Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumer Expectations and the Automatic Shifting of Standards in Brand Evaluations

EXTENDED ABSTRACT Biernat, Manis, and Nelson (1991) developed a schematic model of a “shifting standards effect” to explain the process by which prior, schema-based expectations can influence the wordbased ratings elicited from respondents. Their SSE model proposes that recourse to commonly used stereotypes will change the meaning of subjective scales for respondents and thus shift their evaluative scores. This shift will not occur for objective scales. Biernat et al. (1991) empirically tested the model in the context of judgments about the financial success of several profiled men and women. When actual dollar figures for annual income were used as scale units, the resulting target ratings reflected the judges’ more objective knowledge (i.e., factual beliefs) confirming the stereotype that males earn more than females. However, when wordbased scales were used (anchored by financially very unsuccessful and financially very successful), judges differentially adjusted the meanings of the anchors for the two genders, rating the same profiled women as more successful than the same men. The subjective scales effectively reversed the well-known income stereotype (Biernat et al., 1991). Briefly put, we seem to relax our evaluative standards for stimuli associated with lower expectations, and in the process “cut them some slack. ” In applying the SSE model to marketing research, we are testing whether marketing scales evaluating consumer response to brands might also exhibit the biases described by Biernat et al. (1991). This is an important issue, as at the core of consumer marketing lies the intent to differentiate the company or its brands from similar offerings in the marketplace on one or more evaluative dimensions. Applying the propositions of the Shifting Standards Model to the case of numerical and word-based brand ratings, we should be able to trace the shifting effect of brand expectations on consumer response. Our starting point is the notion that when two brands evoke differing expectations of performance on some dimension, the observed differences in performance evaluations on that dimension may depend on the type of scale employed (i.e., numerical or wordbased). Thus, product quality expectations for Japanese and U.S. electronics brands will likely favor the former, such that, compared to U.S. brands, Japanese brands are expected to be of higher quality. If the SSE model is correct, we should find instances when numerical judgments reveal this expectation, whereas more subjective, word-based judgments do not. Thus, under a scenario where consumers expect brand A to be superior to brand B, the following should occur:
Developing a Tool to Enhance Strategic Alignment Towards Business Performance

The starting point of both the I-Fit project and this chapter is the well known Strategic Alignment Model (Henderson & Venkatraman, 1991; Benson & Parker, 1987). Strategic alignment, or ‘business-IT alignment’, intends to support the integration of IT into business strategy. The classic ‘Strategic Alignment Model’ distinguishes between the business domain (business strategy and business processes) and the technology doaBstRaCt
Duplicate Copies of Genes Encoding Methanesulfonate Monooxygenase in Marinosulfonomonas methylotropha Strain TR3 and Detection of Methanesulfonate Utilizers in the Environment

ABSTRACT Marinosulfonomonas methylotropha strain TR3 is a marine methylotroph that uses methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as a sole carbon and energy source. The genes from M. methylotropha strain TR3 encoding methanesulfonate monooxygenase, the enzyme responsible for the initial oxidation of MSA to formaldehyde and sulfite, were cloned and sequenced. They were located on two gene clusters on the chromosome of this bacterium. A 5.0-kbp HindIII fragment contained msmA, msmB, and msmC, encoding the large and small subunits of the hydroxylase component and the ferredoxin component, respectively, of the methanesulfonate monooxygenase, while a 6.5-kbp HindIII fragment contained duplicate copies of msmA and msmB, as well as msmD, encoding the reductase component of methanesulfonate. Both sets of msmA and msmB genes were virtually identical, and the derived msmA and msmB sequences of M. methylotropha strain TR3, compared with the corresponding hydroxylase from the terrestrial MSA utilizer Methylosulfonomonas methylovora strain M2 were found to be 82 and 69% identical. The msmA gene was investigated as a functional gene probe for detection of MSA-utilizing bacteria. PCR primers spanning a region of msmA which encoded a unique Rieske [2Fe-2S] binding region were designed. These primers were used to amplify the corresponding msmA genes from newly isolated Hyphomicrobium, Methylobacterium, and Pedomicrobium species that utilized MSA, from MSA enrichment cultures, and from DNA samples extracted directly from the environment. The high degree of identity of these msmA gene fragments, compared to msmA sequences from extant MSA utilizers, indicated the effectiveness of these PCR primers in molecular microbial ecology.
Advisor Lending to the Advised Acquirer During M&A: Conflict of Interest or Last Resort Financing?

