Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumer motives for purchasing counterfeit luxury products: behind the status signaling behavior using brand prominence

The present study sought to describe the relationship of customer motives with counterfeit products and brand prominence and purchasing behavior in three groups/classes of consumers (patrician, parvenus and poseur) in the context of luxury brand fashion. Data were obtained from a sample consisting of 400 consumers considered eligible. There were three findings; first, for the poseur class, consumer motives for purchasing products had an effect on counterfeit products and conspicuous brand prominence, as well as purchasing behavior. Second, for the parvenus class, consumer motives for purchasing products had no significant effect on counterfeit products, but it had a significant effect on brand prominence and purchasing behavior. Third, for the patrician class, consumer motives for purchasing products had no significant effect on counterfeit products and conspicuous brand prominence, and counterfeit products and brand prominence had no significant effect on purchasing behavior.
Chapter 2 Action spectra of zebrafish cone photoreceptors

Zebrafish is becoming an increasingly popular model in the field of visual neuroscience. Although, the absorption spectra of its cone photopigments have been described, the cone action spectra were still unknown. In this study, we report the action spectra of the four types of zebrafish cone photoreceptors, determined by measuring voltage responses upon light stimulation using whole cell patch clamp recordings. A generic template of photopigment absorption spectra was fit to the resulting action spectra in order to establish the maximum absorption wavelength, the A2-based photopigment contribution and the size of the β-band of each cone-type. Although, in general there is close correspondence between zebrafish cone actionand absorbance spectra, our data suggest that in the case of MWSand LWS-cones there is appreciable contribution of A2-based photopigments and that the β-band for these cones is smaller than expected based on the absorption spectra. Action spectra of zebrafish cones
High-risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in 6 US cities: baseline data from the EXPLORE Study.

OBJECTIVES We describe the prevalence of risk behaviors at baseline among men who have sex with men (MSM) who were enrolled in a randomized behavioral intervention trial conducted in 6 US cities. METHODS Data analyses involved MSM who were negative for HIV antibodies and who reported having engaged in anal sex with 1 or more partners in the previous year. RESULTS Among 4295 men, 48.0% and 54.9%, respectively, reported unprotected receptive and insertive anal sex in the previous 6 months. Unprotected sex was significantly more likely with 1 primary partner or multiple partners than with 1 nonprimary partner. Drug and alcohol use were significantly associated with unprotected anal sex. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the continued need for effective intervention strategies for MSM that address relationship status, serostatus of partners, and drug and alcohol use.
Protocol optimization for micro-propagation of Green pepper ( Capsicum annum L . ) cultivated in Ethiopia

Capsicum annuum L (Green Pepper) is one of the most important types of crop plant cultivated all over the world, and particularly in Ethiopia. A successful protocol of in vitro plant regeneration has been performed using direct shoot bud induction of the explants of this plant. This study was aiming at developing micro-propagation protocol for green pepper genotype growing in Ethiopia. The best sprouting material for our explants by planting it at three different materials like, sand, manure, and mixture of manure and sand has been well assessed. On MS medium containing 6mg/l 6benzylaminopurine and 1mg/L indole-3-butyric acid has been recorded relatively highest performance for the regeneration of cotyledons. But propagation for the rest of explants like root, shoot tip and hypocotyls was very poor rather all these explants developed into unorganized mass of cells (calli) after allowing them to be cultured for 12 days. Based on the analysis of the study, only in the cotyledons the direct induction that arose around the cut end of the explants has been revealed. It was on MS medium containing 1mg/L BAP+0.5mg/L indole-3-butyric acid, the enlargement of shoot buds was observed. Once they become self efficient, the plants with good root development were allowed to be shifted into the greenhouse conditions where they further developed, more efficient and matured enough with the estimated survival rate of nearly 85%. With this, the study has confidently concluded that the protocol developed can be used for efficient and successful mass propagation of Ethiopian Capsicum annuum L.
Structural variation of the masseter muscle in Typothe-ria ( Mammalia , Notoungulata )

