Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Your reputation is who you're not, not who you'd like to be

We construct a model in which a firm's reputation must be built gradually, is managed, and dissipates gradually unless appropriately maintained. Consumers purchase an experience good from a firm whose unobserved effort affects the probability distribution of consumer utilities. Consumers observe private, noisy signals (consumer utilities) of the behavior of the firm, yielding a game of imperfect private monitoring} The standard approach to reputations introduces some "good" or "Stackelberg" firms into the model, with consumers ignorant of the type of the firm they face and with ordinary firms acquiring their reputations by masquerading as Stackelberg firms. In contrast, the key ingredient of our reputation model is the continual possibility that the ordinary or "competent" firm might be replaced by a "bad" or "inept" firm who never chooses the Stackelberg action. Competent firms then acquire their reputations by convincing consumers that they are not inept. Building a reputation is an exercise in separating oneself from inept firms who one is not, rather than pooling with Stackelberg firms who one would like to be. We investigate how a firm manages such a reputation, showing, among other features, that a competent firm may not always choose the most efficient effort level to distinguish itself from an inept one.
Buyer‐supplier partnerships: flip sides of the same coin?

Increasingly managers speak in terms of partnerships when they refer to their buyer‐supplier relationships. While both suppliers and customers can achieve better performance in close co‐ordinated relationships, not all relationships result in mutual benefit. Explores what buyers and sellers expect and contribute to their partnerships. Examines three categories of bahavior in relationships generally associated with norms conducive to co‐operation (joint problem‐solving, communication and relationship‐specific investment) for both suppliers and buyers. The results suggest that buyers and suppliers do not always agree about the behavior which occurs in “partnerships. ” One reason for this is that each side may bring different expectations to the relationship. For both the buyer and the supplier samples, there was a wide diversity of opinion about what a “partnership” entails. Support was found for the reliability of four different partnership definitions: self‐centred; personal loyalty; mutual investment; and political control.
Assessment of business potential at retail sites: empirical findings from a US supermarket chain

We address the problem of estimating retail business potential at alternative sites, with concern for assessing performance relative to potential in existing markets and for identifying the best sites for expansion into new markets. At question is the utility of information typically used in formal retail patronage models, in comparison with additional information considered important by retail executives. Relevant data are gathered from secondary sources and intensive in-store surveys are conducted to produce a portfolio of information about neighbourhood demographics, store ambience, variety and quality of products and services, relative prices of selected products, etc. for stores in a retail grocery chain and competitive stores in the chain's markets. We experiment with alternative statistical models for store performance to determine the consequence of restricting the types of data available when constructing the models. Our findings suggest that while information about store location and surrounding areas, store characteristics and competitive position are all required to obtain the best assessment for business potential at a site, a few key variables on each dimension offer the bulk of explanatory power. Further, the spatial-locational variables affect all measures of store performance in intuitive directions, whereas the effects of other variables differ according to performance measure and reflect the store's market position.
NPY receptors as potential targets for anti‐obesity drug development

The neuropeptide Y system has proven to be one of the most important regulators of feeding behaviour and energy homeostasis, thus presenting great potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of disorders such as obesity and at the other extreme, anorexia. Due to the initial lack of pharmacological tools that are active in vivo, functions of the different Y receptors have been mainly studied in knockout and transgenic mouse models. However, over recent years various Y receptor selective peptidic and non‐peptidic agonists and antagonists have been developed and tested. Their therapeutic potential in relation to treating obesity and other disorders of energy homeostasis is discussed in this review.
Effects of nutrition on yield and milk composition in sheep and goats

The majority of sheep and goat milk produced in the world is transformed into cheese, therefore, feeding is a major factor affecting the quality of sheep and goat milk and, hence sheep and goat cheese quality. This discussion is an attempt to explore the influence of nutrition on milk yield and major milk components in sheep and goats. Nutrition is a vital component in an attempt to maximise milk synthesis in small ruminants, as a result correct feeding management is desirable through appropriate estimation of roughage to concentrate intake in order to optimize the utilization of feed supplements. It is suffice to suggest that feeding high producing dairy animals may be a major constraint in milk production, which implies greater attention to diet composition, feed quality, and the physical form of feedstuffs is required. The rate and extent to which a dairy sheep and goat is capable of drawing upon body reserves to meet the energy requirement at different stages of lactation is critical in determining her ability to produce and sustain a high level of milk production. In order to increase sheep and goat milk production, and to ensure high feed efficiency, dairy farmers need to pay close attention to nutritional requirement of dairy animals which may differ during different stages of lactation.
Consumer characteristics and demand for store brands

