Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Region of Origin as Choice Factor: Wine Knowledge and Wine Tourism Involvement Influence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine key areas of the wine consumer’s interaction with region of origin, specifically through access to wine information, wine knowledge, the auxiliary relationship with wine tourism involvement and the impact this has on the wine buying decision-making process.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual research ‘‘model’’ was developed to set the direction for the development of the research hypotheses and questions. A highly structured questionnaire was administered at a high-end independent wine retail shop in Sydney, Australia using a convenience sample of 100 randomly selected respondents, all of whom were in the basic wine drinker category or higher. A series of quantitative and qualitative datasets were collected during timeslots spanning 8-15 minutes per questionnaire.Findings – The results confirm that as wine knowledge increases together with wine involvement, it develops into a greater understanding of a wine’s region of origin, impacting positively on the consumer’s wine decision-making process. A consumer’s willingness to interact with wine-related motivations through wine tourism visitation has a profound effect on the importance of a wine’s region of origin, therefore attributing to greater recall of wine region in the wine buying decision- making process.Research limitations/implications – Wine education and access to wine information have a strong relationship with increasing a consumer’s awareness of wines’ region of origin and offer scope to further investigate the importance of in-store assistance and cellar door staff interaction with consumers. Although both these aspects are considered positively by a statistically significant percentage of the sample study, a relationship does not coexist with the importance of wine region as an aid or attribute for consumers when purchasing wine.Originality/value – Wine marketing strategies in Australia are beginning to incorporate a complementary product brand relationship with region of origin and the use of regional branding, not only as a point of difference, but as an extension of a wine product’s attributes. This study aids in further identifying information regarding regional branding and its relative importance, which could lead to subsequent comprehensive research studies. The research findings may be utilized to provide small- to medium-sized wineries an overview of how they may consider closer interaction between their individual brand and regional branding.
The impact of adding front-of-package sodium content labels to grocery products: an experimental study

Abstract Objective Canadians consume approximately twice the daily Adequate Intake of sodium. The present study examined the efficacy of four types of front-of-package (FOP) sodium labels at influencing consumers’ selection of products low v. high in sodium. Design Participants were randomly assigned to one of five experimental conditions: (i) control condition with no FOP label; (ii) basic numeric FOP label; (iii) numeric FOP label with ‘high’ and ‘low’ sodium content descriptors; (iv) detailed Traffic Light (TL) label with colour coding, content descriptors and numeric information; and (v) simple TL label with no numeric information. Participants were shown pairs of grocery products that varied in sodium content and told they could choose a free sample. Selection of the low-sodium v. the high-sodium product was the primary behavioural outcome, in addition to ratings of effectiveness, understanding, liking and believability. Setting Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Subjects Adults (n 430) aged ≥18 years, recruited from community settings. Results Participants in the three FOP conditions with ‘high/low’ sodium content descriptors were significantly more likely to choose the lower-sodium product compared with the control group. The detailed TL label was ranked most effective at helping participants select low-sodium products, and was rated significantly higher than other formats in liking, understanding and believability. Product selection did not differ significantly across sociodemographic groups. Conclusions FOP labels that include content descriptors may be more effective in helping consumers to select lower-sodium products. TL labels, which incorporate content descriptors and colour coding, should be considered for future FOP labelling initiatives.
The value of acute phase reactants in predicting preterm delivery

Abstract Objective: We aimed to determine the potential value of maternal serum levels of acute phase reactants in the prediction of preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labor (TPL). Methods: Ninety-one pregnant women diagnosed with TPL and 83 healthy pregnant women as a control group were included in this prospective controlled study. All the pregnant women were followed until delivery and obstetric data and the serum levels of acute phase reactants were recorded for each participant. The study group was further divided into two groups according to the gestational age at delivery, which include women delivering prematurely and the ones who gave birth at term. Results: Serum albumin levels were significantly lower and mean serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in the study groups when compared the control group. Conclusion: Although an association between decreased serum albumin level and TPL, also between increased serum ferritin levels and preterm birth and low birth weight were demonstrated, more extensive studies are needed to clarify the potential use of the acute phase reactants in the prediction of preterm birth.
Tonic regulation of mouse ileal ion transport by nitric oxide.

The possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of intestinal ion transport was studied in isolated sheets of mouse ileum mounted in Ussing flux chambers. The competitive NO-synthase inhibitors NG-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMA), and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) and the effects of NO released from acidified sodium nitrite solution were evaluated in tissues pretreated with guanethidine and atropine. Serosal L-NMA or L-NNA (10-300 microM), but not NG-methyl-D-arginine (D-NMA), produced a sustained concentration-related increase in short-circuit current (Isc) and potential difference (PD) with maximal Isc increases of 50.8 +/- 8.2 and 45.5 +/- 5.8 microAmps/cm2, respectively; mucosal application of L-NMA or L-NNA produced transient increases in Isc. The A50 (and 95% CL) values for serosal L-NMA and L-NNA were 25.6 (15.7-41.9) and 8.7 (5.1-14.9) microM, respectively. L-Arginine (0.1-10 mM), but not D-arginine, produced both a concentration-related reversal of L-NMA or L-NNA-induced increases in Isc. Additionally, pretreatment with L-arginine blocked the L-NMA or L-NNA effects, suggesting a competitive interaction. L-NMA-mediated increases in Isc were unaffected by bicarbonate-free buffer, whereas replacement of chloride ions with gluconate ions almost completely attenuated the response to L-NMA. Further, the effects of L-NMA or L-NNA were blocked by tetrodotoxin or chlorisondamine, suggesting neural actions involving ganglionic transmission. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Electronic banking in Finland : consumer beliefs, attitudes, intentions and behaviors

Karjaluoto, Heikki Electronic banking in Finland: consumer beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2002. 195 p. (Jyväskylä Studies in Business and Economics, ISSN 1457-1986; 18) ISBN 951-39-1167-5 Finnish summary
Technological Innovation in Women-Owned Firms

This study seeks to determine the influence of the underlying factors that facilitate the growth and implementation of new technologies within women-owned businesses. In the proposed model, market growth mediates the relationship between the individual antecedents (entrepreneurial intensity and opportunity costs) and technological change. Using the two-step approach for measurement analysis and structural equation modelling, results revealed that the process by which women entrepreneurs implement new technological changes is influenced by their decision to expand the business. Entrepreneurial intensity and the entrepreneur's willingness to incur opportunity costs were key motivating factors that compelled the entrepreneur to seek new growth strategies. Implications for research and practice related to ways in which entrepreneurs' strategic focus can enable technological innovations are discussed.
Role of HGF/c‐met system in invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro and its clinical significance

We examined the role of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c‐met system on invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. In monolayer culture, exogenous HGF marginally affected the growth of oral SCC cells (BHY, HN, IH) and human gingival epithelial cells (GE). In type I collagen matrix, however, HGF significantly enhanced the invasive growth of the cancer cells (p < 0.05). We detected the expression of c‐met (HGF receptor) mRNA in all of the cancer cells, but not in human gingival fibroblasts (GF). Oral SCC cells did not secret HGF protein into the medium, but GF secreted a large amount of HGF protein (15 ng/ml). Furthermore, HGF markedly enhanced the migration of cancer cells in a Transwell invasion chamber. Then, we examined the serum levels of HGF in oral SCC patients, or HGF concentrations in oral cancer tissues. Serum levels of HGF in the patients were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (p < 0.05). After initial treatment, all of the tumor‐free survivors showed a marked decline in the serum HGF levels. Furthermore, HGF concentrations in metastatic cancer tissues were significantly higher than those of non‐metastatic cancer tissues and normal gingiva (p < 0.01). These results suggest that HGF plays an important role in invasion and metastasis of oral SCC cells as a paracrine factor, and an elevated HGF level in the cancer tissue can be a predictive marker for metastasis formation in patients with oral SCC. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing compliance with food safety legislation in small businesses

Purpose – This article aims to describe a research methodology used to examine compliance with food safety legislation within small businesses and the effect of local authority interventions on compliance. Different methodological approaches used within the research design are evaluated.Design/methodology/approach – Empirical research using multiple case studies investigated compliance within small food businesses. Multiple sources of evidence were analysed using qualitative and quantitative techniques.Findings – The validity of research design was affected in various ways. Using a quantitative approach was limited by the availability of a suitable indicator to measure compliance and by the difficulty in establishing causality. Qualitative approaches showed that businesses constructed their conception of compliance differently from the more formal compliance concept of regulatory agencies. This alternative construction of compliance impacts on the effectiveness of different methodologies.Research limitati.
Lack of effect of TNF antibodies on the cardiovascular sequelae of lipopolysaccharide infusion in conscious rats

