Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving customer equity through value creation and value appropriation

Customer equity is increasingly being considered as a market-based asset that can improve financial performance and market valuation of firms. There has been a trend therefore within organizations to design internal processes which can facilitate maximal achievement of customer equity. From a managerial perspective, it is important to know how such processes come together to influence equity perceptions of the firm’s customers. Value theory categorizes processes into two components: value creating and value appropriating. In this dissertation, I evaluate how marketing-related VC and VA processes interact in shaping customer equity of a firm. I develop a framework that identifies several VC and VA organizational processes based on the work of Srivastava and his colleagues (1999) and other relevant extant research. I also propose outcomes to measure effectiveness of VC and VA processes. Using data collected from B2B firms in India, I estimate the efficiency of firms in converting VC and VA inputs into VC and VA outcomes. I call these efficiencies as value creation efficiency (VCE) and value appropriation efficiency (VAE). I then test how VCE and VAE work together to affect CE outcomes. The floodlight analysis of interaction effects between VCE and VAE show that the effect of VC processes on value and relationship equity assessment by customers depends on VA processes being moderately efficient. On the other hand, the effect of VC processes on brand equity assessment by customers depends on the presence of high level of VA efficiency. The overall message is that unless a firm is efficient in transforming VA processes into VA outcomes, it may not gain equity benefits from VC processes.
Alcohol, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana Exposure Have Distinct Effects on the Human Placenta.

BACKGROUND Animal studies have demonstrated adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on placental development, but few studies have examined these effects in humans. Little is known about effects of prenatal exposure to methamphetamine, marijuana, and cigarette smoking on placental development. METHODS Placentas were collected from 103 Cape Coloured (mixed ancestry) pregnant women recruited at their first antenatal clinic visit in Cape Town, South Africa. Sixty-six heavy drinkers and 37 nondrinkers were interviewed about their alcohol, cigarette smoking, and drug use at 3 antenatal visits. A senior pathologist, blinded to exposure status, performed comprehensive pathology examinations on each placenta using a standardized protocol. In multivariable regression models, effects of prenatal exposure were examined on placental size, structure, and presence of infections and meconium. RESULTS Drinkers reported a binge pattern of heavy drinking, averaging 8.0 drinks/occasion across pregnancy on 1.4 d/wk. 79.6% smoked cigarettes; 22.3% used marijuana; and 17.5% used methamphetamine. Alcohol exposure was related to decreased placental weight and a smaller placenta-to-birthweight ratio. By contrast, methamphetamine was associated with larger placental weight and a larger placenta-to-birthweight ratio. Marijuana was also associated with larger placental weight. Alcohol exposure was associated with increased risk of placental hemorrhage. Prenatal alcohol, drug, and cigarette use were not associated with chorioamnionitis, villitis, deciduitis, or maternal vascular underperfusion. Alcohol and cigarette smoking were associated with a decreased risk of intrauterine passing of meconium, a sign of acute fetal stress and/or hypoxia; methamphetamine, with an increased risk. CONCLUSIONS This is the first human study to show that alcohol, methamphetamine, and marijuana were associated with distinct patterns of pathology, suggesting different mechanisms mediating their effects on placental development. Given the growing body of evidence linking placental abnormalities to neurodevelopmental deficits, these findings may be important in the long-term teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol and drug exposure.
Managing drug supply : the selection, procurement, distribution, and use of pharmaceuticals

This edition includes 48 chapters written by authors from around the world. The book provides a complete overview as well as step-by-step approaches on managing pharmaceutical systems in developing countries. It contains substantially revised sections on selection, procurement, distribution, and use in addition to new or considerably expanded sections on pharmaceutical policy, financing, organization, MIS, and human resources management.
Do Analysts Incorporate Market/Industry-Wide or Firm-Specific Information into Stock Price: Some Evidence on the Role of Earnings Quality

Motivated by recent controversies on the information role of financial analysts, this study examines whether firm level transparency proxied by accounting quality affects the mix of market/industry-wide vs. firm-specific information provided by analysts. Specifically, we show that better earnings quality encourages analysts to incorporate more firm-specific information into stock price, which leads to reduced stock price synchronicity. In addition, we find that only non-industry specialist analysts are likely to be encouraged by better earnings quality to incorporate more firm-specific information, suggesting that industry specialists have information advantage from covering different firms in one industry and are less likely to be affected by the disclosure quality of a single firm. Together, these results suggest that analysts take into consideration the cost and benefit of providing firm-specific information in determining the mix of information they help to disseminate to the capital market.
Yields of Clustered DNA Damage Induced by Charged-Particle Radiations of Similar Kinetic Energy per Nucleon: LET Dependence in Different DNA Microenvironments

