Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What's In Store for Home Shopping?

Home shopping is currently being tested and tried by many supermarket companies. For many, home shopping could well be one method of gaining incremental customers and sales. The major purpose of this study was to determine the current status of home shopping services in the U.S. supermarket industry and to document consumers' reactions to the home shopping services provided. In order to achieve these objectives, an integrated approach was employed consisting of a four part methodology: 1) a comprehensive review of research, trade literature, and other secondary information, 2) a mail survey to selected supermarket companies, 3) field visits and interviews with supermarket companies, and 4) consumer focus groups comprised of past, current and potential home shoppers. From the retailer survey, our research found that 40 percent of respondents, or 24 companies, had home shopping services with an additional 18 percent indicating that they planned to offer home shopping in the next two years. Fully 75 percent of those offering home shopping used a contract service that performed part or all of the home shopping operations while only 25 percent managed and performed the entire operations themselves. However, retailers allowing third party contractors to operate their home shopping service due primarily to short run contingencies, may risk losing control of one of their single most valuable assets-their shopper data base. This research with retailers and focus groups has identified a series of operational and marketing challenges confronting home shopping. Key challenges for home shopping services are to develop labor efficient yet user friendly ordering methods and to research processes that provide information needed by the consumer to make their shopping decisions. Visual signals, display areas, aromas, product demonstrations and explanations are all absent, so retailers must remember that the ordering method essentially replaces the entire information discovery process normally used by the consumer as they walk through the store. In addition, picking orders from the supermarket shelves has inherent duplication of costs. Systems should be developed to eliminate such duplication of effort. Probably the biggest concern for consumers and retailers is the procedure for substituting products when out-of-stocks are encountered. Retailers are anxious to avoid out-of-stock situations as they lose sales every time a shopper attempts to buy product off of an empty shelf. In the case of home shopping, out­ of-stocks are a particular problem since the shopper cannot take part in the decision making process at the point of purchase. Other issues facing home shopping providers include how shopping patterns change as ­ consumers shift from shopping off supermarket shelves to home shopping catalogue shelves. In addition, competition from outside the traditional food retailing industry could develop from high tech firms, wholesalers and distributors, and delivery service providers as well as from manufacturer themselves.
Six Sigma and Service Quality: Christian Grönroos Revisited

Grönroos' 1984 deconstruction of service quality led him to conclude that its principal components were technical quality, functional quality, and corporate image. A later model, developed by Parasuraman, Berry and Zeithaml (1985), is more widely known however, and represents the point of departure for much of marketing's extant research concerning the evaluation of services. Despite similarities between the two it is the latter which has captured both public and academic imagination and which, in the process, has determined our preconceptions regarding what service quality might be. Due in part to misinterpretation and misunderstanding, the PBZ model has helped shape a view of service quality that now over-emphasises the functional and under-represents the technical and, to a degree, has encouraged within the marketing fraternity a presumption that 'service quantity' stands proxy for 'service quality'. This paper suggests that perceptions and expectations have now taken over from reality and needs, and explains how Six Sigma service quality might be the spur that could cause us to re-address the structure and meaning of this crucial property.
Extracutaneous Ultrastructural Alterations in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is caused by mutations in the ABCC6 gene, encoding for the membrane transporter MRP6, whose physiological role is still unknown. PXE is characterized by skin, eye, and cardiovascular alterations mainly due to mineralization of elastic fibers. The ultrastructural alterations of a large number of tissues obtained at autopsy from 2 PXE patients were analyzed and compared to clarify the involvement of the various organs in PXE and to identify cell types responsible for clinical manifestations. Ultrastructural alterations typical of PXE were present in all organs examined and consisted mostly of fragmentation and mineralization of a number of elastic fibers, abnormalities of collagen fibril shape and size, and, less frequently, deposition of aggregates of matrix constituents in the extracellular space. The severity of alterations was more pronounced in the organs affected by the clinical manifestations of PXE. Interestingly, veins and arteries were similarly damaged, the adventitia and the perivascular connective tissue being the most affected areas. Therefore, alterations in PXE are systemic and affect all soft connective tissues, even in the absence of specific clinical manifestations. The localization of alterations suggests that fibroblasts and/or smooth muscle cells are very likely involved in the pathogenesis of the disorder. These findings may help in the diagnosis of PXE when clinical manifestations affect internal organs.
R&D and financial systems: the determinants of R&D expenditures in the Swedish pharmaceutical industry

This study investigates the determinants of RD the US (with a market based financial system) and Japan (with a more bank based financial system) shows that Sweden (also leaning towards a bank based financial system) has the insensitivity to R&D productivity in common with Japan. This may be interpreted as these industries’ are taking a ‘longer term view’ on their research than the US’. The sensitivity to cash flow, however, is possibly more pronounced in Sweden than in Japan and suggests an important role of internal financing of R&D.
GPs' views of absolute cardiovascular risk and its role in primary prevention.