Purpose – Store brands represent an important part of the consumer goods market and a prominent research area. The purpose of this paper is to address a well‐defined problem of store brand research and is concerned with individual characteristics that explain heterogeneous preferences for store brands. Understanding how preferences vary with consumer factors is a key element in developing successful marketing strategies.Design/methodology/approach – A survey is designed and implemented to a large random sample of consumers, using computer‐assisted telephone interviewing.Findings – Specific consumer characteristics are associated with interpersonal differences in store brand demand. Store brand preferences derive from a broader evaluation process, in which quality has the most significant role. The results also demonstrate the changing image of store brands, the endorsement of such products by consumers of higher socio‐economic status, and lead to important implications for both retailers and manufacturers.
Influence of CYP11B2 Gene Polymorphism on the Prevalence of Hypertension and the Blood Pressure in Japanese Men: Interaction with Dietary Salt Intake

Aims: CYP11B2 gene encodes a key enzyme for the production of aldosterone. Our aim is to investigate the association of –344T/C polymorphism with hypertension in Japanese men. The interaction between genotypes and dietary salt intake was also considered. Methods: Three hundred and ten Japanese male workers participated in this study. Daily salt intake was calculated from a food frequency questionnaire. Melting curve analysis was used to determine CYP11B2 genotypes. Results:There was a significant association between the CT + TT genotype and higher prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio: 3.03; p = 0.014). The association presented in a recessive manner and was strongest in the high-salt intake group (odds ratio: 9.44; p = 0.049). Only in the high-intake group, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in the CT + TT group than in the CC group (p = 0.038). The SBP had a positive correlation with salt intake in the CT + TT group (p for linear trend = 0.021), but not in the CC group (p for interaction = 0.011). Conclusions: CYP11B2 gene –344C/T polymorphism affects the risk of hypertension in Japanese men and high-salt intake levels strengthen this association. This gene-diet interaction warrants further study to elucidate the efficacy of salt restriction as an antihypertensive therapy in different genotypes.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada Syndrome

Background: Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada (VKH) syndrome is a systemic condition characterized by ocular inflammatory disease as well as skin, ear, and meningeal manifestations. Patients with VKH often report tinnitus and hearing loss, but these symptoms tend to be given secondary consideration because most undergo treatment with steroids to prevent blindness resulting from granulomatous uveitis, exudative retinal detachment, and optic nerve inflammation.
Evolving sustainably: a longitudinal study of corporate sustainable development

This study operationalizes corporate sustainable development and examines its organizational determinants. Data for this project pertain to Canadian firms in the oil and gas, mining, and forestry industries from 1986 to 1995. I find that both resource-based and institutional factors influence corporate sustainable development. By exploring time-related effects, I also find that media pressures were important in early periods and resource-based opportunities endured over time. This finding challenges the assumption that firms first adopt innovations in response to technical rewards which are later institutionalized. These counter-intuitive results may be attributable to the unique characteristics of the dependent variable, corporate sustainable development. They raise important questions and directions for future research. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of intrathymic islet transplantation in the prediabetic period.

BACKGROUND Beta-cell destruction in type I diabetes mellitus results from a chronic autoimmune process. Exposure of thymic T cells to islet antigens during the prehyperglycemic phase of diabetes may alter the likelihood of autoimmune damage to beta cells in the native pancreas. Thus we evaluated whether prophylactic major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-incompatible intrathymic islet allografts could prevent hyperglycemia and native pancreatic beta-cell destruction. METHODS At 4 to 6 weeks of age, diabetes-prone BioBreeding rats received intrathymic injection of 1500 to 2000 noncultured MHC-incompatible Lewis islets. No immunosuppression was administered. Age-matched littermates underwent intrathymic injection of saline solution. RESULTS None of 13 BioBreeding rat recipients of prophylactic intrathymic Lewis islet allografts became hyperglycemic versus 13 of 13 control rats (p less than 0.001). The age at onset of diabetes in the control group ranged from 77 to 104 days (mean, 86 days). Normoglycemia in recipients of intrathymic islet allografts persisted for greater than 8 months after transplantation, and thymectomy (graft removal) did not precipitate hyperglycemia. CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic intrathymic MHC-incompatible islet allografts effectively prevent hyperglycemia and native beta-cell destruction in an animal model of autoimmune diabetes. Rejection and autoimmune destruction of intrathymic MHC-incompatible islet allografts were not seen after transplantation in the prediabetic (prehyperglycemic) period. Intrathymic islet allografts at an early age (before puberty) preserve native beta-cell function and may prevent or retard thymic atrophy.
A Biologically Based Measure of Emotional Engagement: Context Matters