The great morphologic diversity of the order Notoungulata is evident in remarkable traits, such as the body size, and this group includes from small, rodent size animals (e.g., Punapithecus) to forms exceeding 1000 kg in weight (e.g., Trigodon). Moreover, several cases of convergence with other placentals are known within the group, with rodent-like and lagomorphs-like forms in Typotheria and animals similar to some Perissodactyla or Artiodactyla within Toxodontia. This remarkable diversity is also expressed in specific traits developed on certain parts of the skeleton, such as the auditory region or the masticatory apparatus. In this contribution we present an analysis on the structural evolution of the area of origin of the masseter muscle focused on the suborder Typotheria. A sample of 12 representatives of that group was selected, plus two representatives of early diverging notoungulates (Henricosborniidae and Notostylopidae). This sample covers a span of approximately 43 Ma (Eocene Tucumán, 2018 ISSN 1514-4186 ISSN on-line 1666-9479 Serie Correlación Geológica 34 (1): 53 70 ____________________________________________ 1) Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Miguel Lillo 205 (CP 4000), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina. e-mail: luis.sosa. hm@gmail.com 2) Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica (INSUGEO–CONICET). Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Miguel Lillo 205 (CP 4000), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina. e-mail: garcialopez.da@gmail.com –Pleistocene). On each case, the relative development and arrangement of the different parts of the masseter was determined evaluating the area of the muscular scars remaining on the zygomatic arch and its anterior root. Three main conditions related to the origin of the masseter muscle were deduced, showing some temporal and phylogenetic arrangement. Condition 0 (e.g., Colbertia, Oldfieldthomasia) is characterized by a small origin of the superficial master and a small area for the deep master, is only present in Eocene representatives, and is comparable to the generalized plan present in some marsupials (e.g., Didelphis). Condition 1 (e.g., Notopithecus, Protypotherium) presents a moderately-developed deep master and an origin of the superficial masseter related to a conspicuous descendant process, being similar to some Lagomorpha (e.g., Oryctolagus). Finally, the condition 2 (e.g., Griphotherion, Typotheriodon, Hegetotherium, Paedotherium) is the most complex, showing a spectrum of variations related to different stages of hypertrophy of the deep masseter which reflex similarities to certain rodents (e.g., Sciuromorpha). This morphologic perspective shows the complexity achieved by the Notoungulata and brings a more complete frame on the evolution of this group, which represents one of the most characteristic elements of the South American fossil biota.
Complement in acute and chronic arthritides: assessment of C3c, C9, and protectin (CD59) in synovial membrane.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of complement cascade induced damage and protection against it in acute arthritides compared to rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic joint derangements. METHODS: C3c, C9, and protectin (CD59) were examined by avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex staining. RESULTS: Marked deposits of C3c and C9 were found in synovial vasculature and intercellular matrix of the lining in rheumatoid arthritis and in acute arthritides (including bacterial, reactive, and osteoarthritis flare up). Furthermore, protectin was not visible in synovial lining cells and was relatively weakly expressed in stromal and endothelial cells in rheumatoid arthritis; also in acute arthritides protectin expression was weak. In contrast, C3c and C9 deposits were not found in chronic conditions associated with degenerative diseases (osteoarthritis and osteochondritis dissecans) or mechanical causes (patellar luxation and a ruptured meniscus), in which also the protectin expression was prominent in synovial lining, endothelial and some stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of the complement in rheumatoid arthritis and in acute arthritides seems to be associated with a decreased protection of synovial cells against cellular effects and lysis mediated by membrane attack complex.
Accumulated deep sleep is a powerful predictor of LH pulse onset in pubertal children.

