Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking service innovation to firm performance: The roles of ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capability

Purpose How in essence a firm’s service innovation affects its performance is always an intriguing and important issue to business researchers and practitioners. However little is known about the moderating effects of a firm’s approach to innovation and capability of marketing orientation that influence this aforementioned relationship and the underlying mechanisms. This paper aims to examine how ambidextrous innovation (exploration and exploitation innovation) and market orientation capabilities (market-sensing and customer-linking capabilities) can shape the relationship between service innovation and firm performance. Research model was developed based on theoretical foundation of the resource-based view and the rationed perspective. Design/methodology/approach Using an original data set comprising 170 service-oriented firms from Taiwan, the authors found that ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capabilities can significantly enhance performance for service-oriented firms. The authors used the traditional ordinary least squares regression and the zero-inflated Poisson regression to test the five hypotheses. Findings The empirical results fully support the hypotheses that ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capabilities can significantly enhance firm performance. These results imply that the benefits of ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capabilities can coexist in a service innovation deployment and that these combined benefit firm performance. Originality/value The ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capabilities play catalytic roles during innovative service implementation in the service-oriented sectors. The roles of these factors have rarely been examined together before. Hence, this study addresses the gaps in current understanding and provides valuable insights, particularly in the context of the future service innovation deployment. In addition, the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings provide useful and valuable information for both the researchers and managers of the service-oriented.
Meeting the challenges of ICT adoption by micro-enterprises

Purpose – Information and communication technologies (ICTs) open new opportunities for micro‐enterprises to improve their businesses. However, challenges to using ICTs impede these businesses from growing into drivers for development. This paper seeks to investigate the adoption of ICTs in 11 micro‐enterprises in an underserved community of Omaha, Nebraska.Design/methodology/approach – Following an action research study, this research provides insight into the key challenges and opportunities facing micro‐enterprises in their use of ICTs to create value for their businesses.Findings – The process of “IT therapy” provides individualized technology‐related assistance, with an emphasis on relationship‐building, customized training, context sensitivity, and solutions that target strongly‐perceived needs of the businesses studied.Originality/value – The paper's contribution is in the methodology for facilitating the adoption of ICTs in micro‐enterprises.
Institutional Quality and Public Debt Accumulation: An Empirical Analysis

ABSTRACT The question of public debt management for both developed and developing economies has generated an enormous amount of political as well as academic interest. This study examines how governance affects public debt accumulation in the MENA countries during the 1996–2015 period. The six Worldwide Governance indicators (voice and accountability, political stability and the absence of violence/terrorism, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law and control of corruption) were used to measure the quality of governance in these countries. The results show that only three governance indicators support well the hypothesis that poor governance leads to higher accumulation of MENA public debt. Moreover, the estimates suggest a significant indirect impact of bad governance operating via decreased GDP growth. These findings have important implications for policy makers of these countries, which are currently facing major fiscal and external imbalances due to the high cost of war and terrorist attacks, low oil prices and a decline in trade. Sound public debt management represents an urgent task especially that public debt management problems often find their origins in the lack of attention paid by policymakers to the costs of bad governance and weak macroeconomic management.
Protective effect of different ophthalmic viscosurgical devices on corneal endothelium during severe phacoemulsification model in rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To evaluate the protective effect of different ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) on corneal endothelial cells against relatively severe phacoemulsification damage in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four rabbit eyes were randomly assigned to four similar groups: in three groups the aqueous humor was completely replaced by Visiol (TRB CHEMEDICA, München, Germany), Biolon (Bio-Technology General Ltd., Kiryat Malachi, Israel), and Viscoat (Alcon, Puurs, Belgium) and in the control group no OVD was applied. Endothelial cell counts were performed prior to initiating the study. All eyes were exposed to continuous 5 minutes of phacoemulsification. Endothelial cell counts were repeated 4 days postoperatively. RESULTS Viscoat showed the highest endothelial cell loss (30%), followed by Biolon (25%), Visiol (22%), and the control group (19%). None of the differences between the groups were found to be statistically significant, although they were within each group (P = .028). CONCLUSION None of the tested OVDs demonstrated protective effect on corneal endothelial cells in comparison to the control group. This model was found to be too aggressive for the demonstration of the protective effect of different OVDs even for hard cataract.
Effects of μ‐opioid receptor modulation on the hippocampal network activity of sharp wave and ripples

