Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Role of Attitude Components in Co-branding: A Comparison of Spanish and Taiwanese Consumers

Abstract The purpose of this research is to address co-branding strategies of high-tech luxury products based on the distinction between Taiwan and Spain consumers’ attitude. It examines how consumers from two different nations react on co-branding strategies and how the impact of product fit and brand fit influence consumers’ recommendation to buy high-tech co-branded luxury products (HCLPs). As part of this study, ABC (Affect, Behavior, and Cognition) model of attitude is adapted and integrated into a co-branding strategy. Therefore, with different cultural backgrounds, consumers’ cognitive and affective responses are expected to play significant and different roles in the consumer behavior to buy and to recommend HCLPs The findings show that both nations adopt different recommendation processes: the Spanish consumers place more importance on product-related thoughts while Taiwanese consumers emphasize the significance of brand-related thoughts. Also, high-technology is much perceived by Taiwanese consumers while Spanish consumers regard the features of luxury brands. This study provides some valuable insights for high-tech luxury brands relating to their marketing strategies in international markets.
A Study of Roof Failures in and around Ibadan, Nigeria: Causes, Effects and Remedy

A random survey was carried out on the preponderances of roof failures and possible causes in Ibadan, a city in Oyo State of South-Western Nigeria. The survey was carried out using structured questionnaire, interview schedule; focus group discussion (FGD) and personal observations with photographs recording. Information of interest and which were included in the instruments were the types of roof, materials used in the construction of roof trusses and sheathing, age of roof, maintenance practices, causes of failure and their subsequent consequences. The survey revealed that all categories of roof of different ages are affected in all locations of the city both at the urban and rural areas. The identified causes of roof failures include Poor workmanship, design error; age and environmental forces, materials inadequacy, roof geometry and topographical with relative frequency of occurrence of 30.48%, 14.76%, 10.28%, 18.64%, 14.08%, and 11.76% respectively. The study revealed further that roof failure has economic, social and emotional effects on the affected people. Routine maintenance programme, proper construction, provision of courtyard, adequate drainage, good slope and roof overhang will minimize incidences of roof failures and are these therefore recommended.
Serological follow-up of infants born to mothers with positive syphilis serology – real-world experiences

The 2008 UK syphilis guideline recommends infants born to women with any positive syphilis serology be followed up until both treponemal and nontreponemal tests are negative to exclude congenital syphilis, whereas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend using only nontreponemal tests. Historically, we had low infant follow-up rates with no coherent pathways. We initiated a change in multidisciplinary team practice of infant testing for syphilis in 2011 and evaluated the results before and after by retrospective review of testing of infants born to women with positive syphilis serology between 2005 and 2012. A total of 28 infants’ mothers were treated in pregnancy (termed ‘high risk’); 26 had adequate treatment prior to pregnancy (termed ‘low risk’). There was a significant increase in serological testing after 2011 compared with before (83% versus 48%; OR 5.07 [95% CI 1.22–22.77] p = 0.01) but mainly in low risk infants with no significant improvement in high risk infants who are the priority group. Using nontreponemal tests only in the infants would have reduced the tests required by at least 50%, allowing health resources to be concentrated on achieving adequate follow-up for those infants most at risk.
Significant correlation between expression level of HSP gp96 and progression of hepatitis B virus induced diseases.