Abstract To determine the linear energy transfer (LET) dependence of the biological effects of densely ionizing radiation in relation to changes in the ionization density along the track, we measured the yields and spectrum of clustered DNA damages induced by charged particles of different atomic number but similar kinetic energy per nucleon in different DNA microenvironments. Yeast DNA embedded in agarose in solutions of different free radical scavenging capacity was irradiated with 1 GeV protons, 1 GeV/nucleon oxygen ions, 980 MeV/nucleon titanium ions or 968 MeV/nucleon iron ions. The frequencies of double-strand breaks (DSBs), abasic sites and oxypurine clusters were quantified. The total DNA damage yields per absorbed dose induced in non-radioquenching solution decreased with LET, with minor variations in radioquenching conditions being detected. However, the total damage yields per particle fluence increased with LET in both conditions, indicating a higher efficiency per particle to induce clustered DNA damages. The yields of DSBs and non-DSB clusters as well as the damage spectra varied with LET and DNA milieu, suggesting the involvement of more than one mechanism in the formation of the different types of clustered damages.
Neuropsychological and behavioral functioning in children with and without obstructive sleep apnea referred for tonsillectomy

Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is among the most common pediatric surgical procedures and is performed as often for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as for recurrent tonsillitis. This study compared behavioral, cognitive, and sleep measures in 27 healthy control children recruited from a university hospital-based pediatric general surgery clinic with 40 children who had OSA (AT/OSA+) and 27 children who did not have OSA (AT/OSA−) scheduled for AT. Parental ratings of behavior, sleep problems, and snoring, along with specific cognitive measures (i.e., short-term attention, visuospatial problem solving, memory, arithmetic) reflected greater difficulties for AT children compared with controls. Differences between the AT/OSA− and control groups were larger and more consistent across test measures than were those between the AT/OSA+ and control groups. The fact that worse outcomes were not clearly demonstrated for the AT/OSA+ group compared with the other groups was not expected based on existing literature. This counterintuitive finding may reflect a combination of factors, including age, daytime sleepiness, features of sleep-disordered breathing too subtle to show on standard polysomnography, and academic or environmental factors not collected in this study. These results underscore the importance of applying more sophisticated methodologies to better understand the salient pathophysiology of childhood sleep-disordered breathing. (JINS, 2008, 14, 571–581.)
People, Places, and Adolescent Substance Use: Integrating Activity Space and Social Network Data for Analyzing Health Behavior

This research investigates the influence of place and social network characteristics on substance use among a sample of 215 urban, primarily African American, adolescents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We utilize survey data that capture the places that adolescents perceive to be risky and safe, as well as their home location. The survey also captures the egocentric social network characteristics that are associated with each type of place for each adolescent. Place-characterization data included indicators of a variety of physical features we theorize might enhance or mitigate the likelihood of substance use, such as the locations of alcohol outlets, recreation centers, and violent crime. We employ multivariate Tobit regression to investigate the relationships of place and social characteristics with substance use behavior. Substance use was greater for males and older adolescents but was associated with few physical features of adolescents’ homes or perceived safe places. Substance use was enhanced by several characteristics of adolescents’ perceived risky places, such as commercial activity in distressed neighborhoods. In addition, the presence of substance users at an adolescent's perceived risky place was associated with an increase in substance use. Substantial differences concerning gender and age were also observed. Girls and older adolescents tend to be more sensitive to social and place characteristics as compared to boys. This study highlights the importance of capturing activity space characteristics, perceptions of places, and social network data for investigating substance use, as well as for studies of other health and crime behaviors.
Influence of natural organic matter source on acute copper, lead, and cadmium toxicity to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Natural organic matter (NOM) was concentrated from various sites across Canada using a portable reverse‐osmosis unit to obtain a range of NOM types, from mainly allochthonous (terrestrially derived) to mainly autochthonous (aquatically derived) NOM. The addition of NOM to Cu exposures in ion‐poor water always decreased Cu toxicity to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, ∼1 g) over a 96‐h period, and the degree of protection varied with respect to NOM source. A good correlation was found between the specific absorbance coefficient (SAC) and time to reach 50% mortality (LT50; p < 0.001), indicating that more optically dark, allochthonous‐like NOM decreases Cu toxicity better than does optically light, more autochthonous‐like NOM. A similar, good relationship between NOM source and Pb toxicity was seen (p < 0.001), once confounding effects of Ca binding to NOM were accounted for. No significant relationship between Cd toxicity and NOM optical quality was seen (p = 0.082), and in toxicity tests with Cd the presence of some of the NOM sources increased Cd toxicity compared to Cd‐only controls. Specific absorbance coefficients were used as a proxy measurement of NOM aromaticity in our study, and fluorescence indices were run on some NOM samples to obtain percent aromaticity for each sample. A good correlation was found between SAC and percent aromaticity, indicating that the simple SAC measurement is a reasonable indication of NOM aromaticity and of metal binding by NOM.
Relationship of oestrogen receptor status to depressive symptoms and quality of life in breast cancer patients

