Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing brand equity : capitalizing on the value of a brand name

The most important assets of any business are intangible: its company name, brands, symbols, and slogans, and their underlying associations, perceived quality, name awareness, customer base, and proprietary resources such as patents, trademarks, and channel relationships. These assets, which comprise brand equity, are a primary source of competitive advantage and future earnings, contends David Aaker, a national authority on branding. Yet, research shows that managers cannot identify with confidence their brand associations, levels of consumer awareness, or degree of customer loyalty. Moreover in the last decade, managers desperate for short-term financial results have often unwittingly damaged their brands through price promotions and unwise brand extensions, causing irreversible deterioration of the value of the brand name. Although several companies, such as Canada Dry and Colgate-Palmolive, have recently created an equity management position to be guardian of the value of brand names, far too few managers, Aaker concludes, really understand the concept of brand equity and how it must be implemented. In a fascinating and insightful examination of the phenomenon of brand equity, Aaker provides a clear and well-defined structure of the relationship between a brand and its symbol and slogan, as well as each of the five underlying assets, which will clarify for managers exactly how brand equity does contribute value. The author opens each chapter with a historical analysis of either the success or failure of a particular company's attempt at building brand equity: the fascinating Ivory soap storythe transformation of Datsun to Nissanthe decline of Schlitz beerthe making of the Ford Taurus
The effect of preoperative antiplatelet therapy in coronary artery surgery: blood transfusion requirements for patients on cardiopulmonary bypass

SUMMARY Introduction: Bleeding after heart operations remains a common complication and contributes to morbidity and death. Recent studies have suggested that antiplatelet therapy (APT) may not increase homologous blood requirements in coronary bypass surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of APT therapy on haemorrhage and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Materials and methods: Records from 290 consecutive patients who underwent CABG with CPB were retrospectively reviewed, including 145 patients who received APT within 5 days prior to surgery and 145 control patients (CON). Blood loss was measured up to 24 h. Demographic and clinical patient data were collected until hospital discharge. Results: Both groups were well matched with respect to demographic and intra-operative data. There was significantly ( p < 0.0005) more mediastinal tube drainage at 24 h in the APT group (1123 mL ± 537 mL) compared to CON patients (874 mL ± 351 mL). In addition, the APT group received significantly more units of blood (APT: 2.6 ± 2.5 vs CON: 1.6 ± 1.8; p < 0.0005), platelet units (APT: 1.2 ± 1.8 vs CON: 0.2 ± 0.8; p < 0.0005), and fresh frozen plasma units (APT: 2.0 ± 2.2 vs CON: 1.3 ± 2.0; p = 0.01). Conclusion: This study suggests consideration should be given to delaying elective CABG for patients who have received APT treatment until APT is discontinued for at least 5 days.
Ultrastructural Immunolocalization of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein, Thrombospondin-4, and Collagen Fibril Size in Rodent Achilles Tendon in Relation to Exercise

Fourteen 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in pairs in standard cages (5 controls) and in individual cages with a running wheel. Four of these rats had run 27–36 km/week (low training—LT) and 5 had run 56–92 km/week (high training—HT). After 4 weeks, the rats were euthanized and Achilles tendons were fixed for electron microscopy. The ultrastructural distribution of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and thrombospondin (TSP)-4 and collagen fibril thickness in two different extracellular compartments were studied. The immunolabeling of COMP decreased with longer running distance and was significantly lower in both the pericellular (p = 0.009) and interterritorial (p = 0.03) compartments of the HT rats compared with the controls. TSP-4 immunolabeling was higher in the pericellular compared with the interterritorial compartments in all rats (p = 0.013) but was not correlated with COMP immunolabeling. No alterations in collagen fibril size were found in relation to running; however, the gold markers representing COMP and TSP-4 were mostly found at the dark bands, representing the gap region of the fibril.
A comprehensive review of palliative care in patients with cancer

Abstract One of the most challenging roles for the psychiatrist is to help guide terminally ill patients physically, psychologically and spiritually through the dying process. Patients with advanced cancer, and other life-threatening medical illnesses are at increased risk for developing major psychiatric complications and have an enormous burden of both physical as well as psychological symptoms. In fact, surveys suggest that psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and hopelessness are as frequent, if not more so, than pain and other physical symptoms in palliative care settings. Psychiatrists have a unique role and opportunity to offer competent and compassionate palliative care to those with life-threatening illness. In this article we provide a comprehensive review of basic concepts and definitions of palliative care and the experience of dying, and the role of the psychiatrist in palliative care including assessment and management of common psychiatric disorders in the terminally ill, with an emphasis on suicide and desire for hastened death. Psychotherapies developed for use in palliative care settings, and management of grief and bereavement are also reviewed.
Growth, Morbidity, and Mortality in a Cohort of Institutionalized HIV‐1‐Infected African Children

