Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Antecedents of Social Liabilities in CVC Triads — A Dynamic Social Network Perspective

This study addresses the emergence of social liabilities by taking a social network perspective on intra- and interorganizational network configurations using the hitherto unexplored example of the corporate venture capital (CVC) triad (CVC unit, corporate business unit, and portfolio company). We investigate social capital and social liability resulting from network formation and transformation and assess their impact on interorganizational knowledge transfer and creation. Examining 12 CVC triads in Germany, we identify new antecedents of social liability, show that social capital can initially facilitate knowledge transfer and creation, and that structural and personal lock-ins may eventually turn that capital into a liability. We make key theoretical contributions to the social network and CVC literature.
The Chief Marketing Officer Matters!

Marketing academics and practitioners alike remain unconvinced about the chief marketing officer's (CMO's) performance implications. Whereas some studies propose that firms benefit financially from having a CMO in the C-suite, other studies conclude that the CMO has little or no effect on firm performance. Accordingly, there have been strong calls for additional academic research regarding the CMO's performance implications. In response to these calls, the authors employ model specifications with varying identifying assumptions (i.e., rich data models, unobserved effects models, instrumental variable models, and panel internal instruments models) and use data from up to 155 publicly traded firms over a 12-year period (2000–2011) to find that firms can indeed expect to benefit financially from having a CMO at the strategy table. Specifically, their findings suggest that the performance (measured in terms of Tobin's q) of the sample firms that employ a CMO is, on average, approximately 15% greater than that of the sample firms that do not employ a CMO. This result is robust to the type of model specification used. Marketing academics and practitioners should find the results intriguing given the existing uncertainty surrounding the CMO's performance implications. The study also contributes to the methodology literature by collating diverse empirical model specifications that can be used to model causal effects with observational data into a coherent and comprehensive framework.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase-Independent Effects of an ACE Inhibitor on Coronary Flow Response to Bradykinin in Aged Mice

ACE inhibitors are known to ameliorate cardiovascular complications in aging; however, their effects on the coronary circulation in relation to aging and eNOS dependence remain to be examined. Coronary flow responses to bradykinin with or without ACE inhibitors were examined in Langendorff-perfused hearts from young (16-20 weeks) and aged (16-20 months) control and eNOS−/− mice. Western blot analysis was performed for cardiac eNOS, nNOS, and ACE. Baseline coronary flow was comparable between young and aged mice of both strains. Aging did not affect bradykinin-induced coronary flow in either strain. Interestingly, both acute and chronic treatment with an ACE inhibitor markedly augmented the flow response in aged control and eNOS−/− mice. Aged eNOS−/− mice were markedly hypertensive and had larger ventricular mass than control mice. The antihypertensive effect of temocapril was greater in aged eNOS−/− mice, associated with reduction in the ventricular weight in both strains. Western blot analysis demonstrated an increased expression of eNOS in aged control mice, and ACE expression was increased in eNOS−/− mice. These results indicate that coronary flow response to bradykinin is preserved in aged mice even in the absence of eNOS, and an ACE inhibitor augments this response by both eNOS-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Intra‐observer and inter‐observer repeatability of Anterior Eye Segment analysis system (EAS‐1000) in anterior chamber configuration

Background: Anterior chamber configuration can be assessed via optical or ultrasonic techniques. Scheimpflug photography is a non‐invasive method measuring the anterior segment. The Anterior Eye Segment analysis system, EAS‐1000, utilises the Scheimpflug principle and was found to have good repeatability. Previous repeatability studies, however, have had limitations in their design. The current study investigated the intra‐observer and interobserver repeatability of the EAS‐1000.
Determinants of Willingness to Pay of Organic Products

Demand of organic products is in an increasing rate and organic market is growing internationally and in the year 2009 the volume hit $55.4 billion. Malaysia is also experiencing the blooming of demand of organic products. In fact, consumers have become more conscious about the healthy and quality products. They are willing to pay for premium price for organic products. In addition, organic market is a potential and profitable market for marketers to have a deep study on it since the demand of organic products is kept increasing. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore the determinants that motive organic consumers' willingness to pay for the organic products. A total of 479 samples were collected through self-administrative questionnaires in November 2012 from the organic consumers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The study showed that environment consciousness, health consciousness, perceived expensiveness and labelling and certification, significantly predicted willingness to pay. Malaysian consumers consider organic products as very healthy and of environmental friendly. However, these products are perceived as rather expensive. Thus, marketing strategies for organic products should be targeted towards to those segments of consumers most appreciative of the positive attributes of organic products.
Accounting conservatism, and bank loan contracts: Evidence from China