Objective We investigated the relationship of oestrogen receptor (ER) status to the severity of depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) impairment in breast cancer patients. Methods Seventy-seven breast cancer patients with comorbid depression were evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), the Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) for depression, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). ER status was determined using immunohistochemical analysis. Results The ER-positive group (n = 31) showed significantly higher scores compared with the ER-negative group (n = 46) on HAMD total (p = 0.04) and somatic anxiety factor (p = 0.004) scores as well as CGI-S score (p = 0.03). As for QOL measured with the FACT-B, a significantly higher score was found on the Functional Well-Being (FWB) subscale in the ER-positive group (p = 0.001). The relationships were further analysed using generalised linear models (GLM), after controlling for the influence of the current anti-oestrogen treatment. The analysis revealed that ER status was still significantly related to the FWB subscale score of the FACT-B (p = 0.04). However, the HAMD and CGI-S scores were no longer significantly related to ER status after the influence of anti-oestrogen treatment was controlled for. Conclusion These results suggest that ER status, which is a well-known biological prognostic factor in breast cancer, may be related to the severity of certain aspects of depressive symptoms or QOL impairment, implying a role of the ER in affective and behavioural regulation. However, anti-oestrogen treatments significantly influence these relationships.
Maternal cytoglobin (CYGB) serum levels in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies

Abstract Objective To investigate cytoglobin levels in women with preeclampsia and women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study including 26 pregnant women complicated with early-onset preeclampsia (EO-PE) and 26 pregnant women complicated with late-onset preeclampsia (LO-PE) were recruited for the study group. Twenty-seven healthy pregnant women selected randomly were included in the control group. The serum CYGB concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Gestational age at delivery and mean birth weight were significantly lower in the preeclampsia groups than in the control group and were found to be the lowest in the EO-PE group (p < .001). Serum CYGB levels were significantly higher in the EO-PE and LO-PE groups as compared with the control group (9.99 (6.08) ng/ml (EOPE), 10.04 (7.04) ng/ml (LOPE) versus 2.84 (0.82) ng/ml), (p < .001). However, a significant difference was not found between the EO-PE and LO-PE groups regarding CYGB levels (p = 1.000). Conclusions Serum CYGB levels were significantly higher in patients with EO-PE and LO-PE as compared to healthy pregnant women.
The Protective Role of Folic Acid and Vitamin E Against Toxical Effects of Valproic Acid on Liver Tissue During Period of Gestation

SUMMARY Valproic acid is an anticonvulsan drug used in epilepsy. The histopathological changes of valproic acid on liver and the protective effect of vitamin E and also folic acid were observed. 24 adult female Wistar Albino rats were used. The first control, the second valproic acid group that was given 300 mg/kg on 8.9. and 10. days of gestation, the third valproic acid +vitamin E group. Vitamin E was given 250mg/kg via nasogastric intubation before one hour administration of valproic acid on 8.9. 10.days of gestation. The fourth valproic acid+ folic acid group; via valproic acid, folic acid was given 400 microgram ordinarily in drinking water per day. In the liver sections of valproic acid group, perivenullar dilatation, swelling of Kuppfer cells, microvesicular steatosis and degeneration were observed. In the second group there was moderate degeneration in hepatocytes,necrotic areas in some places, mononuclear cell infiltration. In valproic acid +vitamin E group normal-like appearance of the structure of Remark cell lines were observed. Under these source of results, we viewed antioxidants decreased the hepatotoxicity on liver tissue by using folic acid and vitamin E .
Transcallosal connections of the cingulate gyrus in monkey

The intercingulate connections of the Macaque hemisphere were studied by the Loyez and cresyl violet techniques in 15 specimens 19 to 29 months following hemicerebrectomy. Demyelination and pathological gliosis in the posterior part of the corpus callosum were traced to the upper crown and bank of the cingulate gyrus. LC3 cortex, from which cingulum fibers arise, was devoid of these changes. The gliosis increased superiorly toward medial parietal cortex. Examined in light of known thalamic projections it appears that in general there is an inverse relation between the number of commissural connections and the thalamic afferents.
Development and validation of an instrument to predict functional recovery in tibial fracture patients: the somatic pre-occupation and coping (SPOC) questionnaire

