Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of sales promotion type and promotion depth on consumer perceptions: the moderating role of retailer reputation

This study uses a between-subjects experimental design to test the effect of two sales promotion formats (coupon versus markdown) with either high and low face values on consumer attitudes toward the deal, perceived product quality, and purchase intentions. The reputation of the retailer offering the deal is predicted to moderate the relationship between the promotional offer and consumer responses. Consumers perceive product quality to be higher when offered a high value coupon vs. markdown but there is no significant difference in perceived quality across promotion types when the promotion face value is low. When a deep price discount is offered by a retailer with a negative reputation, however, consumers have more favorable attitudes toward the deal and higher purchase intentions when provided with a markdown vs. coupon. Conversely, a high value coupon elicits more favorable evaluations than a markdown when the retailer has a positive reputation. When the value of the promotion is low and the retailer has a positive reputation, consumers have more positive deal attitudes and purchase intentions when offered a markdown vs. coupon. There is no significant difference in the effects of promotion type when the retailer has a negative reputation. The findings therefore establish retailer reputation as an important moderator of sales promotions effectiveness. This research is limited by the use of a single product category and a student sample. Process measures are also needed to validate the proposed theoretical conceptualization. The results provide managers insight into the type and value of the sales promotion to offer based on consumer perceptions of the retailer's reputation in the market.
Prolonged clinical remission in patients with extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type treated with cladribine: 6 year follow-up of a phase II trial.

A median 80 months follow-up with updated time to progression (TTP) and survival data is presented from a multicenter phase II trial using 2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) in the treatment of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type (MALT lymphoma) [1]. With the exception of Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication therapy in localized gastric disease no established guidelines for the management of MALT lymphoma patients exist. letters to the editor Annals of Oncology
Relationship marketing, word of mouth communication and consumer loyalty in the Ugandan mobile telecommunication industry

Relationship marketing and word of mouth have been relatively neglected in influencing consumer loyalty in the mobile telecommunication industry and there has been almost no academic research examining this issue in the Ugandan market hence rendering this research quite significant academically. Further, most of these studies have been in the context of developed nations. Given that there are fundamental differences in the industry dynamics, market structures, and customer needs between developed and developing countries of the world, the larger aim of this study is to develop a conceptual framework and after testing the framework further empirically examine the impact various dimensions of relationship marketing, word of mouth on customer’s loyalty in the telecommunication industry of Uganda, as there could be no universal solutions for prescribing relationship exchanges (Palmer, 1997). Thus, the purpose of this paper is: to establish the relationship between relationship marketing, word of mouth communication and consumer’s loyalty in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry of Uganda. Results of this, will assist in better management of firm-customer relationships and in achieving higher levels of consumer’s loyalty which is currently desirable for any given mobile phone company to survive in this volatile competitive environment. Provide an insight into relationship marketing and word of mouth strategies with high level ability to increase consumer’s loyalty to a desirable level. Key words: Relationship marketing, Word of mouth, consumer loyalty, Ugandan telecommunication industry.
Oil Palm Kisan Mobile Message Services - A New Paradigm in Technology Dissemination

Oil Palm Kisan Mobile Message Services was launched with an objective to disseminate oil palm technology through mobile message services to the stakeholders’ viz., oil palm growers, officials of State Department of Agriculture / Horticulture, oil palm processors and scientists. A total of 13,834 unique mobile numbers were collected. Seventy two message contents were developed and published two types of messages to mobile numbers viz., 1. Message through Short Message Service (SMS) in text form. A total of 54 text contents were prepared in vernacular languages and sent to 3.12 lakh mobile numbers as SMS with a delivery percentage of 81 per cent. 2. Message in the form of Voice calls with a total of 41 contents were pre-recorded and sent to 3.61 lakh mobile & landline numbers and delivery percentage was 42.9 per cent . Feed back on published SMS and voice messages revealed that majority of the respondents are in the age group of 41-60 years; having young plantations, having 5- 8 year old plantations; having secondary education; belong to small and big/large farmers category. Majority of them are receiving the messages; regular in reading/listening the messages. They have indicated that the messages are audible; language is understandable; message is useful; relevant to their crop growth; messages are being discussed/spread and adopting the practices disseminated through SMS/Voice messages. They preferred mode of mobile service through voice or SMS or both; would like to have weekly messages; indicated that messages are accurate, brief and clear. Usefulness of the subjects is as follows viz., irrigation, fertilizer application, and disease management and weed control.
Endothelial cell protection and complement inhibition in xenotransplantation: a novel in vitro model using whole blood