CONTEXT During puberty, reactivation of the reproductive axis occurs during sleep, with LH pulses specifically tied to deep sleep. This association suggests that deep sleep may stimulate LH secretion, but there have been no interventional studies to determine the characteristics of deep sleep required for LH pulse initiation. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the effect of deep sleep fragmentation on LH secretion in pubertal children. DESIGN AND SETTING Studies were performed in a clinical research center. SUBJECTS Fourteen healthy pubertal children (11.3-14.1 y) participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS Subjects were randomized to two overnight studies with polysomnography and frequent blood sampling, with or without deep sleep disruption via auditory stimuli. RESULTS An average of 68.1 ±10.7 (± SE) auditory stimuli were delivered to interrupt deep sleep during the disruption night, limiting deep sleep to only brief episodes (average length disrupted 1.3 ± 0.2 min vs normal 7.1 ± 0.8 min, P < .001), and increasing the number of transitions between non-rapid eye movement (NREM), REM, and wake (disrupted 274.5 ± 33.4 vs normal 131.2 ± 8.1, P = .001). There were no differences in mean LH (normal: 3.2 ± 0.4 vs disrupted: 3.2 ± 0.5 IU/L), LH pulse frequency (0.6 ± 0.06 vs 0.6 ± 0.07 pulses/h), or LH pulse amplitude (2.8 ± 0.4 vs 2.8 ± 0.4 IU/L) between the two nights. Poisson process modeling demonstrated that the accumulation of deep sleep in the 20 minutes before an LH pulse, whether consolidated or fragmented, was a significant predictor of LH pulse onset (P < .001). CONCLUSION In pubertal children, nocturnal LH augmentation and pulse patterning are resistant to deep sleep fragmentation. These data suggest that, even when fragmented, deep sleep is strongly related to activation of the GnRH pulse generator.
Revisiting Firm-Specific Determinants of Dividend Policy: Evidence from Turkey

This study investigates the effects of firm-specific factors on dividend policies of Turkish publicly listed firms in the post-2003 period. The paper focuses on this period, because Turkish authorities and regulators implemented various major economic and structural reforms for market integration and made significant changes in the regulatory framework of cash dividend policy rules starting with the fiscal year 2003. We analyse a panel dataset of 264 firms traded in the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) over the period 2003-2012 and our results reveal that profitability, debt, growth, firm age and firm size are the most important firm-specific characteristics determining cash dividend payment decisions of ISE-listed firms. The findings, thus, suggest that more profitable, more mature and larger size firms are more likely to pay dividends (and distribute higher dividends), whereas firms with higher growth (investment opportunities) and more debt are less likely to pay dividends (and distribute lower dividends) in the Turkish market. Overall, we detect that the firm-specific determinants that affect corporate dividend policies of ISE firms do follow similar patterns of dividend policy factors in more developed economies after the implementation of major developments in the post-2003 period, and hence such reforms make Turkish firms to be comparable to their counterparts in developed markets in terms of dividend policy setting process.
The bluetail transposon: evidence for independent cis‐regulatory domains and domain boundaries in the bithorax complex.

An extremely large cis‐regulatory region generates the parasegment‐specific expression patterns of the homeotic genes in the bithorax complex. We present evidence supporting the idea that this cis‐regulatory region is subdivided into independent cis‐regulatory domains. We describe a Ubx‐lacZ transposon which is inserted into one of these domains, iab‐7. The PS12‐specific pattern of LacZ expression from this reporter indicates that it is subject to the control of the iab‐7 cis‐regulatory domain, but is protected from the effects of adjacent regulatory domains. Protection on the proximal side appears to be provided by the Fab‐7 boundary element. Deletion of this boundary results in the ectopic activation of iab‐7 in PS11 (where the iab‐6 cis‐regulatory domain normally functions). We show that the Fab‐7 boundary, like other boundaries, has an unusual chromatin structure.
The effect of metformin on blood pressure and metabolism in nondiabetic hypertensive patients

Snorgaard O, Køber L, Carlsen J (Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Frederiksberg Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Gentofte University Hospital, and MEDICON A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark). The effect of metformin on blood pressure and metabolism in nondiabetic hypertensive patients. J Intern Med 1997; 242: 407–412.
Equilibrium, Kinetic and Mass Transfer Studies and Column Operations for the Removal of Arsenic(III) from Aqueous Solutions using Acid Treated Spent Bleaching Earth

