Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disasters, hope and globalization: exploring self-identification with global consumer culture in Japan

Purpose An unconscious concern regarding one’s inevitable death, known as mortality salience, may affect consumers’ brand choices in the aftermath of disastrous events, such as earthquakes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of self-identification with global consumer culture (IDGCC) in global brand purchase intention in response to disasters that heighten mortality salience. The roles of materialism, consumer ethnocentrism, cosmopolitanism and hope in this this process are also explored. Design/methodology/approach An online experiment was conducted with a large sample of Japanese consumers. Japan was selected because it had recently suffered from a series of devastating earthquakes. Participants’ mortality salience was primed with an earthquake scenario. All measures were adapted from prior research. The authors used structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses and validate the model. Findings The results reveal that IDGCC is a direct predictor of global brand purchase intention when mortality salience is high. It appears that identifying with global consumer culture and buying global brands enhances self-esteem and reduces anxiety for those with high IDGCC. As predicted, materialism and cosmopolitanism positively influence IDGCC, whereas consumer ethnocentrism does not impede IDGCC. Hope directly and positively affects global brand purchase intention. Research limitations/implications Some consumers who experience traumatic events may resist mortality salience and experience a heightened sense of global citizenship. Meanwhile, those with lower IDGCC may revert to in-group favoritism, whereas those with higher IDGCC tend to purchase global brands. Using a scenario to simulate the mental state evoked by a disaster limits generalizability. Practical implications The findings illuminate how firms should modify their international marketing strategies in the face of traumatic global events when targeting consumers with high vs low IDGCC in terms of framing messages about global brands. Additionally, using global brands that emphasize an optimistic outlook may help global marketers capture attention from consumers high in IDGCC. Originality/value This study is one of the first to address traumatic events and hope, relating these concepts to IDGCC and global brand purchase intention in an international marketing context.
Lake Watershed Tourists: Who They Are and How to Attract Them

Lakes act as both ecosystems for numerous life forms, and in many cases, tourist destinations. In order to sustain lakes as tourist destinations and protect them as ecosystems, municipalities need to understand the tourist, their demographics, motivations, satisfaction levels and the tourists’ desire for sustainability initiatives. To this end, the purpose of this study was to examine lake tourists, their demographics, motivational drivers and their relation to each other. Using a sample of 475 surveys, cross-tabulations, t-tests, and ANOVA’s were executed to understand differences and relationships. The results show varying differences with three key findings. First, motivations drive visitors based on their age and gender. Second, income has an influence on the importance visitors put on businesses promoting sustainability, such that the greater the income-level the lower the importance visitors placed on businesses promoting sustainability. This research builds upon past segmentation studies to show the link between sustainable types of tourism and the importance of sustainability. This adds a third key finding to the area of inquiry, demonstrating that increased awareness not only strengthens the relationship between demand and nature-based offerings, but that it can also increase satisfaction levels.
Developmental expression of VGF mRNA in the prenatal and postnatal rat

VGF is a developmentally regulated, secretory peptide precursor that is expressed by neurons and neuroendocrine cells and that has its transcription and secretion induced rapidly by neurotrophins and by depolarization. To gain insight into the possible functions and regulation of VGF in vivo, we have characterized the distribution of VGF mRNA in the developing rat nervous system. VGF expression was first detectable at embryonic day 11.5 in the primordia of cranial, sympathetic, and dorsal root ganglia, and its distribution expanded throughout development to include significant expression throughout the brain, spinal cord, and retina of the adult rat. The earliest expression of VGF, therefore, appeared in the peripheral nervous system as developing neurons settled in their designated ganglia. In many regions of the brain, VGF mRNA levels were found to be highest during periods when axonal outgrowth and synaptogenesis predominate. Areas of the central nervous system that contain predominantly dividing cells never displayed any VGF mRNA expression, nor did the vast majority of nonneural tissues. J. Comp. Neurol. 394:64–90, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Dynamic Relationship Between Stock and Real Estate Prices in Kuwait

