Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Business psychographics revisited: from segmentation theory to successful marketing practice

Consumer marketers have realised that geodemographics seldom provide adequate perspectives of today's complex markets. Instead, psychographic segmentation has revealed more powerful target market insights while providing marketers a springboard for adapting selling propositions and tailoring the marketing mix. Although its application in business-to-business (B2B) markets is also well acknowledged, there is limited evidence that psychographics has merit. To illustrate its power, this study examines the body of literature and practitioner experience that supports the usefulness of B2B psychographics as an alternative or complement to firmographics. The study supports its specific relevance to micro-segmentation where insights into a buyer's motives, risk aversion and relationship style can help determine favourable or unfavourable predispositions to marketing initiatives. A case application of a B2B services firm demonstrates its value in sales management.
Regression of fibrosis after HBV antiviral therapy. Is cirrhosis reversible?

Long‐lasting HBV‐DNA suppression is considered to be the best surrogate end‐point of antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) related chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, and it is a prerequisite to prevent liver‐related complications and improve survival. Treatment with oral antiviral drugs in patients with HBV cirrhosis is effective in restoring liver function and improving survival even in those with decompensated cirrhosis. These agents are generally well‐tolerated for long‐term treatment, and several evidences have demonstrated that they are able to reverse liver fibrosis and prevent the occurrence of HCC.
Are joint audits a proper instrument for increased audit quality

Joint audits are recently controversial discussed to increase audit quality and decrease audit market concentration in Europe, complementing the existing and future rotation rules by the 8th EC directive. First, this article presents a theoretical foundation of joint audits. In this context, the main influences on low balling are presented. The link between joint audits and audit quality is still controversial. Then, the main results of empirical research on joint audit are focused. A clear positive link between joint audits and audit quality cannot be found, but there is strong evidence for higher audit costs which could lead to an increased price competition. Insofar, a lower audit market concentration by joint audits is not generally connected with higher audit quality, because there are many corporate governance interactions. To test this hypothesis, we use a sample of 306 Germany and French companies between 2008 and 2012. Empirical results demonstrate unclear effect of the joint audit on audit quality in these two countries.
Domain Structure and Lipid Interaction in Human Apolipoproteins A-I and E, a General Model*

Detailed structural information on human exchangeable apolipoproteins (apo) is required to understand their functions in lipid transport. Using a series of deletion mutants that progressively lacked different regions along the molecule, we probed the structural organization of lipid-free human apoA-I and the role of different domains in lipid binding, making comparisons to apoE, which is a member of the same gene family and known to have two structural domains. Measurements of α-helix content by CD in conjunction with tryptophan and 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid fluorescence data demonstrated that deletion of the amino-terminal or central regions disrupts the tertiary organization, whereas deletion of the carboxyl terminus has no effect on stability and induces a more cooperative structure. These data are consistent with the lipid-free apoA-I molecule being organized into two structural domains similar to apoE; the amino-terminal and central parts form a helix bundle, whereas the carboxyl-terminal α-helices form a separate, less organized structure. The binding of the apoA-I variants to lipid emulsions is modulated by reorganization of the helix bundle structure, because the rate of release of heat on binding is inversely correlated with the stability of the helix bundle. Based on these observations, we propose that there is a two-step mechanism for lipid binding of apoA-I: apoA-I initially binds to a lipid surface through amphipathic α-helices in the carboxyl-terminal domain, followed by opening of the helix bundle in the amino-terminal domain. Because apoE behaves similarly, this mechanism is probably a general feature for lipid interaction of other exchangeable apolipoproteins, such as apoA-IV.
Virtual communities and financial services ‐ on‐line business potentials and strategic choice

