Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antecedents of consumers’ Halal brand purchase intention: an integrated approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of traditional branding constructs – brand image, brand satisfaction, brand trust and brand loyalty to an unexplored field of Halal products – Halal brand image, Halal brand satisfaction, Halal brand trust and Halal brand loyalty. In addition, this study seeks to elaborate the relationships among brand perceived quality, Halal brand image, Halal brand satisfaction, and Halal brand trust, Halal brand loyalty and consumer purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model with hypothesised relationships is developed and tested with the help of structural equation modelling procedure in AMOS. This research used the questionnaire survey method to collect data from 347 consumers in Pakistan who had the experience of purchasing Halal milk brand. Findings The empirical results suggest that perceived brand quality has a significant and positive influence on the Halal brand image, Halal brand satisfaction, Halal brand trust, Halal brand loyalty and purchase intention. Similarly, the Halal brand image, Halal brand satisfaction, Halal brand trust and Halal brand loyalty significantly influence consumer Halal brand purchase intention. Research limitations/implications The Muslim population is growing in many parts of the world, including non-Muslim countries. Although this study’s focus is limited to Pakistani Muslims, findings related to the effects of brand perceived quality, Halal brand image, Halal brand satisfaction, and Halal brand trust and Halal brand loyalty on intentions may not be equally valid for Muslim consumers in others Muslim and non-Muslim countries and for other types of products. Practical implications The findings indicate that ignoring the important quality elements of a brand could be costly to marketers who failed to realise the importance of traditional brand attributes whilst embracing Halal brand marketing initiatives. In addition, Halal branding can allow the businesses to access to new markets, to enjoy more competitive advantages and to increase their profitability by selling at higher prices with higher profit margins. Originality/value Although previous research has explored the relevant issues about brand image, brand satisfaction, brand trust and brand loyalty, none highlights these traditional constructs to an unexplored field of Halal products.
Recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH; Gonal-F) versus highly purified urinary FSH (Metrodin HP): results of a randomized comparative study in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.

A prospective, randomized, comparative, assessor-blind study was carried out in two centres to compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH; Gonal-F) versus highly purified urinary FSH (u-hFSH HP; Metrodin HP), both administered s.c. in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A total of 235 patients started a long gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist protocol: 119 received r-hFSH and 114 received u-hFSH HP (150 IU/day) for the first 6 days. Two patients were excluded from the study because they mistakenly received the incorrect treatment combination. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG; 10000 IU, s.c.) was administered once there was at least one follicle 18 mm in diameter and two others > or = 16 mm. In all, 119 (100%) and 102 (89%) of the patients respectively in the r-hFSH and u-hFSH HP groups achieved the criteria for HCG. The mean numbers (+/- SD) of oocytes recovered (the primary endpoint) were 12.2 +/- 5.5 and 7.6 +/- 4.4 in the r-hFSH and u-hFSH HP groups respectively (P < 0.0001). However, the number of FSH treatment days (11.0 +/- 1.6 versus 13.5 +/- 3.7) and the number of 75 IU ampoules (21.9 +/- 5.1 versus 31.9 +/- 13.4) used were significantly less (P < 0.0001) in the r-hFSH group than in the u-hFSH HP group. In patients treated using ICSI (63 patients in each group), no difference in oocyte maturation was observed. The mean numbers of embryos obtained were 8.1 +/- 4.2 and 4.7 +/- 3.5 (P < 0.0001), in favour of the r-hFSH group. In the majority of patients (96 and 99% respectively) only one or two embryos were replaced (mean 2.0 +/- 0.2 and 1.9 +/- 0.1 respectively) in the r-hFSH and u-hFSH HP groups. The clinical pregnancy rates per started cycle and per embryo transfer were 45 and 36%, and 48 and 47%, respectively in the r-hFSH and u-hFSH HP groups (not significant). There were six (5.1%) and two (1.7%) cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome respectively. In conclusion, it was found that r-hFSH was more effective than u-hFSH at inducing multiple follicular development. However, the high rate of low ovarian response in the u-hFSH group compared with our general experience was unexpected. The availability of a gonadotrophin with less inter-batch variation would be beneficial for clinicians. r-hFSH seems to fulfil such a requirement.
Novel Topology in C-terminal Region of the Human Plasma Membrane Anion Exchanger, AE1*

