Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of Facebook to promote drinking among young consumers

Abstract New media platforms including social networking sites (SNS) have changed the media landscape and enabled many-to-many communication practices that have increased youth exposure to pro-alcohol consumption messages exponentially, blurring the lines between content generated by alcohol brands, nightclubs and consumers. This study uses qualitative methods to explore the use of Facebook to promote drinking among young consumers. Focus groups with a sample of young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, and a netnographic study investigating alcohol brands, alcohol groups and nightclubs on Facebook were conducted. Findings indicate that alcohol brands and nightclubs use Facebook as a tool to communicate, co-produce and generate alcohol-related content with young adults, which encourages drinking. Findings suggest that SNS such as Facebook are changing the roles of, and inter-relationships between, advertisers and how consumers process media content, including drinking-related marketing communications.
Lymphocytes in the Development of Lung Inflammation: A Role for Regulatory CD4+ T Cells in Indirect Pulmonary Lung Injury1

Although roles for myelocytes have been suggested in the pathophysiology of indirect acute lung injury (ALI not due to a direct insult to the lung), the contribution of various regulatory lymphoid subsets is unknown. We hypothesized a role for lymphocytes in this process. Using a sequential model of indirect ALI induced in mice by hemorrhagic shock followed 24 h later by polymicrobial sepsis; we observed a specific and nonredundant role for each lymphocyte subpopulation in indirect ALI pathophysiology. In particular, we showed that CD4+ T cells are specifically recruited to the lung in a dendritic cell-independent but IL-16-dependent process and diminish neutrophil recruitment through increased IL-10 production. Most importantly, this appears to be mediated by the specific subpopulation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Although indirect ALI has constantly been described as a proinflammatory pathology mediated by cells of the innate immune system, we now demonstrate that cells of the adaptive immune response play a major role in its pathophysiology as well. Most importantly, we also describe for the first time the nature of the regulatory mechanisms activated in the lung during indirect ALI, with CD4+ regulatory T cells being central to the control of neutrophil recruitment via increased IL-10 production.
Service quality in the banking industry: an assessment in a developing economy

Examines the applicability of alternative measures of service quality in the developing economy of India and assesses related issues in that context. Based on data gathered from customers of two major banks, overall results support a multidimensional construct of service quality and suggest that the SERVQUAL scale provides greater diagnostic information than the SERVPERF scale. However, the five‐factor conceptualization of SERVQUAL does not seem to be totally applicable, and no significant difference was found in the predictive ability of the two measures. Further, although SERVQUAL and SERVPERF have identical convergent validity, SERVPERF appears to have higher discriminant validity than SERVQUAL.
Parasitic copepods from reef grunts (Teleostei, Haemulidae) with description of a new species of Lernanthropus (Siphonostomatoida, Lernanthropidae) from the Mexican Caribbean

During a parasitological survey of the reef ichthyofauna in the Caribbean coast of Mexico, parasitic siphonostomatoid copepods were obtained from the white grunt Haemulon plumierii (Lacepède) and the blue striped grunt H. sciurus (Shaw). Caligus haemulonis Krøyer, 1863 has been recorded from both species of Haemulon in the Northwestern Tropical Atlantic, but it is reported herein for the first time from Mexico. The prevalence and intensity of infection of C. haemulonis has not previously been evaluated in the Caribbean grunts; during this survey, prevalence was highest in H. sciurus; values are similar to those found in other haemulids. Lernanthropus chacchi sp. nov. can be distinguished from its closest congener, L. rathbuni Wilson, 1922, by its female having a dorsal plate covering the entire urosome and the lack of lateral notches at the base of the modified third legs, the male has relatively longer third legs, different body proportions and ornamentation of the first and second legs. This is the third species of Lernanthropus known from reef grunts in the Caribbean and the second species of the genus described from Mexican waters. The infection prevalence of the new species on H. sciurus (24%) was higher than that known for L. rathbuni from other haemulids. Taxonomic illustrations of females and males of both species are also provided. Other crustacean ectoparasites included the copepod Hatschekia spp. and praniza larvae of a gnathid isopod.
Behaviors of liquidity patterns in a limit order-driven market, an evidence from Chinese stock markets

