Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frontline Service Employee Compliance With Customer Special Requests

As companies struggle to deliver excellent service, many find they need to understand and plan for a diverse array of customer requests. Some requests are unexpected and require employees to go beyond their usual job duties. These requests may be classified as special requests. Knowing how and when to comply with these requests is critical to the firm and the employee, given that failing to comply could negatively affect customer satisfaction, while complying may produce unwanted consequences for the firm. We use grounded theory and content analysis of critical incident special requests from frontline employees to develop a framework and classification scheme that categorizes customer special requests and employee assessments of these requests. Customer special requests were classified into four types of customer deficiencies—physical resources, knowledge, financial, and time. Employee assessments were categorized as positive compliance factors (motivations and ability) or deterrents to compliance, including policy or legal, potential risk, and lack of resources. These findings contribute to theory, as they represent the first effort to categorize customer special requests and employee responses to them. Companies need to be better informed about the types of requests employees receive so that employees can make the most appropriate decisions.
Building a More Complete Theory of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Using Case Studies of 10 Exemplars

Case studies of 10 exemplar firms are used to build a coherent and testable model of the elements necessary to create a sustainable supply chain. The cases build on previous research by examining the chain as an entirety, by explicitly examining both the social and environmental outcomes of the chain's activities, and by explicitly asking what these exemplar organizations are doing that is unique in regards to managing their supply chains in a sustainable manner. The analysis suggests that the practices that lead to a more sustainable supply chain are equal parts best practices in traditional supply chain management and new behaviors, some of which run counter to existing accepted “best” practice.
Subsampling intervals in autoregressive models with linear time trend

A new method is proposed for constructing confidence intervals in autoregressive models with linear time trend. Interest focuses on the sum of the autoregressive coefficients because this parameter provides a useful scalar measure of the long-run persistence properties of an economic time series. Since the type of the limiting distribution of the corresponding OLS estimator, as well as the rate of its convergence, depend in a discontinuous fashion upon whether the true parameter is less than one or equal to one (that is, trend-stationary case or unit root case), the construction of confidence intervals is notoriously difficult. The crux of our method is to recompute the OLS estimator on smaller blocks of the observed data, according to the general subsampling idea of Politis and Romano (1994a), although some extensions of the standard theory are needed. The method is more general than previous approaches in that it works for arbitrary parameter values, but also because it allows the innovations to be a martingale difference sequence rather than i.i. d. Some simulation studies examine the finite sample performance.
Are Antidepressants Effective in the Treatment of Postpartum Depression? A Systematic Review

Objective: In spite of the paucity of randomized controlled trials of antidepressants in postpartum depression, these drugs are the most commonly used agents in the pharmacologic treatment of postpartum depression. This article reviews the literature on the efficacy of antidepressants in randomized controlled trials of postpartum depression. Data Sources: Four electronic databases, MEDLINE/PubMed (1966–2013), PsycINFO (1806–2013), EMBASE (1980–2013), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were searched using a combination of the keywords antidepressive agents/therapeutic use, antidepressant drugs, antidepressant agent/drug therapy, depression, postpartum/drug therapy, postpartum depression, and puerperal depression/drug therapy. Study Selection: The reference lists of articles identified were also searched. All relevant articles published in English were included. A total of 124 articles were identified. The efficacy of antidepressants has been studied in 6 randomized controlled trials, of which 3 were placebo-controlled studies. Results: Placebo-controlled randomized data do not support the notion that antidepressants are efficacious in postpartum depression. However, the methodological flaws of studies have to be kept in mind while interpreting the results of these studies. Conclusions: Due to the paucity of controlled data and methodological limitations of studies, the question about the efficacy of antidepressants in postpartum depression cannot be answered unequivocally.
Internet Adoption by Entrepreneurial Small Firms (ESF’s): Purchasing Versus Non‐Purchasing Behaviors

Current models of Internet adoption at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface focus on the Entrepreneurial Small Firm (ESF) as the supplier in a supplier/buyer relationship. Analysis of a data set, which captured selected ESF Internet buying behaviours, offers insights from the buyer perspective. The authors present these findings and propose implications for the supplier/buyer relationship.
One-way Flow of a Rarefied Gas Induced in a Circular Pipe with a Periodic Temperature Distribution