Previous research has shown that acquirers’ M&A announcement effects, on average, become significantly positive if loan financing is involved. We find that when advisors lend to their advised acquirers during M&A deals, the syndicated loan spreads are unusually high, and the advisor-lender dual role significantly reduces the acquirers’ announcement effect. This appears to reflect conflicts of interest, undermining the information production/certification role of loan financing. However, evidence that high need for external finance justifies the expensive advisor lending supports a last-resort-financing explanation instead — investment banks act as a last resort through the advisor-lender dual role in M&A.
Murine intestinal cells expressing Trpm5 are mostly brush cells and express markers of neuronal and inflammatory cells

To determine the role in chemosensation of intestinal solitary cells that express taste receptors and Trpm5, we carried out a microarray study of the transcriptome of FACS‐sorted transgenic mouse intestinal cells expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the Trpm5 promoter and compared it with that of intestinal cells that do not express eGFP. The findings of the study are: 1) Morphology and expression of markers show that most eGFP+ cells are brush cells. 2) The majority of proteins known to be involved in taste signal transduction are expressed in the eGFP+ cells, although the isoforms are not always the same. 3) eGFP+ cells express pre‐ and postsynaptic markers and nerves are often found in close proximity. 4) Several genes that play a role in inflammation are expressed specifically in eGFP+ cells. Furthermore, these cells express the entire biosynthesis pathway of leucotriene C4, an eicosanoid involved in modulation of intestinal smooth muscle contraction. 5) Angiotensinogen, renin, and succinate receptor genes are expressed in the eGFP+ cells, suggesting a role in the regulation of water and sodium transport, vasomotricity, and blood pressure. These data suggest that the Trpm5‐expressing cells integrate many signals, including chemical signals from ingested food, and that they may regulate several physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract. J. Comp. Neurol. 509:514–525, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of selective thinning on growth and development of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest stands in south-eastern Slovenia

We studied the effects of two types of selective thinning on beech stands formed by a shelterwood cut in 1910 — with lower number of crop trees and higher thinning intensity (T1) and higher number of crop trees with lower thinning intensity (T2). The stands were thinned in 1980, 1991 and 2001. Despite a lower stand density after thinning, the annual basal area increments of thinned stands in both thinning periods (1980–1991 and 1991–2002) were around 20% higher compared to those of the control (unthinned) stands. The mean annual basal area increment of dominant trees was 30–56% larger in the thinned plots compared to the control plots. Of 176 initial crop trees in the T1, 72% were chosen again during the last thinning. In the T2, 258 crop trees were chosen in the first thinning, and only 62% of these trees were chosen again during the last thinning. Only crown suppression and diameter classes of crop trees significantly influenced their basal area increment when diameter classes, crown size, crown suppression, and social status were tested. In the thinned stands, the dominant trees are more uniformly distributed if compared to the dominant trees in the control plots. Finally, the herbaceous cover and the species diversity were higher in the thinned plots. RésuméNous avons effectué des recherches sur les effets de deux sortes d’éclaircies sélectives entreprises sur des peuplements de hêtres formés par la coupe d’abri de 1910 : l’une avec un faible nombre d’arbres de place et une grande intensité d’éclaircie (T1), l’autre avec un nombre élevé d’arbres de place et une intensité faible. Ces peuplements ont été éclaircis en 1980, 1991 et 2001. Bien que la surface terrière de ces peuplements ait été réduite, l’accroissement en surface terrière des peuplements éclaircis a été supérieur de 20 % approximativement aux cours des deux périodes séparant les éclaircies (1980–1991 et 1991–2002) à celui des peuplements non éclaircis. L’accroissement moyen en surface terrière des arbres dominants a été de 20 à 56 % supérieur dans les peuplements éclaircis. Soixante-douze % des 176 arbres de place initiaux de la parcelle expérimentale T1, ont de nouveau été désignés lors de la dernière éclaircie. Sur T2, il y avait 258 arbres de place lors de la première éclaircie, et seulement 62 % d’entre eux ont été de nouveau désignés au cours de la dernière éclaircie. Une analyse parallèle de l’influence des classes de diamètre, de la taille et du couvert des houppiers, et du statut social des arbres montre que le couvert et les classes de diamètre des arbres de place exercent une influence marquée sur l’accroissement de leur surface terrière. Dans les peuplements éclaircis, la répartition spatiale des arbres dominants est plus régulière que dans les peuplements non éclaircis. Le couvert de la strate herbacée et la diversité des espèces sont plus importants dans les peuplements éclaircis.
Receiving Coil Analysis of Wireless Power Transmission with Inductive Coupling

