Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross‐cultural consumer values, needs and purchase behavior

This study examined the relationship of consumer values, needs and purchase behavior in two Asian consumer markets, China and South Korea. Between self‐directed values and social affiliation values, self‐directed values were the underlying determinant of needs to be satisfied by apparel products. Among the three types of needs identified to be satisfied through apparel (i.e. experiential, social and functional needs), experiential needs were the most important needs that influenced apparel purchases of female consumers in both Asian markets. Consumers in both country markets exhibited brand loyal behavior in apparel purchases, fulfilling all three needs. However, actualization patterns of each need through brand loyal behavior differed between the two consumer samples. While for brand‐loyal Chinese consumers experiential image was the most important aspect of the branded apparel appeal to female consumers, social image with performance quality assurance was a more important feature of the branded apparel appeal to consumers in Korea. Implications for brand image management for international markets were discussed.
The Effects of Ownership and Investment upon the Performance of Franchise Systems

An economic-finance perspective with defer ence to legal constraints and marketing objec tives is used in this paper to analyze perfor mance and ownership shares in franchised businesses. Pursuant to this line of thinking, the franchise system is regarded as a portfolio of operating units which is adjusted in response to changing costs and revenue opportunities (Mark land and Furst, 1974). When coupled with the "life cycle" argument of franchise development (Anderson, 1984; Crandall, 1970; Hunt, 1973 and 1977; Lillis, Narayana and Gilman, 1976; Oxfeldt and Kelly, 1968), franchisee-owned outlets are the vehicle for marketing and distributing the product at the beginning fran chise, when the franchisor faces the constraint of limited capital and managerial resources. If the maturation of the organization increases the availability of capital and managerial resources, the franchisor shifts towards profitability and managerial control. Then, franchisors appropri ate the outlets which exhibit superior perfor mance and franchise the rest, completing the life cycle. To test this proposition we check for superior performance among company-owned outlets relative to franchisee-owned outlets. If the profits per establishment of franchisor-owned are consistently greater than franchisee-owned outlets, this supports the hypothesis of "skimming" or, at least, adjusting the portfolio of operating units to maximize company-owned performance. Unfortunately, U.S. Department of Commerce franchising data do not report profits. A proxy is sales per establishment. Using sales data, Anderson (1984) found no comprehensive performance differential favor ing company-owned establishments from 1969-1980, but did determine that some fran chised business activities did exhibit behavior consistent with "skimming". O'Hara and Thomas (1986a), using sales data for an expanded 1969-1984 sample and accounting for certain institutional changes, examined 22 franchised business activities and found most to exhibit superior company-owned performance on a year-to-year basis. Significantly better growth in sales per establishment for franchisors was found for 8 of 14 business areas tested.
Reconstitution and Microscopic Observation of G Protein Subunits on Giant Liposomes: Attempt to Construct a Cell Model with Functional Membrane Protein Components

Giant liposomes are cell-size artificial vesicles with phospholipid bilayers. Here, in order to obtain giant liposomes containing membrane proteins (giant proteoliposomes), we have introduced a novel procedure using membrane fusion phenomena between liposomes and recombinant baculovirus. We tried to thereby reconstitute heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) that is a peripheral membrane protein, i.e., Gs protein consisting of alphas, szlig and gamma, in giant proteoliposomes. Western blot analysis showed that expression of these proteins on both recombinant baculovirus budded virus envelopes and liposomes fused with the recombinant virus. Moreover, by using laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy, we observed that GTP analogues specifically bound to Gs alpha subunits on giant liposomes. These results indicate that using the present procedure giant proteoliposomes are prepared with successfully reconstituted G proteins.
Adult Children of Gay Fathers: Parent–Child Relationship Quality and Mental Health

ABSTRACT According to family systems theory, parent–child relationships are an important aspect of individual wellbeing. This study explored associations among parental disclosure, parent–child relationships, and wellbeing among 84 adult children with gay fathers. We explored associations between the adult children’s wellbeing and the children’s ages at sexual orientation disclosure, geographic distance, relationship quality, and closeness with their fathers. We found that when parental disclosure had occurred earlier in the adult child’s life, participants reported feeling closer to fathers in adulthood. Those who reported closer relationships with their fathers reported greater wellbeing. Using a stepwise regression, we found that adult children’s reports of closeness with fathers were the best predictors of adult children’s wellbeing.
Not Risk Free: The Relative Pricing of Euro Area Inflation-Indexed and Nominal Bonds