Hippocampus‐dependent memory involves the activity of sharp wave ripples (SWRs), which are thought to participate in the process of memory consolidation. The hippocampus contains high levels of endogenous opioids and of μ‐opioid receptors (MORs). Here, we have assessed the role of MOR agonists in the modulation of SWRs.
A prospective study of MR enterography versus capsule endoscopy for the surveillance of adult patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to assess the utility of MR enterography compared with capsule endoscopy for the detection of small-bowel polyps in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Adult patients with PJS scheduled for surveillance capsule endoscopy were prospectively recruited and underwent MR enterography and capsule endoscopy. Polyps > 10 mm were regarded as clinically relevant. When appropriate, large polyps (> 15 mm) were removed at enteroscopy, enabling correlation with MR enterography and capsule endoscopy findings. Interobserver agreement for MR enterography and capsule endoscopy was calculated. Patient comfort, convenience, and test preference were assessed. RESULTS Nineteen patients (median age, 39.6 years) underwent both procedures. There was no significant difference between techniques for the detection of polyps > 10 mm (18 vs 23 polyps at capsule endoscopy and MR enterography, respectively; p = 0.35) or in the number of patients in whom > 10 mm polyps were detected (eight vs 11 patients at capsule endoscopy and MR enterography, respectively; p = 0.38). However, in three patients, large polyps (> 15 mm) detected on MR enterography were not detected on capsule endoscopy; large polyps were seen in six patients at capsule endoscopy and in nine patients at MR enterography (p = 0.25). Interobserver agreement was high for MR enterography but was only fair for capsule endoscopy (kappa = 0.81 and 0.27, respectively). Size assessments of large polyps (> 15 mm) appeared more reproducible with MR enterography than with capsule endoscopy. Patients rated capsule endoscopy as more comfortable than MR enterography. There was no significant difference between the techniques with regard to patient convenience or preference. CONCLUSION MR enterography is a promising alternative to capsule endoscopy for small-bowel surveillance in adults with PJS. Although our results suggest that capsule endoscopy is more comfortable for the patient, MR enterography may be less prone to missing large polyps and may be more reliable in their size assessment.
Sadness, Depression, and Avoidance Behavior

Research into genetic, psychosocial, and cognitive explanations for depression (biopsychosocial models) provides support for the role of these variables in the etiology of depression. Regularly identified as basic to depression is loss, and the experience of loss has been found to be more influential than genetic factors in the causation of depression. A distinction is drawn between sadness and depression. Sadness is conceptualized as a normal, time-limited response to loss, whereas depression is a disorder because it is recurring and disruptive. Missing from current biopsychosocial explanations for depression is the importance of avoidance behavior in relation to loss. The thesis of this article is that sadness is transformed into depression as a result of avoidance behavior, which blocks access to lost positive reinforcers. Successful treatment requires replacing avoidance behavior with approach behaviors to overcome the consequences of the loss. An equation is presented specifying the factors involved in depression and how they are related. Implications following from the equation fit well with research results. Treatment issues associated with the theory are discussed.
Clinical and Genetic Analysis of a New Multigenerational Pedigree with GEFS+ (Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus)

Summary: Febrile seizures affect 2–5% of all children younger than 6 years. A small proportion of children with febrile seizures later develop epilepsy. The syndrome of generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by febrile seizures that may persist beyond age 6 years and nonfebrile seizures. Several genes have been localized for FS by linkage analysis, and three GEFS+ genes (SCN1A, SCN1B, GABRG2) have been identified. We identified a large multigenerational family with GEFS+ in France. All affected members had FSs. Among them, seven had other types of epileptic seizures including FSs after age 6 years, nonfebrile generalized seizures, or partial seizures later in life. Genetic linkage study excluded the candidate genes and loci for FS and GEFS+, thus proving the existence of a new GEFS+ genetic locus underlying the phenotype observed in this family.
Partial Breast Reconstruction: Current Perspectives

Summary: The popularity of breast conservation therapy for the management of women with breast cancer continues to rise. To preserve cosmesis or broaden the indications for breast conservation therapy in some situations, plastic surgeons are now being challenged with the reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects. Numerous techniques exist, either at the time of resection or following radiation, and the decision of which to use depends on breast size, tumor size, and tumor location. Women with unfavorable defects in smaller breasts will often benefit from volume replacement techniques, such as local fasciocutaneous or myocutaneous flaps, without the need for a symmetry procedure. Women with moderate or larger breasts (with or without ptosis) and the potential for an unfavorable result also have the option for volume displacement procedures using local tissue rearrangement techniques to reshape the breast mound. As these are volume reduction procedures, they often require a contralateral procedure for symmetry. The extent of resection (lumpectomy versus quandantectomy) will also influence the type of reconstruction. Patient selection, surgical technique, margin status, and appropriate follow-up are crucial to maximize both oncological safety and cosmesis. The reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects will likely gain popularity as we continue to demonstrate safe and effective treatment algorithms with larger series and longer follow-up in an attempt to minimize locoregional disease and maximize cosmetic outcome.
Bitcoin and Sentiment

