the textile industry and examines the pending strategic issues for maintaining US textile companies’ competitiveness in global markets.
Determinants of Interorganizational Relationships: Integration and Future Directions

This article integrates the literature on interorganizational relationships into six generalizable determinants of relationship formation, applies these determinants to the prediction of six types of interorganizational relations, and proposes hypotheses for future research that specify the conditions under which each determinant will he more likely to predict different types of relations. These determinants provide the basis for a general theory of interorganizational relationships and suggest that alternative theoretical perspectives on relationship formation provide important but only partial insights into why organizations enter into relationships with one another.
Influence of 50 Hz magnetic field on sex hormones and other fertility parameters of adult male rats

The effects of an extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field on the sex hormones and other fertility parameters of adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were investigated. Adult male rats were exposed to a 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field at approximately 25 µT (rms) for 18 consecutive weeks. There were no significant effects on the absolute body weight and the weight of the testes of the exposed rats. However, the weights of seminal vesicles and preputial glands were significantly reduced in the exposed male rats. Similarly, a significant reduction in sperm count was observed in the exposed group. Furthermore, there were no significant effects on the serum levels of male follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during the 18 weeks of exposure period. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the serum levels of male luteinizing hormone (LH) after 18 weeks of exposure (P < .005), while testosterone levels were significantly decreased only after 6 and 12 weeks of the exposure period. These results suggest that long term exposure to ELF could have adverse effects on mammalian fertility and reproduction. Bioelectromagnetics 27:127–131, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Too much love in the neighborhood can hurt: how an excess of intensity and trust in relationships may produce negative effects on firms

This study aims to provide a better understanding of the effect of social networks on innovation through the analysis of territorial agglomerations of firms. Critical voices argue that the same mechanisms that form the basis of efficient, continuous improvements of clustered firms can also be considered as limitations. We suggest that the impact of social capital decreases beyond a certain point of development. In fact, the effect of social interactions and trust on firm value creation can be described as an inverted U-shaped curve. The study is based on a sample of 154 firms in the Valencia region of Spain. Implications of the study have relevant prescriptions for regional planners and individual entrepreneurs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.