Human AE1 performs electroneutral exchange of Cl− for HCO 3 − across the erythrocyte membrane. We examined the topology of the AE1 C-terminal region using cysteine-scanning mutagenesis and sulfhydryl-specific chemistry. Eighty individual cysteine residues, introduced into an otherwise cysteine-less mutant between Phe806 and Cys885, were expressed by transient transfection of HEK293 cells. Topology of the region was determined by comparing cysteine labeling with the membrane-permeant cysteine-directed reagent biotin maleimide, with or without prior labeling with the membrane-impermeant reagents, bromotrimethylammoniumbimane bromide (qBBr) and lucifer yellow iodoacetamide (LYIA). Phe806–Leu835, Ser852–Ala855, and Ile872–Cys885 were labeled by biotin maleimide, suggesting their location in an aqueous environment. In contrast, Phe836–Lys851 and Ser856–Arg871 were not labeled by biotin maleimide and therefore localize to the plane of the bilayer, as transmembrane segments (TM). Labeling by qBBr revealed that Pro815–Lys829 and Ser852–Ala855 are accessible to the extracellular medium. Pro815–Lys829 mutants were also labeled with LYIA. Mutants Ile872–Cys885 were inaccessible to the extracellular medium and thus localized to the intracellular surface of AE1. Functional assays revealed that one face of each of two AE1 TMs was sensitive to mutation. Based on these results, we propose a topology model for the C-terminal region of the membrane domain of human AE1.
Axial magnetic field strength needed for a 126kV single-break vacuum circuit breaker during symmetrical current switching

The objective of this paper is to investigate how strong axial magnetic field (AMF) strength is needed in test duty T100s for a 126 kV single-break vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) as interrupting a rated short circuit current of 40 kA rms in light of arcing contact gap and arc duration. The AMF was generated by a pair of 2/3 coil AMF contacts. First, test duty T100s of the 126 kV single-break VCB were carried out 20 times with arcing times from 1.1 ms to 20.1 ms at 40 kA rms. With a pre-set opening displacement curve of the movable electrode, the contact gaps at arc extinguishing increased from 5 mm to 51 mm according to the arcing times from 1.1 ms to 20.1 ms. Then the AMF distributions of the 126 kV single-break VCB at different contact gaps were simulated to analyze the interrupting experimental results. The results showed that the shortest arcing contact gap window exists between 22 mm and 31 mm and the longest arcing contact gap is 49 mm for a successful current interruption. The shortest arcing contact gap window corresponded to the maximum AMF per kilo-ampere of the breaking peak current from 7.5 mT/kA to 8.6 mT/kA. And the longest arcing contact gap corresponded to the maximum AMF per kilo-ampere of the breaking peak current of 5.7 mT/kA.
Evaluation of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy among patients with newly diagnosed impaired glucose tolerance

We have aimed to investigate the presence of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy in individuals who had been diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) on the basis of an oral glucose tolerance test, by comparing with age‐matched healthy subjects with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normoglycemic ranges.
Bovine oviduct‐specific glycoprotein: A potent factor for maintenance of viability and motility of bovine spermatozoa in vitro