Abstract: Background: Studying the interactions between xenoreactive antibodies, complement and coagulation factors with the endothelium in hyperacute and acute vascular rejection usually necessitates the use of in vivo models. Conventional in vitro or ex vivo systems require either serum, plasma or anti‐coagulated whole blood, making analysis of coagulation‐mediated effects difficult. Here a novel in vitro microcarrier‐based system for the study of endothelial cell (EC) activation and damage, using non‐anticoagulated whole blood is described. Once established, the model was used to study the effect of the characterized complement‐ and coagulation inhibitor dextran sulfate (DXS, MW 5000) for its EC protective properties in a xenotransplantation setting.
Improved survival in cancer patients requiring mechanical ventilatory support: Impact of noninvasive mechanical ventilatory support

ObjectiveWhen a cancer patient becomes critically ill, mechanical ventilation (MV) is often considered futile. However, recent studies have found that outcomes of critically ill cancer patients have been improving over the years and that classic predictors of high mortality have lost their relevance. DesignWe retrospectively determined outcomes and predictors of 30-day mortality in 237 mechanically-ventilated cancer patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). PatientsThe 132 (55.7%) patients who were admitted between 1990 and 1995 were compared with 105 (44.3%) patients who were admitted between 1996 and 1998. The malignancy was leukemia/lymphoma in 119 (50.3%) patients, myeloma in 50 (21%), and a solid tumor in 68 (28.7%). Forty-two (17.7%) patients had bone marrow transplantation, and 91 (38.4%) were neutropenic. Median Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) was 58 (range, 40–75). Reasons for MV were acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in 148 (62.5%) patients, coma in 54 (22.8%), and cardiogenic pulmonary edema in 35 (14.7%). Conventional MV was used first in 189 (79.8%) patients, and noninvasive MV (NIMV) was used in 48 (20.2%). Overall mortality rate was 72.5% (172 deaths). ResultsLogistic regression identified three variables associated with mortality: ICU admission between 1996 and 1998 (odds ratio [OR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12–0.50) and the use of NIMV (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16–0.73) were protective, and the SAPS II was aggravating (OR, 1.04 per point; 95% CI, 1.02–1.06). To better define the impact of NIMV, we performed a pairwise-matched exposed–unexposed analysis. Forty-eight patients who did and 48 who did not receive NIMV as the first ventilation method were matched for SAPS II, type of malignancy, and period of ICU admission. Crude ICU mortality rates from exposed patients and controls were 43.7% and 70.8%, respectively. NIMV remained protective from mortality after adjustment for matching variables (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12–0.82). ConclusionOur results confirm that mortality has improved over the past decade in critically ill cancer patients, even those who require MV, and suggest that this may be, in part, because of a protective effect of NIMV.
Comparison of Costs of Strategies for Measuring Levels of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 RNA in Plasma by Using Amplicor and Ultra Direct Assays

ABSTRACT The costs of four algorithms for monitoring plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA were compared. For patients with strong virologic responses, the use of Ultra Direct exclusively was the cheapest strategy. For patients with weak virologic responses, small savings could be obtained by using Amplicor and retesting only samples with values below 500 copies/ml with Ultra Direct.
Understanding the online consumer: A typology of online relational norms and behavior

Relational norms governing Web-based interaction provide the basis for a typology of relationship orientation manifested by consumers online. Clustering techniques are applied to survey data collected online to identify four groups: Transactional Community Members, Socializers, Personal Connectors, and Lurkers. Cluster assignment is validated by examination of segment means, under volitional versus constraint-based marketing contexts. Relational profiles are developed, differentiated by the strength of relational norms and exhibited interactive behavior. Results suggest investment in community-building infrastructure (i.e., chat rooms, bulletin boards, interactive events), has a positive effect on the future loyalty intentions of highly relational patrons. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Effects of Processing Condition on the Properties of Fe(Se,Te) Thin Films Grown by Sputtering

We studied the effects of processing conditions on the properties and microstructure of Fey(Se1-xTex) thin films grown on MgO substrates by RF sputtering. The thin films were grown in two ways; in situ deposition onto heated substrates and deposition onto cold substrates followed by an ex situ annealing process. Various properties of the deposited Fe(Se,Te) thin films including the phase, texture, surface morphology, composition, and superconducting properties were investigated. The results showed that in situ sputtering leads to higher quality films, e.g., smoother surface, pure phase, more uniform composition, and better crystallographic alignment. For the ex situ grown films, depending on the annealing conditions, phase separation, appearance of the impurity phases such as hexagonal Fe(Se,Te), poor texture, higher Fe-content, nonuniform composition, and rough surfaces developed in the films.
Environmental Disclosure and Financial Characteristics of the Firm: The Case of Denmark