BACKGROUND Clinical guidelines recommend using absolute risk to inform clinical decisions in cardiovascular disease prevention. Absolute risk assessment tools have been disseminated to general practitioners, however current use and knowledge of this is approach among GPs is unknown. METHOD Transcribed audiotapes of focus groups with 36 GPs, analysed for key themes. RESULTS The GPs said absolute cardiovascular risk assessment tools were used largely as an aid to patient education rather than an influence on management, for which the concept was poorly understood. Barriers to their use included poor computer software, inconsistency with regulations over the use of lipid lowering agents, and fears patients would not understand the concepts. DISCUSSION To encourage the implementation of absolute risk tools in cardiovascular disease prevention, and GP education. Attitudes and systematic barriers to their use by GPs need to be addressed.
Dielectric charging in MEMS capacitive switches a persisting reliability issue, available models and assessment methods

The reliability issue of dielectric charging in MEMS capacitive switches is discussed taking into account the present knowledge derived from the numerous papers on this topic. The weakness of the available charge injection model is pointed, the dependence of the material stoichiometry with film thickness resulting in lateral charge redistribution is discussed, the available assessment techniques are presented and the discharge process through the dielectric film is analyzed.
Species‐specific and common epitopes on the secreted and surface antigens of Toxocara cati and Toxocara canis infective larvae

Summary It is widely accepted that the major cause of visceral larva migrans (VLM) in man is Toxocara canis infection. This has been largely based on the detection of antibodies to this species. We have compared the antigens of T. canis and Toxocara cati in order to establish whether assay for the former might be compromised by infection with the latter. Comparisons were made by radioiodination of the surface and excretory/secretory (ES) glycoproteins of the infective larvae of both species. immunoprecipitation with poly‐ and monoclonal reagents, and SDS‐PAGE. The SDS‐PAGE profiles of surface antigens of the two species showed few similarities. whereas that of the ES material indicated considerable homology. Serum from infected animals and a human VLM patient exhibited complete cross reactivity, although there was evidence in the mouse of a specific response to one of the components of T. cati ES. Testing of ES against a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) confirmed the similarity; all but one of the MoAbs recognized several of the components of both sources of ES. The only exception was MoAb Tcn‐2, which did not react with T. cati surface, somatic or ES antigens. This antibody is known to recognize a carbohydrate determinant which is widespread on T. canis glycoproteins. This species‐specific determinant, therefore, represents a reversal of the consensus that peptide determinants tend to be the more specific. Finally, the MoAbs were used to examine the exposure of shared epitopes on the surface of intact larvae of T. cati. Again, fine differences in binding by anti‐carbohydrate monoclonals were observed when the two species of Toxocara were compared, reflecting a distinction in exposure or orientation of surface molecules on these nematodes. Moreover, these epitopes were absent or variably present on the surface of freshly hatched larvae, and full exposure did not occur until about 24 h post‐hatching. This delay in the presentation of epitopes
Betulinic acid induces apoptosis in skin cancer cells and differentiation in normal human keratinocytes

Abstract: Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene of plant origin, induces cell death in melanoma cells and other malignant cells of neuroectodermal origin. Little is known about additional biological effects in normal target cells. We show, in this study, that BA induces differentiation as well as cell death in normal human keratinocytes (NHK). Cytotoxicity profiles of BA are compared among normal human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells, IGR1 melanoma cells and normal melanocytes. As expected, BA is toxic to all cell types, normal and malignant, but varies in its cytotoxic potency and in the extent of induction of apoptotic vs. necrotic cell death in the four different skin cell types. Apoptosis is proved by annexin V and Apo2.7 binding and by DNA fragmentation. Induction of differentiation‐associated antigens in keratinocytes – filaggrin and involucrin – is demonstrated, together with specific morphological changes in treated cell cultures. BA, apart from its cytotoxic activities in cellular systems, is capable of inducing differentiation of NHK into corneocytes without immediately provoking apoptotic cell death.
Tourism destination marketing: approaches improving effectiveness and efficiency

