Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practical Applications of Music in Service Settings

Discusses many of the empirical studies relating to the effects of background music on a wide range of consumer behaviours and outlines the relevant features and limitations of these studies. Suggests that, while research has identified relationships between specific behaviours and specific musical characteristics (e.g. tempo, volume, mode), retailers should practice caution when attempting to manipulate specific aspects of their background music. A safer and potentially more effective strategy would be to select background music that reflects the musical preferences of targeted consumer segments. Presents useful information regarding selection of appropriate background music.
Resistance exercise and episodic memory function: a systematic review

Emerging research demonstrates that aerobic‐based physical activity is favourably associated with episodic memory function. Despite resistance exercises being associated with a multitude of health outcomes, independent of aerobic physical activity, less research has examined the effects of resistance exercise on episodic memory function. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to examine the extent to which resistance exercise may be associated with episodic memory function.
Financial Contagion Through Attention Reallocation: An Empirical Analysis

This paper provides suggestive evidence of financial contagion between regions by fluctuations in international investors' attention allocation. Using Financial Times news stories about Thailand as a proxy for attention allocated to Southeast Asia, we find that the increase in uncertainty about Southeast Asian stock markets between January of 1997 and July of 1998 was associated with a higher attention allocated to this region. We also find that one more news story about Thailand in the Financial Times was statistically associated with a 6% (5%) increase in the stock market volatility of Brazil (Chile). This finding is consistent with financial contagion through attention reallocation of international investors.
Departures from the protocol during conduct of a clinical trial: a pattern from the data record consistent with a learning curve

Objective Recognition of learning curves in medical skill acquisition has enhanced patient safety through improved training techniques. Clinical trials research has not been similarly scrutinised. The VALsartan In Acute myocardial iNfarcTion, a large multinational, pragmatic, randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial, was retrospectively evaluated for evidence of research conduct consistent with a performance “learning curve”. Design Records provided protocol departure (deviations/violations) and documentation query data. For each site, analysis included patient order (eg, first, second), recruitment rate and first enrolment relative to study start date. Setting Computerised data from a trial coordinated by an academic research organisation collaborating with 10 academic and 2 commercial research organisations and an industry sponsor. Interventions 931 sites enrolled 14 703 patients. Departures were restricted to the first year. Exclusions included patient's death or loss to follow-up within 12 months and subjects enrolled 80th or higher at a site. Departures were assessed for variance with higher patient rank, more frequent recruitment and later start date. Methods and results 12 367 patients at 931 sites were analysed. Departures were more common for patients enrolled earlier at a site (p<0.0001). For example, compared with the 30th patient, the first had 47% more departures. Departures were also more common with slower enrolment and site start closer to the trial start date (p<0.0001). Similar patterns existed for queries. Conclusions Research performance improved during the VALsartan In Acute myocardial iNfarcTion consistent with a “learning curve”. Although effects were not related to a change in outcome (mortality), learning curves in clinical research may have important safety, ethical, research quality and economic implications for trial conduct.
Perceived Functional Impact of Abnormal Facial Appearance

Functional facial deformities are usually described as those that impair respiration, eating, hearing, or speech. Yet facial scars and cutaneous deformities have a significant negative effect on social functionality that has been poorly documented in the scientific literature. Insurance companies are declining payments for reconstructive surgical procedures for facial deformities caused by congenital disabilities and after cancer or trauma operations that do not affect mechanical facial activity. The purpose of this study was to establish a large, sample-based evaluation of the perceived social functioning, interpersonal characteristics, and employability indices for a range of facial appearances (normal and abnormal). Adult volunteer evaluators (n = 210) provided their subjective perceptions based on facial physical appearance, and an analysis of the consequences of facial deformity on parameters of preferential treatment was performed. A two-group comparative research design rated the differences among 10 examples of digitally altered facial photographs of actual patients among various age and ethnic groups with “normal” and “abnormal” congenital deformities or posttrauma scars. Photographs of adult patients with observable congenital and posttraumatic deformities (abnormal) were digitally retouched to eliminate the stigmatic defects (normal). The normal and abnormal photographs of identical patients were evaluated by the large sample study group on nine parameters of social functioning, such as honesty, employability, attractiveness, and effectiveness, using a visual analogue rating scale. Patients with abnormal facial characteristics were rated as significantly less honest (p = 0.007), less employable (p = 0.001), less trustworthy (p = 0.01), less optimistic (p = 0.001), less effective (p = 0.02), less capable (p = 0.002), less intelligent (p = 0.03), less popular (p = 0.001), and less attractive (p = 0.001) than were the same patients with normal facial appearances. Facial deformity caused by trauma, congenital disabilities, and postsurgical sequelae present with significant adverse functional consequences. Facial deformities have a significant negative effect on perceptions of social functionality, including employability, honesty, and trustworthiness. Adverse perceptions of patients with facial deformities occur regardless of sex, educational level, and age of evaluator.
OPINION SURVEY OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ON HOSPITALITY SERVICES OF STAR HOTELS--A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF 3 STAR & 5 STAR HOTELS