1 The aims of the present study were to determine the profile of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release, and the effect of monoclonal antibodies to TNF, on the changes in regional haemodynamics and the responses to vasodilator and vasoconstrictor challenges, during a continuous 24 h low dose infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in conscious rats. 2 Male Long Evans rats were chronically instrumented for measurement of regional haemodynamics (renal, superior mesenteric and hindquarters) and were challenged with 3 min infusions of acetylcholine (22 nmol min−1), methoxamine (120 nmol min−1), salbutamol (0.83 nmol min−1) and bradykinin (14.4 nmol min−1). The rats were given either saline, or the TNF antibodies, TN3gl or TN3g2a, 1 h before the start of a continuous infusion of LPS (150 μg kg−1 h−1) and were subsequently re‐tested with the vasodilator and vasoconstrictor challenges 2, 6 and 24 h after the start of the LPS infusion. 3 Prior to infusion of LPS, TNF was not detectable in the plasma. During continuous infusion of LPS there was a transient elevation in plasma TNF levels, reaching a maximum (∼2300 pg ml−1) after approximately 1 h, and returning to undetectable levels after approximately 3 h of LPS infusion. 4 In the saline pretreated group, after 1–2 h of LPS infusion, there was a small hypotension and a marked renal vasodilatation; 6 h after the start of LPS infusion there was a minor elevation in MAP above control levels, renal vasodilatation was maintained and a hindquarters vasoconstriction occurred; after 24 h of LPS infusion, there was a hypotension and renal and hindquarters vasodilatation. There were significant reductions in the tachycardic and renal vasodilator responses and an enhanced depressor response to acetylcholine after 24 h of LPS infusion. LPS infusion also caused a generalized hyporesponsiveness to the cardiovascular effects of methoxamine and salbutamol. The major changes in response to bradykinin were reduced tachycardic and enhanced depressor responses throughout the LPS infusion, a biphasic decrease and increase in renal conductance and enhanced hindquarters vasodilatation at 24 h. 5 Pretreatment with either TN3gl or TN3g2a antibodies had no major effects on the changes in resting haemodynamics, or on the changes in response to methoxamine, salbutamol or bradykinin challenges during LPS infusion. However, the tachycardic responses to acetylcholine were generally preserved, and its hypotensive effect after 24 h of LPS infusion was not enhanced after TN3gl or TN3g2a pretreatment. Thus, despite substantial, but transient, elevation of plasma TNF levels during continuous LPS infusion, it appears that the majority of cardiovascular changes were dependent on factors other than plasma TNF.
Associations of alcohol consumption and alcohol flush reaction with leukocyte telomere length in Korean adults

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Telomere length is a useful biomarker for determining general aging status. Some studies have reported an association between alcohol consumption and telomere length in a general population; however, it is unclear whether the alcohol flush reaction, which is an alcohol-related trait predominantly due to acetaldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, is associated with telomere length. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations of alcohol consumption and alcohol flush reaction with leukocyte telomere length (LTL). SUBJECTS/METHODS The study included 1,803 Korean adults. Participants provided blood specimens for LTL measurement assay and reported their alcohol drinking status and the presence of an alcohol flush reaction via a questionnaire-based interview. Relative LTL was determined by using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis used multiple linear regression models stratified by sex and age groups, and potential confounding factors were considered. RESULTS Age-specific analyses showed that heavy alcohol consumption (> 30 g/day) was strongly associated with a reduced LTL in participants aged ≥ 65 years (P < 0.001) but not in younger participants. Similarly, the alcohol flush reaction was associated with a reduced LTL only in older participants who consumed > 15 g/day of alcohol (P < 0.01). No significant alcohol consumption or alcohol flush reaction associations with LTL were observed in the sex-specific analyses. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that older alcohol drinkers, particularly those with the alcohol flush reaction, may have an accelerated aging process.
Integrating the Global with the Local: Performance Measurement in Multinational Corporations

Abstract For multinational corporations (MNC) operating as global businesses with global workforces, the challenge of managing diverse operations in diverse markets has never been greater. These MNCs are concerned with the constraints in integrating dispersed units without stifling local subsidiary initiatives while simultaneously facilitating cross-border transfers of resources and information. Both academics and practitioners have been urged to develop better metrics that ease the process of performance management. While rigorous research has been conducted in relation to generic performance measurement systems, little research has been done regarding the implications of measurement paradigms for MNCs. In order to align adequately the worldwide processes, decisions and actions with corporate goals, a cross-functional, cross-process and cross-border approach is needed. By addressing this deficiency, this paper explores the role of performance measurement within the context of managing MNCs, and presents an integrated framework for performance measurement, which is stated from the viewpoint of both the global headquarters and local subsidiaries. This framework incorporates both financial and non-financial measures, and gives the adequate consideration to intangible assets. This paper has practical implications on firms seeking international expansion.
Are You Experienced?