On the surface, cryptocurrencies share important features in common with high sentiment beta stocks. Baker and Wurgler (2007) identify high sentiment betas with small startup firms that have great growth potential. This paper investigates the degree to which, during the period July 18, 2010 to February 26, 2018, the return to bitcoin displayed the characteristics of a high sentiment beta stock. Using a sentiment-dependent factor model, the analysis indicates that in large measure, bitcoin returns resembled returns to high sentiment beta stocks.
The LONFLIT4-Concorde - Sigvaris Traveno Stockings in Long Flights (EcoTraS) Study

The LONFLIT1/2 studies have established that in high-risk subjects after long (> 10 hours) flights the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) may be between 4% and 6%. The LONFLIT4 study was aimed at evaluating the control of edema and DVT prevention in low- medium-risk subjects. In this study prophylaxis of edema with specific travel stockings was evaluated in 2 separate studies involving flights lasting 7 hours and 10-12 hours. Part I. Sub jects at low-medium risk for DVT were contacted; 55 subjects were excluded for several nonmedical, travel-related problems or inconvenient evaluation time; the remaining 211 were randomized into 2 groups to evaluate prophylaxis with elastic stockings in 7-8-hour, long- haul flights. The control group had no prophylaxis; the treatment group used below-knee, Sigvaris Traveno elastic stockings (Ganzoni, Switzerland, producing 12-18 mm Hg of pressure at the ankle). Color duplex scanning was used to evaluate the possible presence of DVT; edema/swelling were evaluated with a composite score including the presence of edema (with an edema tester), variations in ankle circumference and leg volumetry, subjective swelling, and discomfort (scale ranging from 0 to 10). Results: Of the 103 included subjects in the stockings group and 108 in the control group (total 211), 195 subjects completed the study. Dropouts (16) were due to low compliance or traveling and connection problems. Age, sex distribution, and risk factors distributions were comparable in the 2 groups. Stockings Group: Of 97 subjects none had DVT or superficial thromboses. Control Group: Of 98 subjects none had thrombosis. The level of edema at inclusion was comparable in the 2 groups of subjects. After flights there was an average score of 6.4 (1.3) in the control group, while in the stockings group the score was on average 2.4 (SD 1), 2.6 times lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the control group 83% of the subjects had an evident increase in ankle circumference and volume that was visible at inspection and associated with discomfort. The control of edema with stockings was clear, considering both parametric data (circumference and volume) and
Complete Cytoreduction for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Is Optimal but Maximal Tumor Debulking May Be Beneficial in Patients in Whom Complete Tumor Removal Cannot Be Achieved

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a diffuse peritoneal malignancy that generally originates form a perforated appendiceal tumor. Optimal treatment requires extensive surgical resection to achieve complete cytoreduction combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. In a proportion of patients this is impossible, in particular, owing to extensive irresectable small-bowel involvement. There is ongoing debate as to the role of maximal tumor debulking in such cases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients who underwent major tumor debulking for pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin and to compare outcomes with patients who had complete cytoreduction during the same period. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. SETTINGS: This investigation was conducted at a tertiary referral center for peritoneal surface malignancy. PATIENTS: A prospective database of 953 consecutive patients with peritoneal malignancy undergoing surgery at a UK national referral center between 1994 and 2012 was analyzed. Of these patients, 748 (78%) had surgery for pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival, morbidity, and mortality in both groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify negative prognostic factors in the group that underwent major tumor debulking. RESULTS: Complete cytoreductive surgery was achieved in 543/748 (73%) patients, and 205 (27%) had maximal tumor debulking. Median age was 56 years (172 (31.7%) men) in the complete cytoreductive surgery group and 59 years (108 (52.7%) men) in the maximal tumor debulking group. Overall survival at 3, 5, and 10 years was 90%, 82%, and 64% in the complete cytoreductive group and 47%, 30%, and 22% in the maximal tumor debulking group. The median survival in the maximal tumor debulking group was 32.8 months (95% CI, 24.1–41.5). LIMITATIONS: The retrospective analysis of prospective data was a limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Maximal tumor debulking may help patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei in whom complete cytoreduction cannot be achieved with almost half alive at 3 years with long-term survival in some.
The Applications of Potential Functions in Finance: Some Empirical Results