INTRODUCTION Hotel industry is very much ―people–industry‖ which deals more with intangibles. The service aspect particularly personalized services cannot be totally mechanized or automated. The profitability of the hotel industries largely impinges on the environment, amenities, ambience, facilities, care, Policies of the government, and quality of all the services, as they are the crucial determinants of the volume of sales.
On the Consistency of Hedge Fund Indexes across Providers

Based on the style analysis pioneered in [Sharpe, W.F. (1992). Asset Allocation: Management style and Performance Measurement, Journal of Portfolio Management, 7-19. ] I de fine a procedure to examine the consistency of hedge fund indexes across providers. The results of my investigation suggest that the competing indexes of the different providers are homogeneous. However, I also find two cases for which one provider differently allocates the funds between styles compared to its peers.
Robust stabilization for the chain of integrators with a delay in the input

This paper addresses the robust stabilization of a chain of integrators with a delay and an additive perturbation in the input. A saturated control in an additive form is presented to guarantee that all states have explicit bounds in finite time, and that the closed-loop system is globally asymptotically stable when perturbation does not exist. In principle, the design in this paper admits arbitrarily large time delay and perturbation. In addition, as for the stabilization in the unperturbed case is concerned, the proposed design admits a larger time delay than the existing nested method when the order of the chain of integrators is high. The effectiveness of the algorithm is illustrated by the simulations of a second-order chain of integrators.
Memory impairment in now abstinent MDMA users and continued users: A longitudinal follow-up

The authors further investigated the functional consequences of continued neurotoxicity of (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use. Fifteen participants who were previously given a brief neuropsychological battery were tested for a third time 2 years after baseline. At 2 years, seven participants were still using MDMA, whereas eight participants had become abstinent from MDMA since 1-year testing. Current users demonstrated further declines in memory ability; former users improved on several memory measures or remained static in performance.
Special Issue: Mixed Methods

© 2015 Poth & Onwuegbuzie. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons‐ Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License 4.0 International (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncsa/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly attributed, not used for commercial purposes, and if transformed, the resulting work is redistributed under the same or similar license to this one.
Volume-dependent overestimation of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma volume by the ABC/2 formula

Background: Although the ABC/2 formula has been widely used to estimate the volume of intracerebral hematoma (ICH), the formula tends to overestimate hematoma volume. The volume-related imprecision of the ABC/2 formula has not been documented quantitatively. Purpose: To investigate the volume-dependent overestimation of the ABC/2 formula by comparing it with computer-assisted volumetric analysis (CAVA). Material and Methods: Forty patients who had suffered spontaneous ICH and who had undergone non-enhanced brain computed tomography scans were enrolled in this study. The ICH volume was estimated based on the ABC/2 formula and also calculated by CAVA. Based on the ICH volume calculated by the CAVA method, the patients were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of 17 patients with an ICH volume of less than 20 ml; group 2 comprised 13 patients with an ICH volume of 20 to 40 ml; and group 3 was composed of 10 patients with an ICH volume larger than 40 ml. Results: The mean estimated hematoma volume was 43.6 ml when using the ABC/2 formula, compared with 33.8 ml when using the CAVA method. The mean estimated difference was 1.3 ml, 4.4 ml, and 31.4 ml for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, corresponding to an estimation error of 9.9%, 16.7%, and 37.1% by the ABC/2 formula (P<0.05). Conclusion: The ABC/2 formula significantly overestimates the volume of ICH. A positive association between the estimation error and the volume of ICH is demonstrated.
Rural Farmers' Exposure to Radio Messages about Sun Protection: Implications for Skin Cancer Prevention

Radio affords the means to reach large audiences with reinforcing messages about health. To date, research-has seldom considered the effects of radio messages on rural or farming populations' health practices. The present study evaluated the impact of exposure to radio messages about sun protection on farmers' (N = 172) perceived knowledge about sun protection, perceptions regarding their families' expectations for farmers to practice sun protection, and farmers' sense of self-efficacy when it comes to practicing sun protection. Farmers' own efforts to promote sun protection, to purchase products to support their own sun protection, and their actual sun protection behaviors were also considered with regard to exposure to radio messages about sun protection. Findings revealed that farmers who recalled having heard a message about sun protection during the previous 12 months were more likely to perceive themselves as knowledgeable about sun protection, to perceive their families as expecting them to practice sun protection, and to believe that sun protection is a relatively easy thing to do. Farmers exposed to radio messages about sun protection were also more likely to promote sun protection to others and to purchase products to support their own sun protection practices. These results suggest that radio is a channel with great potential for achieving health promotion aims among rural farming populations.
Determinants of export performance in French wine SMEs