In the present study, a new adsorbent was produced from spent bleaching earth by H2SO4 impregnation method. The sorption of arsenic(III) by acid treated spent bleaching earth was studied to examine the possibility of utilizing this material in water treatment systems. The effect of time, pH, initial concentration, temperature on the adsorption of arsenic(III) was studied. Maximum adsorption was found to occur at pH 9.0. The adsorption process followed the first order Lagergren equation. Mass transfer coefficients and rate constants of intraparticle diffusion were calculated. The experimental data points were fitted to the Langmuir equation in order to calculate the adsorption capacity (Q0) of the adsorbent and the value of Q0 was found to be 0.46 mmol g–1. In order to understand the adsorption mechanism, Dubinin-Radushkevich (DR) isotherm was used. The magnitude of E calculated from DR equation was found to be 5.12 kJ mol–1. The heat of adsorption (ΔH0 = –30367 J mol–1) implied that the adsorption was physical exothermic adsorption. The column studies were also carried out to simulate water treatment processes. The capacity values obtained in column studies were found to be greater than the capacity values obtained in batch studies. This result was explained by the difference between batch system and column system. The factors that affect the capacity values of column and batch systems were explained. The effect of other anions on the adsorption of arsenic(III) in the presence of NO3 –, SO4 2–, Cl–, Br– was studied. The presence of these anions did not affect the adsorption of arsenic(III) significiantly.
Trophic relationships among fish assemblages in a mudflat within Brazilian

The present study on the temporal variations in diet and the trophic guilds of dominant fish species in a tidal mudflat, during the dry and rainy seasons. We aimed at classifying the diet composition of 17 species in the Mamanguape river estuary, northeastern Brazil, identifying the dominant food components and evaluating the effects of seasonality on the guild organization. Diet varied little between species and seasons; during the rainy season, the diets seemed to be more heterogeneous. According to the importance of prey in the diets, 5 primary feeding guilds were identified: (1) Detritivore, (2) Zooplanktivore, (3) Zoobenthivore-epifaune, (4) Zoobenthivore-infaune, and (5) Piscivore. Most fishes fed on a diverse range of food items but relied heavily on the zooplankton preys. Several fish species showed a tendency for a specialised diet, with almost all species showing some degree of opportunistic feeding. A high degree of diet overlap was found among some species; however, the presence of exploitative competition could not be determined. AbstrAct Dafne Marcelle de Almeida Ramos Campos, Adna Ferreira da Silva, Natalice dos Santos Sales, Ronnie Enderson Mariano Carvalho Cunha Oliveira, Andre Luiz Machado Pessanha*
Response of Haricot Bean ( Phaseolus Vulgaris L . ) to Lime Application and Rhizobium Inoculation on Nitosols at Bench-Maji Zone , Southwestern Ethiopia

Haricot bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) is one of the most economically important legume crops cultivated in Ethiopia. However, its productivity has never reached its full potential of production that it has in supporting income of resource poor farmers in the nation. This is partly due to infertility caused by acidic soils which have low nutrient contents including calcium. The present study was conducted to evaluate response of haricot bean to liming and Rhizobium inoculation in the vicinity of Mizan-Teferi, Bench-Maji Zone in Southwestern Ethiopia. The experiment comprised a factorial combination of four lime levels: 0, 1025, 2050 and 3075 kg ha-1; and Rhizobium leguminosarum biover phaseoli inoculation with and without inoculation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on nodulation yield and yield component parameters were collected and analyzed. The result revealed that the interaction effect of lime and Rhizobium inoculation had a significant influence on the majorities of parameters tested except pod number per plant and thousand seed weight. Higher values of nodule number per plant, nodule weight per plant, pod length, number of seed per pod and yield of haricot bean were obtained at Rhizobium inoculated treatments receiving lime rate of 2050 and 3075 kg ha-1. However, further increases in rate of lime beyond 2050 kg ha-1 even got worsen with respect to seed yield. Therefore, lime at a rate of 2050 kg ha-1 in combination with Rhizobium inoculation might be tentatively recommended to be used as a bio-fertilizer in the studied area. Further research must be needed to confirm the result presented from this finding.
Relación entre las dimensiones de personalidad según el P-IPG y la calidad de vida laboral percibida