AIM Gp96, also known as Grp94, is a member of heat shock protein (HSP) family and binds repertoires of peptides thereof eliciting peptide-specific T cell immune responses. It predominantly locates inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with some cell surface expression in certain cancerous cells. Previous studies have shown that gp96 expression level was up-regulated in tumor cells, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, relationship between the extent of gp96 expression and disease progression especially HBV-induced chronic infection, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, has not been addressed before. As primary HCC can be induced and progressed from chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HBV-induced cirrhosis, we designed an immunohistochemical experiment to test the correlation between gp96 expression level and HBV-induced disease progression, from chronic HBV infection, cirrhosis to HCC. METHODS We chose liver samples from different patients of hepatitis B virus induced diseases, including chronic hepatitis B (77 patients), cirrhosis (27 patients) and primary HCC (30 patients), to test the expression level of gp96 in different affected groups. Formalin-fixed, and paraffin-embedded liver tissues taken from these patients were immuno-stained by using an anti-gp96 monoclonal antibody for the expression level of gp96 protein in the sections. In addition, Western blotting of whole cell lysates derived from established human embryonic liver cell lines and several human HCC cell lines (Huh7, HepG2, SSMC-7721) was compared with the expression of gp96. RESULTS We found that the extent of elevated gp96 expression was significantly correlated with the disease progression, and was the highest in HCC patients, lowest in chronic HBV infection and was that of the cirrhosis in the middle. CONCLUSION Increased expression of gp96 might be used as a diagnostic or prognostic bio-marker for the HBV infection and HBV-induced diseases.
Ergonomic Intervention for Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders among Farm Women

Abstract For more than a decade, farming has been rated as one of the dangerous occupations. A considerable number of adverse health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders are linked to agricultural work. This paper presents the results of a literature review undertaken to determine the types and extent of musculoskeletal disorders of the farm women in India and to identify opportunities for ergonomic intervention. It was concluded that numerous types of musculoskeletal disorders such as disorders of the back and neck, nerve entrapment syndromes, tenosynovitis, tendonitis, peri tendonitis, epicondylitis and non-specific muscle and forearm tenderness were consequences of the occupational risk factors in agriculture including static positioning, forward bending, heavy lifting and carrying, kneeling and vibration. At the same time, ergonomics interventions has the potential to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among farm women. These may include designing of women friendly tools and equipment, improved work processes and stipulation of shorter rest periods for farm women. There is a need to increase awareness of musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors and to train farm women periodically for the proper and safe ways of handling tools and equipment in order to avoid musculoskeletal disorders. The information presented in this paper should result in (1) Prioritization of researches based on prevention of farm women from musculoskeletal disorders, (2) Development of new technologies for women for critical field problems such as hand cutting of plant materials, stooped posture, and lifting and carrying of heavy materials, (3) Funding and support for awareness and prevention programmes for musculoskeletal disorders.
Hemodilution During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Increases Cerebral Infarct Volume After Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats

Although the optimal hematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is not defined, excessive hemodilution may lead to organ ischemia via a reduction in oxygen-carrying capacity uncompensated by autoregulatory and/or rheologic increases in organ blood flow. As a result, the consequences of hemodilution in patients at risk for cerebral ischemia are not clearly understood. We designed this study to evaluate the effects of hemodilution in the setting of focal cerebral ischemia during CPB. Wistar rats surgically prepared for CPB were randomized to either hemodilution (hemoglobin (Hb), 6 g/dL; n = 9) or control (Hb, 11 g/dL; n = 8) groups and subsequently exposed to focal cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Immediately after the onset of MCAO (maintained for 90 min), 65 min of hypothermic (28°C) CPB was initiated. Twenty-four hours later, functional neurological outcome and cerebral infarct volume were determined. Compared with controls, the hemodilution group had worse neurological performance (new score = 8 [2], hemodilution; versus 10 [2], control; P = 0.030) and larger total cerebral infarct volumes (182 ± 84 mm3, hemodilution; versus 103 ± 58 mm3, control; P = 0.043). In this experimental model of CPB with reversible MCAO-induced focal cerebral ischemia, hemodilution worsened neurological function and increased cerebral infarct volume.
Subjective sleepiness is a sensitive indicator of insufficient sleep and impaired waking function