ABSTRACT The present study presents a biologically based measure of audience engagement. The measure is based on a neuroscience informed combination of signal processing methods that yield a continuous time-locked index of synchrony plus intensity leading to engagement from four noninvasive wireless biosensors. The study compared two television commercials in several different contexts. The results suggest that levels of engagement were significantly different depending on the context of the presentation. The results highlight the importance of context in study design and support the use of a biologically based measure of audience engagement.
Three Dimensional Analysis of Calcaneal Fractures

Thirty calcaneal fractures in 22 patients were evaluated by conventional radiographs, two dimensional computed tomography scans (2D CT) and three dimensional computed tomography reformations (3D CT). A special protocol for the reproducible procurement of high quality 3D CT scans was developed and is presented for the first time. Computer-generated three dimensional plastic models of fractured calcanei and videotaped presentations of fractured calcanei were made in selected cases. This study is the first to reproducibly demonstrate the usefulness of 3D CT scans in visualizing a calcaneal fracture. This information highlights the rotational displacement of major fracture fragments (multiplanar malrotation) and can facilitate the preparation of an appropriate surgical approach and reconstruction.
Three‐dimensional graphic reconstruction of the insect exoskeleton through confocal imaging of endogenous fluorescence

The exoskeleton of the cockroach leg was imaged via confocal microscopy to generate digital graphic reconstructions of its three‐dimensional structure. The cuticle is autofluorescent and can be visualized without staining, but is maximally imaged in aldehyde‐fixed preparations viewed under krypton‐argon laser illumination (yellow green (568 nm) excitation, commonly used in confocal microscopes). Images of the entire trochanteral segment of the leg were constructed as montages from optical sections taken as overlapping series that were coincident in the z‐axis. Reconstructions of the exoskeleton from these images showed that strain sensing mechanoreceptors are located in association with buttresses and thickenings that form a consistent internal architecture in both juvenile and adult animals. Accuracy of reconstructions was gauged by embedding specimens in Spurr's resin and histologically sectioning them perpendicular to the optical plane of section (z‐axis). Comparison of plastic sections with two‐dimensional images generated by “resectioning” the software model showed that reconstructed exoskeleton had a high level of accuracy. Imaging of older and larger animals was limited by the sclerotization and increased thickness of the cuticle. Surface extraction algorithms were used to generate vector graphic files in CAD format for export to software used in engineering and design. Among other potential uses, these models have been studied by Finite Element Analysis to examine the distribution of mechanical strains in the exoskeleton that occur during posture and locomotion. The advantages and limitations of the techniques are discussed. These methods may be used in studying the exoskeleton and the anatomy of cuticular mechanoreceptors of other arthropods to similar advantage. Microsc. Res. Tech. 48:367–384, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cost‐effectiveness of blood transfusion and white cell reduction in elective colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND: The use of white cell (WBC)‐reduced blood in elective colorectal surgery appears to reduce the frequency of postoperative infection. The question to be addressed is whether the cost:benefit ratio justifies the recommendation that WBC‐reduced blood should be used for all colorectal surgery.
Disentangling determinants of egg size in the Geometridae (Lepidoptera) using an advanced phylogenetic comparative method

We present a phylogenetic comparative study assessing the evolutionary determinants of egg size in the moth family Geometridae. These moths were found to show a strong negative allometric relationship between egg size and maternal body size. Using recently developed comparative methods based on an Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck process, we show that maternal body size explains over half the variation in egg size. However, other determinants are less clear: ecological factors, previously hypothesized to affect egg size, were not found to have a considerable influence in the Geometridae. The limited role of such third factors suggests a direct causal link between egg size and body size rather than an indirect correlation mediated by some ecological factors. Notably, no large geometrid species lay small eggs. This pattern suggests that maternal body size poses a physical constraint on egg size, but within these limits, there appears to be a rather invariable selection for larger eggs.
Consumers' perceptions of e‐shopping characteristics: an expectancy‐value approach