Selective default is an event in which a sovereign issuer chooses not to meet obligations on a class of bonds, while servicing her other debt. This paper presents unique empirical evidence of selective default risk premium in inflation-linked sovereign bond (ILB) yields of Germany, France and Italy. I identify this effect from the difference of breakeven rates from country pairs. Differencing controls for common components, such as the effect of inflation expectations, monetary policy or interest rate risk. I find that the remaining part in breakeven rates is explained by two systematic risk factors, liquidity and sovereign credit risks - both within and across countries. I link these findings to the ILB-nominal puzzle, which shows that ILBs are underpriced relative to nominal bonds of the same issuer. I show that this underpricing is in part due to relative risk premia differences between nominal and inflation-linked debt: ILBs are less liquid, moreover investors perceive them to have higher credit risk during the financial and euro crises. This implies an implicit seniority and a subsequent convenience yield in nominal bonds.
Linking user experience and consumer-based brand equity: the moderating role of consumer expertise and lifestyle:

Purpose – The study aims to explore the buildup of consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) from positive derived experiences. Rewarding experiences with products make a user feel good about their decision to buy and use them. Those feelings get accrued as strong consumer–brand relationship, measured comprehensively by CBBE in marketing literature. Design/methodology/approach – The study is conducted in two phases – exploratory and validation. The exploratory phase involved conceiving a theoretical framework from in-depth literature review. The framework is then validated through a survey-based empirical phase. Smartphones form the context of the work. Findings – The three consumption values used in the study are usability, social value and pleasure in use. Brand equity has been conceptualized and measured as brand association, perceived value, brand trust and brand loyalty. The moderating role of user expertise, as well as lifestyle, was also tested on pleasure derived. Most of the hypothesized relationships b.
The impact of financial services quality and fairness on customer satisfaction

Purpose – Customer satisfaction in the banking industry has long been measured as a function of service quality by using a variation of the SERVQUAL instrument. The purpose of this paper is to build a broader understanding of the determinants of customer satisfaction throughout the financial services industry by incorporating the perceptions of fairness in service delivery (FAIRSERV) and outlining why and how FAIRSERV is important to customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – The authors conduct a cross‐sectional questionnaire survey, including samples of 420 customers from the financial services industry in Taiwan. PLS‐Graph is used to evaluate the measures of reliability as well as validities, and to test the hypotheses.Findings – The results show that fair service not only has a significant impact on customer satisfaction, but also plays a role equivalent to service quality in determining customers’ trust and perceived value, which in turn lead to customer satisfaction.Research limitations/imp.
Expression of Aquaglyceroporins in Epithelial Ovarian Tumours and Their Clinical Significance

Protein levels of aquaglyceroporins AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9 were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in epithelial ovarian tumour tissue from 98 patients and in normal ovary tissue from 20 persons with uterine myoma. AQP3 and AQP9 proteins were detected immunohistochemically in the basolateral membranes of benign and borderline tumour cells and were found to be distributed throughout the plasma membranes of malignant tumour cells. AQP7 protein was localized in the plasma membranes of benign tumour cells but, in borderline and malignant tumour cells, it was selectively stained in the nuclear membrane. Western blotting showed significantly higher AQP7 and AQP9 protein expression in malignant and borderline tumours than in benign tumour and normal ovarian tissue. AQP9 expression level was positively and significantly correlated with tumour grade and histological type. It was concluded that a high level of aquaglyceroporin expression may be an important factor in ovarian carcinogenesis.
A Generalized Input-Output Multiplier Calculus for Australia

A static, generalized input-output framework for calculating simple multipliers is presented for Australian data. In this framework, capital investment and imports are internalized into domestic inter-industrial intermediate demand, non-square matrices are introduced in order to enable the inclusion of finer detail commodity data, and matrices in both monetary and physical units are employed. A range of labour and energy multipliers are calculated, referring to total output, final demand, final consumption, basic values, producers' prices, purchasers' prices, commodities and industries. Uncertainties of multipliers are assessed in detail, using Monte Carlo simulations.
Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography coupled with an early neurologic examination enhances prediction of term infants at risk for persistent encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to determine, first, whether an early neurologic examination could predict a persistent abnormal neonatal neurologic state comparable to the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (a-EEG) and, second, whether a combination of the 2 methods would further enhance early identification of high-risk infants. METHODS Fifty term infants were enrolled prospectively when they had evidence of intrapartum distress, Apgar score <or=5 at 5 minutes, or cord arterial pH <or=7.00 and were admitted to intensive care. Each enrolled infant underwent an early neurologic examination using a modified Sarnat staging system (stages 2 and 3 were regarded as abnormal) and a blinded simultaneous a-EEG measurement. Predictive values were calculated for a short-term abnormal outcome defined as persistent moderate to severe encephalopathy beyond 5 days. RESULTS An abnormal short-term outcome was present in 14 (28%) of 50 infants. The neurologic examination was performed at 5 +/- 3 hours after delivery. A short-term abnormal outcome occurred in 9 (53%) of 17 infants with initial stage 2 and in both infants with initial stage 3 encephalopathy. In addition, 13 infants manifested features of both stage 1s and 2 and post hoc were classified (S1-2). Three of the latter infants (23%) developed an abnormal short-term outcome. The a-EEG was abnormal in 15 (30%) infants, 11 (73%) of whom developed an abnormal outcome. An abnormal a-EEG was more specific (89% vs 78%), had a greater positive predictive value (73% vs 58%), and had similar sensitivity (79% vs 78%) and negative predictive value (90% vs 91%) when compared with an abnormal early neurologic examination. A combination of abnormalities had the highest specificity (94%) and positive predictive value (85%). CONCLUSION The combination of the a-EEG and the neurologic examination shortly after birth enhances the ability to identify high-risk infants and limits the number of infants who would be falsely identified compared with either evaluation alone.
Value decomposition of e‐commerce performance