In the cow, a specific glycoprotein‐bovine oviduct‐specific glycoprotein (BOGP)‐is secreted by the epithelial cells of the oviduct at the follicular stage of the estrous cycle. In this study, we examined the effects of purified BOGP on the viability and motility of bovine spermatozoa in culture in vitro. Frozen‐thawed bovine spermatozoa were incubated in modified Tyrode's solution (TALP) that contained purified BOGP (TALP‐BOGP). In TALP‐BOGP, both the viability and motility of bovine spermatozoa were more effectively maintained than in the control medium without any added protein. The increases in both the viability and motility of spermatozoa were dose‐dependent. Spermatozoa were also incubated in TALP medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin, egg albumin, lactalbumin, or gastric mucin, and their viability and motility in these media were compared with that in TALP‐BOGP. Both the viability and motility of spermatozoa were more effectively maintained in TALP‐BOGP throughout a 12‐hr incubation than in other media tested. An immunolabeling study demonstrated that a monoclonal antibody specific for BOGP reacted with the posterior region of the head, the middle portion, and the tail of spermatozoa that had been incubated with TALP‐BOGP, suggesting that BOGP becomes specifically associated with particular regions of the spermatozoon. These results suggest that BOGP is a potent factor for maintenance of the viability and motility of sperm. On the basis of the present results, we also propose that BOGP may play an important role in sperm functions during the reproductive process. © 1995 wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The rise of cultural and creative industries in creative economy research: a bibliometric analysis

This chapter has a twofold objective. First, it aims to contribute to addressing the fragmentation of the literature on the creative economy, and second, to lay the foundation for an economics of creative industries. Following a bibliometric approach, the authors analyse all publications collected from the ISI Web of Science database, starting from 1998 and ending in 2016. Through the analysis of nearly 1600 publications, they study the evolution of creative economy research (CER). They apply a co-citation analysis developed using social network analysis, thereby exploring the â€˜foundersâ€™ and â€˜disseminatorsâ€™ of cultural and creative industries (CCIs). Results underline that CCIs are not only the major topic in CER research, but this trend has become stronger in the last few years. In addition, evidence of this work strongly confirms the relevance of CCIs in the contemporary economy. This importance can only be expected to grow in the future. This last result supports the hypothesis concerning the foundation of an economics of creative industries.
Filtered back projection, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction, and a model-based iterative reconstruction in abdominal CT: an experimental clinical study.