This paper examines empirically the dynamic relationship existing between the stock and real estate markets in the State of Kuwait for the period from January 2007 to December 2017. The main features of the real estate market in Kuwait are reviewed, and two indices are constructed to measure the activity of the residential real estate (land and houses) and multi-apartment buildings in the Kuwaiti real-estate market. The empirical analysis employs the main proper tests, such as the Johansen (1998) cointegration test and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). These two tests confirm the long- and short-term association between Kuwaiti stock prices and multi-apartment building prices only, while no evidence of such a relationship is found for the residential real estate (land and houses) prices. This paper extends the literature available on the emerging stock markets, as the Kuwaiti Stock Market is one of the oldest stock markets in the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In addition, the results obtained in this paper have useful implications for academics and policy-makers in Kuwait.
Collaborative multidisciplinary workshop report: detection, culture, serology, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Lucy S. Tompkins, Julius Schachter, Jens Boman, Scott Dowell, Charlotte A. Gaydos, Matthew E. Levison, Matthias Maass, Guillermo Madico, Jeanne Orfila, Kazunobu Ouchi, Rosanna W. Peeling, David Taylor-Robinson, Walter E. Stamm, San-Pin Wang, Francesco Blasi, and David Relman Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, Laboratory Medicine, Chlamydia Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, and VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; Division of Infectious Diseases and School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Medicine and Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle; Respiratory Disease Branch, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Division of Infectious Diseases, Allegheny University Hospital, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; University Hospital of Umeå, Department of Clinical Virology, Umeå, Sweden; Medical University of Lubeck, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Lubeck, Germany; Centre Hospitalier Regional d’Amiens, Laboratoire de Bacteriologie-Immunologie Generale, Amiens, France; Saiseikai Shimonoseki General Hospital, Yamaguchi, Japan; Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada, Winnipeg, Canada; Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks, United Kingdom; 16 Institute of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Italy
Arginine Infusion in Dogs: Model for the Roles of Insulin and Glucagon in Regulating Glucose Turnover and Free Fatty Acid Levels

Arginine administered to normal dogs indicated that glucose production (Ra) and glucose utilization (Rd) increased concomit-antly and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels decreased. The present studies were designed to assess the role of the simultaneously released pancreatic hormones in mediation of these responses. The amino add was administered to seven depancreatized insulin-infused dogs during periods when the normal pancreatic hormone response could not occur, and compared with periods during which insulin and glucagon were administered exogenously in patterns resembling the normal endogenous responses. The amino add had no effect on glucose turnover in the absence of pancreatic hormone mobilization. However, normal increments in Ra and Rd occurred when extra insulin and glucagon were given concurrently with arginine; in order to maintain a sustained increment in Ra it was necessary to continually decrease the plasma insulin-glucagon (I/G) ratio. The metabolic effectiveness of a given I/G ratio thus varied with time. It appears that in assessing the metabolic significance of the I/G ratio, the duration of the stimulus and the absolute concentrations of the two pancreatic hormones should be considered. Despite pancreatectomy, basal concentrations of immunoreactive glucagon were within normal range prior to glucagon infusion; a nonpancreatic source of this activity is hypothesized. The plasma nonpancreatic glucagon immunoreactiv-ity increased only slightly in response to arginine. A comparable decrease in the FFA level occurred regardless of the presence or absence of extra insulin and glucagon, suggesting a nonpancreatic factor in the arginine associated inhibition of FFA release. Thus arginine infusion acutely reverses the pattern of fuel utilization characteristic of fasting: glucagon increases glucose production by the liver, insulin increases overall glucose utilization and FFA levels fall. Arginine challenge cannot only reveal metabolic defidendes of insulin lack but also defidendes due to absence of pancreatic glucagon.
Can sustainability match quality citrus fruit growing production? An energy and economic balance of agricultural management models for 'PGI Clementine of Calabria'.

This paper analyses energy and economic balances for different growing methods (conventional, integrated and organic cultivation) for Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) Clementine of Calabria, a quality-oriented citrus species in South Italy. Through a double methodological approach, the economic and energy sustainability of each production system was assessed by accounting for the farm net value (FNV) of farms. The energy employment in terms of direct (D) and indirect (I) sources and in terms of renewable (R) and non-renewable (NR) energy sources was also analysed. Regarding FNV, the results show that in the presence of European subsidies, organic farming (with 6.06 ha-1) is more profitable than other systems (4.33 ha-1 for integrated farming and 4.99 ha-1 for conventional farming) due to the higher sales price of organic PGI clementines, which allow producers to obtain the highest remuneration for their capital (1.65 B/C organic, 1.48 B/C integrated, 1.61 B/C conventional). In addition, from an energy perspective, the organic farming systems showed better performances than conventional and integrated systems because they required the lowest average energy employment (49.5 GJ ha-1 year-1) compared with the integrated (57.2 GJ ha-1 year-1) and conventional scenarios (59.1 GJ ha-1 year-1).
ZNRD1 gene suppresses cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest in G1 phase