Purpose – The need to measure organisational effectiveness has become increasingly accepted. Performance measurements can readily be developed but need to be further defined as performance metrics. The paper's aim is to show how the use of the decomposition technique enables the development of electronic commerce (e‐commerce) metrics.Design/methodology/approach – In the approach to value decomposition, value constructs are identified at the highest level, decomposed into the next levels, referred to as value variables, which are further broken down into value metrics. During decomposition, proper splicing has to occur. This implies that values (constructs, variables and metrics) should be carefully specified and that their interconnections should be controlled. Furthermore, functional integrity is required so that a succinct statement can be made for each metric.Findings – The paper identified value constructs and value variables for six e‐commerce applications. They are aggregated into corporate performa.
The Family and Individual Development

Notes/Comments: This plan is an example of what a four year plan could look like for a typical student. Placement exam scores in math as well as the completion of coursework may change the plan. It should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss course scheduling. All requirements are subject to change by NIU. • Apply to the Family and Individual Development Program by March 1st (Limited admissions Major) Notes/Comments: Notes/Comments: Students must meet the Family and Individual Development program prerequisites to apply for admission to the major during the Spring 2 semester. See Limited Admissions in the Undergraduate Catalog.
EyeScout: Active Eye Tracking for Position and Movement Independent Gaze Interaction with Large Public Displays

While gaze holds a lot of promise for hands-free interaction with public displays, remote eye trackers with their confined tracking box restrict users to a single stationary position in front of the display. We present EyeScout, an active eye tracking system that combines an eye tracker mounted on a rail system with a computational method to automatically detect and align the tracker with the user's lateral movement. EyeScout addresses key limitations of current gaze-enabled large public displays by offering two novel gaze-interaction modes for a single user: In "Walk then Interact" the user can walk up to an arbitrary position in front of the display and interact, while in "Walk and Interact" the user can interact even while on the move. We report on a user study that shows that EyeScout is well perceived by users, extends a public display's sweet spot into a sweet line, and reduces gaze interaction kick-off time to 3.5 seconds -- a 62% improvement over state of the art solutions. We discuss sample applications that demonstrate how EyeScout can enable position and movement-independent gaze interaction with large public displays.
A roadmap for unbundling the corporation

Growth of the many organizations is still limited mostly due to the fact that they are an amalgamation of three core yet conflicting business processes: infrastructure management business, product innovation business and customer relationship business. Leading companies have focused on their core capabilities and leveraging their growth by participating in networks of specialist companies. Unbundling the corporation, introduced by Hagel and Singer (1999), explains why the traditional corporations are not able to achieve the desired level of growth by doing every aspects of value chain themselves. However, rapid technological improvements in internet and networking have reduced the interaction costs which have made it possible for managers to focus on their organizational core capability and unbundle the rest to the specialized partners. Unbundling the corporation should be considered as a growth strategy. To be applied by practitioners, developing a roadmap for unbundling is essential. Considering the increasing trends in outsourcing specifically in the time of economic turmoil signify the necessity and importance of such a roadmap. In this research, we propose a roadmap for unbundling the corporation. Our roadmap has been derived from extensive case studies in order to increase its generalisability. The roadmap consists of two frameworks. The first framework assists practitioners to map their organizational capabilities and decided in which they should invest. Finally, the second framework indicates the relationship between core capabilities and network capabilities of an unbundled organization. Together the two frameworks help managers to devise their strategic approach toward unbundling and growth.
Using Participatory Research to Build an Effective Type 2 Diabetes Intervention: The Process of Advocacy Among Female Hispanic Farmworkers and Their Families in Southeast Idaho