Labor life quality (CVL, for its Spanish acronym) and personality conform two of the most interesting topics in human behavior research within the organization. The aim of this research was to identify whether it was possible to predict CVL as of some personality dimensions. To do so a correlational descriptive design was used. The sampling was made up of 145 workers at 5 private sector companies in the city of Bogotá. Personality was evaluated through the Gordon PPG-IPG test, and for life quality, Gómez PCVL (2010) was used. The results were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and the relation between variables was analyzed through Pearson moment-product coefficients and Spearman ranges. Results show that CVL valuation is positively related to the fact that the worker shows a more positive personality in terms of greater self-steem, caution, originality, understanding, and vitality.
Attitudes towards gambling in Finland

Background: Attitudes towards gambling influence gambling behaviour but also reflect the existing gambling policy in a society. However, studies examining general attitudes towards gambling at the population level are scarce. The first aim of this study was to investigate general attitudes of the Finnish population towards gambling. The second aim was to explore the association of socio-demographics, gambling behaviours, being a concerned significant other (CSO) of a problem gambler and perceived health and lifestyle with attitudes towards gambling among the Finnish population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by structured telephone interview on a random sample of 15-74-year-old Finns between October 2011 and January 2012. The data (n = 4484) was weighted based on age, gender and region of residence. Attitudes towards gambling were measured with the eight-item version of the Attitude Towards Gambling Scale (ATGS-8). A factor analysis was performed to test the structure of the Finnish version of the ATGS-8. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA test, t-test and multiple regression analysis. Results: On average, attitudes of Finns towards gambling were negative. The most significant factors associated with positive attitudes towards gambling were male gender, young age, 12 years or more education and net income more than 2000€, low score on gambling severity, being a non-CSO of a problem gambler and high alcohol consumption Conclusions: The association between young age, male gender, high net income and risky alcohol consumption, and favourable gambling attitudes was strong, and also reflects risky gambling behaviour. Experiencing gambling-related harms caused by one’s own or significant other’s excessive gambling seems to indicate unfavourable attitudes towards gambling.
Treatment outcome of dogs with meticillin-resistant and meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius pyoderma.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of meticillin- and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) in canine pyoderma has been increasing in recent years; thus, treatment of these cases has become challenging. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To compare treatment outcome (clinical resolution and treatment duration), adverse effects of medication, and concurrent diseases and medications in dogs with meticillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) and MRSP pyoderma. ANIMALS/METHODS: Medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and 123 MSSP and 93 MRSP clinical cases between January 2008 and April 2010 were included. RESULTS In MSSP infections, cefalexin and cefpodoxime were the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials, accounting for 43.2 and 34.4% of cases, respectively. In MRSP infections, chloramphenicol and doxycycline were most commonly prescribed, accounting for 52.6 and 14.4% of cases, respectively. Adverse effects were reported in seven MSSP and 31 MRSP cases. The most commonly reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal, prompting antibiotic discontinuation in three MSSP and 20 MRSP cases. Chloramphenicol was associated with the highest incidence of adverse reactions (27 of 51 cases). Of 164 cases with follow up, 43 of 88 MSSP infections and 29 of 76 MRSP infections achieved complete clinical resolution at the first recheck examination. Three MSSP and seven MRSP cases failed to improve or resolve at subsequent visits assessed at 3-4 week intervals. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Results from this study showed that the majority of pyodermas resolved regardless of meticillin susceptibility. Although some cases of MRSP pyoderma took longer to treat, this is likely to be because of chronicity and not the organism. In addition, adverse effects were frequently associated with chloramphenicol administration.