Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use and abuse of online social network sites by Gen Y in the EU : Can marketing make a difference?

This paper discusses the qualitative data collected during the pilot study phase of research investigating positive and negative behaviours of members of social network sites (SNS). Five collaborating universities recently applied for EU research funding under the FP7 programme for cross border collaborative research. As a result of a meeting of international colleagues in Caen, France during the autumn of 2008 a pilot study was undertaken in their home institutions to establish the feasibility of a research idea that had been germinating over several months. A preliminary review of the literature, discussions with other colleagues around the world, and this pilot study amongst Generation Y students in four EU countries have enabled us to map the territory and develop a focus for the project which seeks to understand the new digital world that has been evolving in recent years, both in terms of its potential and threats to individuals, organisations and countries. The EU has recognised this same need as in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7 SSH-2009A) Socio-economic and Humanities Part 8 section 3.2. 1. it calls for collaborative research projects which investigate “The new trends in consumers' behaviour in Europe and their social, cultural and economic underpinnings; Their social, cultural and societal implications, including the mutual impacts of consumers' behaviour on other collective issues in the short, medium and long terms; and the factors influencing consumers' choices. ” From a business perspective the McKinsey Report (2007) identified how online tools were being used and where, and to whom they were most important. From the data collected it also identified which companies planned to spend more on these tools in the future. The follow up report in 2008 revealed that companies were using more Web 2.0 tools and technologies than in the previous year, sometimes for more complex business purposes.The results of the pilot study saw users reporting both the positive and negative aspects of online activities using social network sites. Of the students in the four countries which returned date for this pilot study students 89% reported using Facebook, 59% MSN and 10% MySpace. Others SNSs were rarely used.
Trends in Intergenerational Income Mobility

Previous studies of recent U.S. trends in intergenerational income mobility have produced widely varying results, partly because of large sampling errors. By making more efficient use of the available information in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we generate more reliable estimates of the recent time series variation in intergenerational mobility. Our results, which pertain to the cohorts born between 1952 and 1975, do not reveal major changes in intergenerational mobility.
Knowledge Portfolios and The Organization of Innovation Networks

Properties of strategic alliance networks, such as small world structures, skewed link distributions, and patterns of repeated tie occurrences, are often explained in terms of social capital theories. A simple model shows how merely assuming that firms must have a certain degree of commonality in their knowledge to have a successful alliance is enough to produce the above features, without recourse to social capital at all.
Scallop shell extract promotes recovery from UV-B-induced damage in rat skin epidermal layer

It has been previously reported that scallop shell extract can protect keratinocyte cells against UV-B-induced damage in vitro by acting as an antioxidant and a growth promoter. To establish the growth promoting activity of scallop shell extract, the effect was investigated in vivo. Exposure of rat dorsal skin to UV-B caused the formation of erythema and eschar. Either the scallop shell extract or vehicle (water) was applied once a day for 5 days to the injured dorsal area and the area of the erythema and eschar was estimated using National Institute of Health (NIH) image software. Wound healing of the erythema and eschar was clearly promoted after application of scallop shell extract when compared to application of the vehicle control. Histological studies indicated that scallop shell extract promoted the recovery of the epidermal layer. These results suggest that scallop shell extract activates rat keratinocyte cells and promotes the turnover of skin stratum corneum. This conclusion was also supported by measurement of the turnover rate of the stratum corneum. Therefore, scallop shell extract may be effective in protecting skin against UV-B.
Managing Revenue across Retail Channels: The Interplay of Service Performance and Direct Marketing

Increased internal pressure to make marketing accountable, combined with market pressure from the proliferation of new service delivery channels, requires retailers to better understand the differential impacts of marketing efforts across channels now more than ever. In this article, the authors (1) develop and test a theoretically grounded framework for the interplay of objective service performance and direct marketing in shaping retail revenue over time through two distinct service delivery channels (on-site and remote) and (2) conceptualize service delivery channel–specific servicescapes as facilitative mechanisms for the effectiveness of objective service performance and direct marketing. The authors test the conceptual framework with multisource data from a major national pizza retailer comprising a field study based on a time series of 223 weeks across five stores of objective marketing and performance data (delivery time) and a cross-sectional survey of the retailer's customers. They find that objective service performance and direct marketing interact by exhibiting a trade-off effect contingent on specific aspects of the servicescape. When both objective service performance and direct marketing levels are high, servicescape quality design perceptions alleviate the trade-off effect in on-site delivery channels, and servicescape time/effort cost perceptions do so in remote delivery channels. The authors conclude with a discussion of implications for research and practice.
Consumer reaction to new package design

