Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Services purchased at brick and mortar versus online stores, and shopping motivation

Purpose – This study seeks to explore the idea that consumers select a particular shopping mode – i.e. bricks and mortar versus online outlet – based on their perceptions about whether a product or service is best bought from one or the other. It aims to posit that this perception is associated with the importance allocated to various shopping motivation dimensions.Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected using a self‐administered mail survey from 689 internet‐enabled US households. They represent a 28 percent response from 2,500 households that received the survey. Extensive non‐response analysis ruled out serious bias in the data.Findings – The results from this empirical study suggest that different shopping motivations indeed influence perceptions of service type and shopping mode congruence differently. In addition, the results also suggest that services are more likely to be associated with the online shopping mode, whereas more tangible products are likely to be associated w.
The Effect of Foreign Institutional Investment on Financial Reporting Comparability

This paper investigates whether institutional investors have a significant influence on the comparability of their investee firms’ financial reporting. Using the comparability measure developed in De Franco et al. (2011), we show that emerging market firms with a higher level of U.S. mutual fund ownership experience an increase in their financial statement comparability with their U.S. industry peers. To address the possibility of reverse causality and omitted variables, we adopt a changes-in-changes specification and an instrumental variables approach, both of which suggest changes in institutional ownership drive comparability changes. Consistent with our interpretations, we find no evidence that non-U.S. foreign institutional ownership affects firms’ comparability with their U.S. industry peers. Further, the documented comparability increase is particularly strong when U.S. mutual funds’ positions are concentrated in large blocks and have been held for over a year. Finally, we show that the appointment of independent U.S. directors to the board and audit committee and the hiring of a big-four auditing firm appear to be important channels through which U.S. institutions affect non-U.S. investees’ financial reporting practices. JEL classifications: G32; G34; G38; M41; M48
Quench Characteristics of a 2-kA REBCO Quasi-Isotropic Superconducting Strand in Liquid Nitrogen

High-temperature superconducting strand with high current capacity is expected to have widely potential applications transferring electric power and superconducting power devices since it is easy to insulate to avoid point charging. Quench characteristics of a 2-kA quasi-isotropic superconducting strands made of REBCO tape with copper sheath in liquid nitrogen (LN2) were investigated numerically and experimentally in this paper. The minimum quench energy and quench propagation velocity of the superconducting strand were simulated and measured. The simulation results are in very good agreement with the experiment. Due to high current density and quasi-isotropic critical current in magnetic field, this kind of superconducting strand has potential application in high-current transmission and high-field magnets.
Influence of Mobile Money Transfer Services on the Performance of Micro Enterprises in Kitale Municipality

Application of the mobile phones for money transfer, referred to as Mobile Money Transfer (MMT) has marked a new frontier in mobile phone technology with an ever increasing number of micro businesses using it in their transactions to enhance performance. The number of uses to which Mobile Money Transfer (MMT) can be put keeps increasing with time. However, it was not clear how Mobile Money Transfer use influences the performance of micro enterprises. The study sought to determine if its use in Kitale municipality, a rural town setting, has resulted in success and growth of micro enterprises. The study was based on a survey of 36 micro enterprises, from three major sectors of the Kenyan economy, agriculture, service and processing sectors. Micro enterprises that were studied are those that have been in existence for more than 5 years and have experienced business without Mobile Money Transfer (MMT), before 2007, and thereafter with it. The study used a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The data so obtained was analyzed using chi-square to establish the relationship between Mobile Money Transfer (MMT) use and business performance. The key findings are that use of Mobile Money Transfer for: B2B (business to business) transfer when making purchases from suppliers and C2B (customer to business) transfers when customers buy from the business and for debt collection for credit sales contributed to improved performance of the micro enterprises.
Analyzing Educational Achievement Differences between Second-Generation Immigrants: Comparing Germany and German-Speaking Switzerland

Abstract In this study, I provide evidence that the educational achievement of second- generation immigrants in German-speaking Switzerland is greater than in Germany. The impact of the first-generation immigrants’ destination decision on their offspring’s educational achievement seems to be much more important than has been recognized by the existing literature. I identify the test score gap between these students that cannot be explained by differences in individual and family characteristics. Moreover, I show how this gap evolves over the test score distribution and how the least favorably endowed students fare. My results suggest that the educational system of Switzerland, relative to the German system, enhances the performance of immigrants’ children substantially. This disparity is largest when conditioning on the language spoken at home, and prevails even when comparing only students whose parents migrated from the same country of origin.
Industrial dynamics and managerial networking in an emerging market: the case of China

This study examines how industrial conditions influence the level of executives' managerial networking with decision‐makers in other entities such as buyers, suppliers, competitors, distributors, and regulators in an emerging market. Corroborating a view that social capital holds contingent value, we theorize that executives facing different industrial conditions have different levels of commitment to exploiting interpersonal ties for fulfilling organizational needs. We propose that managerial networking is influenced by exogenous industrial attributes such as structural uncertainty, sales growth, regulatory stringency, competitive pressure, and production capacity utilization. Our analysis of executives in 364 firms in China demonstrates that the level of managerial networking increases when uncertainty, regulation, and competition increase and production capacity utilization decreases. For a specific firm, the link between industrial dynamics and managerial networking is moderated by its strategic proactiveness. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of the development of renal hypertension in male and female rats.

1. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of gender on the development of renal hypertension in Sprague-Dawley rats using the Goldblatt two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) model. In addition, this study examined the effect of ovariectomy upon the development of hypertension in female rats.2. At 10 weeks of age, male, intact female and ovariectomized female rats underwent clipping of the right renal artery or sham operation. Tail-cuff plethysmography was used to monitor the systolic blood pressure of all animals for 7 weeks post-clipping or sham operation. Rats were sub-grouped according to whether or not they developed hypertension (systolic blood pressure >=150 mmHg). 3. Within 2 to 3 weeks of clipping, hypertension was induced in only 53% (n=120) of the intact female 2K1C rats, but in 83% (n=18) of the male and 78% (n=18) of the ovariectomized female rats.4. Seven weeks after right renal artery clipping, plasma renin activity was determined in a subset of each group and was found to be 5-6 fold higher in male (17.29+/-4.04 ng angiotensin I.h-1.ml-1) and ovariectomized female (9.71+/-1.25 ng angiotensin I.h-1.ml-1) hypertensive rats compared with their respective normotensive or sham-operated counterparts (3.39+/-0.58 ng angiotensin I.h-1.ml-1 and 1.60+/-0.41 ng angiotensin I.h-1.ml-1 respectively) (P<0.05, analysis of variance). In contrast, the plasma renin activity measured in intact female hypertensive rats was not significantly different from that measured in the corresponding 2K1C normotensive or sham-operated groups.5. These results indicate that the success rate of inducing renal hypertension in Sprague-Dawley rats is higher in males than in intact females. Furthermore, these results suggest that the induction of 2K1C hypertension may be influenced by ovarian hormones.
Auditory processing abilities in children with chronic otitis media with effusion

ABSTRACT Conclusion The study results indicate that children with a history of otitis media with effusion (OME) suffer from auditory processing disorder to some degree. The findings support the hypothesis that fluctuating hearing loss may affect central auditory processing during critical periods. Objectives Evidence suggests that prolonged OME in children can result in an auditory processing disorder, presumably because hearing has been disrupted during an important developmental period. A lack of auditory stimulation leads to the abnormal development of the hearing pathways in the brain. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of OME on binaural auditory function and auditory temporal processing. Method In the present study, the dichotic digit test (DDT) was used for binaural hearing, and the gap in noise (GIN) test was used to evaluate temporal hearing processing. Results The average values of GIN differed significantly between children with a history of OME and normal controls (p < 0.001). The mean values of the DDT score were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.002).
The Impact of Perceived e-WOM on Purchase Intention: The Mediating Role of Corporate Image

The main objective of this research is to examine the impact of perceived electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on purchase intention; by taking the corporate image as mediating variable. This research adopted the customers' views; secondary schools students who are familiar and have an active account on one or more of these social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram). The conceptual framework of this study was tested using data gathered from the questionnaires directed to a total sample of 1000 students located in Amman. The statistical results of the multiple regression test indicated that eWOM quality, eWOM credibility, and eWOM quantity respectively; are significantly and positively impact purchase intention. In terms of the mediating role of corporate image the results indicated that corporate image mediate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Accordingly, Research conclusion, recommendations and future research are also discussed.
The Impact of Marketing Actions on Relationship Quality in the Higher Education Sector in Jordan

ABSTRACT This field/analytical study examined the marketing actions (antecedents) and performance (consequences) of relationship quality in a higher education setting. To analyze data collected from a random sample of 271 undergraduate students at AL-Zaytoonah Private University of Jordan, the linear structural relationship (LISREL) model was used to identify structural characteristics of relationship management between the University employees, including academic and administrative staff and students. The empirical results of this study were fourfold. First, greater employees' relational and student orientation resulted in higher relationship quality. Second, better education providers' (employees') attributes resulted in higher relationship quality. Third, higher relationship quality resulted in better relationship continuity. Fourth, committed student relationships resulted in student satisfaction, loyalty, positive word of mouth, and promotion. These in turn contributed to the enhancement of university image.
Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (Jessner): a T‐cell lymphoproliferative disease