The inductive coupling scheme delivering wireless power which can replace the battery in capsular endoscope(CE) is described in this paper. The characteristic of the magnetic flux linkage coil which generates the induced emf under a magnetic field is analyzed. With the analyzed results, a magnetic flux linkage coil system is fabricated and tested. It was confirmed that the magnetic flux linkage coil system could supply more than 50 mW power without changing the structure of conventional CE.
[Diabetes and pregnancy].

Summary The various types of diabetes can influence pregnancy to a different degree and, most importantly increase the risk for complications. In addition to the existing danger to develop diabetogenic fetopathy, a pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes can lead to diabetogenic embryopathy, predominantly characterized by malformations. The ability of prenatal diagnostics to detect malformations should therefore be thoroughly exhausted. The insulin requirements of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes alter as early as the first and second trimester and should be adequately monitored in cooperation with a diabetologist. In Germany, gestational diabetes, the most common pregnancy-related illness, is only diagnosed in every tenth patient. This is due to the inadequacy of the urine screening test, of which the results are influenced by diverse factors. As screening is recommended in the national maternal health guidelines (“Mutterschaftsrichtlinien”), it should be offered to all pregnant women, if required. Screening has to be paid for by the patients themselves as a so-called “HIS” (= Individual Healthcare Services; in German “Individuelle Gesundheitsleistungen” = IGeL) or may be paid by private health insurances. This procedure certainly does not match the severe consequences of the illness. One-step diagnosis (direct use of the oGTT test) appears to be more effective than using the two-step diagnostic test. In Germany, the intense efforts that have been made to provide good prenatal care for pregnant women have resulted in one of the best developed medical care systems worldwide. This system should be pursued and updated according to the latest findings and measurement methods. In patients with PCO syndrome seeking treatment in order to conceive a child, oral diabetics should only be prescribed following appropriate patient counselling.
Integrating Yoga with Psychotherapy: A Complementary Treatment for Anxiety and Depression.

This article addresses the empirical research on yoga as an effective, complementary, clinical intervention for anxiety and depression based on an examination of studies published from 2003 to 2010. There is a discussion of study findings and research limitations and suggestions for researchers and future research. Yoga appears to be an effective clinical intervention for anxiety and depression. However, more rigorous research needs to be completed to further support using yoga in mental health treatment planning. This article concludes with practical suggestions and implications for mental health professionals interested in using yoga.
Survival, short-term and long-term performance of strategic alliances

