Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competition and Game Theory

"Game theory is hot," the Wall Street Journal (1995, p. A19) has proclaimed. As game theory has swept through economics and related disciplines, one of its many payoffs has been new insights into that most fundamental of business processes-i-competition, The method by which products are sold is often taken for granted in the marketing literature. Much is to be gained, however, from comparing alternative selling formats. We outline some models that generate insights into how competition works and how to price products under competitive conditions. 1 The classical theory of perfect competition, as developed by economists from Adam Smith to Alfred Marshall (Stigler 1965), takes a reduced-form approach: It depicts the outcome of competition, but not the activity of competing. Much of what is interesting and important about competition is hidden in the background. The Oxford English Dictionary defines competition as "rivalry in the market, striving for custom between those who have the same commodities to dispose of. " A perfect competitor, as depicted in economics textbooks, does not do any competing according to this definition. "Striving for custom" implies a dynamic process, the action of competing. A perfectly competitive firm does not pay attention to what any of the other firms in the industry are doing. Instead, it passively accepts the going market price. Any "rivalry in the market" is assumed away. The new game-theoretic models, in contrast, view competition as a process of strategic decision making that is performed under uncertainty; they depict people and firms engaged in competition. For example, an important aspect of competition neglected in the models of perfect competition is the public revelation of private information. Competition helps sellers price items when the buyers' willingness to pay is unknown. Being faced with competition on the other side of the market is a source of bargaining power. Competition can be used to generate incentives for productive effort. The game-theory models of competition do not supplant the textbook wisdom; they supplement it. They do not undermine the crucial finding that, under certain precisely specified conditions (Debreu 1959), competi-
Investment Evaluation Methods and Required Rate of Return in Finnish Publicly Listed Companies

Financial literature and professors advocate the use of the Net Present Value method for the evaluation of investments. Its key parameter is the required rate of return on equity, which is to be calculated using the Capital Asset Pricing Model or a similar model especially if the company is publicly listed. However, there is ample evidence on companies not necessarily utilizing the NPV method or the CAPM in their capital budgeting and investment evaluation processes. This paper presents results of a survey conducted among the companies listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. The results show that the Finnish companies still lag behind US and Swedish companies in their use of the NPV, and the IRR method, even though it has become more commonly used during the last ten years. CAPM is used in surprisingly few companies, and 27 percent of the companies have not even defined their required rate of return on equity.
Are Strategic Communication Management Competencies and Personal Attributes Global? A Case Study of Practice in Finland and New Zealand

The drive to both maintain competitiveness and to meet marketplace expectations using the strategic management of communication is a feature of the international workplace. In the complex and dynamic commercial environment of the new millennium, this drive includes the imperatives to employ competent communication professionals. Whether organizations are intent on acquiring or developing proficient practitioners, the ability to achieve these aims rests on the identification of relevant competencies and attributes. This study uses the Critical Incident Technique to explore the practice of Communication Management in a sample of practitioners in New Zealand and Finland—two geographically disperse countries. The identified critical incidents mostly related to managing crisis communication across both countries. To manage the incidents, communication practitioners predominantly used two competencies: stakeholder relationship management and external interface management. In addition, the personal attribute of adaptability was most commonly employed in both countries. Despite the similarity of incidents and the competencies and attributes required to manage them, also variability in practitioners’ strategic and personal responses was evident.
Characteristics of cognitive function in early and late stages of amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Aim: The detection of the early stages in amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is considered important in diagnosing progression to Alzheimer's disease. The current study sought to investigate differences in cognitive function between control subjects with no memory loss (control), and subjects in the early stage of aMCI (EMCI) and late stage of aMCI (LMCI).
Food health branding: The role of marketing mix elements and public discourse in conveying a healthy brand image

The soaring rates of dietary-related diseases have increased the need for interventions in consumers' healthy eating behaviour. The two main avenues followed so far have focused on either making consumers change their food choices or improving the nutrition content of food products. Both avenues are said to have limitations since consumers often base their choices on heuristics that simplify their choices, such as brands. Therefore, branding is considered an important tool in communicating the value of health and contributing towards healthier food choices. However, branding a food product based on the value of health is not an easy practice as strategies employed may often fail to convey the value of health. Based on a case study approach drawn from the Danish food industry, this paper has two objectives: (1) to provide a line of insight on how marketing mix elements are used to convey a healthy brand image; and (2) to explore how brands that are positioned as healthy are dealt with in the public discourse.
Changed Methods to Account for Goodwill - Did it really make a difference?