In this chapter, we review some agent-based herding models in detail. First, the specific procedures and strategies regarding how to build up the ALW (Alfarano, Lux and Wagner) model and Lux’s bivariate as well as the univariate models are fully illustrated. Then, the method to estimate the parameters of these models is discussed. The basic approach is the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). However, calculating the extreme value can be a relatively complex mathematical issue. By utilising the Monte Carlo method, we supply some simulation results for Lux’s herding model and discuss how this model can explain the formation of bubbles, depressions as well as cycles in the stock market. Meanwhile, the simulations of some other agentbased herding models, such as the inchoate herding model proposed by Kirman, will also be illustrated as a comparison. In addition, based on Haven’s former work which is based on Nelson’s theory, this chapter will supply the calculation of the real (classical) as well as quantum potentials for Lux’s model. We find that the possible convex shapes of the curves of the two different potential functions are similar to the empirical results obtained by Baaquie. Also, when considering the gradients of the potentials, the negative effects on the movement of price are illustrated. In addition, by changing the linear relationships between the attitude of traders and the price, we may claim that the potential functions as well as their related financial forces may reflect information related to the speculative behaviour in the market. And at the end of this chapter, Bohmian mechanics is mentioned to extend the discussion to other models and possible applications in the empirical fields.
Functional Identification of Novel Genes Involved in the Glutathione-Independent Gentisate Pathway in Corynebacterium glutamicum

ABSTRACT Corynebacterium glutamicum used gentisate and 3-hydroxybenzoate as its sole carbon and energy source for growth. By genome-wide data mining, a gene cluster designated ncg12918-ncg12923 was proposed to encode putative proteins involved in gentisate/3-hydroxybenzoate pathway. Genes encoding gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (ncg12920) and fumarylpyruvate hydrolase (ncg12919) were identified by cloning and expression of each gene in Escherichia coli. The gene of ncg12918 encoding a hypothetical protein (Ncg12918) was proved to be essential for gentisate-3-hydroxybenzoate assimilation. Mutant strain RES167Δncg12918 lost the ability to grow on gentisate or 3-hydroxybenzoate, but this ability could be restored in C. glutamicum upon the complementation with pXMJ19-ncg12918. Cloning and expression of this ncg12918 gene in E. coli showed that Ncg12918 is a glutathione-independent maleylpyruvate isomerase. Upstream of ncg12920, the genes ncg12921-ncg12923 were located, which were essential for gentisate and/or 3-hydroxybenzoate catabolism. The Ncg12921 was able to up-regulate gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase, maleylpyruvate isomerase, and fumarylpyruvate hydrolase activities. The genes ncg12922 and ncg12923 were deduced to encode a gentisate transporter protein and a 3-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase, respectively, and were essential for gentisate or 3-hydroxybenzoate assimilation. Based on the results obtained in this study, a GSH-independent gentisate pathway was proposed, and genes involved in this pathway were identified.
Distribution of collagen type VII in connective tissues of postmenopausal stress-incontinent women

Objective. This study aimed to disclose the distribution changes of collagen VII-immunoreactive (CVII-IR) structures in the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis (ATFP) of postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Patients and methods. Fifty-five postmenopausal patients with a history of incontinence were examined for SUI. In patients with SUI, colposuspension was performed either after intravaginal estrogen therapy (ESTR) or without it (NON-ESTR). Age-matched patients without incontinence served as controls. During the surgery, connective tissue specimens from the ATFP and the rectus muscle external fascia (RMEF) were collected and prepared for immunohistochemistry. Results. SUI was diagnosed in 23 patients, 20 of them entered either the ESTR or the NON-ESTR group. No differences were found in the distribution of CVII-IR structures in RMEF specimens obtained from all groups. The organization of CVII-IR fibrils in the ATFP of stress-incontinent women was severely affected by degenerative processes. Within the ESTR group, the degree of CVII-IR fiber disintegration was lower. Conclusions. Connective tissue from the urogenital suspensory apparatus of women with SUI demonstrates a degenerative distribution pattern of collagen type VII fibers.
How successfully China has applied the OECD principles of corporate governance: a critical assessment

Abstract This paper attempts to critically analyze how successful China has been in applying the OECD principles of corporate governance. In doing so, assessment has been made in light of the six core issues of the OECD principles. A satisfactory level of progress has been noted in China’s legal and regulatory framework since the 1990s. New laws, regulations, and rules have been enacted, existing ones have been amended, and all the required institutions have been built accordingly in order to ensure good corporate governance practices in the country. However, there are still bottlenecks in terms of the enforcement of these laws, regulations, and rules mainly due to the various structural limitations in the Chinese administration and judiciary. The paper argues that China should now move forward with an accelerated enforcement agenda in the area of corporate governance in order to make China Inc. more competitive and sustainable.
Is NIH funding predictive of greater research productivity and impact among academic otolaryngologists?

The h‐index is an accurate and reliable indicator of scholarly productivity that takes into account relevance, significance, and influence of research contributions. As such, it is an effective, objective bibliometric that can be used to evaluate academic otolaryngologists for decisions regarding appointment and advancement. In this study, we evaluate the impact of NIH funding on scholarly productivity in otolaryngology.