The steady behavior of a rarefied gas in a circular pipe with a saw-like temperature distribution increasing and decreasing periodically in the direction of the pipe axis is investigated numerically by means of the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. It is shown that a steady one-way flow is induced in the pipe without the help of a pressure gradient for a wide range of the Knudsen number when a series of ditches is dug periodically in the part of the pipe wall with decreasing (or increasing) temperature. The features of the flow are clarified in detail. It is also shown that the flow has a pumping effect. In particular, some data that give the estimate of the maximum compression ratio attained by a pipe consisting of a large number of periods are presented. The present study is the continuation of the previous study in the case of a two-dimensional channel [Y. Sone et al., Phys. Fluids 8, 2227 (1996)]. It is found that although the induced one-way flow is stronger for the two-dimensional channel, the p.
Choice in Context: Tradeoff Contrast and Extremeness Aversion

Consumer choice is often influenced by the context, defined by the set of alternatives under consideration. Two hypotheses about the effect of context on choice are proposed. The first hypothesis, tradeoff contrast, states that the tendency to prefer an alternative is enhanced or hindered depending on whether the tradeoffs within the set under consideration are favorable or unfavorable to that option. The second hypothesis, extremeness aversion, states that the attractiveness of an option is enhanced if it is an intermediate option in the choice set and is diminished if it is an extreme option. These hypotheses can explain previous findings (e.g., attraction and compromise effects) and predict some new effects, demonstrated in a series of studies with consumer products as choice alternatives. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Information Signaling and Competitive Effects of M&A: Long-Term Performance of Rival Companies

In this paper, we investigate the long term performance of rival companies related to acquisition targets. Using a sample of 2,511 deals from 1985 to 2005, we document an under-reaction of capital markets to the information contained in M&A announcements. Following 6,138 large rival gain events due to positive information signaling and 5,408 large rival loss events due to the negative competitive effects of the deal, we observe a return drift for up to 12 months after the announcement. Hence, our results indicate that capital markets do not immediately incorporate the effects of M&A announcements into rival stock prices.
Gamma interferon-activated human macrophages and Toxoplasma gondii, Chlamydia psittaci, and Leishmania donovani: antimicrobial role of limiting intracellular iron

Iron-saturated transferrin did not reverse the intracellular killing or inhibition of Toxoplasma gondii, Chlamydia psittaci, or Leishmania donovani by gamma interferon-activated human macrophages. Deferoxamine, an iron chelator, also did not impair replication within unstimulated macrophages. Limiting the availability of intracellular iron is an unlikely mechanism in human macrophage activity against these three diverse pathogens.
Segmenting the market for food shoppers using attitudes to shopping and to time

Market segmentation in retailing can be based on traditional demographic measures of the customer base or on other measures including shoppers’ motivations. One criticism of existing approaches is that they are not based on a theoretical model of consumer behaviour. In this paper the potential for time allocation theory to provide the necessary theoretical underpinning is investigated. It is argued that attitudes to time underpin attitudes to time‐consuming activities such as food shopping. A questionnaire instrument was developed to measure five time attitudes (past, present and future orientation, time pressure and succession) and five shopping attitudes (apathy, convenience, enjoyment, shopping as a routine activity and as an event). Correlations are hypothesised between the time and shopping attitudes and shopping behaviour. The results of a survey of shoppers are reported to test these relationships. Cluster analysis is used on the shopping and time attitudes to define four segments. The ability of the clusters to identify differences in retail patronage is tested. The relative ability of time and shopping attitudes to predict patronage is compared with traditional demographic measures and the distance from the respondent’s home to the store. Attitudes to time were found to contribute more frequently in describing actual behaviour than other types of variable.
EFFECTS OF FENOLDOPAM, A DOPAMINE D-1 AGONIST, AND CLEVIDIPINE, A CALCIUM CHANNEL ANTAGONIST, IN ACUTE RENAL FAILURE IN ANESTHETIZED RATS