Drawing on the importance of social accounting for sustainable development, we study practices of environmental disclosure on the websites of companies listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. The first part of this paper produces and discusses descriptive evidence on environmental reporting practices by listed companies with respect to the content of disclosed information. We then undertake an explanatory task in order to identify the factors that determine environmental reporting for firms listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. Firm size, financial leverage, the market-to-book ratio, and profitability are significantly associated with the breadth environmental disclosure.
DNA-modified siRNA-dependent gene silencing with reduced off-target effect is induced through a pathway parallel to that for siRNA-mediated RNA interference

RNA interference (RNAi) is mediated by 21 nucleotides of short interfering RNA (siRNA) through sequence-specific cleavage of the cognate transcript. The position-dependent function of ribonucleotide residues in siRNA was analyzed by systematic DNA substitution. The results indicated that eight nucleotides from the 5' end of the guide strand and its complementary sequence are replaceable with DNA counterparts without any substantial loss of gene silencing activity. However, the remaining duplex including the 3' end of the guide strand could not be replaced with DNA, probably because of binding of RNA-binding proteins such as Argonaute and TRBP2. In addition, due to the reduced stability of a DNA-RNA hybrid other than the RNA duplex, previous studies have reported that the guide strand of the DNA-modified siRNA was, in most cases, incapable of exerting unintended off-target gene silencing (Ui-Tei et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 36, 2136-2151, 2008). Argonaute and TRBP2 were found to be necessary for inducing both nonmodified and DNA-modified siRNA-mediated gene silencing. Although the major target cleavage sites by nonmodified and DNA-modified siRNAs were identical to each other, transcript cleavage at minor sites was prevented by the presence of the DNA arm. Unlike the 5' end of the nonmodified-siRNA guide strand, the 5' end of the guide strand of DNA-modified siRNA appeared dispensable for seed positioning on the Argonaute surface.
Numerical analysis of specific absorption rate in the human head due to a 13.56 MHz RFID-based intra-ocular pressure measurement system

A modern wireless intra-ocular pressure monitoring system, based on 13.56 MHz inductively coupled data transmission, was dosimetrically analyzed with respect to the specific absorption rate (SAR) induced inside the head and the eye due to the electromagnetic field exposure caused by the reader antenna of the transmission system. The analysis was based on numerical finite difference time domain computations using a high resolution anatomical eye model integrated in a modern commercially available anatomical model of a male head. Three different reader antenna configurations, a 7-turn elliptic (30 mm × 50 mm) antenna at 12 mm distance from the eye, a flexible circular antenna (60 mm diameter, 8 turns on 2 mm substrate) directly attached to the skin, and a circular 7-turn antenna (30 mm diameter at 12 mm distance to the eye) were analyzed, respectively. Possible influences of the eye-lid status (closed or opened) and the transponder antenna contained in a contact lens directly attached to the eye were taken into account. The results clearly demonstrated that for typical reader antenna currents required for proper data transmission, the SAR values remain far below the limits for localized exposure of the head, as defined by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Particularly the induced SAR inside the eye was found to be substantially (orders of magnitudes for typical reader antenna currents in the order of 1 A turn) below values which have been reported to be critical with respect to thermally induced adverse health effects in eye tissues.
SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF SIROLIMUS WITH CYCLOSPORINE AND TACROLIMUS: ANALYSIS OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSION ON LYMPHOCYTE PROLIFERATION AND ACTIVATION IN RAT WHOLE BLOOD

Background. Whole-blood analysis of lymphocyte function was used to investigate the pharmacodynamic (PD) interaction of sirolimus (SRL) with cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus (TRL) in vitro and to determine the relation between PD and pharmacokinetics (PK) of SRL in an in vivo rat model. Methods. In vitro, experiments involved incubation of increasing concentrations (106–109 nM) of SRL with either CsA or TRL in rat whole blood. For the in vivo study, rats were orally treated with different doses of SRL alone (1, 3, 5, or 8 mg/kg) or with a combination of 3 mg/kg SRL plus 2.5 or 5 mg/kg CsA. Blood was obtained before and at different times after dosing. Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]) and activation (CD25, CD71, CD11a, CD134) in mitogen-stimulated blood was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. SRL and CsA blood concentrations were determined at the same time points by light chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results. In vitro, concentrations of SRL between 106 and 108 nM acted synergistically in combination with CsA or TRL at concentrations between 106 and 108 nM. Higher SRL concentrations did not further increase inhibition of lymphocyte function in these combinations. In vivo, good correlations (r=0.68–0.94) were observed between PD parameters of lymphocyte function and SRL-PK and dose. Increasing SRL doses produced higher blood concentrations, but SRL doses of 8 mg/kg did not further increase inhibition of lymphocyte function. PD effects on lymphocyte function were prolonged, but maximal inhibition was not increased when SRL was applied in combination with CsA as compared to SRL mono therapy. Conclusions. The results suggest that analysis of lymphocyte function in whole blood may be useful to optimize dosing of SRL in combination with CsA or TRL and that PD monitoring of immunosuppressive drugs will enhance the value of PK monitoring.
Mother-Daughter Intergenerational Influence on Clothing Products: Cultural Perspectives

