Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors that influence the adoption of internet banking by South Africans in the eThekweni metropolitan region

Information technology is fundamentally changing the banking industry worldwide. The advent of internet banking offers banking firms a new frontier of opportunities and challenges. An understanding of how demographic characteristics, social factors, and consumer perceptions and attitudes towards internet banking influence the adoption of internet banking can allow banks to create solutions and plans to attract consumers to their internet banking services, thus enabling them to gain a greater share in the banking market. In South Africa little is known and understood about the emergence of internet banking even though this is now beginning to represent an important share of the banking market. This is because internet banking is a new industry here, and so consumer acceptance and use of internet banking is still limited. To date very little research has been conducted into factors which influence consumer adoption of internet banking, and so therefore there is a need for a study such as this. This study investigates attitudes of retail banking customers in South Africa, specifically in the Ethekweni metropolitan region, towards the adoption of internet banking.
Current Status of Trochanteric Reattachment in Complex Total Hip Arthroplasty

A study was done to determine if cable fixation devices of more recent design were associated with a higher success rate and lower incidence of complications compared with early cable devices. Beginning in 1997 a cable plate device was used in an attempt to restore abductor function more consistently in complex total hip arthroplasties. Cobalt-chrome cables through holes in a trochanteric cable plate with two or more transversely oriented cables at or below the lesser trochanter were used in order to resist migration of the trochanteric fragment better. Other component features included instrumentation that allowed provisional fixation and measurement of the tension in the cables so that cables could be tightened and retightened sequentially to insure a minimum of 80 inch-pounds of tension in all cables before final crimping. Minimum 2-year followup was obtained in 42 patients who had complex arthroplasties (trochanteric nonunions and reattachment to structural grafts) in which such a device was used. Clinical and radiographic results were compared with a series of patients with similar indications in whom wire or and earlier-generation trochanteric cable fixation devices were used. The cable plate of a more recent design was associated with a possible trend for a lower incidence of limp, use of assistive walking devices, dislocation, and abductor weakness and significant decrease in the incidence of breakage and trochanteric nonunion. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level III-1 (retrospective comparative study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Auditors’ Response to Analysts’ Forecast Properties: Some Evidence from Audit Pricing

This study draws on information asymmetry theory and audit pricing theory to examine the linkage between analysts’ earnings forecast properties and audit pricing in the US. To test these associations information asymmetry is measured by (1) analysts’ forecast accuracy, and (2) analysts’ forecast dispersion. This study provides evidence that higher analyst earnings forecast accuracy (dispersion) are associated with lower (higher) audit fee pricing. Our interpretation of these results are that analysts, as important financial intermediaries, provide useful information to other third parties, including auditors. We find that these relationships are stronger for small firms and younger firms in line with these firms having higher informational problems, and that audit firm industry specialization plays a significant role in reducing information asymmetry.
The Principal Component Analysis on the Developmental Level of Tertiary Industry in China's Provinces

The developmental level of tertiary industry is an important measure of economic strength standard.Therefore,comprehensive assessment of the tertiary industry will help us to correctly understand the development level of tertiary industry in various regions of our country.Based on existing research results,we constructed a comprehensive evaluation index system on the developmental level of tertiary industry and used the index system to make a comprehensive evaluation on the developmental level of tertiary industry in the 31 Provinces,Municipalities and Autonomous Regions in China by the improved principal component analysis.Finally,according to the results of evaluation,we got the several of characteristics and classification on China's tertiary industry.
Trajectory Patterns of Dental Caries Experience in the Permanent Dentition to the Fourth Decade of Life

Dental caries is a chronic, cumulative disease, but no studies have investigated longitudinal patterns of caries experience. The objective of this study was to identify and describe developmental trajectories of caries experience in the permanent dentition to age 32. Longitudinal caries data for 955 participants in a longstanding birth cohort study were analyzed by trajectory analysis. Three caries experience trajectories were identified by the SAS macro PROC TRAJ; these were categorized as "high" (~ 15%), "medium" (~ 43%), and "low" (~ 42%) DMFS (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces). All were relatively linear, although the higher trajectories were more "S-shaped". This effect disappeared following adjustment for the number of unaffected surfaces remaining at each age, suggesting that, among individuals following a similar caries trajectory, caries rate is relatively constant across time.
The Treated Prevalence of Mental Disorder Amongst Immigrants and the Australian-Born: Community and Primary-Care Rates