In the last decade most publicly listed firms across the world have stopped amortizing their acquired goodwill and instead implemented an impairment-only approach, as suggested by IFRS 3 (and SFAS 141/142). We test the effect that this change has had on accounting information’s ability to explain stock returns. We find that not only is the accounting information’s overall value relevance lower after substituting IFRS for local GAAP, but also that there is no incremental value relevance at all provided by the introduction of IFRS 3. This finding appears robust for a number of model specifications and while the short period of time (2001 to 2007) restrains reliability, the empirical data indicate no direct improvements in value relevance following the IFRS adoption.
Concussions in athletes produce brain dysfunction as revealed by event‐related potentials

We have used event-related potentials (ERP) to assess cerebral activity following mild traumatic brain injuries in 20 college athletes practising contact sports. Concussion victims showed a striking decrease in P300 amplitude, an effect presumed to reflect alterations in attentional-cognitive processes. Moreover, the degree of impairment was strongly related to the severity of post-concussion symptoms. Our data suggest that concussions cause objectively measurable changes in the electro-physiological markers of brain activity and hence in the functions of the structures from which they originate. ERPs may thus constitute a reliable method to accurately monitor the clinical course and recovery of head injuries in athletes.
σM, an ECF RNA polymerase sigma factor of Bacillus subtilis 168, is essential for growth and survival in high concentrations of salt

The Bacillus subtilis 168 genome encodes seven extracytoplasmic function (ECF) RNA polymerase sigma factors of unknown physiological function. The sigM(yhdM ) gene, encoding an ECF sigma factor σM, is essential for growth and survival in nutrient broth (NB) containing 1.4 M NaCl. Strains insertionally inactivated in the sigM gene form aberrantly shaped cells, which swell and lyse spontaneously during growth in NB medium containing increased levels (0.35–0.7 M) of a wide range of different salts. The sigM gene was co‐transcribed with the yhdL and yhdK genes with transcription initiating from two promoters, PA and PM. The transcript from PM was not detected in a sigM mutant, indicating that the expression of sigM was positively autoregulated. Expression of sigM was maximal during exponential growth and was increased by 50% in NB medium containing 0.7 M NaCl. The activity of σM is negatively regulated by the proteins encoded by the yhdL and yhdK genes.
Routine repeat head CT for minimal head injury is unnecessary.

BACKGROUND Patients with MHI and a positive head computed tomography (CT) scan frequently have a routine repeat head CT (RRHCT) to identify possible evolution of the head injury requiring intervention. RRHCT is ordered based on the premise that significant injury progression may take place in the absence of clinical deterioration. METHODS In a Level I urban trauma center with a policy of RRHCT, we reviewed the records of 692 consecutive trauma patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 13-15 and a head CT (October 2004 through October 2005). The need for medical or surgical neurologic intervention after RRHCT was recorded. Patients with a worse and unchanged RRHCT were compared, and independent predictors of a worse RRHCT were identified by stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS There were 179 patients with MHI and RRHCT ordered. Of them, 37 (21%) showed signs of injury evolution on RRHCT and 7 (4%) required intervention. All 7 had clinical deterioration preceding RRHCT. In no patient without clinical deterioration did RRHCT prompt a change in management. A Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 15 (13 or 14), age higher than 65 years, multiple traumatic lesions found on first head CT, and interval shorter than 90 minutes from arrival to first head CT predicted independently a worse RRHCT. CONCLUSIONS RRHCT is unnecessary in patients with MHI. Clinical examination identifies accurately the few who will show significant evolution and require intervention.
The Effect of Controlled Release Tablet Performance and Hydrogel Strength on In Vitro/In Vivo Correlation

The impact of controlled release (CR) formulations having different gel strength values (Γ) on in vivo tablet performance and the in vitro/in vivo correlation of the formulations was investigated. The CR tablets containing either hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), or carbomer were formulated with theophylline and Fast Flo® lactose to produce tablets with a polymer content of 8 and 30% w/w. Γ was measured using a previously reported method. Male beagle dogs were utilized. Results showed that dissolution profiles were similar for all three polymers at the same % w/w level of polymer, irrespective of media (DI H2O, 0.1 N HCl, and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer). Mean Γ values were significantly different (p≤0.05) and were in order of HPMC K100MP>HPC HXF>carbomer 971P (same 30% w/w) with absolute Γ values at 30% w/w in DI H2O of 6600, 4600, and 1600 ergs/cm3, respectively. Drug profiles in plasma for the 30% HPMC K100MP tablets were consistent with in vitro dissolution profiles and Γ values. Plasma profiles for the 30% HPC HXF tablets were similar in vivo as the HPMC tablets. Plasma profiles for the 30% carbomer 971P formulation showed much higher drug concentrations (compared to HPMC and HPC) in vivo in all dogs. This finding is not consistent with the slow drug release found in the dissolution profiles but consistent with its low in vitro Γ values. Assessment of the predictability of a level A in vitro/in vivo correlation was quantified by absolute mean percent prediction error (PE). Formulations having Γ≈6000 ergs/cm3 have acceptable PE <20%, and low standard deviation (σ). Results showed that Γ values of CR hydrogel tablets in vitro will affect the in vivo performance (i.e., absorption kinetics of the drug) of the tablets and were also found to better assess (compared to in vitro dissolution profiles alone) the predictability of in vitro/in vivo correlations (level A and multiple level C).
A prospective, randomized, double blind study comparing lutein to placebo for reducing occurrence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity

Lutein has been shown to have antioxidant functions in newborns and with zeaxantin selectively taken up into the macula of the eye. We hypothesize that lutein administration may contribute to reducing the incidence of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). This was a single center, double-blind randomized controlled study. Preterm infants with gestational age (GA) ≤32 weeks able to tolerate minimal enteral feeding before the seventh day of life (DOL) were enrolled; lutein and zeaxantin plasma concentrations and ROP occurrence and severity were evaluated. Sixty-three newborns were enrolled, 31 in the lutein group and 32 in the placebo group (one died before ROP assessment). The mean GA was 29.9 (±1.9) weeks and the mean birth weight was 1331 (±415) grams. There were no differences in the incidence of ROP at any stage between groups. Oxidative injury is probably an additional mechanism of damage of the developing retinal vessels, and it probably plays only a minor role in the pathogenesis of ROP. Supplementation with antioxidant substances might have beneficial effects noticeable only on larger samples of high risk neonates or at very high dosage. Further investigations would be needed to evaluate whether lutein supplementation can influence functional rather than anatomical outcomes in preterm infants.
Compressive force regulates ephrinB2 and EphB4 in osteoblasts and osteoclasts contributing to alveolar bone resorption during experimental tooth movement

Objective To investigate the involvement of ephrinB2 in periodontal tissue remodeling in compression areas during orthodontic tooth movement and the effects of compressive force on EphB4 and ephrinB2 expression in osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Methods A rat model of experimental tooth movement was established to examine the histological changes and the localization of ephrinB2 in compressed periodontal tissues during experimental tooth movement. RAW264.7 cells and ST2 cells, used as precursor cells of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, respectively, were subjected to compressive force in vitro. The gene expression of EphB4 and ephrinB2, as well as bone-associated factors including Runx2, Sp7, NFATc1, and calcitonin receptor, were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Histological examination of the compression areas of alveolar bone from experimental rats showed that osteoclastogenic activities were promoted while osteogenic activities were inhibited. Immunohistochemistry revealed that ephrinB2 was strongly expressed in osteoclasts in these areas. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that mRNA levels of NFATc1, calcitonin receptor, and ephrinB2 were increased significantly in compressed RAW264.7 cells, and the expression of ephrinB2, EphB4, Sp7, and Runx2 was decreased significantly in compressed ST2 cells. Conclusions Our results indicate that compressive force can regulate EphB4 and ephrinB2 expression in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which might contribute to alveolar bone resorption in compression areas during orthodontic tooth movement.
Customer‐minded growth through services

How corporations can achieve growth, especially in these uncertain economic times, is a preoccupying concern for both academics and practitioners alike today. Many of the old models and templates have fallen by the wayside, as competition has intensified, and innovators – both new entrants and renewed enterprises – have changed the rules of the game, the market, and the industry. Here, by looking at some of the interesting players, the article shows an approach to growth. The view is that using “customer minded” principles and tools to drive strategy and resources creates value and wealth through services.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Cross Section of Stock Returns

Based on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strength and concern ratings, we sort stocks into portfolios based on their size and strength ratings and size and concern ratings. We show that traditional systematic factors and firm characteristics leave a large fraction of the portfolios' excess returns unexplained. We present empirical evidence that a three factor model is able to explain 94% of the cross sectional variation in these portfolios excess returns. These systematic factors are motivated by a principal component analysis of the returns on the responsibility portfolios. One factor is related to portfolios' characteristics (size) and two factors are related to CSR strengths (High minus Low rating along this dimension) and CSR concerns. Market prices of risk changed tremendously during the 1992-2013 period. As of June 2013, we show that firms highly rated along CSR strengths see their cost of capital reduced by 1.2% on a yearly basis while companies highly rated along the CSR concern dimension see their cost of capital increased by 1.5%.
Consumers' perception of risk: the case of beef purchases in Irish supermarkets