Purpose – This paper aims to determine which factors are the most important for French wine small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to focus on to improve their export performance. French wine companies, mostly SMEs are acting in a market where being internationally competitive is essential. This is becoming increasingly challenging because of the strong growth of New World wines in international markets. Moreover, they have to face the saturation of their domestic market compounded by a decline in per capita consumption domestically. Having a high export performance could help them be more competitive.Design/methodology/approach – The first step to reach this goal is reviewing the existing literature on export performance determinants in SMEs and more particularly in the wine industry. A theoretical model is built and used to structure an empirical analysis of the determinants of the export performance of French wine SMEs.Findings – Export performance determinants can be theoretically divided into int.
Regulation of autolysins in teichuronic acid‐containing Bacillus subtilis cells

Bacillus subtilis cells grown under phosphate starvation induce teichuronic acid (TUA) synthesis while simultaneously repressing teichoic acid synthesis (TA). The turnover rates of TA‐containing and TUA‐containing walls are similar, indicating that autolysin function is similar and suggesting that modulation of autolytic function may be similar. In this study, it is demonstrated, utilizing fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–dextran to probe the wall pH, that a low pH exists in the wall matrix. A second probe, cationized ferritin (CF), was used to observe cell surface protonation. Suspensions of B. subtilis cells containing either TA or TUA were aggregated with CF only after the addition of a protonmotive force‐dissipating agent. Respiring B. subtilis TUA‐containing cells labelled with FITC–dextran exhibited little fluorescence. Conversely, fluorescence intensities exhibited by cells de‐energized with nitrogen gas were significantly greater. The effects of protonmotive force on autolytic activity were studied by adding cell wall protein extract containing concentrated autolysin to exponentially growing TA‐containing and TUA‐containing B. subtilis cells. Both TUA‐containing and TA‐containing cells were lysed only after the addition of sodium azide. These data suggest that during normal growth the wall of TUA‐containing B. subtilis cells is protonated, and protonmotive force influences autolytic regulation in both TUA‐containing and TA‐containing B. subtilis cells.
Polycystin‐2 cation channel function in the human syncytiotrophoblast is regulated by microtubular structures

Polycystin‐2 (PC2), encoded by PKD2, which is one of the genes whose mutations cause polycystic kidney disease, is abundantly produced in the apical domain of the syncytiotrophoblast (hST) of term human placenta. PC2, a TRP‐type (TRPP2) non‐selective cation channel, is present in primary cilia of renal epithelial cells, a microtubule‐based ancillary structure with sensory function. The hST has abundant cytoskeletal structures, and actin filament dynamics regulate PC2 channel function in this epithelium. However, it is expected that the apical hST excludes microtubular structures. Here, we demonstrated by Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses that hST apical vesicles indeed contain microtubule structural components, including tubulin isoforms, acetylated α‐tubulin, and the kinesin motor proteins KIF3A and KIF3B. PC2 and tubulin were substantially colocalized in hST vesicles. Treatment of hST vesicles with either the microtubular disrupter colchicine (15 μm) or the microtubular stabilizer paclitaxel (taxol, 15 μm) resulted in distinct patterns of microtubular re‐organization and PC2 redistribution. We also observed that changes in microtubular dynamics regulate PC2 channel function. Addition of colchicine rapidly inhibited PC2 channel activity in lipid‐bilayer reconstituted hST membranes. Addition of either tubulin and GTP, or taxol, however, stimulated PC2 channel activity in control hST membranes. Interestingly, we found that the kinesin motor protein KIF3A was capable of increasing PC2 channel activity in hST. We believe that the data are the first to provide a direct demonstration of a microtubular interaction with PC2 in the hST. This interaction thus plays an important regulatory role in the control of ion transport in the human placenta.
An internet information search channel evaluation model: the role of internet usage skills and psychological parameters

Multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) is a branch of research that is designed to identify and understand the process by which individuals manage complex decision-making problems. In recent years it has become a primary area of research in many academic fields. The purpose of this study was to develop an information search channel evaluation model that could effectively analyse user preferences according to their internet usage experience and psychological status as they searched for information on the internet. A hybrid fuzzy multi-criteria group decision (HFMCGD) system was employed to develop the model and measure the role the above parameters played in determining the pre-purchase information channels that individuals preferred. Firstly, a fuzzy AHP was utilised to identify the criteria that influenced consumers to search pre-purchase information on the internet based on factors such as experience using the internet, attitude and happiness. Finally a fuzzy TOPSIS approach was implemented to rank different pre-purchase channels according to user preferences.
Functional anatomy of inner speech and auditory verbal imagery