Research in consumer socialization behavior has overlooked mother-daughter intergenerational influence within the context of Arab culture. Based on 57 mothers/daughters dyads responses, this study aims to identify the similarity/dissimilarity attitudes between Jordanian mothers and their young daughters (age: 18-24) towards marketplace activities and marketing practices concerning clothing product. It also tends to measure the relative influences of mothers’ beliefs in marketplace activities and marketing practices on their daughters. The principal component factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to validate the research model. Paired sample t-test and multiple regression analysis using Structural Equation Modeling were employed to examine the research hypotheses. Results revealed that the best predictors of the general attitudes of daughters towards marketplace activities and marketing practices were respectively accounted for mothers’ attitude towards purchasing clothing items on sale, clothing stores preferences, and TV advertising values. Some of the managerial implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research were also discussed.
Catheter‐Associated Septic Thrombophlebitis

The clinical presentation and results of management of septic thrombophlebitis in 35 patients over a seven-year period are reviewed. There were 25 men and ten women; 20 patients were over age 50. At diagnosis, fever was present in 33 patients (94%), and 33 (94%) had local signs of inflammation. Pus was expressed from the infusion site in 25 patients (71%). All patients had plastic catheters, with 95% present longer than 48 hours. Klebsiella-Enterobacter was the dominant organism both at the infusion site and in the blood. All patients had surgical excision of the infected vein, followed in 60% by rapid lysis of fever. Other infections were responsible for persistent fever after total excision. Septic thrombophlebitis is best prevented by strict asepsis in catheter placement and rotation of infusion sites every 48 hours. Total excision of the infected vein remains the treatment of choice.
Male Consumer Decision-Making Styles

The neglect of men in consumer decision-making research is lamentable given the clear evidence that they are an important shopping group and are likely to make shopping decisions differently from women. This study addresses the subject of male decision making using Sproles and Kendall's (1986) Consumer Styles Inventory (CSI). All of the original eight traits and four new traits namely; store-loyal/low-price seeking, time-energy conserving, confused time-restricted and store-promiscuity were identified for men. The study also demonstrated the potential of the CSI for segmenting markets as meaningful and distinct groups of buyers with different decision-making styles were identified. The findings suggest that retailers should appeal to their buyers by improving the efficiency of the shopping process and value perceptions when dealing with male shoppers.
Vulnerability--a new view of schizophrenia.

Although descriptive and etiological approaches to psychopathology have made notable advances, they seem to have reached a plateau. After reviewing the six approaches to etiology that now preempt the field—ecological, developmental, learning, genetic, internal environment, and neurophysiological models—a second-order model, vulnerability, is proposed as the common denominator, and methods for finding markers of vulnerability are suggested in the hope of revitalizing the field. It is assumed that exogenous and/or endogenous challengers elicit a crisis in all humans, but depending on the intensity of the elicited stress and the threshold for tolerating it, that is, one's vulnerability, the crisis will either be contained homeostatically or lead to an episode of disorder. Vulnerability and episode stand in a trait-state relation, and markers for each must be provided to distinguish between them.
Nonproportionality of Scintillator Detectors: Theory and Experiment. II

We report measurements of electron response of scintillators, including data on 29 halides, oxides, organics, and fluorides. We model the data based on combining the theories of: Onsager, to account for formation of excitons and excited activators; Birks, to allow for exciton-exciton annihilation; Bethe-Bloch, to relate electron stopping to its energy; and Landau, to describe how fluctuations in the linear energy deposited (dE/dx) lead to nonproportionality's contribution to resolution. In general there is satisfactory agreement with experiment, in terms of fitting the electron response data and reproducing the literature values of resolution. We find that the electron response curve shapes are more affected by the host lattice than by the activator or its concentration.