Accounting conservatism plays an important role in bank loan contracts. A high degree of accounting conservatism can reduce the risks faced by bank lenders through reporting losses in a timely manner. Banks may then offer preferential policies to borrowers. This paper investigates this hypothesis, using hand-collected data on bank loans granted to Chinese A-share listed companies from 2000 to 2007. The empirical results show that companies with stronger conservatism tend to obtain larger loan amounts with lower interest rates and longer maturities. In addition, we find that the effect of accounting conservatism on bank loans is more significant in regions with better legal environments, more preferential policies, and less intervention from the local government.
Primary Economic Impact of Small-Scale Sports Events

The assumption that events can have positive economic impacts has increased interest in their hosting by many destinations worldwide. Although attendees are a constitutive part of events, scarce research has empirically analyzed their behavior from an economic standpoint. In particular, further exploratory research is required on (1) how much money event attendees spend at events, and (2) the extent to which event attendee expenditures positively affect the host region. A better understanding of these two aspects is crucial for any kind of economic impact assessment. This study examines three World Cup ski-jumping events in Norway during the winter of 2012-2013. Altogether, 870 spectators were interviewed at the venues in Vikersund, Trondheim, and Oslo. Prior research has estimated that the proportion of spectators contributing to a positive economic impact is between 10% and 60%. The current study shows that the share of this spectator group at the World Cup ski-jumping events in Norway lies in the lower part of the range. Furthermore, the study shows that though the total number of spectators was significant (137,000), the primary economic impact on the host region was modest, amounting to less than NOK 9 million.
COMPARABILITY OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTSContent Analysis of Austrian Sustainability Reports

The comparison of sustainability reports is a scientific endeavour, which is particularly important for financial analysts but also for sustainability manag- ers, who are responsible for a companies' sustainability management system. However, comparability of reports may be limited by the heterogeneity of sus- tainability reports. This paper presents the results of a comparative content analysis of sustainability reports of both Austrian and multinational corpora- tions. The analysis focuses on differences between sustainability reports, which could reduce their value for sustainability managers. It shows that there are considerable differences between the reports issued by different corpora- tions. The sometimes hidden variations go beyond differences that are due to the industry and the size of a company. These concealed differences may in- fluence the usability of sustainability reports for benchmarking and initiatives
Heterogeneous Fall in Productive Capacity in Italian Industry During the 2008-13 Double-Dip Recession

Between 2008 and 2013 productive capacity was considerably downsized in the Italian manufacturing sector. This paper analyses the micro-data collected for the Bank of Italy surveys to identify the main drivers of the reduction in the whole 2008-13 period and in four sub-periods (pre-crisis 2001-07, first phase of the crisis 2008-09, recovery 2010-11, and second crisis 2012-13). Our main findings are that i) losses of productive capacity varied widely across manufacturing sub-sectors with differences in pre-crisis trends tending to persist in a few sub-sectors during the double-dip recession; ii) large firms were more successful in avoiding major capacity losses, especially in the first phase of the crisis; iii) the share of sales on foreign markets was negatively correlated with performance in 2008-09, but the correlation turned positive in 2012-13; iv) among the Italian macro-regions, the Centre weathered the long recession better; v) subsidiaries underperformed firms not belonging to any group; and vi) the negative effects on productive capacity of credit constraints, which discouraged investments, were felt by Italian firms particularly in 2012-13.
Entry Mode Choice of the Japanese MNEs in Europe: Impact of Firm and Industrial Factors

In order to compete successfully in a foreign market, a firm must possess ownership advantages that can take the form of managerial and technological know-how, human skills, marketing capabilities, etc. This paper studies the impact of these advantages on foreign investor's preference for a wholly owned subsidiary versus a joint venture. The empirical results are based on a sample of 324 Japanese manufacturing companies established in Europe over the period 1994-1998. The main hypothesis is that large firms with greater experience and industrial advantages are more likely to choose a full ownership structure for its foreign affiliates. The study finds that international experience, and resource-based industries of the investing companies have a positive influence on the choice of shared ownership structure for the foreign subsidiaries. Furthermore, firm size and intangible assets measured by the R&D and advertising intensities are shown to have a non-significant relationship with entry mode.
Expression of viral protein P27 in avian sarcoma virus‐transformed mammalian cells and helper‐dependent rescue of rous sarcoma virus