The present studies were conducted to: a) comparatively evaluate the effects of clevidipine, a new dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, and fenoldopam, a dopamine (D-1) receptor agonist on basal renal function, and b) to determine the efficacy of these agents in protecting renal function in an experimental model of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced acute renal failure in rats. Infusions of either clevidipine or fenoldopam (5.0 nmol/kg−1 min−1 i.v. for 60 min) produced significant increases in urine flow (UV), urinary sodium excretion (UNaV), and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) in inactin anesthetized rats. Unlike clevidipine, fenoldopam also produced significant increases in renal blood flow (RBF) and urinary potassium excretion (UKV). In a separate series, unilateral renal failure was induced in anesthetized rats by occluding the left renal artery for 40 min followed by reperfusion. In this model, there was a 70–75% reduction in the GFR that was paradoxically associated with several fold increases in UV, UNaV, and FENa in the vehicle treated group. In two separate groups, infusions of neither clevidipine nor fenoldopam (5.0 nmol/kg−1 min−1) for 60 min beginning 10 min before reperfusion, improved filtration fraction. However, clevidipine treatment markedly improved tubular function in that loss of sodium and water were significantly attenuated and UV and UNaV were restored towards basal levels. In contrast, in the fenoldopam group, tubular function was further deteriorated as evidenced by exacerbated losses of sodium and water. These observations suggest that whereas both clevidipine and fenoldopam were potent natriuretic agents, only the calcium antagonist was effective in preserving renal function in the present experimental model of ischemic renal failure.
The application of the AAOIFI accounting standards by the Islamic banking sector in Saudi Arabia

In 1990, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), a private standard setting body, was established by Islamic banks and other interested parties to prepare and promulgate accounting, auditing and governance standards based on the Shari'ah precepts for Islamic financial institutions. In Saudi Arabia, AAOIFI accounting standards have not been implemented yet. This research, therefore, attempts to investigate and explore the awareness of AAOIFI accounting standards among academics, external auditors and Islamic bank's employees in Saudi Arabia. In addition, this study aims to explore the respondents' preference of adopting AAOIFI accounting standards for Islamic banks in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the usefulness and importance of the Islamic banks' annual report is investigated through the opinions of the participants. Lastly, respondents' perceptions regarding Islamisation of conventional banks in Saudi Arabia were examined. The three samples of this study were obtained form the Saudi universities, auditing firms, Islamic banks and Islamic windows in conventional banks in Saudi Arabia. To serve the above purposes, a research questionnaire was designed. A total of 499 questionnaires were distributed among the three samples. The analysis revealed that the awareness of AAOIFI accounting standards was less than expected among those considered as knowledgeable respondents coining from the areas related to the sector. The study also provides evidence that the more education and experience respondent has the more he/she is aware of the AAOIFI accounting standards. The research also concludes that the vast majority of the respondents prefer AAOIFI accounting standards to be adopted in Islamic banks տ Saudi Arabia. The results of the analysis also indicate that traditional items of the IBs' annual report such as the balance sheets and income statements perceived as the most important and useful material and data for making decisions. The study also provides evidence that harmonizing Islamic banks' accounting standards and regulation will facilitate comparability of financial reports among Islamic banks in Saudi Arabia and the financial performance measurement will be much robust as a result. Lastly, participants in this study are in the opinion that Islamic windows in conventional banks in Saudi Arabia are the first step towards Islamizing the financial system.
Time-trends in the epidemiology of peptic ulcer bleeding

Objective. Despite the introduction of effective medical treatment of peptic ulcer disease, bleeding is still a frequent complication. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the incidence and the risk profile of peptic ulcer haemorrhage have changed within a 10-year period. Material and methods. In a prospective epidemiological and observational study the incidence and risk profile of peptic ulcer haemorrhage in Düsseldorf, Germany were compared between two time periods (period A: 1.3.89–28.2.90 and period B: 1.4.99–31.3.2000), involving nine hospitals with both surgical and medical departments. Patients with proven peptic ulcer haemorrhage at endoscopy or operation were included in the study; those with bleeding under defined severe stress conditions were excluded. Results. No differences in bleeding ulcer incidence were observed between periods A and B (51.4 per 100,000 person-years versus 48.7), or for duodenal ulcer (24.9 versus 25.7) or for gastric ulcer bleeding (26.5 versus 23.0). A marked increase in incidence rates was observed with increasing age. In period B, patients with bleeding ulcers were older (56% versus 41% 70 years or older), were usually taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (45% versus 27%) and were less likely to have a history of ulcer (25% versus 59%) compared with patients in period A. Conclusions. The persisting high incidence of peptic ulcer disease is a superimposing of two trends: a higher incidence in the growing population of elderly patient with a higher intake of NSAIDs and a lower incidence among younger patients due to a decrease in incidence and improved medical treatment.
News values on social media: News organizations’ Facebook use