Objective: As a result of the HIV epidemic in Africa, much debate exists on whether institutionalized compared with community‐based care provides optimum management of infected children. Previous reports calculated 89% mortality by age 3 years among outpatients in Malawi. No similar data are available for infected children in institutionalized care. We characterized patterns of morbidity and mortality among HlV‐1‐infected children residing at an orphanage in Nairobi. Methods: Medical records for 174 children followed over 5 years were reviewed. Mortality was analyzed by Kaplan‐Meier methods with adjustment to account for survival in the community before admission. Anthropometric indices were calculated to include mean z scores for weight for length and length for age. Low indices reflected wasting and stunting. Opportunistic infections were documented. Results: Of 174 children, 64 had died. Survival was 70% at age 3 years. Morbidity included recurrent respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, parotitis, and lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis. No new cases of tuberculosis disease were noted after admission. Mean z scores for length for age suggested overall stunting (z = −1.65). Wasting was not observed (z = −0.39). Conclusion: The optimal form of care for HIV‐infected children in resource‐poor settings may be the development of similar homes. Absence of tuberculosis disease in long‐standing residents may have contributed to improved survival. Stunting in the absence of wasting implied that growth was compromised by opportunistic infections and other cofactors.
Raven's colored progressive matrices: a normative study of a random sample of healthy adults

Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test (RCPM) was administered to 894 normal healthy adults who were randomly selected in six Italian cities and in the Republic of San Marino. Gender, age, and education significantly influenced overall test performance, and performance on different RCPM subsets. Findings from this large random sample provide demographic corrections to test scores for use in clinical practice.
A Path To Consumer Surplus & Loyalty: How Path Dependent Products Result in Lower Prices and Order-Dependent Consumer Loyalty

In the technology industry one product category commonly builds on another. For instance, a smart television product enhances a smart phone. However, because firms can enhance the experience if they produce both products, the utility gained by owning both products from the same firm is greater than the sum of the two products’ utility if purchased from two separate firms. One would think this would increase the margins of the second product, as it does in aftermarkets. However, we show that in a duopoly environment the additional utility produced by the firms offset each other. This explains why we have not seen a dramatic increase in profit margins from hardware producers such as Apple, Google and Samsung.
Increased risk of restenosis after placement of gold-coated stents.

To the Editor: The article “Increased Risk of Restenosis After Placement of Gold-Coated Stents,” by Kastrati, et al1 concludes that “One-year event-free survival was significantly less favorable in the gold-stent group” (versus the steel stent group), although in the introduction they suggest in vitro studies indicated a more favorable result. I think that a possible explanation of their unexpected result lies in a seldom-recognized mechanism of radiation deposition at the boundary between a high atomic number (Z) material (gold) and a relatively low Z material (tissue). I think that this mechanism is an uncontrolled and unaccounted-for source of potentially significant radiation energy deposition (through fluoroscopy) in the intima of the artery …
Strategic consensus of market orientation: a transitional economy perspective

In transition economies, firms are faced with the challenge of adapting to new competitive pressures domestically and realizing market opportunities abroad. A market orientation is central to such adaptation. Using a multiple-source, multiple-informant design, nearly 4000 employees from 180 Chinese manufacturing firms were surveyed to explore how market orientation evolves. Results show that consensus, about being market oriented, between top managers and non-supervisory employees positively affects firm performance. This consensus is more likely in firms with participative cultures. Interestingly, firm performance was unrelated to middle and top manager consensus and unrelated to middle manager and employee consensus. Also contrary to expectations, the formalization of organizational procedures is not predictive of strategic consensus.
Student Perceptions of Educational Technology Tools

In this age of rapid technological innovation, marketing professors are using various educational technology tools to assist learning in their classes. However, little is known about students’ perceptions of how these unique teaching tools influence their overall experience. Consequently, marketing professors may be unsure which educational technology tools to incorporate into their courses. This study investigates how various educational technology tools affect students’perceptions in three outcome-oriented areas: overall learning, ability to get a job, and expected job performance. Student perceptions were obtained through a survey administered in a “Marketing on the Internet” course that simultaneously employed various educational technology tools. Findings reveal that students have differing opinions on the impact of these technologies on their learning, ability to get a job, and job performance. Suggestions are provided so instructors can select the appropriate educational technology tools to maximize teaching effectiveness.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant New Zealand Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lineage 3