Avian sarcoma virus (ASV)‐transformed mammalian cells, known to be either virus‐producing, virogenic or non‐virogenic, were tested for viral gene products: for p27 by radioimmunoassay and for group‐specific (gs) antigens by the complement fixation test. Clones of B77 virus‐producing RBI rat tumour cells had p27 concentrations ranging from 10 to 80 ng/mg cellular protein; the poor virus‐producing clone had the lowest levels of p27 and gs antigen. Treatment of the clones with halogenated pyrimidines, BrdUrd and IdUrd, had little effect. Virogenic mammalian cell lines XC, LWC3 cells and human 118MG/EH cells transformed by the Prague, Schmitt‐Ruppin and Engelbreth‐Holm strains of ASV, respectively, were analyzed for p27, for gs antigens, tumour induction in chickens and focus formation after fusion of the X‐ray‐irradiated cells with chicken fibroblasts. Concentrations of p27 and of gs antigens and tumour induction by intact cells were approximately the same in both rat XC cells and human 118MG/EH cells. Treatment with BrUrd or IdUrd increased the level of p27 in the latter cell line. On the other hand, rat LWV3 cells had no detectable p27 or gs antigens but their tumourinducing activity in chickens was fifty‐fold higher. Non‐virogenic rat TWERC cells, transformed by the Prague strain of RSV, had low detectable levels of p27 and of gs antigens. These cells did not produce tumours in chickens or foci when fused with chicken fibroblasts. The only, and very effective, way of rescuing RSV from TWERC cells was the fusion of TWERC cells with RAV‐1‐preinfected cells. After inoculation of a mixture of 2×104 cells treated with inactivated Sendai virus, tumours were induced in 50% of the chickens. Both the host‐range and virus neutralization studies indicated that the rescued TWERC virus had avian subgroup C specificity and not the specificity of the helper virus. The rescued virus had a one‐hit titration pattern in duck embryo fibroblasts, indicating that the virus was non‐defective for infection and transformation of these cells.
A descriptive study of the strategy-to-performance gap from a resource-based perspective

The purpose of this study was to determine which specific resources contribute to the strategy-to-performance gap of small businesses trading in the Pietermaritzburg metropolitan area, from a resource-based perspective of strategic management. The research was prompted by a study conducted by Marakon Associates, the purpose of which was to investigate how successfully companies translate their strategies into performance and what steps they take to close the resulting strategy-to-performance gaps. The main reasons advanced for poor strategy-to-performance results are inadequate or unavailable resources. The research design in the study is quantitative and descriptive in nature. The data was collected from a structured questionnaire comprising of 18 questions emailed to the owners using LimeSurvey. The findings of the survey show that the businesses surveyed lack resources, which leads directly to strategy-to-performance gaps. The most important resources they lack are financial and human resources.
5 Tissue Doppler in Ischemic Heart Disease

Tissue Doppler Echocardiography was introduced in the 1960s (Yoshida et al., 1961), and enabled the quantitative assessment of myocardial motion and deformation. The wide use of tissue Doppler as a research tool halted, however, until the early 1990s (Hatle & Sutherland, 2000). Tissue Doppler is now available for high frame rates, wide sector angles and in combination with 2-dimiensional data acquisition. Although widely used in cardiovascular research, the clinical use is limited, probably due to the time consumption associated with special imaging protocols and tedious post processing. Nevertheless, tissue Doppler echocardiography has contributed to most of the available knowledge on the pathophysiology involved in myocardial contraction deficiency. The experienced cardiologist can easily identify large myocardial infarcts by visual analysis of echocardiograms, but identification of a small MI may be challenging due to the modest changes in tissue properties. In ischemic tissue, the contractility is reduced and reduced deformation and deformation rate is observed. Due to differences in contractility among ischemic and adjacent healthy myocardium, the ischemic myocardium has a characteristic deformation pattern with stretch in early systole, reduced systolic shortening, and a delayed (postsystolic) shortening when the ventricular pressure decays. This early stretch and post systolic shortening pattern has been described both experimentally (Edvardsen, T. et al., 2002; Skulstad et al., 2002) and clinically (Gjesdal et al., 2008; Jamal et al., 1999; Voigt et al., 2004).
Advanced age, cardiovascular risk burden, and timed up and go test performance in Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular comorbidities are a known risk factor for impaired mobility in elderly individuals. Motor impairments in Parkinson disease are conventionally ascribed to nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation although progressive gait and balance impairments become more common with aging and often show limited response to dopaminergic replacement therapies. METHODS We explored the association between elevated cardiovascular risk factors and performance on the Timed Up and Go test in cross-sectional of Parkinson disease subjects (n = 83). Cardiovascular risk factor status was estimated using the Framingham General Cardiovascular Disease risk-scoring algorithm in order to dichotomize the cohort into those with and without elevated modifiable cardiovascular risk compared with normative scores for age and gender. All subjects underwent clinical and neuroimaging evaluations including a 3-m Timed Up and Go test, [(11)C]dihydrotetrabenazine positron emission tomography imaging to estimate nigrostriatal dopamine terminal loss, and an magnetic resonance imaging assessment of leukoaraiosis. A similar analysis was performed in 49 healthy controls. RESULTS After adjusting for disease duration, leukoaraiosis, and nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation, Parkinson disease subjects with elevated Framingham risk scores (n = 61) displayed slower Timed Up and Go test performance (β = 1.86, t = 2.41, p = .018) compared with subjects with normal range Framingham risk scores (n = 22). When age ≥65 was added to the model in a post hoc analysis, the strength of effect seen with older age (β = 1.51, t = 2.44, p = .017) was similar to that of elevated Framingham risk scoring (β = 1.87, t = 2.51, p = .014). In a multivariable regression model studying the healthy control population, advanced age (t = 2.15, p = .037) was a significant predictor of Timed Up and Go speed though striatal [(11)C]dihydrotetrabenazine (t = -1.30, p = .19) and elevated Framingham risk scores (t = 1.32, p = .19) were not. CONCLUSIONS Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and older age may independently exacerbate balance-related disability in Parkinson disease and may exert additive or synergistic pathological effects. The pathophysiology of these impairments cannot be explained completely by nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation or leukoaraiosis burden and may relate to systemic factors seen with accelerated aging.
Factors that Impact Customer Satisfaction: Evidence from the Thailand Mobile Cellular Network Industry