Purpose – This study aims to explore the reaction of consumers to a new package design through differing levels of experience. It examines how consumers' expectation of product quality change as the consumer's experience with the package moves from indirect to direct.Design/methodology/approach – Respondents evaluated a new package design at indirect, moderately direct, and direct levels of experience. Factor analysis was also conducted to determine what dimensions consumers use for evaluation.Findings – This study revealed three major findings. First, consumers evaluate a new package on the two dimensions of “ease of use” and “ease of handling”. Second, the type of experience with the package has a significant effect on the consumers' attitude toward the package and the quality assessment of the product inside. Third, consumers' expectations of product quality and package ease of use have a positive association with purchase intention for all types of product‐related experience.Originality/value – This p.
Sperm abnormalities in retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE To determine the fatty acid composition of erythrocytes and sperm, along with the functional characteristics of sperm, in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Sperm and retinal cells share important homologies. Both are rich in the highly polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6[n-3]), and both contain a structural component called the axoneme. Low concentrations of DHA in the retina of monkeys are known to cause visual impairment. Because blood levels of DHA in retinitis pigmentosa patients are less than normal, reduced DHA in the retina might contribute to the visual impairment characteristic of this disease. This study was conducted on the hypothesis that the sperm of retinitis pigmentosa patients might be abnormal and that these abnormalities might infer similar lipid and structural abnormalities of the retina. METHODS The lipid composition of erythrocytes and sperm (fatty acids and sterols) and sperm function were analyzed in 26 patients with retinitis pigmentosa and in 8 healthy men. RESULTS The sperm of patients with retinitis pigmentosa had a much lower DHA concentration, a lower desmosterol-to-cholesterol ratio, reduced motility, abnormal structure, and lower sperm counts compared with that in normal subjects. Usher's II patients exhibited the most pronounced reductions of DHA in sperm. Sperm DHA concentration was positively correlated to sperm motility, to sperm count, and to the desmosterol-to-cholesterol ratio. Lower erythrocyte DHA was also observed in retinitis pigmentosa patients. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the sperm of patients with retinitis pigmentosa, particularly those with Usher's II, have an abnormal lipid composition that is associated with reduced motility. The possibility exists that these patients might have similar abnormalities in the DHA biochemistry of the retina. Sperm biochemistry and function may be a marker for this disease. A clinical trial of DHA in retinitis pigmentosa is suggested for future study.
Cryptosporidium baileyi infection associated with an outbreak of ocular and respiratory disease in otus owls (Otus scops) in a rehabilitation centre

Cryptosporidiosis has been reported in more than 30 avian species worldwide. Although some cases of cryptosporidiosis have been described in captive birds of prey in the order Falconiformes, to date there have been no reports of the disease in wild raptors. Here we describe for first time an ocular and respiratory disease associated with Cryptosporidium baileyi in wild scops owl (Otus scops, order: Strigiformes). Sixteen otus owl fledglings born in the wild during the summer of 2008 were admitted to the Torreferrussa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (Catalonia, northern Spain) in July and August of the same year. In the middle of September, blepharoedema, conjunctival hyperaemia and mucopurulent ocular discharge were diagnosed unilaterally in 75% (12/16) of the birds and bilaterally in 25% (4/16). Moreover, five birds (31%) developed diffuse epithelial corneal oedema, one owl (6%) displayed mild anterior exudative uveitis and another developed rhinitis (6%). Two birds were euthanized because of the severity of disease. The histopathology demonstrated cryptosporidia-like structures in the conjunctival cells and in the nasal respiratory epithelium of one owl. Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts (6.5 to 7.0 × 5.0 to 5.5 µm) were identified by immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in histological sections from eyelids, trachea and respiratory sinuses and in swab samples from the glottis, choanal slit and conjunctival sac. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequence analysis confirmed the presence of C. baileyi. Birds were treated orally with azithromycin (40 mg/kg) once a day for 15 days, and by the end of the treatment all owls tested negative for the parasites, by IFAT, and did not display further signs of disease.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in dorsal root ganglion neurons include the α6β4 subtype