ABSTRACT Multidrug resistance constitutes a threat worldwide to the management of tuberculosis (TB). We report the draft whole-genome sequence of a lineage 3 (East-African Indian) isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis which presented as multidrug resistant in New Zealand, and describe a number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes relating to drug resistance.
Implementation of internal marketing on a sample of Egyptian five-star hotels

Internal marketing has been discussed in management and academic literature. Yet, it remains poorly operationalized. This article tends to develop a clear understanding of the concept based on the academic literature, develop an instrument to measure it, and finally assess the empirical evidence of its impact on performance. The current conceptualization of internal marketing is explored in a survey among frontline employees of five-star hotels in Egypt. The classic four dimensions of the internal marketing concept will be examined and assessed. In the final analysis, hospitality managers could benefit from the findings of the study by adapting and implementing internal marketing strategies that engage and retain effective, devoted, and satisfied employees. Moreover, the greater the allocation of resources towards internal marketing implementation, the higher will be the probability of the organization's success.
Dermatoglyphics in patients with schizophrenia--findings in the Macedonian population.

UNLABELLED The human palms and soles are textured with skin different to that of the other body surface. Instead of sebaceous glands or hairs, there are sweat glands opening into epidermal ridges. They are variously oriented, thus forming different patterns. The aim of the study was to assess some dermatoglyphic patterns, the TRC and the a-b ridge count in a sample of patients and a control group of healthy examinees. MATERIAL AND METHOD 59 male and 50 female patients with schizophrenia and 60 healthy male and 50 female individuals as a control group were included in the study. Hand prints were taken using the method of Cummins and Midlo; pattern types were determined and classified using the Henry classification. An analysis of pattern frequency in schizophrenia compared to the normal controls was conducted. RESULTS The patterns most frequently present are loops (ulnar) with greater incidence and whorls with smaller incidence in patients with schizophrenia compared to the healthy individuals. The number of arches is higher in male patients and lower in female patients. Complex patterns are rare. TRC in females has lower values found in patients. The a-b ridge count has significant difference in male and female patients; higher values in male and lower in female patients. CONCLUSION There is some association between the frequency of certain dermatoglyphic characteristicss and schizophrenia. Our findings form a useful database for the dermatoglyphic marks present in patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects of Macedonian nationality.
The validity of University Entrance Examination and High school Grade point average for predictiong first year university students' academic performance

University entrance exam scores and High School grade point average are two admission criteria that are currently used for higher education institutions in Ethiopia. It is essential to investigate the predictive validities of these two criteria, to ensure the precision of admission decisions. This study was conducted to examine the predictive validity of university entrance exam scores and high school GPA for college performance in different programs at Addis Ababa university; Differential validity was also measured across gender and school type (private vs public) . Predictive validity was evaluated as an index of the relationship between the predictors (High school GPA (HGPA) and the University entrance exam scores (UEEs) scores), and the criterion (first year college GPA). The sample used in the study consisted of 217 students from different study programs at Addis Ababa University. Statistical procedures utilized in the research included descriptive, bivariate correlation and regression analyses. Results obtained showed Both high school GPA and the University entrance exam scores significantly predict first year college GPA in general and for each study program (mathematics, Geology, statistics & computer science) as well . The combination of both predictors explained approximately 59 % (for mathematics), 16 % (for Geology), 34% (for statistics) and 37% (for computer science students) of the total variance in the first year college GPA. The comparison of the standardised regression coefficients revealed that University entrance exam scores have higher predictive power for all programs except for Geology, in which High school GPA predicted more. Differential validity and prediction results showed that for UEES, the validity coefficients and regression coefficients were significantly higher for private school students than public school students, which indicates the existence of differential validity and prediction of UEES across school. Sex differences in validity and prediction appear to be not significant. Finally it is recommended that the ministry of education and other admission personnel should give more emphasis to UEEs and review the appropriateness of using High school Grade point average to enhance predictive validity of college grade point average.
Pigmented nevi, juvenile melanomas, and malignant melanomas in children

HE REPORTED RELATIVELY BENIGN COURSE Of T malignant melanomas in childhood21 8% 4% 61 and contradictory statements in the literature regarding their occurrence,l7. 84 metastasis, and mortality ratelo. 3% 38 originally stimulated our interest in this group of childhood lesions. The presentation of histological descriptions by Spitz and her attempt to differentiate childhood juvenile melanomas with a benign course from adult malignant melanomas prompted us to investigate our experience with patients in this age group. The purpose of this article is to present our findings in a study of benign and malignant pigmented tumors surgically removed from children at the Mayo Clinic.
Immobilization of white‐tailed deer with telazol, ketamine, and xylazine, and evaluation of antagonists