Synopsis The neural correlates of inner speech and of auditory verbal imagery were examined in normal volunteers, using positron emission tomography (PET). Subjects were shown single words which they used to generate short, stereotyped sentences without speaking. In an inner speech task, sentences were silently articulated, while in an auditory verbal imagery condition, subjects imagined sentences being spoken to them in an another person's voice. Inner speech was associated with increased activity in the left inferior frontal gyrus. Auditory verbal imagery was associated with increases in the same region, and in the left premotor cortex, the supplementary motor area and the left temporal cortex. The data suggest that the silent articulation of sentences involves activity in an area concerned with speech generation, while imagining speech is associated with additional activity in regions associated with speech perception.
MAINTENANCE OF ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS THROUGH CONCEPTION, PREGNANCY, AND LACTATION.

Maintenance of the reproductive cycle through conception, pregnancy, and lactation was attempted in 231 adrenalectomized rats by subcutaneous replacement therapy with cortisol acetate and/or deoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA). The combination of 100 µg cortisol and 50 µg DCA was not ample for pregnancy maintenance. Saline drinking water (1% NaCl) was insufficient therapy to support pregnancy. Cortisol at 150 or 250 µg and DCA at 250 µg enabled conception and maintenance of pregnancy to occur at 75% and lactation maintenance at 43% of the normal incidence. DCA at 250 µg/day maintained adrenalectomized rats in excellent condition and permitted conception and pregnancy to proceed at a rate equal to the normal control group; however, DCA did not support lactation without the addition of the glucocorticoid. Deoxyribonucleic acid content of the mammary glands was higher in groups receiving cortisol than in the group maintained on DCA.
Recommendation Systems with Purchase Data

Many firms use decision tools called “automatic recommendation systems” that attempt to analyze a customer's purchase history and identify products the customer may buy if the firm were to bring these products to the customer's attention. Much of the research in the literature today attempts to recommend products that have a high probability of purchase (conditional on the customer's history). However, the author posits that the recommendation decision should be based not on purchase probabilities but rather on the sensitivity of purchase probabilities to the recommendation action. This article attempts to model carefully the role of firms' recommendation actions in modifying customers' buying behaviors relative to what the customers would do without such a recommendation intervention. The author proposes a simple consumer behavior model that accommodates a transparent role for a firm's recommendation actions. The model is expressed in econometric terms so that it can be estimated with available data. The author studies these ideas using purchase data from a real e-commerce firm and compares the performance of the proposed main model with the performance of benchmark models. The author shows that the main model is better than benchmark models on key measures.
Ultra sensitive TV detector measurements

This paper investigates the performance of FFT- type feature TV detector of weak signals, which can be used in listen-before-talk (LBT) spectrum access algorithms. Using FFT plots applied to consecutive sets of measurements collected at multiple locations, we illustrate and characterize different types of spurious signal environments. Ultra sensitive TV detectors can significantly improve the overall system performance in terms of available TV channels versus transmit power. We show the system performance curves based on real measurements collected at multiple locations
The role of mood in price promotions

This paper deals with the issue of mood effects on perceived transaction value in the context of price promotions. Specifically, mood states appear to bias evaluation and judgments in mood congruent direction. Based on Grewal et al.’s model and mood congruent effects, we propose that when encountering price promotions, buyers in a positive mood, as opposed to buyers in a negative mood, will perceive a greater transaction value. Moreover, we hypothesize that the effect of advertised selling price on perceived transaction value is likely to be moderated by buyers’ mood states. Our results support these hypotheses. In addition, we also find asymmetric moderating effects on discount levels in positive mood state vs. in negative mood state. Managerial implications and future research directions are also discussed.
The good, the great and the independent: implications of board and ownership structures on investment

In this paper, we examine the moderating effects of block ownership and board composition on the sensitivity of firms’ investment spending to the availability of internal funds. In other words, does the ability to allocate funds to long-term investments depend on owner and board characteristics? We focus on two dominant forms of blockholders in Russia – state and oligarchy – and the evolution of their roles over the period from 2000 to 2010. We find that when oligarch-controlled firms appoint independent directors to assume the role of monitoring and seek productive investment opportunities, investment reacts positively to internal funds. We also find that for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with “insider” boards, evidence is aligned with soft budget constraints (negative investment-internal funds relation), whereby these firms may have access to alternative financing from the government, or other related entities.