Objectives To explore the role of patients' beliefs in their likelihood of recovery from severe physical trauma. Methods We developed and validated an instrument designed to capture the impact of patients' beliefs on functional recovery from injury; the Somatic Pre-occupation and Coping (SPOC) questionnaire. At 6-weeks post-surgical fixation, we administered the SPOC questionnaire to 359 consecutive patients with operatively managed tibial shaft fractures. We constructed multi-variable regression models to explore the association between SPOC scores and functional outcome at 1-year, as measured by return to work and short form-36 (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Results In our adjusted multivariable regression models that included pre-injury SF-36 scores, SPOC scores at 6-weeks post-surgery accounted for 18% of the variation in SF-36 PCS scores and 18% of SF-36 MCS scores at 1-year. In both models, 6-week SPOC scores were a far more powerful predictor of functional recovery than age, gender, fracture type, smoking status, or the presence of multi-trauma. Our adjusted analysis found that for each 14 point increment in SPOC score at 6-weeks the odds of returning to work at 1-year decreased by 40% (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.50 to 0.73). Conclusions The SPOC questionnaire is a valid measurement of illness beliefs in tibial fracture patients and is highly predictive of their long-term functional recovery. Future research should explore if these results extend to other trauma populations and if modification of unhelpful illness beliefs is feasible and would result in improved functional outcomes.
An Empirical Analysis of Oliver’s Model

The retail industry is dynamic, huge and where change is a constant phenomenon. We had seen the emergence of huge supermarkets and chain stores such as Wal-Mart, k-Mart, JC Penny in American and shops like TESCO in European countries dominating the retail arena . The reason behind such a drastic change is that, the new lifestyle which promoted convenient and high quality service and the new generation of marketers who provided them with services such as flexible payment, home delivery etc.
Barriers to e-government integration

Purpose – Integration is a critical success factor for achieving a mature level of e‐government. This research seeks to identify barriers to e‐government integration (EGI). Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 consultants with significant experience of e‐government projects. The interview transcripts were analysed by the researcher to identify barriers in EGI.Findings – The findings resulted in a set of 17 barriers which were organised into one of four categories: strategy, technology, policy and organization. Strategy barriers include common e‐government goals and objectives, delivery timeframes, and ownership and governance. Technology barriers include architecture interoperability, data standards and legacy systems. Policy barriers include citizen privacy, data ownership and policy implications. Organization barriers include pace of government reform, legacy government processes and management and technical skills.Research limitations/implications – One of the .
Isotopic evidence for the diversity of late Quaternary loess in Nebraska: Glaciogenic and nonglaciogenic sources

Pb isotope compositions of detrital K-feldspars and U-Pb ages of detrital zircons are used as indicators for determining the sources of Peoria Loess deposited during the last glacial period (late Wisconsin, ca. 25–14 ka) in Nebraska and western Iowa. Our new data indicate that only loess adjacent to the Platte River has Pb isotopic characteristics suggesting derivation from this river. Most Peoria Loess in central Nebraska (up to 20 m thick) is non-glaciogenic, on the basis of Pb isotope ratios in K-feldspars and the presence of 34-Ma detrital zircons. These isotopic characteristics suggest derivation primarily from the Oligocene White River Group in southern South Dakota, western Nebraska, southeastern Wyoming, and northeastern Colorado. The occurrence of 10–25 Ma detrital zircons suggests additional minor contributions of silt from the Oligocene-Miocene Arikaree Group and Miocene Ogallala Group. Isotopic data from detrital K-feldspar and zircon grains from Peoria Loess deposits in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa suggest that the immediate source of this loess was alluvium of the Missouri River. We conclude that this silt probably is of glaciogenic origin, primarily derived from outwash from the western margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Identification of the White River Group as the main provenance of Peoria Loess of central Nebraska and the Missouri River valley as the immediate source of western Iowa Peoria Loess indicates that paleowind directions during the late Wisconsin were primarily from the northwest and west, in agreement with earlier studies of particle size and loess thickness variation. In addition, the results are in agreement with recent simulations of non-glaciogenic dust sources from linked climate-vegetation modeling, suggesting dry, windy, and minimally vegetated areas in parts of the Great Plains during the last glacial period.
The spatial self: Location-based identity performance on social media

As a growing number of social media platforms now include location information from their users, researchers are confronted with new online representations of individuals, social networks, and the places they inhabit. To better understand these representations and their implications, we introduce the concept of the “spatial self”: a theoretical framework encapsulating the process of online self-presentation based on the display of offline physical activities. Building on previous studies in social science, humanities, and computer and information science, we analyze the ways offline experiences are harnessed and performed online. We first provide an encompassing interdisciplinary survey of research that investigates the relationships between location, information technology, and identity performance. Then, we identify and characterize the spatial self as well as examine its occurrences through three case studies of popular social media sites: Instagram, Facebook, and Foursquare. Finally, we offer possible research directions and methodological considerations for the analysis of geocoded social media data.