Recent studies have suggested that Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin and lymphocytoma cutis both represent pseudo‐B‐cell lymphomas. We have now done immunohistochemical studies on frozen skin sections of six patients with lymphocytic infiltration of the skin. In all cases a predominance of T lymphocytes was observed and B lymphocytes were sparse or completely absent. These results indicate that Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin is a T‐cell lymphoproliferative disease which, unlike lymphocytoma cutis, cannot be regarded as a pseudo‐B‐cell lymphoma.
Phase IB Study of Selinexor, a First-in-Class Inhibitor of Nuclear Export, in Patients With Advanced Refractory Bone or Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

PURPOSE We evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of selinexor, an oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export compound, in patients with advanced soft tissue or bone sarcoma with progressive disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-four patients were treated with oral selinexor twice per week (on days 1 and 3) at one of three doses (30 mg/m(2), 50 mg/m(2), or flat dose of 60 mg) either continuously or on a schedule of 3 weeks on, 1 week off. PK analysis was performed under fasting and fed states (low v high fat content) and using various formulations of selinexor (tablet, capsule, or suspension). Tumor biopsies before and during treatment were evaluated for pharmacodynamic changes. RESULTS The most commonly reported drug-related adverse events (grade 1 or 2) were nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue, which were well managed with supportive care. Commonly reported grade 3 or 4 toxicities were fatigue, thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphopenia, and leukopenia. Selinexor was significantly better tolerated when administered as a flat dose on an intermittent schedule. PK analysis of selinexor revealed a clinically insignificant increase (approximately 15% to 20%) in drug exposure when taken with food. Immunohistochemical analysis of paired tumor biopsies revealed increased nuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins, decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and stromal deposition. Of the 52 patients evaluable for response, none experienced an objective response by RECIST (version 1.1); however, 17 (33%) showed durable (≥ 4 months) stable disease, including seven (47%) of 15 evaluable patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma. CONCLUSION Selinexor was well tolerated at a 60-mg flat dose on a 3-weeks-on, 1-week-off schedule. There was no clinically meaningful impact of food on PKs. Preliminary evidence of anticancer activity in sarcoma was demonstrated.
A Critical Look at the Forecasting Ability of Real Estate Mutual Fund Managers

Executive Summary. The forecasting ability and value provided by real estate mutual fund managers is empirically examined during the 1999-2004 time period. Attribution returns are used to test for forecasting skill. An attribution return is defined as the difference between a fund's actual month t return and the return that would have been generated by the index strategy that best explains the fund return during the previous two-year period. In the aggregate, fund managers do not show abnormal forecasting skill. However, real estate mutual fund managers show more forecasting skill during periods when the stock market does better than the bond market. Finally, when the fund sample is partitioned between surviving and non-surviving funds, only the subgroup of non-surviving funds shows poor forecasting skill as evidenced by a negative and significant mean attribution return.
Building Brand Equity Through Corporate Societal Marketing

Building brand equity is a long-term development target for enterprises,and fulfilling the community responsibility is the way and process to achieve this target.Societal marketing bridges the brand equity and the community responsibi￣lity,determines the need expectation and benefit of various target markets,and protects and enhances the consumer's welfare.Therefore,fulfilling corporate social responsibility is a way to build brand equity.
Human acid alpha-glucosidase from rabbit milk has therapeutic effect in mice with glycogen storage disease type II.

Pompe's disease or glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII) belongs to the family of inherited lysosomal storage diseases. The underlying deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase leads in different degrees of severity to glycogen storage in heart, skeletal and smooth muscle. There is currently no treatment for this fatal disease, but the applicability of enzyme replacement therapy is under investigation. For this purpose, recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase has been produced on an industrial scale in the milk of transgenic rabbits. In this paper we demonstrate the therapeutic effect of this enzyme in our knockout mouse model of GSDII. Full correction of acid alpha-glucosidase deficiency was obtained in all tissues except brain after a single dose of i.v. enzyme administration. Weekly enzyme infusions over a period of 6 months resulted in degradation of lysosomal glycogen in heart, skeletal and smooth muscle. The tissue morphology improved substantially despite the advanced state of disease at the start of treatment. The results have led to the start of a Phase II clinical trial of enzyme replacement therapy in patients.
Estimating the Effects of Tax Reform in Differentiated Product

The incidence of taxation has been extensively discussed in the public finance literature, but mainly within a competitive market setting or within a homogenous good (Cournot type) oligopoly. In a differentiated product oligopoly the effect of taxation can be more complex as the rate of taxation may affect not only the prices, but also the profile and quality of products that are sold in the market. In this paper, we examine the effects of changing tax regimes in a differentiated product oligopoly. In order to illustrate our approach we employ data from one such market: the automobile market in Israel
Infection of mesangial cells with HIV and SIV: identification of GPR1 as a coreceptor.

