The purpose of this paper is to determine the active form of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in corneal ulcer and ocular surface disorder patients. A total of 35 patients of corneal ulcer, 20 patients of ocular surface disorders and 10 control subjects were included in this study and estimation of active form of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was done by gelatin zymography. Tear samples were collected by capillary tube method. Both pro-and active forms of MMP-9 were detected in 24 out of 35 patients with corneal ulcer and 15 out of 20 patients with ocular surface disorders. None of the patients were showing MMP-2 activity. Neither MMP-2 nor MMP-9 was detected in the control group. Active forms of MMP-9 are present in tears of severe ulcerative and ocular surface disorder patients. Thus, proteinase inhibitors have been recommended for the treatment of corneal ulcer and ocular surface disorders to reduced the progression of stromal ulcer and to minimize corneal scarring.
PurposeThe study's objective is to examine the consumers' intention to buy counterfeit brand shoes. A conceptual model is developed to test the risk-taking and word-of-mouth (WOM) as a moderator in the relationship between status consumption, brand image, and consumer intention to buy counterfeit shoes.Design/methodology/approachBased on the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and signaling theory (ST), this research was conducted in the Indian National Capital Region. Using a structured instrument, the data was collected from 240 respondents. After checking the psychometric properties of the survey instrument using the Lisrel package of structural equation modeling, Hayes's PROCESS macros were used for testing the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings from the study indicate that (1) status consumption and brand image are positively associated with purchase intention of counterfeit brand shoes, and (2) risk-taking moderates the relationship between (1) status consumption and purchase intention, and (2) brand image and purchase intension, (3) significant three-way interaction between WOM, risk-taking and status consumption on purchase intention, and (4) significant three-way interaction between brand image, WOM, and risk-taking on purchase intention of counterfeit brand shoes.Research limitations/implicationsAs with any survey research, this study has common method variance as a potential problem. However, through the latent variable method and Harman's single-factor analysis, the common method variance was checked. The study has several implications for managers, e-marketers, and consumers.Practical implicationsThe study has several implications for marketers selling counterfeit products and managers intending to protect their branded products.Originality/valueA conceptual model showing two-way and three-way interactions between status consumption, risk-taking, and WOM influencing the consumer purchase intention of counterfeit products was discussed. This is the first of its kind in India to explore such relationships.
Use of internet facility has increased in recent few years. It has observed that mostly youngsters have been affected from recent development of information and communication technology (Maurya et al., 2018).The present study explores the impact of excessive use of internet on quality of life of young adults. A sample of 60 young adults has been selected from Delhi/NCR region out of 60, 23 individuals fulfilled the criteria of internet addiction. A personal data sheet consisting age, gender, religion, education etc., and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was used as a screening test fallowed by WHO Quality of Life Scale BREF (WHOQOL BREEF).Findings suggested that there is no significant difference in patterns to use of internet among young adults male and female. Findings of the present study also depicted negative correlation between addiction and quality of life which may clinically significant but not statistically proven. Thus, it can be noted that internet use is not only the sole predictor of influencing one’s quality of life.
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