As the user‐base of the Internet expands, on‐line “virtual communities” may have the potential to become the key customer‐infomediaries, social forums, and trading arenas, of the early twenty‐first century. In parallel, new delivery channels and new means of fostering long‐term customer relationships may prove critical for success in the financial services industry. As these two developments intertwine, many organizations in the sector may therefore need to consider desktop icons as an emerging customer interface. Reviews the economic argument for virtual communities as the first viable Internet value‐creation model to combine content and communication. Drawing from practical experience with pioneering virtual community developments, and a consideration of direct and indirect financial service delivery channels, the conclusion is reached that many companies in the sector now face an important, strategic choice in the development of their on‐line presence. For most, this will be between deciding to act rapidly to build their own virtual community, or instead opting for a more effective third party, virtual community “inhabitation strategy”.
APOE-[epsilon]2 allele associated with higher prevalence of sporadic Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND The link of the apolipoprotein (APOE) -epsilon4 allele to Alzheimer disease (AD) has led to studies investigating the role of apoE polymorphisms in Parkinson disease (PD). The authors hypothesized that any association between PD and APOE alleles and genotypes would be too small to be detected or precisely estimated by an individual case-controlled study. METHOD The hypothesis was tested by systematic review and meta-analysis of results from case-control studies that provided clear clinical or pathologic criteria for PD and that reported APOE genotype frequencies. Published reports were obtained from MEDLINE, Biosis Previews, and ISI Web of Science searches, supplemented by citation analysis from retrieved articles. The authors estimated and compared prevalence odds ratios (OR) for PD in relation to each allele and genotype. RESULTS Twenty-two eligible studies were identified. There was no evidence of heterogeneity (p > 0.4) or publication bias (p > 0.2) for any allele or genotype. The estimated summary OR for one or more copies of each APOE allele was 1.20 for APOE-epsilon2 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.42), 0.83 for APOE-epsilon3 (95% CI, 0.63 to 1.09), and 0.99 for APOE-epsilon4 (95% CI, 0.87 to 1.14). CONCLUSIONS Unlike Alzheimer disease, for which the APOE-epsilon4 allele increases the prevalence and the APOE-epsilon2 allele is protective, the authors' analysis shows the APOE-epsilon2 allele, but not the APOE-epsilon4 allele, to be positively associated with sporadic Parkinson disease.
Importer Loyalty in International Wheat Markets

Important political and institutional relationships exist between most grain‐trading partners. In many cases the purpose of these relationships is to enhance importer loyalty to a particular exporter. This paper tests for loyalty in the world wheat market. Loyalty is measured by repeat purchases. An application of the Markov model is used to analyse loyalty and to explain international trade flows in wheat. Results show that in general the United States has relatively strong import loyalty compared to the other exporters such as Canada and the European Community. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Entrepreneurial marketing and the Web 2.0 interface

Purpose – The paper aims to analyse the relationship between marketing and entrepreneurship. It looks at the way in which Web 2.0 technologies are changing the marketing and entrepreneurial landscapes.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores the impact of Web 2.0 social media for entrepreneurial marketing. It looks at social media as a marketing tool and considers the positive and negative effects it has for entrepreneurs and small businesses.Findings – Web 2.0 plays a central part in the functioning and delivery of marketing and entrepreneurship. It empowers individual consumers and provides additional communication channels for comment, feedback, and involvement in shaping product and service development and experience. It is also a tool for human empowerment, liberation and advancing the cause of freedom, including the freedom to start a business.Originality/value – The paper discusses issues of “real‐world” relevance, which entrepreneurs, small business owners and marketing practitioners can u.
Radio Programming Diversity in the Era of Consolidation

This article addresses the issue of market structure in the top 50 radio markets and the different types of program diversity measures. The Study used a secondary analysis of ownership information, format information, and song information to analyze the research questions and hypotheses. Overall, the study confirmed previous research related to an increase in format diversity with an increase in the number of competitors. Likewise, the research related to an increase in format diversity with an increase in the number of competitors. Likewise the findings showed a negative relationship between ownership concentration and radio program diversity.
Effect of Portulaca quadrifida Linn on Mercury-Induced Hepatotoxicity In Swiss Albino Mice

Portulaca quadrifida Linn. has been evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity in Swiss albino mice using the mercury induced hepatotoxicity. The ethanolic extract showed remarkable activity against mercury-induced hepatotoxicity as judged from biochemical parameters such as serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and levels of lipid peroxides (LPO) in liver. Animals treated with P. quadrifida extract before and after mercury intoxication showed a significant decrease in LPO level, AST and ALT activities and increase in ALP activity and glutathione (GSH) content. The extract treatment alone did not alter the biochemical parameters. The results suggest that oral administration of P. quadrifida provide protection against mercury induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice, but it was dose dependent, which was comparable to the control.
Epidemiology of women's gymnastics injuries

Injury information from 98 participants in 2 years of interscho lastic women's gymnastics competition in four Seattle area high schools was collected by certified athletic trainers. During the 2nd year of data collection, the study was expanded to include an additional 12-team high school league, 2 college teams, and 3 private clubs. A wide variety of injuries was observed, the total time loss injury rate was 39.8 injuries per 100 participant-seasons. Strains and sprains involving the back, particularly the lumbar region, appeared to occur more fre quently than in most other interscholastic athletic activities. Ankle sprains were also common, and a relatively high fre quency of thigh and leg strains and overuse problems of the leg were seen. This suggests that there may well be room for improvement in conditioning and other preventive programs in women's gymnastics.
Economic Valuation With Stated Preference Techniques