BACKGROUND Mesangial cells are an important component of the glomerulus. Dysfunction of mesangial cells is thought to be involved in the development of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). HIVAN is a structural renal failure frequently observed in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. However, the susceptibility of mesangial cells to HIV-1 is disputable. More than ten G protein-coupled receptors, including chemokine receptors, have been shown to act as HIV-1 coreceptors that determine the susceptibilities of cells to HIV-1 strains with specific cell tropisms. METHODS We examined the susceptibility of mesangial cells to various HIV-1, HIV type 2 (HIV-2) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strains. Expression of CD4 and HIV/SIV coreceptors was examined by Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Mesangial cells were found to be susceptible to HIV-1 variant and mutants that infect brain-derived cells, but highly resistant to T-tropic (X4), M-tropic (R5) or dual-tropic (X4R5) HIV-1 strains. In addition, mesangial cells were also susceptible to HIV-2 and SIV strains that infect the brain-derived cells. Among HIV/SIV coreceptors we tested, the expression of GPR1 mRNA was detected in mesangial cells. Expression of CD4 mRNA and protein was also detected in them. Mesangial cells and GPR1-transduced CD4-positive cells showed similar susceptibilities to the HIV-1 variant and mutants and HIV-2 and SIV strains. CONCLUSIONS CD4 and GPR1 mRNAs were detected in mesangial cells. Mesangial cells were susceptible to HIV/SIV strains that use GPR1 as a coreceptor. Our findings suggest that an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR1, is a coreceptor expressed in mesangial cells. It remains to be investigated whether the interaction of mesangial cells with specific HIV-1 strains through GPR1 plays a role in the development of HIVAN.
Asset Measurement Uncertainty and Credit Term Structure

In this paper, we test the impact of uncertainty in asset measurement on credit term-structure. The theory of Duffie and Lando (2001) suggests that the inability of creditors to assess asset values precisely will support the existence of non-zero short term credit spreads. Developments in recent years enable us to directly test this theory. First, the development of the credit default swap market allows for examination of more precise and cross-sectionally comparable short term credit spreads. Second, FAS 157, which requires detailed disclosures of the fair values of financial assets to be included in financial statements, provides us a proxy for asset measurement uncertainty. Third, the financial crisis over the last two years presents a natural setting where asset measurement uncertainty was in focus, allowing for powerful tests of the theory. For a sample of U.S. financial institutions over the period August 2007 to March 2009, we find strong support for the Duffie and Lando (2001) theory. Specifically, we find that asset measurement uncertainty, attributable to Level 2 and Level 3 financial assets, is a significant determinant of short term credit spreads. Our findings are robust to a variety of control variables and research design choices.
Do patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in clinical remission have evidence of persistent inflammation on 3T magnetic resonance imaging?

Up to 90% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical remission have persistent synovitis and/or bone marrow lesions (BMLs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI findings in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in clinical remission have not been described. We utilized 3T MRI with contrast enhancement to examine JIA patients with hand and/or wrist involvement who were in clinical remission and compared them with a cohort of adult RA patients.
Temperature Effect on White Rabbit Timing Link

White Rabbit (WR) technology combines gigabit Ethernet data transfer with synchronization at subnanosecond accuracy and picoseconds precision over the same fiber medium. In some applications, the WR link must maintain the synchronization accuracy over a wide temperature range. The temperature effect on a WR link is measured, and contributions from different components like optical fiber, optical transceiver, and fixed delay onboard are separately studied and analyzed. An online real-time temperature correction method is introduced to reduce the influence on synchronization accuracy of the onboard temperature variation.
Probability of Default and Probability of Excellence, an Inverse Model of Rating - One More Tool to Overcome the Crisis: An Empirical Analysis

After rated as "excellent firms" which in 2010 showed good profitability and a solid financial balance, this essay aims to explore the possibility that a rating model already focused on bankruptcy prediction may also be a valuable tool for the selection of firms that after three years could turn to a state of excellence. Furthermore, the test is carried out and completed even starting from the opposite side: it detects the opportunity of a model calibrated on the prediction of successful firms to provide accurate results in the calculation of the probability of default. In this paper we empirically examine the determinants of a predictive econometric model, in a time frame of three years, using the statistical technique of logistic regression on a panel of 5,000 North Italian SMEs over the period 2007-2010.