This article examines how teenagers perceive a show that is both educational and entertaining. In classrooms, 970 students viewed and evaluated one of two videos of a commercial television program featuring an anti-alcohol message. Overall, the sample assessed the programs favorably, finding the messages interesting, credible and understandable. Firsthand experience with alcohol predicted variations in the perception of an anti-alcohol message, while contact with others who use alcohol did not. Regression analysis showed personal experience with alcohol had a strong relationship to interest, a modest relationship to credibility, but no significant relationship to knowledge. In contrast, social contact with those who use alcohol often (i.e. knowing friends and family members who drink) was not significantly associated with the perceptions of an alcohol message on television. Such results suggest that those creating and using mass-media health messages effectively must be aware of the actual firsthand experiences of their audiences.
Marketing Communication Strategies and Consumer Financial Decision Making: The Role of National Culture

Consumers frequently make important financial decisions that have short- and long-term impacts on their welfare. The authors expect that these financial decisions are a function of consumers' past experiences and interactions with a financial services firm as well as consumers' long-term priorities (e.g., national culture). They determine how three cultural dimensions (long-term orientation, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity) and marketing communication type (promotion focused vs. prevention focused) affect three key consumer financial decisions: (1) savings rate, (2) use of credit, and (3) spending pattern. To do so, they empirically test both the direct effect of national culture on consumer financial decision making and its moderating effect on the link between a firm's marketing efforts and consumer financial decision making. Drawing on regulatory focus theory, the authors develop and empirically test their hypotheses using a customer database from a multinational financial services firm based in the United Arab Emirates, with customers originating from 34 countries. They find that national culture directly affects consumer financial decision making and moderates the impact of marketing efforts by the financial services firm, which suggests that financial services firms should account for national culture when managing customers.
Approaches of Improving University Assets Management Efficiency.

University assets management, as an important content of modern university management, is generally confronted with the issue of low efficiency. Currently, to address the problems exposed in university assets management and take appropriate modification measures is an urgent issue in front of Chinese university assets management sectors. In this paper, based on a survey on university assets management conditions, the author tries to find the problems and conclude some useful countermeasures, in the hope of providing certain references for university assets management sectors and improving the assets management efficiency.
Kinetic characterizationandgene expressionofadenosine deaminase in intact trophozoitesof Trichomonasvaginalis

Kinetic characterizationandgene expressionofadenosine deaminase in intact trophozoitesof Trichomonasvaginalis Marina Weizenmann, Amanda Piccoli Frasson, Muriel Primon de Barros, Patrı́cia de Brum Vieira, Denis Broock Rosemberg, Geraldo Attilio De Carli, Maurı́cio Reis Bogo, Carla Denise Bonan & Tiana Tasca Laboratório de Pesquisa em Parasitologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquı́mica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia, Pontifı́cia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifı́cia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; and Laboratório de Neuroquı́mica e Psicofarmacologia, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifı́cia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
R&D project termination decisions: Processes, communication, and personnel changes

The decision to terminate a project can demoralize project managers and team members, and increase concerns about job security. For these reasons, managers tend to delay project termination decisions. However, delaying project termination diverts scarce R&D resources from higher potential projects. Ramaiya Balachandra, Klaus K. Brockhoff, and Alan W. Pearson describe the results of a study that explores the manner in which managers inform staff of the decision to terminate or continue a project. Survey respondents are the highest ranking R&D managers in 78 large German, British, and U.S. companies. Respondents were asked to describe the procedures they use for monitoring R&D projects and deciding whether to continue a project. Underlying this research is the belief that more effective management of these processes can improve project team effectiveness, employee relations, and morale. All survey respondents use project monitoring procedures. Most use formal procedures, often supplemented with informal procedures. More than one person usually monitors projects. Project managers, their immediate superiors, and project staff typically have these responsibilities, but respondents also indicate that marketing managers often monitor projects. Compared to U.S. companies, European firms typically involve fewer people in project monitoring. U.S. firms involve more non-R&D personnel in these tasks. Most firms focus on monitoring such variables as time, technical success, and probability of technical success. Staff motivation is the least used monitoring variable. Cost control was mentioned more frequently by German respondents than by respondents from other countries. Decisions regarding the fate of a project usually come from individuals not directly involved with the project. Termination decisions are typically communicated in writing; no respondents use staff meetings to relate such decisions. Following the decision to terminate a project, management faces the difficult task of finding suitable jobs for project team members. Rather than assign an entire team to a new project, management typically disbands a team and assigns its members to other teams. The inherently uneven progress of R&D projects complicates these scheduling problems, and thus compounds the career uncertainty caused by project termination decisions.