The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between birthplace and the treated prevalence of mental disorder in Australia. Treated prevalence rates were derived from two surveys. These were the 1989-1990 National Health Survey, carried out by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the general practice component of a one-day mental health census carried out in the state of Victoria by the authors in 1993. Differences due to the age and sex composition of birthplace groups were controlled statistically. Treated rates of mental disorder, and the use of psychotropic medication, were consistently high amongst those born in Greece, and low amongst those born in the U.K./Ireland or in South East Asia, compared to the Australian-born. Country of birth has a significant effect on the treated prevalence of mental disorder, as reported by patients or their doctor. Further research is needed to reveal the underlying causes of these differences.
Two Populations of p27 Use Differential Kinetics to Phosphorylate Ser-10 and Thr-187 via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase in Response to Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Stimulation*

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 regulates cell cycle progression. We investigated whether FGF-2 uses PI 3-kinase to facilitate phosphorylation of p27 on serine 10 (Ser-10) and threonine 187 (Thr-187) and whether the two phosphorylation sites were differentially regulated. FGF-2 stimulation dramatically increased p27 phosphorylation at Ser-10 and Thr-187 using differential kinetics, and the FGF-2-induced p27 phosphorylation was completely blocked at both sites by LY294002. We determined the physical and biochemical interaction of p27 with the Cdk2-cyclin E complex in response to FGF-2 stimulation. Maximal p27 binding to Cdk2-cyclin E occurred at 12 h; the maximal level of p27 phosphorylation at Thr-187 in the ternary complex was observed at 16 h; ubiquitination of the Thr-187-phosphorylated p27 (pp27Thr-187) was observed starting at 12 h and continuing up to 24 h. However, maximum p27 phosphorylation at Ser-10 occurred in the nucleus 6 h after FGF-2 stimulation; maximal export of Ser-10-phosphorylated p27 (pp27Ser-10) occurred 8 h after FGF-2 treatment, and pp27Ser-10 was simultaneously ubiquitinated. We further investigated which of the two phosphorylated p27 was involved in G1/S progression. LY294002 blocked 64% of the cell proliferation stimulated by FGF-2. Use of leptomycin B to block nuclear export of pp27Ser-10 greatly decreased the FGF-2-stimulated cell proliferation (44%), suggesting that phosphorylation of p27 at Ser-10 is the major mechanism for G1/S transition. Our results suggest that differential kinetics are observed in p27 phosphorylation at Ser-10 and Thr-187 and that pp27Thr-187 and pp27Ser-10 may represent two populations of p27 observed in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.
Effects of regular exercise on asthma control in young adults

ABSTRACT Background: According to our systematic literature review, no previous study has assessed potential effects of regular exercise on asthma control among young adults. We hypothesized that regular exercise improves asthma control among young adults. Methods: We studied 162 subjects with current asthma recruited from a population-based cohort study of 1,623 young adults 20–27 years of age. Asthma control was assessed by the occurrence of asthma-related symptoms, including wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and phlegm production, during the past 12 months. Asthma symptom score was calculated based on reported frequencies of these symptoms (range: 0–12). Exercise was assessed as hours/week. Results: In Poisson regression, adjusting for gender, age, smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, and education, the asthma symptom score reduced by 0.09 points per 1 hour of exercise/week (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.17). Applying the “Low exercise” quartile as the reference, “Medium exercise” reduced the asthma symptom score by 0.66 (−0.39 to 1.72), and “High exercise” reduced it significantly by 1.13 (0.03 to 2.22). The effect was strongest among overweight subjects. Conclusions: Our results provide new evidence that regular exercising among young adults improves their asthma control. Thus, advising about exercise should be included as an important part of asthma self-management in clinical practice.
Profitability and viability of cassava marketing in lean and peak seasons in Benin City, Nigeria.

The profitability and viability of cassava marketing as an enterprise in lean and peak seasons of harvest in Benin City was examined in this study. A simple random sampling of 50 marketers of cassava was carried out in the study area so as to generate data for analysis. The result showed that the estimated average marketing margin was N2,657 per tonne of raw cassava tubers, with about 60% (N1,600) of this going into transportation cost. The average gross margin per tonne of raw cassava tubers was estimated as N1,545 while the net return was about N1,520 in the lean season. The peak season however, recorded negative returns with the implication that the business of cassava marketing was only profitable in the lean season. Also, the viability indices of benefit cost ratio and return per Naira invested of 0.02 and 0.01 in the lean and peak seasons of harvest respectively, showed that the business of cassava marketing was not viable; the marketers actually got negative returns in the peak season of harvest. This calls for urgent intervention of relevant stakeholders in the emerging cassava marketing industry.
Trends in industrial supply chains and networks