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential contribution of some approaches, i.e. value‐chain, strategic marketing, electronic marketing and clustering, and to suggest a conceptual framework allowing improving effectiveness in the field of promoting tourism destinations. Hence, the paper puts forward a conceptual framework allowing attaining an integrated approach in tourism destination marketing.Design/methodology/approach – The approach adopted and implemented for this study is a desk research based on extensive literature and well‐established theories.Findings – The paper provides insights into a comprehensive approach to destination marketing planning and implementation and suggests a conceptual framework encompassing approaches contributing to improve effectiveness and efficiency in the field of destination marketing.Practical implications – The factors influencing e‐marketing and clustering approaches are highlighted and a set of recommendations are put forward for destinatio.
How Does the Quality of Corporate Governance Affect the Market Value of Business Firms in Israel?

In this study we construct, for the first time in Israel, an index for ranking the quality of corporate governance of Israeli firms. The index, based mainly on principles that are common in existing international indices, focuses on four main topics (the abilities of the board of directors, audit and control, ethics and honesty, and transparency), and it includes 19 variables. An empirical analysis of 173 public companies (included in the TASE 100 and YETER 150 at the end of 2005) finds the following: 1. Disperse ownership companies and companies with a higher return on equity have better quality corporate governance; 2. There is a significant positive correlation between our index ranking the quality of corporate governance and a firm’s relative value (Tobin’s Q); The causality of this relation is, however, unknown, i.e., we do not show or argue that better corporate governance increases firm valuation; 3. The existence of an ethical code, few transactions with interested parties, early publication of periodical reports and the inclusion of a small number of directors who are also employees of the corporation, are components of the index that are most strongly correlated with the value of the firm; 4. Dual companies have a higher level of corporate governance and higher Q values.
Online Peer and Editorial Recommendations, Trust, and Choice in Virtual Markets

This research examines the influence of recommendations on consumer decision making during online shopping experiences. Evidence from two empirical studies suggests that many online consumers seek and accept recommendations in order to effectively manage the amount of information available during online search processes. These findings suggest that consumers use the mere availability of peer recommendations as a decision-making heuristic, irrespective of the peer recommender's personal characteristics. Findings also suggest that consumer preference for peer versus editorial recommendations depends on the specific nature of the consumer's shopping goal: utilitarian or hedonic. Finally, results from this study indicate that consumers prefer peer and editorial recommendations over other types of effort-reducing cues that might be available during online search. As such, retailers must consider a number of factors including recommender characteristics, shopping goals, and product characteristics in their bid to provide consumers with the appropriate type of recommendation for their respective decision-making task.
Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment

The Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjust mentwasdeveloped by two professionals known for their work in behavioral assessment and intervention. Hill M. Walker is a professor of special ed ucation and associate dean of the Division of Special Education and Re habilitation in the College of Education at the University of Oregon, and he is director of the Genter on Human Development, Eugene, Oregon. Scott R. McConnell is an associate professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Both of these professionals have published exten sivelyin the areas of socialcompetence, behavioral assessment, behavioral intervention
The effect of low-cost country sourcing on supply chain administration cost

While the key advantage of low-cost country (LCC) sourcing is in low prices, other aspects of conducting sourcing from these countries remain problematic. This research quantifies the effect of LCC sourcing on the cost of supply chain administration, and examines the possible role of firm size and industry in this relationship. The research draws on survey data, with respondents from manufacturing firms operating in Finland. The results indicate that the supply chain administration cost among manufacturing firms seems to rise with the increase in LCC sourcing. The results also suggest that companies in technologically intensive industries experience higher costs, whereas firm size does not have an effect on costs. The research contributes to the debate on the cost-related effects of LCC sourcing, by offering quantified results that can be used as the reference point for managers contemplating the pros and cons in increasing the share of LCC sourcing.
Modelling decision-making regarding wetland services for wetland management in Tram Chim National Park, Vietnam

In order to support multi-objective wetland management, this study develops a five-step multi-criteria decision framework and uses the Tram Chim National Park case to demonstrate decisions by comparing net benefits, the framework's outcome, of four wetland zones (A1, A2, A4, and A5) of the Park. Methods include (1) identification of key management priorities using analytic hierarchy process; (2) assessment of use/non-use values using market/non-market valuation techniques. Consumptive direct use values were determined by market assessment of fishing while a travel cost model was employed to estimate non-consumptive direct use values for tourism. Indirect use and non-use values were assessed using contingent valuation method. Results showed the priorities of tourism, fishing, and management costs. Total fishing benefit (fishing income and revenue from permits) was estimated at US$173/year/person. Willingness to pay for preferred plant communities varied. For tourism, overall consumer surplus was estimated at US$11/person and tourists would be willing to pay US$3–5/person more. In sum, net benefit for a typical year for zone A1 was highest. The framework demonstrates how the decision-making process with regards to managing an environmental resource can be enhanced within a multi-decision framework using a set of market and non-market economic valuation tools.
A Study on the Appropriateness for Adopting ‘Universal’ Definitions for Tax Compliance and Non-Compliance: A New Zealand Case Study Approach