ZNRD1, a transcription-associated gene, was recently found in our laboratory significantly suppress the cell proliferation of stomach cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we firstly characterized ZNRD1 expression in a wide spectrum of gastric diseases by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. We also investigated its antiproliferative effects and associated molecular alterations in human gastric cancer cell line AGS and mouse fibroblast cell line NIH3T3. Anti-ZNRD1 monoclonal antibody H6 was found to react with 38 (63%) of normal gastric tissues, and 51(81%) of gastritis. In contrast, no positive expression was found in gastric adenocarcinomas. Thus, the expression of ZNRD1 in normal gastric tissues was significantly higher than that in gastric adenocarcinomas. Compared with the control clones, ZNRD1-transfected cells exhibited significant inhibition of cell growth with G1 cell cycle arrest mediated by the suppression of cyclin D1 expression. These results showed that ZNRD1 may play an important role in the regulation of gastric carcinogenesis and could be used as a new target in treatment of stomach cancer.
Monte Carlo Simulation of on-Street Parking Retribution Revenue Potential in Sleman Regency Indonesia

Regional autonomy in Indonesia allows every region in Indonesia to manage its own finances. Each region shall be entitled to regulate their own locally-generated revenue, including taxes and user charges. One source of regional levies is from Public On-street parking. On-Street parking in Sleman Regency Yogyakarta has considerable potential. Sleman is a district with the largest population in DI Yogyakarta province of Indonesia. This is because most of the commercial, educational, health and employment centers are located in Sleman. There are several On-street parking centers in Sleman, and the most are in Depok District. So far, the parking retribution system of On-street parking is one of the sources of locally-generated revenue is to determine the value of certain contracts that must be paid by the parking operator to the government. The value of this contract is fixed monthly for one year and will be reviewed in the following year. The value of this fixed contract indicates the number and types of vehicles coming at that location are fixed every day. For example, if the parking rate of two-wheeled vehicles is IDR 1000 and the monthly contract value is IDR 400,000 then the parking location will only contain a maximum of 13 motorcycles every day. In fact, the frequency of vehicles and vehicle types is a variable that is probabilistic in nature. Therefore, this study will attempt to simulate the potential revenue of parking charges by entering on-street parking probabilistic elements. The result of this research is the combination and number of parking vehicles obtained from simulation result. This simulation model can then be used as a predictor of the potential revenue from on-street parking charge so that it can also be used to determine a more appropriate contract value policy.
Private Communication among Competitors and Public Disclosure

This study examines how private communication among competitors shapes their public disclosures. Theories at the intersection of accounting and industrial organization suggest that competing firms can use public disclosure to coordinate, and predict a substitutive relation between private communication and public disclosure: private communication reduces the need to coordinate via public disclosure. Using data on the extent of private communication among competing firms in strategic alliances, consistent with theoretical predictions I find that firms that enter into strategic alliances with competitors reduce their public disclosure about expected future business conditions, including forecasts of demand and production levels, and that the reduction is most pronounced for firms in alliances that entail more extensive private communication.
The Platelet and The Neuron: Two Cells in Focus in Migraine

Reports of platelet abnormalities in migraine are abundant, and the present paper discusses the role of platelets in the migraine aetiology. Platelets are considered good models for pre-and post-synaptic functions in serotonergic neurons. We propose that migraine is associated with a lowered threshold for stimulus response in both platelets and serotonergic neurons and that the alterations in platelet function reflect central serotonergic disturbances. The platelet abnormalities in migraine approach those found in depression, and there are several links between the two disorders. The clinical significance of platelet hyperactivity in migraineurs for the occurrence of thrombotic disorders is also discussed. Studies of platelet functions in migraine, using platelets as models for serotonergic neurons, may broaden our understanding of the neuronal processes that take place during a migraine attack. The platelet can also be an investigative tool for better understanding of the modes of action of anti-migraine drugs.
D-dimer levels decreased in severe allergic asthma and chronic urticaria patients with the omalizumab treatment