Asks what really has changed for and what to expect from future supply chains. Most surveys rank activities related to sourcing, operations, customer services and marketing in terms of their importance to, or degree of hindrance for, successful supply chain management (SCM). In this explorative study, analyzes the change of SCM both in terms of operational practices and organizational capabilities in some industrial companies. A focused survey traces the development of supply chains and networks over two decades. Observes the expected growth in use of supporting IT systems, extent of information sharing and scope of coordination efforts. Characterizes the different stages supply chain evolution on the basis of supply chain integration and changing roles and responsibilities of the companies. It seems that due to the continuous structural change of the business environment the very concept of supply chain, let alone the best practice of managing one, should be subject to re‐examination in a wider context. In order to reach the current ideal of SCM practices, the strategic preconditions for innovative networking also need to be in place.
The meaning and experience of being a stroke survivor: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Purpose: To investigate the meaning and experience of being a stroke survivor. Method: Qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 stroke survivors (five face-to-face and five e-mail interviews). The interview data were transcribed verbatim (these were pre-transcribed in e-mail exchange) and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis: Disrupted embodiment and the loss of self; Invisibility of emotional difficulties; Gender, romance and sexuality; and Social interaction. These themes, respectively, revealed that participants often had difficulties with psychological adaptation to the physically disabling aspects of their stroke; they experienced enduring and disabling emotional difficulties; they had a particular concern for the viability and maintenance of romantic and sexual relationships; and they often became socially withdrawn, resulting in an increased pressure on familial caregivers. Conclusion: The findings of the present work suggest the need for post-stroke counselling regarding romantic and sexual relationships, as well as promoting acceptance of some of the physical disabilities that come with having a stroke and encouraging positive self-regard. There would also appear to be a need to address the issue of social withdrawal and familial relationships, perhaps when health professionals convey information regarding the person's stroke, and in counselling targeted specifically at family caregivers.
Long-term results after partial knee arthroplasty with the Oxford Knee

Introduction Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common reasons for disability, especially in elderly people. Surgical treatment is still controversial. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, i.e. partial knee arthroplasty, using the Oxford Knee has been available since 1983. The aims of the study were to compare the 10 years survival rate in the designers´ series, to determine the 10 year survival rate and clinical outcome in younger patients, to assess the outcome in patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee, to report the results in patients who were operated on earlier operated with high tibial osteotomy, to report long-term survival results more than 20 years after primary procedure and to assess the reconstruction requirements and early clinical outcome following revision of the Oxford Knee to total knee arthroplasty. Methods and results Patients in different age with painful focal antero-medial osteoarthritis stage I-III according to the Ahlback classification were operated on using unicompartmental arthroplasty with the Oxford Knee. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed preoperatively, as well as after 3 months, and 1, 6, 10, 15 and finally more than 20 years postoperatively. Hospital for Special Surgery score (HSS score 0-100) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS 0-48) were used to evaluate the outcome. The 10-years survival was found to be comparable to the designer’s series. Accordingly, there was no obvious contraindication for the use of the Oxford Knee in younger patients. The clinical outcome and survival was similar in knees with primary osteonecrosis in terms of short- and medium-term results as in patients with osteoarthritis. A previous high tibial osteotomy should be considered to be a contraindication to the use of the Oxford Knee. The revision of the Oxford Knee is technically easier and the results superior to the revision of total knee replacement. Conclusion With correct indication and good surgical technique, the Oxford Knee partial arthroplasty can be considered a useful treatment in patients with antero-medial osteoarthritis of the knee.
Effects of evaluative criteria on fashion brand extension

Purpose – To identify dimensions of evaluative criteria used when purchasing casual apparel and casual home furnishings and to determine which evaluative criteria served as predictors of brand extension purchase behavior of these products.Design/methodology/approach – A mailed self‐administered survey sent to a randomized sample of 739 female consumers residing in three metropolitan areas in a southwest state in the USA resulted in a response rate of 32.7 percent. Purchase frequency of 15 brands that extended across apparel and home furnishings and the importance of 17 evaluative criteria were measured using 7‐point Likert‐type scales. Principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation and path analysis using LISREL 8 were performed.Findings – Image, quality, color/style, and design/beauty of fashion products are important criteria when purchasing extended brands of casual apparel and home furnishings. Image of fashion products was the strongest predictor when brands were extended from apparel to h.
An exploration of the standardization of targeting strategies and the use of promotional disciplines on the web: A cross-national study