Purpose – For supermarkets in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the strategic importance of own label or retail brands is crucial, with sales of fresh beef almost exclusively sold under the retail brand. Given safety and quality issues, this study seeks to understand pre‐pack consumers' perceptions of risk associated with beef in the Republic of Ireland.Design/methodology/approach – Building on previous qualitative research, and using a survey methodology and adopting a perceived risk theoretical framework, face‐to‐face interviews with purchasers of pre‐pack beef from supermarkets were conducted in Cork, Waterford and Limerick.Findings – The results confirm that for these particular beef purchasers, food safety and health issues are still the main concerns. However, perceptions of risk are reduced through loyalty to supermarkets, confirming that the investment by retailers in supply chain policies and strategies has paid off in terms of reducing customers' perceptions of risk associated with food safety.
Salt Water Bathing Prior to UVB Irradiation Leads to a Decrease of the Minimal Erythema Dose and an Increased Erythema Index without Affecting Skin Pigmentation

Abstract— The combination of salt water baths and solar radiation is known as an effective treatment for patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. To determine whether increased susceptibility to UVB radiation may contribute to this therapeutic effect we have studied the effect of bathing the skin in salt water prior to UVB irradiation. Twelve subjects were phototested on the volar aspects of their forearms with increasing doses of UVB radiation. One forearm was exposed to 5% salt water prior to irradiation. The minimal erythema dose (MED) was determined and the erythema index and skin pigmentation were assessed by photometric measurement. The combination of salt water bath and irradiation yielded a significant decrease of the MED when compared to UVB alone (median 90 mJ/cm2vs 130 mJ/cm2P < 0.01). Analysis of variance showed a significant influence of salt water bath on erythema (P < 0.05) but not on skin pigmentation. Within the MED test area the erythema index of the salt water exposed forearms was elevated significantly (P < 0.05) while skin pigmentation was not affected. Thus, bathing the skin in salt water leads to a decreased threshold level for the elicitation of UVB‐induced erythema and a selective increase of the erythemal response. This sensitization to the effects of shortwave UVB radiation may increase immunosuppressive effects of UVB radiation and may lead to an increased efficacy of UVB phototherapy. However, there is also an increased sunburn risk when salt water baths are followed by exposure to UV radiation.
Corporate Social Responsibility Motive Attribution by Service Employees in the Parcel Logistics Industry as a Moderator between CSR Perception and Organizational Effectiveness

With sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) emerging as urgent issues in the logistics service industry, the effects of CSR on employee work behavior is receiving increasing attention. This study explores this issue by considering intrinsic and extrinsic CSR motive attributions as moderating variables between CSR perception and organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. The results of a cross-sectional survey and hierarchical regression analyses of 241 survey responses from parcel delivery logistics employees indicate that their perception of CSR strongly enhances their organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. This study also presents evidence that the positive effect of CSR on organizational commitment is weakened when employees attribute CSR practices to intrinsic motives. This study provides guidance for managers in the logistics sector and for academics who wish to address sustainability and CSR issues and to enhance employees’ organizational commitment.
Inheritance of Resistance to Russian Wheat Aphid (Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov) in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera; Aphididae), Russian wheat aphid (RWA) causes death at heavily infested bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. The pest is living in rolling leaves so its chemical control is difficult. The most effective and economical means of controlling Russian wheat aphid is through the use of resistant cultivars. Two resistant lines, 15 (FL302//BUC/PVN/3/RSK/CA8055//CHAM6) and 27 (BJN C 79/F96PYN3-1828) were crossed with susceptible cultivar Basribey in 2010 and the F1 plants were selfed to produce the F2 progeny to determine the inheritance mode after exposing to pest in 2011. Chi-square test showed that the segregation ratio fits a one gene segregation ratio of 3:1 resistant:susceptible phenotyping segregation ratio at the P≤0.75-0.50 and P≤0.50-0.25 level of probability in combinations respectively. In both combinations, chi-square test results indicated that a single dominant gene with minor genes governed resistance to RWA. Differential set from USDA (United State Department of Agriculture) with different Dn resistance genes used to find out the single dominant gene carrying the resistance. Variance analyses showed that the differences between reactions of resistant genes were important for chlorosis and leaf rolling. The lines carried Dn7 resistant gene exhibited high level of resistance to the pest while moderate resistance conferred by the plants containing Dn6 gene. Reactions of other Dn genes were close to susceptible control cultivars.
Complications of Single Lead VDD Pacing in 35 Patients with AV Block

The implantation of a VDD system is comparable to that of a VVI system, but its management is associated with typical complications of dual chamber pacing. In 35 patients with symptomatic AV block and normal sinus node function, two different VDD pacing systems were implanted. Most of the complications described and their mode of resolution were common to VDD and DDD pacing; however, the VDD system eliminated the need for two separate leads. We, therefore, favor single lead VDD pacing in the treatment of complete AV block with normal sinus node function.