This study examines the news selection practices followed by news organizations through investigating the news posted on social networking sites and, in particular, the Facebook pages of four foreign Arabic language TV stations: The Iranian Al-Alam TV, Russia Today, Deutsche Welle, and BBC. A total of 15,589 news stories are analyzed in order to examine the prominence of references to countries and political actors. The study reveals that social significance and proximity as well as the news organizations’ ideological agenda are the most important elements that dictate the news selection process.
Soft drinks consumption, diet quality and BMI in a Mediterranean population

Abstract Objectives Evidence of the effects of soft drinks consumption on BMI and lifestyle in adult populations is mixed and quite limited. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of soft drinks consumption with BMI and lifestyle in a representative Mediterranean population. Design Two independent, population-based, cross-sectional (2000 and 2005) studies. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ. Weight and height were measured. Setting Girona, Spain. Subjects Random sample of the 35- to 74-year-old population (3910 men and 4285 women). Results Less than half (41·7 %) of the population consumed soft drinks; the mean consumption was 36·2 ml/d. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle increased with the frequency of soft drinks consumption (P = 0·025). Daily soft drinks consumption significantly increased the risk of low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (OR = 0·57, 95 % CI 0·44, 0·74 v. top tertile of Mediterranean diet score). Multiple linear regression analyses, controlled for potential confounders, revealed that an increment in soft drinks consumption of 100 ml was associated with a 0·21 kg/m2 increase in BMI (P = 0·001). Only implausibly low reports of energy consumption showed a null association between soft drinks consumption and BMI. Conclusions Soft drinks consumption was not embedded in a healthy diet context and was positively associated with BMI and sedentary lifestyle in this Mediterranean population.
Extracting rules: early and late mismatch negativity to tone patterns

The auditory processing of physical stimulus features can be measured by the mismatch negativity. Past studies have shown that higher-order stimulus features also elicit a mismatch negativity. In some studies, a second component, termed late mismatch negativity, has been observed; yet the functional significance of this component remains unclear. We tested two-tone-pattern stimuli following an abstract rule in healthy adults. As expected, the tone pattern elicited a significant mismatch negativity peaking at 146 ms but a significant late mismatch negativity at around 340 ms was also observed. These findings show that the violation of an abstract rule elicits an early and late mismatch negativity. The late mismatch negativity might be triggered on the basis of auditory rule extraction processes and reflect a transfer of rules to the long-term memory.
Financial well‐being of Malaysian college students

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between personal and family backgrounds, academic ability, childhood consumer experience, financial socialization, financial literacy, and perceived financial well‐being of college students.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a multi‐stage sampling technique from 11 public and private universities across Malaysia and the sample consists of 2,219 college students. Structural equation modelling was utilized to test the hypotheses.Findings – Childhood consumer experiences such as savings habits contribute to students’ financial well‐being (money saved, current financial situation, and financial management skills). Financial socialization agents, for example, through parents and religion sources could increase college students’ financial well‐being. Financial literacy was related to financial well‐being. There were important differences between the Malay and Chinese ethnic groups in Malaysia.Research limitations/implicatio.
Corporate governance and stock price performance during the financial crisis: Evidence from Japan

Previous studies have investigated the argument that corporate governance structures in emerging markets affected firms’ stock price performance during the East Asian economic crisis. In this chapter, we analyze how corporate governance structures in an industrial country (Japan) affect firms’ stock price performance during the current financial crisis. Results of this study show that Japanese firms that adopt stock option plans have suffered more from deteriorating stock price performance during the present financial crisis. Consistent with Adams (2009), this result suggests that managerial risk-taking incentives induced by stock-based compensations are responsible for declining firm performance during this crisis. Secondly, firms with more non-Japanese shareholders (cross-holding shareholders) experience larger (smaller) stock price reductions. We argue that the Japanese traditional corporate ownership structure stabilizes shareholder valuations of firms. Overall, our results suggest that, for this financial crisis, corporate governance structures are important determinants of firm performance even in industrial countries. Finally, it is apparent that firms that rely on bank financing suffer more from deteriorating stock price performance. Similar to results of existing studies, the results of this study suggest that bank-dependent firms have difficulty in obtaining financing during a financial crisis.