This study examines how leading corporations standardize their regional sites from the integrated marketing communication (IMC) perspective. In terms of standardizing targeting strategies, data show that many leading brands view the online audiences as one mass. Customers and media are the two most targeted and standardized stakeholders for all brands and in each of the product categories (i.e. non-durable goods, durable goods, and service). This study also reveals that financial communities/investors, communities, and channel members are the other three most targeted and standardized stakeholders, even though their rankings are somewhat different across the product categories. Employees, government regulators, and special-interest groups are seldom targeted through corporate websites. In terms of standardizing promotional disciplines on the web, advertising is the most standardized, followed by customer relations, direct marketing, public relations, and sales promotions for all brands and each product category. As a whole, service brands have the highest standardization mean, while durable goods rank second and non-durable goods are last. The three product categories do not significantly differ in terms of the standardization of promotional tactics. A Web Standardization Model is developed to be compatible and comparable to Moriarty and Duncan's Standardization Model.
How to build an experience differentiation strategy for software business : customer values perspective

This thesis takes a human values perspective on the concept of differentiation. The aim is to understand how the concept applies to experience creation in a software company, and how decisions about experiences can be made. The monograph suggests a values-in-experience differentiation concept, develops a decision-making framework and a method for introducing values into the strategic decision process. A software case-company is used to implement the tool and attest the values perspective for experience creation. The goal of a business strategy is to establish a unique position for the company’s offerings in the minds of customers, while maintaining financial results. Historically, uniqueness was achieved by focusing on product and service features. The experience view, however, departs from the historical assumptions about the nature and sources of differentiation. This thesis examines both the assumptions and changes of differentiation by experience. The apparent complexity of experiences requires research approaches of a matching complexity that suits the understanding of the challenges that managers face over the course of the experience creation. The thesis suggests that values provide both a stable platform and a flexible environment to guide the strategy process. The research contrasts the human values perspective with the traditional concept of needs and rational view. It proposes that the stability and the universal nature of values seem to provide grounds for combating the risks in experimentation, formulation and re-configuration of a unique position of company’s offerings.
Ecological characterization of a tick community across a landscape gradient exhibiting differential anthropogenic disturbance in the Atlantic Forest ecoregion in Argentina

An ecological analysis of a tick (Ixodida: Ixodidae) community across a landscape gradient presenting differential anthropogenic disturbance in the Atlantic Forest ecoregion in Argentina was performed. Ticks were collected from vegetation and hosts between September 2014 and August 2016. A total of 12 697 free‐living ticks and 3347 specimens from hosts were collected, including 317 ticks infesting humans. The values obtained show considerable species diversity in the forest environment accompanied by low equitability. The similarity index derived from a comparison of forest and agricultural environments was higher than that calculated by comparing forest and urban environments. The data suggest that although a cycle of one generation per year is apparent in some species, more than one cohort may co‐exist within the populations of some of these species. Well‐marked patterns of the seasonal distribution of free‐living tick species emerged in environments with no anthropic modification. The results indicate that forest environments are more suitable habitats than agricultural and urban environments for many species of native tick, but are unsuitable for exotic species that have successfully established in environments that have been modified by man.
Counterfeits and branded products: effects of counterfeit ownership

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate impacts of counterfeit branded products (CBP) ownership on branded products (BP) and to explore determinants of CBP purchase intention of both CBP owners and CBP non‐owners.Design/methodology/approach – Following four focus group discussions, a quantitative survey of 430 adults in Glasgow, UK was conducted measuring consumers' brand perceptions of CBP and BP, CBP non‐deceptive ownership, and CBP purchase intention.Findings – Consumers were found to have more favourable perceptions of BP than CBP, with exceptions of financial risk and security concerns. Significant perception differences concerning CBP were identified between CBP owners and non‐owners. In contrast, CBP ownership had no significant effect on consumers' evaluations of BP. Several perception dimensions appeared to be significantly influential on CBP behavioural intention, with brand personality playing the dominant role. Evidence of an interaction effect of CBP ownership with consumers' pe.
Early-Life Malaria Exposure and Adult Outcomes: Evidence from Malaria Eradication in India

We examine the effects of exposure to malaria in early childhood on educational attainment and economic status in adulthood by exploiting geographic variation in malaria prevalence in India prior to a nationwide eradication program in the 1950s. We find that the program led to modest increases in household per capita consumption for prime age men, and the effects for men are larger than those for women in most specifications. We find no evidence of increased educational attainment for men, and mixed evidence for women.