SUMMARY The Formando Nuestro Futuro/Shaping our Future project (herewith, Formando) is a community-based participative research (CBPR) focused on type 2 diabetes. It was conceptualized and designed by a team of university-based researchers and community health workers (promotores). This article describes the process of establishing a CBPR project such as Formando and the most current results from that project. The Formando project is an example of health-focused advocacy with the Mexican agricultural workers in Southeast (SE) Idaho. To date, 172 qualitative interviews on participants' knowledge about type 2 diabetes have been carried out with farmworker women and their families. Biometric data (heights, weights, blood pressures and fasting blood glucoses) were obtained from participants. Fieldnotes, focus group discussions and key informants were used to triangulate findings. Significant quantitative findings include that age was significantly associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) (p <0.001, Spearman Correlation <0.001) and with elevated fasting blood glucose (p <0.001, Spearman Correlation <0.001). The qualitative interviews were thematically analyzed. Key themes associated with type 2 diabetes in this community were the connection between thinness and vanity, dieting and starvation and the onset of diabetes as a result of, what social scientists call, structural violence within the immigrants' daily lives. We conclude that long-term commitment to using the CBPR approach in these Mexican agricultural communities is an effective way to engage in health research and to establish real and meaningful dialogue with community members.
Role of Macronutrients and Micronutrients in DNA Damage: Results From a Food Frequency Questionnaire

The links between diet and genomic instability have been under investigation for several decades, and evidence suggests a significant causal or preventive role for various dietary factors. This study investigates the influence of macronutrients (calories, protein, and glucides) and micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, as assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, on genotoxicity biomarkers measured by cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay and comet assay. The results found significant positive and negative correlations. Micronucleus frequency tends to increase with higher intake of caffeine, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and protein (P < .05, Spearman correlation). Calorie and omega-6 intakes are negatively correlated with DNA damage measured by the comet assay. These results are somewhat controversial because some of the correlations found are contrary to dominant views in the literature; however, we suggest that unraveling the association between diet and genetic instability requires a much better understanding of the modulating role of macronutrients and micronutrients.
Co-localization of the cysteine protease caspase-3 with apoptotic myocytes after in vivo myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in the rat.

The aim of our study was to characterize the temporal relationship of apoptosis to regional myocardial ischemia and reperfusion and we aimed to determine the effect of ischemia and reperfusion on the distribution of the pro-apoptotic cysteine protease caspase-3 (CPP 32, apopain, Yama) in an in vivo rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-400 g) were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (65 mg/kg, i.p.), the left external carotid artery was isolated to monitor arterial pressure and a left thoracotomy was performed. Regional myocardial ischemia was induced by occluding the left main coronary artery for 45 min. The heart was reperfused for 0, 60, 120 or 180 min. TUNEL staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded left ventricle, and DNA fragmentation analysis, showed that apoptosis occurred during 45 min of ischemia alone, but further developed during the 3-h reperfusion period. Immunohistochemical analysis of ischemic/reperfused left ventricle showed caspase-3 levels were substantially elevated and localized in the ischemic/reperfused region, and that caspase-3 co-localized to TUNEL positive myocytes. Therefore, regional myocardial ischemia serves as a stimulus for myocyte apoptosis, and this form of cell death progresses time-dependently after the onset of reperfusion. Our studies implicate caspase-3 to be involved in apoptotic cell death in ischemic/reperfused rat heart.
Determinants and Consequences of Financial Constraints Facing Firms in Argentina

In the 1990s Argentina implemented an ambitious structural reform program that brought about profound changes in the economy. The monetary and exchange rate regimes and the banking sector were no exception. In fact, during that decade the country displayed a unique combination of characteristics: 1. The exchange rate/monetary regime was a currency board between 1991 and 2001. 2. There were no obstacles to capital flows and tighter prudential regulations were introduced. 3. Private portfolios and banks` balance sheets were highly dollarized.
Mutations in DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT3A) Observed in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Disrupt Processive Methylation

Background: De novo DNA methyltransferase 3A is mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Results: AML mutations disrupt DNMT3A tetramerization and the processive methylation of human promoters in vitro. Conclusion: DNMT3A oligomeric interfaces control processivity, which may alter methylation patterns in AML patients. Significance: DNMT3A provides a plausible explanation for changes in epigenetic regulation in AML patients. DNA methylation is a key regulator of gene expression and changes in DNA methylation occur early in tumorigenesis. Mutations in the de novo DNA methyltransferase gene, DNMT3A, frequently occur in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients with poor prognoses. Most of the mutations occur within the dimer or tetramer interface, including Arg-882. We have identified that the most prevalent mutation, R882H, and three additional mutants along the tetramer interface disrupt tetramerization. The processive methylation of multiple CpG sites is disrupted when tetramerization is eliminated. Our results provide a possible mechanism that accounts for how DNMT3A mutations may contribute to oncogenesis and its progression.