Can we predict which alliances that will terminate, and which alliances that will be successful over time? This is the core research question raised in this paper. By reviewing transaction cost economics, the resource-based view of strategy, and the relational contracting perspective, we derive at important alliance characteristics that these perspectives suggest as important for understanding alliance success and failure. Our hypotheses were tested on one hundred strategic alliances from the Norwegian manufacturing sector covering a five-year period. The results show that strategic alliances based on access to strategic important resources were less likely to terminate abruptly. We also found that newly established alliances had a higher termination rate than older alliances, indicating that alliances go through different phases of termination risk. Short-term performance was primarily affected by factors such as getting access to complementary and strategic important resources, whereas long-term performance was be related to the partners’ ability to extend and develop the alliance. SNF Working Paper No. 67/02
Immunopathology of the uveitis in canine leishmaniasis

Particular immunopathological features and their effects on the vascular permeability of different ocular structures were analysed in two dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum. The existence of specific anti‐Leishmania immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the aqueous humour was confirmed by the ELISA technique. There was no correlation between antibody levels in the aqueous humour and the related serum. The histopathological study of the eyes showed the existence of lesions in various ocular structures. The ciliary processes, ciliary body, sclerocorneal limbus, iris and lacrimal duct showed intense inflammatory zones with lymphocyte infiltrates, plasmatic cells and macrophages with amastigote forms of Leishmania. In addition vasculitis with dilation and thrombi were also detected in both cases, with consequent oedema and hyalinization. The immunohistochemistry analysis revealed the presence of granular and diffuse IgG deposits in the ciliary body, ciliary processes, sclerocorneal limbus and iris. Furthermore, numerous thrombosed vessels were observed in the sclerocorneal zone and iris. Complement 3 (C3) fraction deposits were not present in the ocular structures. The present data suggest that the ocular lesions may have an immunopathological origin.
A novel short-term dispatch scheme for wind farm with battery energy storage system

In order to mitigate the high fluctuations of the wind power and stabilize the power output of the wind farm, a novel coordinated short-term dispatch scheme for the wind farm equipped with battery energy storage system (BESS) is proposed. The proposed dispatch scheme uses three different wind power forecast scenarios to regularly fully charge and discharge the BESS within its operational SOC limits, so as to maximize the potential storage ability and utility of the BESS and prolong the life time of the BESS. Based on the lead-acid battery model provided by SIMSCAPE/Matlab 2011, two simulation cases are designed to observe the wind farm power out and the BESS charging and discharging behaviors.
Empirically Verifying Hypotheses Using Reinforcement Learning

This paper formulates hypothesis verification as an RL problem. Specifically, we aim to build an agent that, given a hypothesis about the dynamics of the world, can take actions to generate observations which can help predict whether the hypothesis is true or false. Existing RL algorithms fail to solve this task, even for simple environments. In order to train the agents, we exploit the underlying structure of many hypotheses, factorizing them as {pre-condition, action sequence, post-condition} triplets. By leveraging this structure we show that RL agents are able to succeed at the task. Furthermore, subsequent fine-tuning of the policies allows the agent to correctly verify hypotheses not amenable to the above factorization.
Unraveling Priming: When Does the Same Prime Activate a Goal versus a Trait?

Consumers are constantly exposed to subtle situational cues that can influence behavior by priming either goals or "mere" semantic representations such as personality traits. However, little is known about when exactly such priming leads to goal activation, which can have enduring behavioral effects, and when the same prime leads to semantic activation, characterized by short-lived effects. This research proposes an activation-striving model, which proposes that behavioral effects of primes are moderated by discrepancies between the prime and the self-concept. Three studies suggest that self-consistent primes are more likely to influence choice via semantic activation, whereas self-discrepant primes are more likely to influence choice via goal activation.
A Recommendation Method Based on Personalized Random Walks

Recommender systems analyse user preferences with the purpose of recommending items to users, that meet their needs and preferences. In the context of my MSc thesis, I studied a recommendation method based on personalized random walks over a graph that encodes associations between users, items and contextual attributes. This method was tested in the setting of recommending locations with basis on data from location-based social networks such as Yelp. The graph-based representation of the problem is constructed using the explicit feedback contained in a dataset collected from Yelp. An adaptation of the Personalized PageRank algorithm was used for simulating the random walks, in order to recommend the top−k local business to users. This dissertation describes the most important related work and it details my MSc thesis contributions, presenting the results of an extensive set of experiments made with the Yelp academic dataset, that attest the adequacy of the proposed method.
Effects of intramuscular administration of lidocaine or bupivacaine on induction and maintenance doses of propofol evaluated by bispectral index.