The main consequence of insufficient sleep is sleepiness. While measures of sleep latency, continuous encephalographical/electro‐oculographical (EEG/EOG) recording and performance tests are useful indicators of sleepiness in the laboratory and clinic, they are not easily implemented in large, real‐life field studies. Subjective ratings of sleepiness, which are easily applied and unobtrusive, are an alternative, but whether they measure sleepiness sensitively, reliably and validly remains uncertain. This review brings together research relevant to these issues. It is focused on the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), which is a nine‐point Likert‐type scale. The diurnal pattern of sleepiness is U‐shaped, with high KSS values in the morning and late evening, and with great stability across years. KSS values increase sensitively during acute total and repeated partial sleep deprivation and night work, including night driving. The effect sizes range between 1.5 and 3. The relation to driving performance or EEG/EOG indicators of sleepiness is highly significant, strongly curvilinear and consistent across individuals. High (>6) KSS values are associated particularly with impaired driving performance and sleep intrusions in the EEG. KSS values are also increased in many clinical conditions such as sleep apnea, depression and burnout. The context has a strong influence on KSS ratings. Thus, physical activity, social interaction and light exposure will reduce KSS values by 1–2 units. In contrast, time‐on‐task in a monotonous context will increase KSS values by 1–2 units. In summary, subjective ratings of sleepiness as described here is as sensitive and valid an indicator of sleepiness as objective measures, and particularly suitable for field studies.
Spatial Patterns of Rhizoplane Populations of Pseudomonas fluorescens

Geostatistical analysis was used to compare rhizoplane colonization patterns of an antibiotic-producing biological control bacterium versus a non-antibiotic-producing mutant strain. Pea seeds were inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens 2-79RN(inf10) or P. fluorescens 2-79-B46 (a phenazine-deficient Tn5 mutant of P. fluorescens 2-79RN(inf10)) (10(sup8) CFU/pea), planted in sterile sand, and incubated at 20(deg)C. After 3 days, seedlings were prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Photomicrographs (x1,000) of the root surface were taken at the seed-root junction and at 0.5-cm intervals to the root tip. Bacterial counts on the root surface were made in 5- by 5-(mu)m sample units over an area which was 105 by 80 (mu)m. Coordinates and number of bacteria were recorded for each sample unit. Spatial statistics were calculated by covariance for the following directions: omnidirectional, 0, 45, 90, and 135(deg). The ranges of spatial influence and nugget (estimator of spatially dependent variation) were determined. For both P. fluorescens 2-79RN(inf10) and P. fluorescens 2-79-B46, spatial structure was evident along the entire root, particularly in the 0(deg) direction (along the root length) (e.g., range = 24 (mu)m, nugget = 0.52). The degree of spatial dependence observed indicated aggregation of bacterial cells. No differences were detected in the spatial patterns of colonies of P. fluorescens 2-79RN(inf10) and P. fluorescens 2-79-B46, indicating that the lack of phenazine production did not influence spatial patterns on the rhizoplane.
Comparison of the Amplicor HIV-1 monitor test and the nucleic acid sequence-based amplification assay for quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus RNA in plasma, serum, and plasma subjected to freeze-thaw cycles

The Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor test was compared to the nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (Nasba) assay system for the quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA in three different types of clinical samples: plasma, serum, and plasma subjected to freeze-and-thaw cycles. Each assay detected HIV RNA in the same 73 (90%) of 81 samples tested, and the quantitative results obtained with the two assays were significantly correlated. Both assays detected higher RNA levels in patients with CD4+ cell counts lower than 200 cells/mm3 than in patients with CD4+ cell counts higher than 200 cells/mm3. In addition, RNA levels in plasma higher than 5 logs predicted higher numbers of clinical events than did RNA levels in plasma lower than 5 logs. Quantitation of HIV RNA in paired plasma and serum samples showed lower HIV RNA content in serum than in the paired plasma sample, with mean differences between HIV RNA contents of plasma and serum of 0.54 and 0.28 log RNA copy/ml by the Nasba assay and the Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor assay, respectively. No significant loss of HIV RNA was detected with either assay in plasma samples subjected to multiple freeze-and-thaw cycles. These studies demonstrate that the Nasba and Amplicor assays perform similarly with plasma and serum samples. Further, the results indicate that freeze-and-thaw cycles do not result in significant loss of detectable HIV RNA.
Preferred treatment frequency in patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to assess patient preference regarding the length of treatment intervals of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for prostate cancer. Material and methods. The study was conducted as a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study at a large university hospital. A specific questionnaire was developed based on current literature, clinical experience and a pilot phase of the study. The primary endpoint was preferred treatment frequency. Secondary outcome measures included reasons for preferred treatment frequency, treatment satisfaction and side-effects. Overall, 238 men receiving ADT for prostate cancer were presented with the questionnaire between September 2011 and May 2012. Descriptive statistics, the chi-squared test and multiple regression were used for analyses. Results. In total, 176 questionnaires (74%) were available for analysis. A total of 38.1% of participants preferred frequent treatment (“Every month”, “Every third month”), 32.4% preferred infrequent treatment (“Every sixth month”, “Every twelfth month”) and 29.6% stated that length of the treatment intervals made no difference (p = 0.37). Patients with disease progression were most likely to prefer frequent treatment (odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 1.9–10.4). Overall, 84.1% were satisfied with treatment while one patient (0.6%) was dissatisfied. Nine per cent indicated severe side-effects. Conclusions. Less frequent ADT treatment may help to lower the pressure on healthcare systems and may be of benefit for a large group of patients. However, it cannot be prescribed blindly without possibly affecting patient satisfaction. The choice of treatment intervals should be made in collaboration between the physician and the patient.
Divergent structure of the ComQXPA quorum‐sensing components: molecular basis of strain‐specific communication mechanism in Bacillus subtilis

In Bacillus subtilis, the ComQXPA quorum‐sensing system controls cell density‐dependent phenotypes such as the production of degradative enzymes and antibiotics and the development of genetic competence. Bacillus subtilis (natto) NAF12, a mutant defective in poly‐γ‐glutamate (γ‐PGA) production, was derived from B. subtilis (natto) NAF4 by Tn917‐LTV1 insertional mutagenesis. Determination of the mutant DNA sequences flanking the Tn917‐LTV1 insert revealed that the insertion had inactivated comP in this mutant, indicating that γ‐PGA synthesis in B. subtilis (natto) is under the control of the ComP–ComA signal transduction system. A comparison of the amino acid sequences revealed striking variation in the primary structures of ComQ (44% identity), ComX (26%) and the sensor domain of ComP (36%) between B. subtilis (natto) NAF4 and B. subtilis 168. In contrast, the amino acid and nucleotide sequences of the kinase domains of ComP and of the ComA response regulator share 95% and 100% identity respectively. The comP genes of NAF4 and 168 restored the impaired competence of B. subtilis BD1658 (comP::cat) and γ‐PGA production of B. subtilis (natto) NAF12 (comP::Tn917‐LTV1) to only 15% of the level achieved by the respective parent comP genes. However, when introduced together with the cognate comQ and comX genes, the comP genes restored the relevant defect of the heterologous comP mutants nearly to wild‐type levels. Analogous to the comCDE system of Streptococcus strains and the agrBCDE system of Staphylococcus aureus, the concerted variation in the comQXP genes appears to establish specific intercellular communication between B. subtilis strains sharing the same pheromone system.
What factors influence consumers’ willingness to adopt a pre-paid utility solution over the traditional post paid utility billing model?

II IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS / ABBREVIATIONS . V STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY AND DECLARATION . VII RESEARCH OUTPUTS DURING CANDIDATURE . VIII ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . IX TABLE OF CONTENTS . X LIST OF FIGURES . XI LIST OF TABLES . XII CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 RATIONALE OF RESEARCH . 7 STRUCTURE OF THESIS . 9 CHAPTER TWO: BACKGROUND FRAMEWORK OF ANALYSIS AND PROPOSED MODEL . 11 THE PROPOSED MODEL . 17 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHOD DESIGN . 33 CHAPTER FOUR: QUALITATIVE DATA OVERVIEW . 41 CHAPTER FIVE: QUANTITATIVE SURVEY SCALE PURIFICATION . 73 CHAPTER SIX: QUANTITATIVE RESULTS . 79 CHAPTER SEVEN: KEY SUMMARY OF QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE FINDINGS . 165 CHAPTER EIGHT: KEY INSIGHTS TO EXISTING BODY OF KNOWLEDGE . 177 CHAPTER NINE: KEY INSIGHTS FOR INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS AND MANAGERS. 181 CHAPTER TEN: LIMITATIONS OF STUDY DESIGN AND FUTURE STUDIES . 187 REFERENCES. 195 APPENDICES . 203
Critical Role of CD14 for Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Cytokine Inhibitors during Sepsis with Failure To Alter Morbidity or Mortality

ABSTRACT We investigated the immunopathophysiologic responses during sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in CD4-deficient (CD14 knockout [CD14KO]) mice. Our studies were designed to specifically test the role of CD14 in the inflammatory response to sepsis and to ascertain if alterations would improve morbidity or mortality. Sepsis was induced using the CLP model with appropriate antibiotic treatment. The severity of sepsis increased in the CD14KO mice with increasing puncture size (18 gauge [18G], 21G, and 25G). Following CLP, body temperature (at 12 h) and gross motor activity levels of the sham and 25G CLP groups recovered to normal, while the 21G and 18G CLP groups exhibited severe hypothermia coupled with decreased gross motor activity and body weight. There were no significant differences in survival, temperature, body weight, or activity levels between CD14KO and control mice after 21G CLP. However, CD14KO mice expressed two- to fourfold less pro-inflammatory (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], tumor necrosis factor [TNF], and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and TNF receptors I and II) cytokines in the blood after 21G CLP. Plasma levels of the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein 2α and KC were similarly reduced in CD14KO mice. A similar trend of decreased cytokine and cytokine inhibitor levels was observed in the peritoneal cavity of CD14KO mice. Our results indicate that the CD14 pathway of activation plays a critical role in the production of both pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytokine inhibitors but has minimal impact on the morbidity or mortality induced by the CLP model of sepsis.
Diabetes-associated Alterations in Volatile Anesthetic Actions on Contractile Response to Norepinephrine in Isolated Mesenteric Resistance Arteries

Background:Clinical concentrations of volatile anesthetics significantly influence contractile response to the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine although its precise mechanisms remain unclarified. In this study, we investigated its possible alterations in diabetes, as well as its underlying mechanisms. Methods:Isometric force was recorded in small mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin-induced diabetic and age-matched control rats. Results:The concentration–response curve for acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation was shifted to the right in diabetic arteries compared with controls. The concentration–response curve for norepinephrine-induced contraction was shifted to the left and upward by both endothelial denudation and diabetic induction. In the presence of endothelium, isoflurane or sevoflurane enhanced norepinephrine-induced contraction in control arteries but not in diabetic arteries; however, in its absence, both anesthetics identically inhibited norepinephrine-induced contraction in both groups. In control arteries, the isoflurane- or sevoflurane-induced enhancement was not affected by adrenomedullin22–52, calcitonin gene-related peptide8–37, 18&bgr;-glycyrrhetinic acid, NG-nitro l-arginine, ouabain, Ba2+, indomethacin, losartan, ketanserin, BQ-123, and BQ-788. Conclusions:In diabetes, vascular responses to acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and volatile anesthetics are altered in mesenteric resistance arteries, presumably reflecting endothelial dysfunction and possibly underlying circulatory instability during administration of either anesthetic. Some endothelial mechanisms that are impaired in diabetes would be involved in the anesthetic-induced enhancement of norepinephrine-induced contraction. However, the vasoregulatory mechanism mediated by adrenomedullin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, myoendothelial gap junction, nitric oxide, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, cyclooxygenase products, angiotensin II, serotonin, or endothelin-1, all of which have been suggested to be impaired in diabetes, would not be involved in the enhancement.