This Paper examines the intraday behaviors of bid/ask spreads, depths and their determinants on an order-driven market in the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Our analysis shows that the intraday 5-minute bid/ask spreads display an L-shaped pattern and the depths exhibit an inverted L-shaped pattern. With respect to the determinants for the bid/ask spread and depth, first, we attributed the widening of spreads (lowest depth) at the open of the call auction, and continuous trading to the factor of asymmetric information, which plays an important role in the patterns for liquidity. Our findings are consistent with those from the NASDAQ and CBOE (Chan et al. (1995a,b)). Secondly, intraday spreads at the close of trading show a small increase in the last several intervals (and decrease in depths) are consistent with the inventory management hypothesis since traders on the Shanghai market are expected to manage their inventories in a manner similar to that of multiple dealers. Thirdly, the simultaneous occurrence of relatively wider spreads and lower depths on Mondays is consistent with the predictions of Foster and Viswanathan (1990). Higher Monday opening spreads are probably due to the information accumulation during non-trading hours. Fourthly, we also found that the striking L-shaped pattern of the bid/ask spreads has a positive relation with the volatility and a negative relation with stock prices, while the striking reversed Lshaped pattern of the depths has a negative relation with stock prices and the volatility but a positive relation with trading volumes. Finally, there is a negative relation between the spreads and the depths at the opening of the trading day. Overall, our results suggested that the determinants of information asymmetries, through time and across traders, play a key role in generating observed liquidity variations.
Corporate Reputation: What Do Consumers Really Care About?

ABSTRACT Do consumers really care about corporate reputation when it comes to purchasing decisions? This study tests that hypothesis by comparing consumers' perceptions of companies to the consumer equity of brands owned by those companies, using international studies of brand equity and corporate reputation. The results show that poor corporate reputation makes building strong brands difficult, but a good reputation is no guarantee of success. The elements of corporate reputation that seem to matter most to consumers in practice are perceptions of fairness toward consumers, and perceptions of corporate success and leadership, rather than public responsibility. Consumers want good business practice but when it comes to brand strength and purchasing, more personally relevant factors take precedence. So pushing a corporate social responsibility agenda to consumers may not reap the strongest rewards. But “ethical” brands that bring no penalty in cost or quality are likely to be more successful.
Local Investors and Corporate Governance

This paper shows that local institutional investors are effective monitors of corporate behavior. Firms with high local ownership have better internal governance and are more profitable. These firms are also less likely to manage their earnings aggressively or backdate options and are less likely to be targets of class action lawsuits. Further, managers of such firms exhibit a lower propensity to engage in “empire building” and are less likely to “lead the quiet life”. Examining the local monitoring mechanisms, we find that local institutions are more likely to introduce shareholder proposals, increase CEO turnover, and reduce excess CEO pay.
ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTS) AMONG AGRICULTURAL RESEARCHERS AND EXTENSION WORKERS IN SELECTED INSTITUTIONS IN NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA

Information technology is a key to agricultural development. Consequently agricultural researchers, trainers, extension workers, farmers and students must have easy and uninterrupted access to ICT facilities in their immediate environment. This study was conducted in 3 tertiary institutions and the ADP in Nasarawa State in 2006 to determine the accessibility and level of utilization of ICTs by agricultural scientists and extension workers. A sample of 45 Agricultural researchers and 45 extension workers was randomly selected for the study using a set of questionnaire. Data analysis was through the use of descriptive statistics, and linear regression model. The findings revealed that researchers had 87% access to ICT facilities while extension workers had 66% access. On the level of utilization of ICTs for agricultural communication the researchers scored 84% while extension workers scored 70.3%. The regression analysis further revealed that level of education positively influenced the level of utilization of ICTs while years of working experience had negative influence. The key problems militating against the use of of ICTs in the area were, poor access to ICT facilities, lack of computer knowledge, low income and poor power supply. It was recommended that agricultural organizations should install all necessary ICT facilities in their establishments and provide training opportunities for their staff. Constant power supply to both urban and rural communities should be considered a fundamental human right and treated as such.
Cancer Mortality in Six Lowest Versus Six Highest Elevation Jurisdictions in the U.S.