BACKGROUND Interest in combining local and general anaesthesia has lead to studies investigating possible interactions. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, we tested whether local anaesthetics administered i.m. potentiate the hypnotic effect of propofol. METHODS Sixty patients (three groups, n=20) undergoing lower abdominal surgery with total i.v. propofol anaesthesia were investigated. Patients in Group B received i.m. bupivacaine (5 mg ml(-1)) 1 mg kg(-1), patients in Group L received i.m. lidocaine (100 mg ml(-1)) 2 mg kg(-1) and patients in Group C received i.m. saline 5 ml before operation. Hypnosis was measured with bispectral index (BIS). RESULTS The induction (BIS <45), and the maintenance doses of propofol (BIS between 40 and 50) were significantly less in Group B and Group L compared with the control group. Induction doses were 1.58 (SD 0.39), 1.56 (0.24) and 2.03 (0.33) mg kg(-1) respectively; P<0.0001. Maintenance doses were 6.33 (2.06), 7.08 (1.23) and 9.95 (2.02) mg kg(-1) respectively in the first hour; P<0.0001. Groups B and L were associated with an attenuated haemodynamic response to both induction and intubation. CONCLUSION I.M. administered local anaesthetics are associated with a decrease in both the induction and maintenance doses of propofol during total i.v. anaesthesia and a reduction in haemodynamic responses.
A case‐based reasoning approach to derive object‐oriented models from software architectures

Abstract: Software architectures are very important to capture early design decisions and reason about quality attributes of a system. Unfortunately, there are mismatches between the quality attributes prescribed by the architecture and those realized by its object‐oriented implementation. The mismatches decrease the ability to reason architecturally about the system. Developing an object‐oriented materialization that conforms to the original architecture depends on both the application of the right patterns and the developer's expertise. Since the space of allowed materializations can be really large, tool support for assisting the developer in the exploration of alternative materializations is of great help. In previous research, we developed a prototype for generating quality‐preserving implementations of software architectures, using pre‐compiled knowledge about architectural styles and frameworks. In this paper, we present a more flexible approach, called SAME, which focuses on the architectural connectors as the pillars for the materialization process. The SAME design assistant applies a case‐based reasoning (CBR) metaphor to deal with connector‐related materialization experiences and quality attributes. The CBR engine is able to recall and adapt past experiences to solve new materialization problems; thus SAME can take advantage of developers' knowledge. Preliminary experiments have shown that this approach can improve the exploration of object‐oriented solutions that are still faithful to the architectural prescriptions.
Electrical modeling of copper/carbon nanotubes for 3D integration

A model of copper and carbon nanotube (CNT) composite filled in through silicon vias (TSV) is developed to determine the electrical behavior of an emerging 3D interconnect technology. The copper/CNT composite is configured in a TSV structure to enhance electrical and mechanical interconnect properties. The TSVs are fabricated in a deep reactive ion etching process that produces tapered sidewalls which favors the metal filling process. Conductive TSVs are considered as a vertical pathway to integrate multiple chips in a stack, and to reduce interconnect length and wire delay. A realistic TSVs in the form of tapered sidewalls with different top and bottom diameters in the vias are used to study electrical behavior of Cu/CNT interconnects. Current density was investigated for different copper filling ratios, CNT diameters and via profile. Single walled CNTs were modeled to determine electrical behavior of the composite structures. The electrical modeling of Cu/CNT bundles filled in tapered vias will be used as design inputs in the fabrication of 3D interconnects. 3D electrically filled TSVs are considered as modern day electronic wiring scheme to connect devices in different layers. The paper discusses electrical modeling of Cu/CNT composites in tapered vias for high frequency applications.