Background: D-dimer (DD), a fibrin degradation product formed during the lysis of a thrombus, is also detected in high levels in patients with active chronic urticaria (CU). Severe persistent allergic asthma (SPA) is associated with a procoagulant state in the bronchoalveolar space, further aggravated by impaired local activities of the anticoagulant protein C/protein S, antithrombin III system and fibrinolysis. This was demonstrated as massive fibrin depositions found in the alveoli of a SPA patient who died from a SPA attack and who did not respond to treatment. Objectives: For this reason, we investigated the effect of omalizumab both in bronchial and systemic vascular areas and evaluated SPA (group I) and CU (group II) patients before and after therapy period. Methods: Blood samples were taken before treatment (A), on 4th month (B), on 8th month (C) and on 12th month (D) post treatment in both groups. Results: We compared DD levels between groups: the significant DD difference was observed between group-IA and group-IC (p = 0.031); between group-IA and group-ID (p = 0.003); between group-IB and group-ID (p = 0.049) and between group IIA-1 and group-IID (p = 0.015). In the IIA-1 group, there was a significant positive correlation between DD and age (p = 0.008, r = 0.848). Conclusion: In conclusion, mediators and cells classically involved in procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways together play a role in SPA and CU pathophysiology, where omalizumab has its effect.
Effect of environmental temperature on polymorphic solid-state transformation of indomethacin during grinding.

The effect of grinding in an agate centrifugal ball mill at 200 rpm on the physicochemical properties of indomethacin (IMC) polymorphs was studied by means of X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The α and γ forms (metastable and stable forms) of IMC were ground at 4°C ant at 30±0.5°C, and the degree of crystallinity (Xc) of the ground products was measured by the X-ray diffractional internal standard method.The Xc of the γ form ground at 4°C decreased with increasing grinding time, and was 0% after 4 h, that is, the γ form had been converted to a noncrystalline solid. After grinding for 1 h at 30°C, about 45% of γ form of IMC was converted to noncrystalline solid, while the product ground for 10 h was transformed to the α form.The Xc of the α form ground for 2 h at 4°C was 0%, that is, the αform had been converted to a noncrystalline solid within 2 h at 4°C. The Xc of the α form ground at 30°C decreased with increasing grinding time and the value after 10 h was about 60%. The solubility in distilled water at 35°C of the γ form ground for 10 h at 4°C was about 60% larger than that of the intact γ form. The solubilities of the γ form gournd for 10 h at 30°C, the α form gound for 10 h at 4°C and the α form gound for 10 h at 30°C were all the same, 0.94 mg/100 ml, which is equal to that of the α form at 35°C.
SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF DYSTOCIA IN HOLSTEIN CROSSBRED COW : AN UNUSUAL FINDING

A Holstein crossbred cow was presented to our Referral Veterinary Polyclinic with complications of continuous straining and inability of dam to deliver the fetus. The animal was in its fifth parity with history of complete gestation. Per-vaginal examination revealed that fetus was dead and relatively oversized. It was in anterior presentation with fetlock flexion. Consequently, an oversized female fetus was delivered through general obstetrical procedure and the cow recovered uneventfully following proper postpartal therapeutic management with antibiotic, analgesic and uterine cleanser. Handling of the presented case, obstetrical correction, its post-delivery care and therapeutic medication is further discussed.
Countermeasures Against Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug-Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of potentially impairing prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is a large public health concern. These drugs are used frequently and have been shown to impair driving and driving-related psychomotor skills. In addition, they are estimated to be prevalent in up to 13% of drivers on U.S. roadways. Although there is a significant need for methods to reduce the prevalence of driving under the influence of prescription and OTC drugs, there is currently a lack of research on effective countermeasures to address this problem. That is, many studies focus on alcohol and/or illegal drugs, but there is a lack of research on effective countermeasures to address driving under the influence of prescription and OTC drugs. Based upon differences in etiology, public perceptions, and existing countermeasures, many countermeasures designed for alcohol and illegal drugs may not be effective for prescription and OTC drugs. This project aimed to fill this gap by assessing the current state of knowledge on countermeasures against prescription and OTC drug-impaired driving.
Tax Avoidance, Corporate Transparency, and Firm Value

Tax avoidance that reduces transfers from shareholders to the government is traditionally viewed as value enhancing to shareholders. The agency perspective of tax avoidance, however, suggests that opportunistic managers may exploit the obfuscatory nature of tax avoidance to mask rent extraction. To shed light on these conflicting views, I use a self-constructed opacity index and multiple measures of tax avoidance to examine how corporate transparency relates to tax avoidance. I find that transparent firms, which potentially have less severe agency problems, avoid more tax relative to their opaque counterparts. This result suggests that managers engage in tax avoidance transactions mainly to enhance shareholder wealth. Further, I find that investors place a value premium on tax avoidance, but the premium decreases with corporate opacity. This is consistent with the notion that corporate transparency facilitates the monitoring of managerial actions and thus alleviates outside investors’ concern about the hidden agency costs associated with tax avoidance.