PURPOSE To compare objective and subjective image quality parameters of three image reconstruction algorithms of different generations at routine multidetector computed tomographic (CT) examinations of the abdomen. MATERIALS AND METHODS This institutional review board-approved study included 22 consecutive patients (mean age, 56.1 years ± 15.8 [standard deviation]; mean weight, 79.1 kg ± 14.8) who underwent routine CT examinations of the abdomen. A low-contrast phantom was used for objective quality control. Raw data sets were reconstructed by using filtered back projection (FPB), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), and a model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR). Radiologists used a semiquantitative scale (-3 to +3) to rate subjective image quality and artifacts, comparing both FBP and MBIR images with ASIR images. The Wilcoxon test and the intraclass correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the data. Measurements of objective noise and CT numbers of soft tissue structures were compared with analysis of variance. RESULTS The phantom study revealed an improved detectability of low-contrast targets for MBIR compared with ASIR or FBP. Subjective ratings showed higher image quality for MBIR, with better resolution (median value, 2; range, 1 to 3), lower noise (2; range, 1 to 3), and finer contours (2; range, 1 to 2) compared with ASIR (all P < .001). FBP performed inferiorly (0, range, -2 to 0]; -1 [range, -3 to 0]; 0 [range, -1 to 0], respectively; all, P < .001). Mean interobserver correlation was 0.9 for image perception and 0.7 for artifacts. Objective noise for FBP was 14%-68% higher and for MBIR was 18%-47% lower than that for ASIR (P < .001). CONCLUSION The MBIR algorithm considerably improved objective and subjective image quality parameters of routine abdominal multidetector CT images compared with those of ASIR and FBP.
Role of experience and knowledge in early internationalisation of Indian new ventures: A comparative case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by knowledge and experience of the entrepreneurs in early internationalisation of small- and medium-sized Indian new ventures. Using the theory of international new ventures (INV) and knowledge-based view (KBV); the conceptual framework of this study develops three propositions. First, it has been suggested that experience of the entrepreneurs motivates them to internationalise. Second, experience of the entrepreneurs increases their market and technological knowledge. Finally, it has been suggested that without market and technological knowledge, new ventures find it difficult to expand beyond national borders. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a comparative case analysis research design to investigate the propositions. The key constructs are drawn from prior empirical research and the relationships are tested using qualitative analysis. Findings Key findings of this study suggest that along with experience and knowledge, entrepreneurs’ education background is positively associated with new venture internationalisation. It was found that importance of knowledge resources varies across nature of business and industry in which INVs operate. Research limitations/implications Findings of this study contribute to advancing the literature on INV and KBV. The findings provide a framework to entrepreneurs to help them improve their decision-making logic and increase the speed of international growth. Originality/value Very few studies have investigated the internationalisation of new ventures from India. The knowledge is limited on the ways in which entrepreneurs acquire experience and assimilate knowledge in internationalising their operations.
[A 1:2 matched case-control study on the interaction of HPV16E6 and HLA-DR9 allele to esophageal cancer in Kazakh ethnicity, Xinjiang].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role and the association between HPV16E6 infection and HLA-DR9 immune-associated gene to esophageal cancer (EC) in Kazakh of Xinjiang, China. METHODS A 1:2 matched case-control study was conducted with 63 cases of EC and 126 controls involved. The controls were matched by sex, nationality, area of residence and age within 5-year difference. HPV16E6 and HLA-DR9 allele were identified by PCR-SSP. Interaction was performed to identify risk factors. RESULTS HPV16E6 infection and HLA-DR9 allele positive status were the risk factors for EC, with OR values as 2.67 (95%CI: 1.38 - 5.17) and 3.83 (95%CI: 1.48 - 9.96) respectively. The rate of HPV16E6 infection in individuals with HLA-DR9 allele was different from the ones who were HLA-DR9 allele free (chi(2) = 7.57, P = 0.006), with OR value as 5.79 (95%CI: 1.53 - 21.87). In the controls, the rates of HPV16E6 infection were 22.2% and 16.2% among individuals with HLA-DR9 allele atatus as positive or negative, and without statistically significant difference. Interaction analysis showed there was an interaction of HPV16E6 with HLA-DR9 and were higher than the sum of the two factors presented individually. CONCLUSION In our study, we found that the HLA-DR9 allele and HPV16E6 infection had a function of synergy in the process of malignant transformation of esophageal epithelial cells, and jointly promoting the occurrence and development of EC.
A pragmatic view on the financial theories

Abstract This presentation reviews some real examples from a trading daily basis behavior proving the sentiment is one of the most important drivers when it comes to investment decision. During decades of studying and observing the financial markets we have seen different approaches in the light of many prestigious writers. Are we rational enough to be good candidates for Fama’s theory of Efficient Market Hypothesis? Is it true what John Maynard Keynes stated 90 years ago when he said „the market is subject to waves of optimistic and pessimistic sentiment”? Is the financial behavior the new trend in the financial markets? Are Daniel Kahneman (Nobel Prize winner 2002) and Amos Tversky the new challengers in the market theories league? Future research should concentrate on various symptoms of sentiment and what makes investors become prone to sentiment. This is an important issue to be debated since investors constantly have to analyze, process and interpret huge data of information which provides the basis for their actions.
Delineation of multiple deleted regions in 7q in myeloid disorders