Low levels of background radiation exist around us continuously. These levels increase with increasing land elevation, allowing a comparison of low elevations to high elevations in regard to an outcome such as cancer death rates. The present study compares archived cancer mortality rates in six low versus six high elevation jurisdictions. The study also compares mortality rates for all causes, heart disease, and diabetes in low versus high elevation jurisdictions in an effort to see if other mortality outcomes are different in low versus high elevations. Statistically significant decreases in mortality, with very large effect sizes, were observed in high land elevation for three of the four outcomes, including cancer. One possible explanation for the decreased mortality in high elevation jurisdictions is radiation hormesis. Another possible explanation, at least in the case of heart disease mortality, is the physiologic responses that accompany higher elevations regarding decreased oxygen levels. Since this is an ecological study, no causal inferences can be made, particularly when viewpoints on possible effects of low level radiation are diametrically opposed. Further research is indicated.
Estimation of the enzymes LDH, GOT and GPT in plasma of grey mullet Mugil auratus and their significance in liver intoxication

Activ~ties of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate oxaloacetate transanunase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were measured in blood plasma and some tissues of grey mullet Mugd auratus Risso. After determination of optimal assay conditions, cardiac sampling for LDH estimation was recommended. Tissue distribution of enzymers and their origln in plasma were described, in particular the isozyme forms of LDH. Plasma levels of all 3 enzymes showed a significant increase following treatment with CC1,.
Housing Finance Innovation and How Canadians May Evaluate Homeownership as a Critical Asset Allocation

This research makes a significant and important contribution to the literature on Canadian housing finance by identifying four regimes that represent a continuum toward a market-based mortgage system where Canadian households can readily access mortgage credit. The history of housing finance in Canada, like many nations, has been plagued by a lack of an effective way to channel savings into mortgages, and this has influenced households in the process of making the rent versus buy decision to obtain housing services. Innovation and advancements in Canada`s mortgage lending system and integration of mortgage funding with capital markets from 1900 to 2010, specifically mortgage backed securities enhanced with mortgage loan insurance, allow more households to shift from renting to homeownership. A cross-country comparison of OECD nations illustrates that a domestic mortgage market system must be sufficiently liberal and flexible so that a representative household can evaluate homeownership as an investment decision. In addition, a stylized Markowitz optimal portfolio selection model looks at homeownership as a critical asset allocation in the presence of bonds and equities in two Canadian markets: Metropolitan Toronto and Metropolitan Vancouver. The conclusion is that when the long-term mortgage loan borrowing rate is used to construct the capital allocation line, the efficient frontier is a blend of bonds and equities, and housing only forms part of an optimal risky portfolio over long holding periods. The economic model and empirical results show that single detached housing and apartment condominiums offer households different economic returns. A household may respond to this reality through deferring maintenance and holding the housing asset for long periods to maximize the implied imputed return. The instructive finding is that homeownership is a long-term investment that hedges rent risk, and if a household does not over-consume housing, there are significant gains from imputed rent. The homeownership decision for most households is often based on maximum permissible mortgage credit granting rules rather than optimal portfolio selection. The equilibrium approach verifies the probability distribution of positive economic returns in both Metropolitan Toronto and Metropolitan Vancouver over long holding periods.
B2B services: linking service loyalty and brand equity

Purpose – A significant way of achieving high profitability is to retain existing customers who contribute to the service provider's revenue by continuously purchasing and paying more for products and services and building brand equity to the provider. The main objective of this study is to empirically examine and extend the knowledge underlying the linkage between service loyalty and brand equity performance outcomes in the context of business‐to‐business markets. It aims to develop and empirically test a theoretical model examining the antecedents and the outcomes of service loyalty in a business‐to‐business context. The model also aims to examine the relationship between service loyalty and customer share of wallet and price premium, as well as the links between the proposed antecedents (habitual buying, trust in the service provider, and perceived service quality) and service loyalty.Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical model was empirically tested with a sample of 294 Australian small‐ to me.
Why your customers' social identities matter

The article looks at the role of consumers' social identities in their purchasing decisions, and hence in the creation of effective marketing strategies. It says that people generally belong to multiple social groups, any one of which may have the most salience for them in a given situation. It reports on social psychology research on how a person's connection with a particular social identity can be triggered and discusses the idea in the context of marketing products including the Toyota Prius hybrid-electric automobile, Nescafe instant coffee, and the Jeep all-terrain vehicle. INSET: Lessons of the Stanford Prison Experiment
Dimensions of price satisfaction: a study in the retail banking industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the dimensionality of price satisfaction. It argues that price satisfaction is composed of several dimensions (price transparency, price‐quality ratio, relative price, price confidence, price reliability, and price fairness) and that companies should consider these dimensions when monitoring customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a theoretical discussion of the price dimensions, a questionnaire is developed that measures customer satisfaction with individual price dimensions. Using regression analysis the impact of price satisfaction dimensions on overall price satisfaction is measured, using a sample of 160 students.Findings – The results show that price satisfaction can be conceptualized as a multidimensional construct and that five dimensions influence overall price satisfaction. The application of the questionnaire allows for measuring price satisfaction in firms.Research limitations/implications – The paper introduces price satis.
Financial Flexibility, Financial System, and Organizational Change