The α6‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have recently been implicated in diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), including Parkinson's disease and substance abuse. In contrast, little is known about the role of α6∗ nAChRs in the peripheral nervous system (where the asterisk denotes the possible presence of additional subunits). Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons are known to express nAChRs with a pharmacology consistent with an α7, α3β4∗, and α4β2∗ composition. Here we present evidence that DRG neurons also express α6∗ nAChRs. We used RT‐PCR to show the presence of α6 subunit transcripts and patch‐clamp electrophysiology together with subtype‐selective α‐conotoxins to pharmacologically characterize the nAChRs in rat DRG neurons. α‐Conotoxin BuIA (500 nM) blocked acetylcholine‐gated currents (IACh) by 90.3 ± 3.0%; the recovery from blockade was very slow, indicating a predominance of αxβ4∗ nAChRs. Perfusion with either 300 nM BuIA[T5A;P6O] or 200 nM MII[E11A], α‐conotoxins that target the α6β4∗ subtype, blocked IACh by 49.3 ± 5 and 46.7 ± 8%, respectively. In these neurons, IACh was relatively insensitive to 200 nM ArIB[V11L;V16D] (9.4±2.0% blockade) or 500 nM PnIA (23.0±4% blockade), α‐conotoxins that target α7 and α3β2∗/α6β2∗ nAChRs, respectively. We conclude that α6β4∗ nAChRs are among the subtypes expressed by DRG, and to our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of α6β4∗ in neurons outside the CNS. —Hone, A. J., Meyer, E. L. , McIntyre, M. , McIntosh, J. M. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in dorsal root ganglion neurons include the α6β4∗ subtype. FASEB J. 26, 917–926 (2012). www.fasebj. org
Beyond Technology Acceptance: Understanding Consumer Practice

– To critically examine the current definitions of key constructs of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in a consumer technology‐based service. , – Two qualitative research studies were undertaken that encouraged consumers to reflect upon their text message (short message service – SMS) behaviour. , – The research highlights the inadequacy of a concentration on simple acceptance of technology where technology is embedded in a consumer community of practice. The existence of counter‐intuitive behaviours, technology paradoxes and intense social and emotional elements in actual text message usage all point to the need for a review of the definition of the key TAM constructs. , – There is a need to re‐examine the construct of use behaviour in the context of the practice of technology‐based services that owe much to consumer creativity. Theory development of the constructs of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment should not be constrained by adherence to the existing (well developed) quantitative models of technology acceptance. There is a methodological potential of employing consumers as practical authors. , – Where there is evidence of counter‐intuitive consumer behaviour in the marketplace for technology‐based products or services, a study of practice, with a view to the subsequent derivation of adapted theory constitutes worthwhile research. This may be of special importance to cell phone operators promoting SMS to US consumers. , – The approach offers a method of complementing the dominant quantitative modelling research on technology acceptance. The findings are relevant to an era where consumer co‐creation of value is of increasing interest.
The Impact of Denial‐of‐Service Attack Announcements on the Market Value of Firms

The increase in security breaches in the last few years and the need to insure information assets has created an intensified interest in information risk within organizations and for insurance companies. Risk assessment is an important component in the establishment of security policies. However, very little is known of the financial impact and the risk associated with security breaches. This article reports the impact of Denial-of-Service (DOS) attack announcements on the market over a period of 4.5 years. The study was conducted using event study methodology. The results show that in general the market does not penalize companies that experience such an attack. However, there is an indication that the market penalizes “Internet-specific” companies more than other companies. Our results indicate that large companies who are not “Internet-specific” might be overreacting to the media hype and may be investing resources to prevent a problem that has marginal impact on their shareholder value.
A Proposed Strategic Management Accounting Model for Profitability: An Empirical Study

This thesis concerns strategic profitability management. The emergence of strategic management accounting has created a growing need for companies to discover the key factors that affect profitability and then to understand how these factors should be managed. To fulfil strategic management accounting requirements necessitates the use of appropriate strategic management accounting techniques. However, the traditional profitability system is inappropriate to meet the task. In addition, there has also been a lack of attention paid by researchers to the study of the integration between the most important drivers affecting profitability (cost, assets, and revenue). Moreover, there has inadequate Investigation of the management of each driver using strategic management accounting techniques. Therefore, this study attempts to create a new model for managing profitability to fulfil the requirements of strategic management and to evaluate the perceptions of managers related to the influence of such a new proposed model on profitability. A broadly positivist View, which utilizes both deductive reasoning coupled with a quantitative approach, was employed to create the profitability model. The creation of profitability model is enacted through an exploratory study. In order to create the profitability model, this thesis proposes three models for managing the key profitability drivers (cost, assets and revenue). The building of these models is based on the determination of the most important factor (driver) and approach that affect profitability in each model's case. In the light of such determination, strategic management accounting techniques were proposed to manage each driver in each model. The comprehensive profitability model is also proposed using the measurement levels of the cost, assets and revenue models. Models were tested in the Egyptian communication and information technology sector. A self-administrated questionnaire delivered and collected by hand was used to examine the hypothesized relationships. A total of 190 valid responses were used for quantitative analysis. The hypotheses related to the components of all the proposed models were examined via non-parametric measure of association, Spearman's rho technique and ordinal regression technique. The study found that there is a positive association between each proposed driver in the cost, assets, and revenue and profitability models. It also found that there is a positive association between each proposed approach in the assets and revenue model, and profitability. The main conclusion of this thesis was that the profitability model, which contains the measurement levels of the cost, assets and revenue models, is the most appropriate model because its predictors are most strongly associated with the profitability. The findings of this study can be generalized to the Egyptian ICT sector's members. In addition, the generalization of findings beyond the Egyptian ICT sector should be made with caution.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases in Oman: Five Years' Experience at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital

BackgroundPrimary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are considered rare but are generally assumed to be more common in Middle Eastern countries. The prevalence and characteristics of PIDs are unknown in Oman.MethodsSultan Qaboos University Hospital is the national referral center for PID in Oman during the study period. Patients were diagnosed and classified according to the clinical and laboratory criteria of PID reported by the International Union of Immunological Societies Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Classification Committee. A registry was created, and patient data were analyzed between July 2005 and July 2010.ResultsOver a 5-year period, there were a total of 90 patients, with an estimated prevalence of 4.5 cases per 100,000. The most common form of immunodeficiency was phagocyte disorders (42%), mainly chronic granulomatous disease, followed by predominantly antibody disorders (18%), other well-defined PID syndromes (13%), and combined immunodeficiencies (12%). The median age of onset of symptoms was 9 months. The median age of diagnosis was 24 months. Consanguinity was present in 81% of patients. The most common infectious presentation was pneumonia (42%), followed by deep abscess (27%) and BCGosis (12%). A total of 25% of patients required intravenous immunoglobulins treatment, 4% required gamma interferon therapy, and 11% underwent bone marrow transplantation. Of all PID patients, 90% survived treatment, whereas 10% did not.ConclusionsThe estimated minimum prevalence of PID in Oman is 4.5 cases per 100,000, with a predominance of phagocyte disorders. Consanguinity is a significant factor; pneumonia and deep abscesses were the main infectious presentations. The overall survival rate was 90%. Strategies are needed to improve the care for PID patients and to increase the awareness among parents and physicians.
How to Analyse Firm Dynamics in European Countries? Methodology and Results of a Comparative Study

The present paper is the result of a comprehensive comparative study on firm population and the dynamics of market structure which was performed in eight European countries in 2007. The aim of the study is to shed a light on the comparability of national firm-level micro data regarding the dynamics of market structure, with respect to both firms and employment. Within the study, a common methodology with guidelines for the preparation of national data has been developed before merging aggregate micro-level data into a unique dataset. The contribution at hand mainly consists of two parts: firstly, the process of collecting harmonised aggregate data resulting from firm-level micro data in the participating countries is critically described; in the second part this cross-country dataset is being analysed. It can be shown that viable comparison between countries is possible, though data has to be handled with care and does not allow for in-depth comparisons. Various aspects of entry, exit and survival are outlined across countries and in sectoral and temporal differentiation.
CONSUMERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS ONLINE AND MOBILE BANKING IN CHINA

Purpose – The aim of this study is to investigate the market status for online/mobile banking in China. With the recent and forecasted high growth of Chinese electronic banking, it has the potential to develop into a world‐scale internet economy and requires examination.Design/methodology/approach – The demographic, attitudinal and behavioural characteristics of online and mobile bank users were examined. Respondents from six major Chinese cities participated in the consumer survey.Findings – The results showed Chinese online and mobile bank users were predominantly males, not necessarily young and highly educated, in contrast with the electronic bank users in the West. The issue of security was found to be the most important factor that motivated Chinese consumer adoption of online banking. Main barriers to online banking were the perception of risks, computer and technological skills and Chinese traditional cash‐carry banking culture. The barriers to mobile banking adoption were lack of awareness and un.
A unified perspective on the factors influencing consumer acceptance of internet of things technology

Purpose – With recent advances in internet technologies, internet of things (IoT) technology is having an increasing impact on our daily lives, and beginning to offer interesting and advantageous new services. The current research aims to develop and test an integrative model of factors determining consumers' acceptance of IoT technology. Design/methodology/approach – Based on technology acceptance model (TAM), the authors proposed an IoT acceptance model that consists of three technology factors (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and trust); one social context factor (social influence); and two individual user characteristics (perceived enjoyment and perceived behavioral control). Data from 368 Chinese consumers were used to test the research model through the use of structural equation modeling. Findings – The results showed particularly strong support for the effects of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, perceived enjoyment, and perceived behavioral control. Howev.