This manual offers a detailed, up-to-date explanation of how to carry out economic valuation using stated preference techniques. It is relevant for the application of these techniques to all non-market goods and services including air and water quality; provision of public open space; health care that is not sold through private markets; risk reduction policies and investments not provided privately; provision of information as with the recorded heritage, the protection of cultural assets and so on. The resulting valuations can be used for a number of purposes including, but not limited to, demonstrating the importance of a good or service; costâ€“benefit analysis; setting priorities for environmental policy; design of economic instruments; green national/corporate accounting, and natural resource damage assessment.
Natural dietary anti-cancer chemopreventive compounds: redox-mediated differential signaling mechanisms in cytoprotection of normal cells versus cytotoxicity in tumor cells

AbstractMany dietary phytochemicals exhibit health-beneficial effects including prevention of diseases such as cancer, as well as neurological, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. Evolutionarily, herbivorous and omnivorous animals have been ingesting plants. This interaction between “animal-plant” ecosystems has resulted in an elaborate system of detoxification and defense mechanisms evolved by animals including humans. Mammalian cells, including human cells, respond to these dietary phytochemicals by “non-classical receptor sensing” mechanisms of electrophilic chemical-stress typified by “thiol-modulated” cellular signaling events primarily leading to the gene expression of pharmacologically beneficial effects, but sometimes unwanted cytotoxicity also. Our laboratory has been studying two groups of dietary phytochemical cancer-chemopreventive compounds (isothiocyanates and polyphenols), which are effective in chemical-induced, as well as genetically-induced, animal carcinogenesis models. These compounds typically generate “cellular stress” and modulate gene expression of phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes. Electrophiles, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species are known to act as second messengers in the modulation of many cellular signaling pathways leading to gene expression changes and pharmacological responses. Redox-sensitive transcription factors such as nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), AP-1, NF-κB, to cite a few examples, sense and transduce changes in the cellular redox status and modulate gene expression responses to oxidative and electrophilic stresses, presumably via sulfhydryl modification of critical cysteine residues found on these proteins and/or other upstream redox-sensitive molecular targets. In the current review, we will explore dietary cancer chemopreventive phytochemicals, discuss the link between oxidative/electrophilic stresses and the redox circuitry, and consider different redox-sensitive transcription factors. We will also discuss the kelch-like erythroid Cap‘n’ Collar homologue-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nrf2 axis in redox signaling of induction of phase II detoxifying/antioxidant defense mechanisms, an important target and preventive strategy for normal cells against carcinogenesis, and the converse inhibition of cell growth/inflammatory signaling pathways that would confer therapeutic intervention in many types of cancers. Finally, we will summarize the Nrf2 paradigm in gene expression, the pharmacotoxicogenomic relevance of redox-sensitive Nrf2, and the redox regulation of cell death mechanisms.
The use of an interim CEO during succession episodes and firm performance

Our study investigates an unexplored succession process—interim CEO successions. We define an interim CEO succession as a case where the title of chief executive officer is vacated by the incumbent and the board of directors has not announced a permanent successor, but instead designates a particular individual as ‘interim CEO,’ or ‘acting CEO,’ or ‘CEO until a permanent successor is named. ’ Theory predicts that interim CEO successions will lead to the type of disruption that can harm firm performance, even after a permanent successor is appointed. Our data show that interim CEO succession processes are widely employed by publicly-traded U.S. firms, and that they are associated with lower performance during the period in which the interim serves. However, whether the interim CEO also simultaneously serves as chairman moderates the impact of this type of succession on firm performance, as well as on long-term firm survival. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extreme Conditioning Program Induced Acute Hypotensive Effects are Independent of the Exercise Session Intensity