An increasing number of consumers are turning to the Internet to make their purchases. Yet, many e‐tailers are going out of business or retrenching. If e‐tailers hope to attract and retain satisfied online shoppers, they need to know what evaluative criteria consumers use when selecting an e‐tailer. Past research has provided some insight into what characteristics shoppers assess in cyberspace outlets. The extant work, though, has not been without its limitations. Consequently, the present study utilizes a literature review, qualitative research, and quantitative research to identify the underlying e‐store choice dimensions of shoppers. In addition, results of multiple regression analysis show that merchandise and interactivity Web attributes are predictors of consumers' attitude toward online shopping. Implications for e‐store managers and future research are also provided.
Managing the interface between suppliers and organizations for environmental responsibility – an exploration of current practices in the UK

This paper examines the supplier management activities undertaken by a sample of 149 UK based organizations, with particular focus on the role of supplier assessment and supplier coaching, education or mentoring. This study identifies that larger, higher risk organizations are beginning to reach out to their suppliers, primarily through assessment and evaluation, and to a lesser extent through supplier education, mentoring or coaching. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
THE EVALUATION OF THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE (T.E.I) OF THESSALY-GREECE BY APPLYING A BENCHMARKING APPROACH

The remarkable and multilateral developmental impact and perspective of H.E. Is is widely known. Moreover, the spread of competence and technological innovation should not be a privilege for a few people who have the possibility of acquiring knowledge and skills from the International Academic Institutions. Unfortunately, raw reality remains the same and in order to be reduced, the “conventional” Academic Institutions ought to evolve constantly and develop more remarkable international collaborations in order to be able to exist, operate and contribute to the strongly competitive environment. Based on the above references, the undergraduate course of the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Business and Economics, of the Technological Educational Institution (T.E.I) of Thessaly is being evaluated through the Benchmarking process as it has been defined by the Hellenic Quality Assurance & Accreditation Agency (H.Q.A), as well as with the standards of other internationally recognized and accredited institutions (e.g. European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education – E.N.Q.A, Chartered Management Institution – C.M.I etc.) in order to detect any deviations that would need specific suggestions and improvement procedures able to make this Department strongly competitive. Keywords : H.E. Is, Evaluation of Studies Program, Benchmarking, Quality Assurance & Accreditation Agencies, Suggestions – Improvements, Greece.
A Shopping Orientation Segmentation of French Consumers: Implications for Catalog Marketing

Although understanding of catalog patronage behavior has progressed substantially in the past decade, two avenues of inquiry have been largely overlooked. Psychographic characteristics have been neglected in favor of demographic descriptors. Further, much of the research has examined the U.S. consumer, while little attention has been paid to catalog shoppers in other parts of the world. This study uses factor analysis to identify shopping orientations within a French sample (n = 566) and cluster analysis to group subjects, with respect to their shopping orientation scores, into shopping segments that are homogeneous within segments and heterogeneous between segments. Particular attention is paid to a catalog shopping cluster. Analysis reveals a catalog shopping segment motivated primarily by recreational interests and only secondarily by convenience concerns. This finding is contrary to much of the extant research that suggests that catalog shopping is chosen for its convenience. The finding is also contrary to research conducted in the U.S. showing that catalog shopping has fractionated into multiple segments; only one segment is identified among this study's French subjects.
Role of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals from India (South).

BACKGROUND Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite and an etiological agent for trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Fifty to eighty percentage of women with trichomoniasis are asymptomatic and in the absence of treatment the infection persists longer. AIM To evaluate the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of trichomoniasis and also to look at the frequency of infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected women. METHODS A non-nested PCR was standardized to detect 102 bp size amplified product of the adhesin gene of T. vaginalis. The real time performance of this assay was performed with vaginal swab samples from 198 HIV-seropositive women who attended the infectious disease clinic and compared with wet mount and culture in Diamond's modified media. RESULTS Among the prospectively studied 198 HIV-infected women, 1 (0.51%) was positive by wet mount, 6 (3.03%) were positive by culture and 10 (5.02%) were positive by the PCR. There was a significant observed agreement between the PCR and culture (k=0.74, Z=10.7, P<0.0000). CONCLUSION Our study showed that the PCR assay for the amplification of adhesion gene is a highly sensitive method to screen the high risk group individuals like HIV-positive women for Trichomonas vaginalis compared to the culture. Testing algorithm should be, wet mount and if negative, test by PCR as it is rapid compared to culture which takes 7 days.