This article investigates whether financial systems affect a firm’s capital structure choice. I predict that firms operating in a country with a bank-based financial system tend to have a high ratio of bank loans to total debt than firms operating in a country with a market-based financial system. I contribute to the finance and management literature by analyzing the conditional effect of financial systems on corporate capital structure and organizational change. More specifically, I predict that financial flexibility is positively associated with organizational change and that financial system structure moderates the effect of financial flexibility on organizational change. Furthermore, I argue that firms operating in a country with a bank-based financial system tend to undertake strategic/organizational change that can be considered as a first-order organizational change, while firms operating in a country with a market-based financial system tend to undertake strategic/organizational change that can be considered as a second-order organizational change.
Effect of Presurgical Positioning on Skull Shape in Sagittal Suture Synostosis

Purpose: The aim of the this study was to describe changes in head circumference (HC) and cephalic index (CI) in children with sagittal suture synostosis before surgery, by putting the child to bed in supine position lying on the back of the head. Materials and Methods: A total of 83 patients were scheduled for minimally invasive spring-assisted correction at age 5 to 6 months. At presentation, parents were advised to place their child in bed lying on the back of their head. Preoperative evaluation involved measurement of HC and CI. Head circumference was measured at 2 time points in 33 patients and the CI at 2 time points in 19 patients. Results: Head circumference (in SD) decreased from 1.69 to 1.37 and the CI increased from 66 to 69. Conclusion: Before surgery, positioning patients with sagittal suture synostosis on the back of the head is a feasible and effective way of changing head shape. More research is needed to evaluate the postsurgical effects on the long term.
Product and Process Innovation and the Decision to Export: Firm-Level Evidence for Belgium

Using data from the Community Innovation Survey for Belgium in two consecutive periods, this paper explores the relationship between firm-level innovation activities and the propensity to start exporting. To measure innovation, we include indicators of both innovative effort (R&D activities) as well as innovative output (product and process innovation). Our results suggest that the combination of product and process innovation, rather than either of the two in isolation, increases a firm’s probability to enter the export market. After controlling for potential endogeneity of the innovation activities, only firms with a sufficiently high probability to start exporting engage in product and process innovation prior to their entry on the export market, pointing to the importance of self-selection into innovation.
Cardiac renin-angiotensin system in the hypertrophied heart.

BACKGROUND The cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been suggested to play an important role in heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of each component of the RAS in hypertrophied heart induced by aortocaval shunt. METHODS AND RESULTS The expression levels of renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II type Ia and Ib receptor (AT1aR and AT1bR) mRNA were determined by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method owing to the relatively low expression levels of these mRNAs in the ventricle. The expression level of renin or angiotensinogen mRNA in the ventricle was very low, more than 1000-fold lower than that in the kidney or liver, respectively. The expression of ACE mRNA in the ventricle was relatively abundant and was increased in the hypertrophied ventricle in this model, whereas no significant increases in the expression levels of AT1aR and AT1bR mRNA were observed. Administration of lisinopril attenuated the development of left and right ventricular hypertrophy in this model and was accompanied by an attenuation of the upregulation of the ACE, collagen type I-alpha, and vimentin mRNAs. Because the activity of the circulating RAS in the aortocaval shunt rats was not higher than that in the sham-operated rats, the effects of lisinopril in attenuating the ventricular hypertrophy may be due to inhibition of the increased ACE in the ventricle. CONCLUSIONS The present study supports the importance of ACE expressed in the ventricle in the development of hypertrophy induced by aortocaval shunt.
Does Distance Matter for Debtholder-Shareholder Conflicts?

We study how the geographical distance between large debtholders and large shareholders affects firms’ risk and risk-shifting incentives. We argue that greater distance reduces debtholders’ ability to observe shareholder characteristics and increases their information asymmetry vis-a-vis shareholders, thus amplifying firms’ asset substitution problems. We find that greater distance is associated with higher firm risk and greater risk-shifting activities as evidenced by a higher likelihood of covenant violation and larger dividend payouts. Moreover, stock (bond) market reactions around such risk-shifting events are positively (negatively) related to debtholder-shareholder distance. These results are more pronounced among more financially constrained firms, lower-rated firms, and firms with large shareholders that have greater preference for idiosyncratic risk. Our results are robust to using instrumental variables and the introduction of a new airline route as an exogenous shock to geographic distance.