The aim of the study was to determine the acute systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) responses following two intense training sessions (24 hours apart). Nine male extreme conditioning program (ECP) practitioners with more than 6 months of experience (age 26.7 ± 6.6 years; body mass 78.8 ± 13.2 kg; body fat 13.5 ± 6.2 %) completed two experimental ECP sessions. Cardiovascular variables were measured before, immediately after and every 15 min during a 45 min recovery following each experimental session. Compared with pre-exercise data, our results showed a SBP decrease at 30 min post exercise session 1 (P≤0.05) and at 45 min following exercise session 2. DBP decreased (P≤0.05) at 15 min and 30 min following exercise session 1 and at 30 min after the exercise session 2, respectively. HR remained significantly higher (P≤0.05) 45 min following the first and second exercise session compared with pre-exercise values. Exercise session 1 induced a higher increase in HR (86 ± 11% of HRmax versus 82 ± 12% of HRmax, p = 0.01) and RPE (8.8 ± 1.2 versus 8.0 ± 1.2, p = 0.02) when compared to exercise session 2. In conclusion, post-exercise hypotension occurs following strenuous exercise sessions, regardless of the session design, which may have an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
COMPARISON OF KARYDAKIS TECHNIQUE WITH LIMBERG FLAP PROCEDURE FOR SACROCOCCYGEAL PILONIDAL SINUS DISEASE IN TERMS OF HOSPITAL STAY AND WORK LOSS

Objective: To compare Karydakis technique with Limberg flap procedure for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus in terms of mean period of hospital stay and return to normal activity (mean number of days). Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Surgery department, Military Hospital /Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Frontier Corps (FC) Hospital Quetta from July 2010 to July 2014. Material and Methods: A total of 150 patients (75 patients in each group) were recruited in this study by consecutive non-probability sampling. In group-A Karydakis technique was used while in group-B Limberg flap procedure was done. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and by applying tâ€™ test. Results: Comparison of mean period of hospital stay shows mean hospital stay 2.93 Â± 0.66 days in group-A and 3.97 Â± 0.71 days in group-B (p=0.001). Similarly mean work loss was 13.13 Â± 1.15 days in group-A and 15.53 Â± 1.22 days in group-B. Significant difference was noted between two groups (p=0.001). Conclusion: Karydakis technique, in treatment of pilonidal sinus disease is better in terms of short duration of hospital stay and less work loss. Karydakis procedure should be the preferred method in treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.
Mechanisms involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy induced by oxidative stress

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main complications in patients with diabetes and has been the leading cause of visual loss since 1990. Oxidative stress is a biological process resulting from excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This process contributes to the development of many diseases and disease complications. ROS interact with various cellular components to induce cell injury. Fortunately, there is an antioxidan t system that protects organisms against ROS. Indeed, when ROS exceed antioxidant capacity, the resulting cell injury can cause diverse physiological and pathological changes that could lead to a disease like DR. Objective: This paper reviews the possible mechanisms of common and novel biomarkers involved in the development of DR and explores how these biomarkers could be used to monitor the damage induced by oxidative stress in DR, which is a significant complication in people with diabetes. Conclusion: The poor control of glucemy in pacients with DB has been shown contribute to the development of complications in eyes as DR.
Do Stages of Moral Developmant Matter in the Preference of Conflict Handling Styles with peers

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the stages of moral development (preconventional, conventional, post-conventional) and conflict handling styles. Sample including 151 academicians completed Rahim’s Organizational Conflict Inventory ROCII-Form C and DIT with three scenarios. MANCOVA analysis did not reveal a significant main effect for the levels of moral development on conflict handling styles. However, supplementary univariate analyses reported that individuals at higher stages of moral development use obliging styles and individuals at lower stages of moral development use dominating style after controlling for gender. Implications of the study, and directions for future research were discussed.
Coronary artery stenting

When Andreas Gruentzig performed the first percutaneous coronary angioplasty on an awake patient in 1977 (Zurich, Switzerland), he created the nascent field of interventional cardiology and ushered in a new era of coronary revascularization. Percutaneous coronary transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) was positioned to serve as an alternative and complement to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and optimal medical therapy. As in many medical fields, the advancement of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has been punctuated by innovations and pitfalls.
Influencing Behavior of Physicians Ordering Laboratory Tests: A Literature Study

There are various reasons why physicians order laboratory tests. Earlier studies have shown that in many cases test-ordering behavior lacks efficiency, resulting in excessive laboratory utilization. Throughout the years various attempts have been made to improve this situation. This review, based on the literature of the past 20 years, gives a survey of interventions and their effectiveness. Various types of education are discussed: general, cost-control oriented and education by means of guidelines, protocols, decision support systems, and feedback (on test ordering or cost). The discussion addresses the quality and apparent restrictions of the studies, and provides possible causes of the widely varying, but mostly low success rates. The long-term effectiveness of interventions aiming at better laboratory ordering is rather unfavorable.