Retaining current customers is one of the key success factors to survive in the mature market of the mobile cellular network industry in Thailand. The aim of this study is to identify key success factors of this industry. Adult users of mobile cellular networks are interviewed. The results from the multiple regression analysis show that from the mobile service perspective, the customer values network quality, emotional value, promotional value, quality of service at shops and quality of call center service. From a more holistic perspective, corporate image plays a significant role in enhancing customer satisfaction with mobile cellular networks in Thailand.
Trading on Algos

This paper studies the impact of algorithmic trading (AT) on asset prices. We find that the heterogeneity of algorithmic traders across stocks generates predictable patterns in stock returns. A trading strategy that exploits the AT return predictability generates a monthly risk-adjusted performance between 50-130 basis points for the period 1999 to 2012. We find that stocks with lower AT have higher returns, after controlling for standard market-, size-, book-to-market-, momentum, and liquidity risk factors. This effect survives the inclusion of many cross-sectional return predictors and is statistically and economically significant. Return predictability is stronger among stocks with higher impediments to trade and higher predatory/opportunistic algorithmic traders. Our paper is the first to study and establish a strong link between algorithmic trading and asset prices.
Impact of Customer Satisfaction and Brand Image on Brand Loyalty

The study is going to analyze the impact of customer satisfaction and brand image on brand loyalty. The impact has been seen by the data obtained from the consumers of Gujranwala, Pakistan. Questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain data from randomly selected University of the Punjab, Gift University, Indus Industries and local society consumers. A sample of about 200 respondents was obtained in a period of one month and their responses were further tested on SPSS software by applying different statistical techniques. Results concluded that the customer satisfaction and brand image both have a significant positive impact on the brand loyalty. Study revealed that the impact of brand image on brand loyalty was greater than the impact of customer satisfaction. Furthermore, this research elaborates that the customers can be made loyal to the brand by providing satisfaction through better quality services and communicating and developing a good brand image through accurate positioning. Practical implications, research limitations and the future study directions also have been given in this paper. © 2012 APBITM Society. All rights reserved.
Compact analytical model for room-temperature-operating silicon single-electron transistors with discrete quantum energy levels

A compact and analytical model for silicon single-electron transistors (SETs) considering the discrete quantum energy levels and the parabolic tunneling barriers is proposed. The model is based on a steady-state master equation that considers only the three most probable states derived from ground level and the first excited level for each number of electrons in the dot to reduce the complexity while accounting for the quantum-level spacing and multiple peaks in Coulomb oscillation. Negative differential conductance (NDC) characteristics and aperiodic Coulomb oscillations due to nonuniform quantum-level spacings can be reproduced in this model. The model was compared with measurements, and good agreement was obtained. Simulations of some basic circuits that utilize NDC are successfully carried out by applying our model to the HSPICE circuit simulation. Our model can provide suitable environments for designing CMOS-combined room-temperature-operating highly functional SET circuits.