Loss of chromosome material due to deletions of the long arm of chromosome 7, del(7q), is a consistent finding in all types of myeloid disorders, invariably associated with a poor prognosis. Two different segments, 7q22 and 7q32–q33, have been implicated as critical regions of gene loss associated with these disorders. In the present study, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to characterize the 7q22 breakpoint of an apparently balanced t(7;7)(p13;q22) in an acute myeloid leukemia patient. FISH analysis on bone marrow metaphases from this patient revealed that the sequence corresponding to a series of three ordered cosmids from 7q22 was deleted from one of the der(7) chromosomes. These cosmids contain the human homologue of the Drosophila homeobox gene cut (CUTL1) and span a region of approximately 150 kb. Although the proximal boundary of the deleted segment could not be exactly defined, we estimate the size of this deletion to be approximately 500 kb. Subsequently, we carried out FISH studies using the CUTL1 cosmids on a further 16 patients with deletions of 7q and myeloid disorders. The sequence corresponding to at least two of the cosmids was deleted from the del(7q) in 11 out of 14 cases with a proximal breakpoint within 7q22. Further detailed FISH mapping in this series of 17 patients has identified two other nonoverlapping commonly deleted segments at 7q31–q32 and 7q33, respectively. These data confirm and refine other studies, implying that several different genes on 7q may be involved in the pathogenesis of myeloid diseases. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 25:384–392, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antioxidant activity of phytoestrogenic isoflavones.

The aim of this work was to determine the antioxidant activities of a range of phytoestrogenic isoflavones. The antioxidant activity in the aqueous phase was determined by means of the ABTS. + total antioxidant activity assay. The results show that the order of reactivity in scavenging the radical in the aqueous phase is genistein > daidzein = genistin approximately equal to biochanin A = daidzin > formononetin approximately equal to ononin, the latter displaying no antioxidant activity. The importance of the single 4'-hydroxyl group in the reactivity of the isoflavones, as scavengers of aqueous phase radicals, as well as the 5'7-dihydroxy structure is demonstrated. Examination of their abilities to enhance the resistance of low density lipoproteins to oxidation supports the observation that genistein is the most potent antioxidant among this family of compound studied, both in the aqueous and in the lipophilic phases.
The Benefits of a Science Support Program for Low-Income Latina/o Students

A current national priority is to increase the number of students prepared for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM; U.S. Department of Education, 2015). Unfortunately, Latina/os are underrepresented in STEM fields (National Science Foundation, 2010). STEM support programs may be one avenue for increasing the number of Latina/o students who enter the STEM pipeline (Afterschool Alliance, 2011), but few studies have examined the benefits of participation in a STEM program for Latina/o youth, and very little is known about the specific program activities that are related to beneficial outcomes. Social cognitive career theory offers a model of career development that emphasizes the importance of learning experiences, which in the context of STEM programs are program activities. In the current study, one-on-one, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 39 participants who were involved in a science support program to investigate the following research questions: 1) What are the benefits of a science support program for Latina/o youth? and 2) What are the program activities that are related to these benefits? Results revealed 12 benefits of program participation: 1) access and exposure, 2) mastering science knowledge and skills, 3) academic outcomes, 4) broadened worldview, 5) confidence, 6) exploration opportunities, 7) higher order thinking, 8) professional development, 9) science interest, 10) science self-efficacy, 11) science is achievable, and 12) technical skills. Six activities were found to be related to the benefits: 1) math and science coursework, 2) oral presentations, 3) college visits and field trips, 4) presentations by professionals, 5) lab activities, and 6) mentoring. The results of this study provide important information about the activities, or learning experiences, that are related to the benefits of participating in a science support program, and they have Running head: SCIENCE PROGRAM BENEFITS 6 important implications for the development and refinement of STEM programs for youth who identify with groups that are underrepresented in STEM.
Switched controllability via bumpless transfer input and dwell-time switching

In this paper, we study the controllability of linear hybrid systems via bumpless transfer input and fixed-order dwell-time switching. By bumpless transfer input, we mean that the control input signals are as close as possible at switching times. By fixed-order dwell-time switching, we mean that the switching index sequence is fixed and the switching time sequence is possibly with positive dwell times. While the problem is well motivated in several practical situations, it is also theoretically interesting. A complete criterion for controllability is presented, and a computational procedure is developed to find a switching signal and control input to achieve the controllability.