3 1.0 Introduction.7 1.1 Background to the Topic.7 1.2 Importance of the Topic.11 1.3 Objectives of the Study.14 2.0 Literature ReviewBehavioural Tax Compliance.16 2.
Signalling profile differences: paliperidone versus risperidone

Paliperidone is an active metabolite of the second‐generation atypical antipsychotic, risperidone recently approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Because paliperidone differs from risperidone by only a single hydroxyl group, questions have been raised as to whether there are significant differences in the effects elicited between these two drugs.
Infrastructure Requirements for an Economically Efficient System of Public Financial Reporting and Disclosure

an economically efficient system of public financial reporting (audited accounting information) and disclosure (non-accounting information). Financial reporting and disclosure are complementary means of ameliorating information asymmetry between managers and parties contracting with their firm, including shareholders, lenders, suppliers, customers, and employees. The efficiency of a country’s financial reporting and disclosure system therefore is crucial to its development of economically efficient public corporations and public securities markets as well as to the development of its economy. A skeptical view of making sudden changes to reporting and disclosure systems is adopted, due to the economic, political, legal, and institutional complexity involved in effecting actual change. A particularly skeptical view is reserved for simply mandating new accounting standards for public financial reporting. This amounts to little more than “window dressing,” unless it is accompanied by wholesale revision of the infrastructure that determines the financial reporting incentives of managers and auditors. If forced to nominate a single place from which to
Which Metrics are Relevant in European Listed Companies? Evidence from Nineties

The paper investigates the relation between the Share Price and three performance indicators: Net Operating Profit expressed by EBIT, Cash Flow From Operation and Economic Value Added. The sample includes 42 listed industrial companies chosen in four European financial markets, such as United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy, all listed in the period 1992-2001. The findings of this paper are consistent with the previous results in assessing the relevance of EVA in predicting future financial performance, but they ought to be interpreted with cautions due to two main limitations: (i) relatively small sample adopted, that is companies chosen are the highest in terms of Market Capitalisation within the markets they are listed in, but they might not be representative of the whole market; (ii) results, when tested for the presence of structural factors in each market might change in significance, due to some specific structural factors within each market. However, investigation of those factors in more depth is outside the scope of this paper.
Biochemical Requirements for Inhibition of Connexin26-containing Channels by Natural and Synthetic Taurine Analogs*

Previous work has shown that protonated taurine and aminosulfonate pH buffers, including HEPES, can directly and reversibly inhibit connexin channels that contain connexin26 (Cx26) (Bevans, C. G., and Harris, A. L. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 3711–3719). The structural requirements for this inhibition were explored by studies of the effects of structural analogs of taurine on the activity of Cx26-containing reconstituted hemichannels from native tissue. Several analogs inhibited the channels, with a range of relative affinities and efficacies. Each active compound contains a protonated amine separated from an ionized sulfonate or sulfinate moiety by several methylene groups. The inhibition is eliminated if the sulfonate/sulfinate moiety or the amine is not present. Compounds that contain a protonated amine but lack a sulfonate/sulfinate moiety do not inhibit but do competitively block the effect of the active compounds. Compounds that lack the protonated amine do not significantly inhibit or antagonize inhibition. The results suggest involvement of the protonated amine in binding and of the ionized sulfur-containing moiety in effecting the inhibition. The maximal effect of the inhibitory compounds is enhanced when a carboxyl group is linked to the α-carbon. Inhibition but not binding is stereospecific, with l-isomers being inhibitory and the corresponding d-isomers being inactive but able to antagonize inhibition by the l-isomers. Whereas not all connexins are sensitive to aminosulfonates, the well defined structural requirements described here argue strongly for a highly specific regulatory interaction with some connexins. The finding that cytoplasmic aminosulfonates inhibit connexin channels whereas other cytoplasmic compounds antagonize the inhibition suggests that gap junction channels are regulated by a complex interplay of cytoplasmic ligands.