Telazol-xylazine and ketamine-xylazine are versatile and safe drug combinations that are used frequently for chemical immobilization of cervids. Although neither combination consistently offers rapid induction and recovery, we hypothesized that a combination of Telazol, ketamine, and xylazine (TKX) would provide a safe and effective alternative for immobilization of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). During a 2-stage study, we evaluated the effectiveness of yohimbine and tolazoline as alpha2-adrenergic antagonists (2005-2006), and characterized the factors that affected chemical immobilization of male deer with a targeted dose of telazol (2.20 mg/kg), ketamine (1.76 mg/kg), and xylazine (0.44 mg/kg), using explosive-charged darts (2007-2010). During the first stage, we randomly assigned deer to antagonist treatments, including a control group that did not receive an antagonist (n ¼ 8), a tolazoline (4 mg/kg) treatment (n ¼ 16), and a yohimbine (0.11 mg/kg) treatment (n ¼ 15). Recovery times ðxSEÞ were longer (P ¼ 0.0013) for control (150.6 � 21.7 min) and yohimbine (74.5 � 13.1 min), compared with tolazoline (12.5 � 12.3 min). Tolazoline resulted in faster and more complete recovery compared with the frequent incomplete antagonism and ataxia observed with yohimbine. During the second stage, 56 immo- bilization events (2007-2010) with TKX yielded a mean induction time of 7.8 minutes (SE ¼ 0.44). Repeated-measures analyses indicated that induction and recovery were affected by body weight, with larger males taking longer to become recumbent (P ¼ 0.08), but they recovered more rapidly (P ¼ 0.003) following administration of tolazoline. Physiological parameters we measured under anesthesia were within normal ranges for white-tailed deer; however, initial temperature was higher (b ¼� 0.86) for younger males (P ¼ 0.014). Final physiological parameters were closely related to initial measurements, with rectal temperature being the most preserved (b ¼ 0.90); heart and respiration rate declined (b < 0.60) during anesthesia. Our results indicate that TKX may be useful for chemically immobilizing white-tailed deer, and we recommend tolazoline as an antagonist for xylazine. 2012 The Wildlife Society.
The BlackBerry veil: mobile use and privacy practices by young female Saudis

Purpose – Qualitative and quantitative research on mobile phone use by youth worldwide has been a recurrent theme for social scientists since the early 1990s in the USA, Europe and some parts of Asia. However, very little work is known about this subject contextualized in the often more conservative Arab societies of the Middle East. The purpose of this paper is to provide a foundation for discourse in this area through the study of mobile phone use patterns of a highly educated group of young Saudi women vis-a-vis privacy. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed interpretative approach was used with a quantitative survey initially conducted to gain a broad idea about the social practices around mobile use, followed by the use of a qualitative method (focus groups), aimed to focus the discussion on the concept of privacy and how the participants negotiate their use of mobile services in light of this. Findings – Variable user behaviour was found with regards to privacy, as their own individual view or socie.
Deciding on the Mode of Negotiation: To Auction or Not to Auction Electronically

SUMMARY Purchasing transactions are increasingly conducted through electronic auctions. Some companies already source 25 percent of their total purchase volume through this electronic mechanism. However, most of these purchasing transactions could, alternatively, be conducted as face-to-face negotiations. This article examines (a) when it is feasible to conduct an electronic auction in purchasing, and (b) under what circumstances it is better to source items through an electronic auction as opposed to sourcing them through face-to-face negotiations.
Gender and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in High-Risk Smokers

Background: Data suggest that women are more susceptible to develop airway obstruction compared to men for the same number of cigarettes smoked. Objectives: To compare the prevalence of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and the effect of smoking on the risk of developing COPD according to gender, in a population of high-risk smokers. Methods: In 795 smokers, spirometry was performed using the criteria of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to determine airflow obstruction. COPD prevalence was determined in smokers grouped according to the number of cigarettes smoked per year [<20 (I), 20–40 (II), 40–60 (III) and >60 pack-years (IV)] and age. Results: Men were older, smoked more and for a longer period. Age at smoking initiation and the number of packs smoked per day did not differ. COPD was diagnosed in 26% of the subjects (30.5% men and 22.3% women, p < 0.001) with similar degree of obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 78% of predicted in men vs. 75% in women). COPD prevalence was lower in women in all categories irrespective of the pack-year history (I: 9 vs. 19%; II: 16 vs. 28%; III: 28 vs. 39%, and IV: 25 vs. 42%, respectively, p < 0.001). In those older than 50 years, 34% men and 17% women (p < .001) had COPD. Conclusions: Using the GOLD criteria, the prevalence of COPD in smokers was higher than previous reports. In this self-selected sample of high-risk smokers having the same smoking history, prevalence was lower in women than in men, suggesting a lower susceptibility for the development of airway obstruction.