Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Too Little, Too Early: Introduction Timing and New Product Performance in the Personal Digital Assistant Industry

The authors address the following key questions: (1) When should a firm introduce a new product? (2) What should its performance level be? and (3) How do the decisions of a competing firm affect a firm's timing and product performance decisions? The authors present a detailed case study of the initial competitors in the personal digital assistant (PDA) industry on the basis of which they construct a stylized game-theoretic model of entry timing and product performance level decisions in a duopoly. Situations in which the duopolists are symmetric as well as asymmetric in terms of their estimates of market size and product development capabilities are considered. When firms are symmetric, the authors show that an equilibrium exists when the firms enter at different times with different performance levels. In the asymmetric cases, the firm that has a higher estimate of market size enters first, as does the firm with a superior development process. The performance level decisions, however, depend on the sensitivity of demand to this variable. The results provide one explanation for empirical observations that market pioneers maintain their leadership in some cases, and later entrants eventually dominate in other cases. The authors then relate the model results to actual decisions in the PDA market, finding that Apple's Newton was “too little, too early. ”
Escherichia coli B/r leuK mutant lacking pseudouridine synthase I activity

Escherichia coli B/r strain EB146 containing mutation leuK16 has elevated levels of enzymes involved in the synthesis of leucine, valine, isoleucine, histidine, and tryptophan (Brown et al., J. Bacteriol. 135:542-550, 1978). We show here that strain EB146 (leuK16) has properties that are similar to those of E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium hisT strains. In tRNA1Leu from both hisT and leuK strains, positions 39 and 41 are uridine residues rather than pseudouridine residues. Furthermore, in tRNA3Leu and tRNA4Leu from a leuK strain, uridine residues at positions 39 and 40, respectively, are unmodified. Pseudouridine synthase I activity is missing in extracts of strain EB146 (leuK16), and extracts of strain EB146 (leuK16) and of a hisT strain do not complement one another in vitro. Four phenotypes of strain EB146 (leuK16), leucine excretion, wrinkled colony morphology, and elevated levels of leu and his enzymes, are complemented by a plasmid having a 1.65-kilobase DNA fragment containing the E. coli K-12 hisT locus. These results indicate that either leuK codes for pseudouridine synthase I (and is thus a hisT locus in reality) or, less likely, it codes for a product that affects the synthesis or activity of pseudouridine synthase I.
Coloration of silicone prostheses: technology versus clinical perception. Is there a difference? Part 2, clinical evaluation of a pilot study.

PURPOSE The aim of this investigation was to explore the relationship between an objective computer measurement of color difference (ΔE) and subjective clinical opinion of a "good" color match between silicone samples and skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Part 1 of this study, silicone samples were colored to match the skin of 19 African-Canadian subjects based on spectrophotometric measurements and pigment formulae determined by computerized color formulation software. Four iterative samples were prepared for each subject; a ΔE value was recorded for each sample to represent the color difference between the silicone sample and skin. In this article, Part 2, five judges independently assessed the color match of the silicone samples to the skin of each of the subjects. Skin and silicone samples were rated on a five-point scale as a measure of "color match. " A multivariate analysis was used to determine relationships between judges' assessments and the following variables: color difference between silicone and skin (ΔE), pigment loading, and skin characteristics (L*, a*, b*). RESULTS There was a positive correlation between judges' scores and low ΔE values for the first two samples. All judges rated the first sample a poorer color match than the fourth sample (p < 0.015). The third sample performed better overall according to judges. Increased pigment loading in the fourth sample resulted in poorer scores. A trend was observed in pigment selection based on skin values, though no significant relationships were determined. CONCLUSION Spectrophotometry and computerized color formulation technology offer an enhanced understanding of color for its artistic application in facial prosthetic treatment. While some correlation between the objective and subjective assessments of color match exist, it is not a simple relationship. Further study is required to better understand the relationship between technology and clinical perception, specifically in objective and subjective assessments of a "good" color match of silicone to skin.
Relationships among customer orientation, service orientation and job satisfaction in financial services

Purpose – The present study attempts to contribute to the knowledge of how customer orientation (CO), service orientation (SO) and job satisfaction (JS) are defined and relate to each other. It explores the relationships between CO and JS by analysing a company providing intermediation services to the banking sector, in its external finance division.Design/methodology/approach – After the literature review, the method of empirical analysis consisting in quantitative intervention with an ad hoc survey using a structured questionnaire was developed. Regression analysis with mediation is used to contrast the hypotheses on the links between the constructs analysed.Findings – Both reliability and factorial analysis of the scales used provided satisfactory results. CO was found to produce mediated effects, through SO, on overall JS. The mediator role was identified as human resources management practice, service systems practice and service leadership practice. In addition, in all cases, a direct, positive asso.
Some second order time accurate finite volume method for the wave equation using a spatial multidimensional generic mesh

The present work is an extension of the previous one [1] which dealt with error analysis of a nite volume scheme of rst order (both in time and space) for second order hyperbolic equations on general nonconforming multidimensional spatial meshes introduced recently in [4]. The aim of this contribution is to get some second{order time accurate schemes for a nite volume method for second order hyperbolic equations using the same class of spatial generic meshes stated above. We present a family of implicit time schemes to approximate the wave equation. The time discretization is performed using a one{parameter Newmark method. We prove that, when the discrete ux is calculated using a stabilized discrete gradient, the convergence order is k2 +hD, where hD (resp. k) is the mesh size of the spatial (resp. time) discretization. This estimate is valid for discrete norms L1(0; T;H1 0 ()) and W1;1(0; T;L2( )) ! under the regularity assumption u 2 C4([0; T]; C2( )) for the exact solution u. These error estimates are useful because they allow to obtain approximations to the exact solution and its rst derivatives of order k2 + hD.
The Loyalty Effect: The Hidden Force Behind Growth, Profits, and Lasting Value (Эффект лояльности: скрытая движущая сила роста, прибыли и постоянной ценности)

The business world seems to have given up on loyalty: many major corporations now lose-and have to replace-half their customers in five years, half their employees in four, and half their investors in less than one. Fred Reichheld's national bestseller The Loyalty Effect shows why companies that ignore these skyrocketing defections face a dismal future of low growth, weak profits, and shortened life expectancy. Reichheld demonstrates the power of loyalty-based management as a highly profitable alternative to the economics of perpetual churn. He makes a powerful economic case for loyalty-and takes you through the numbers to prove it. His startling conclusion: Even a small improvement in customer retention can double profits in your company. The Loyalty Effect will change the way you think about loyalty, profits, and the nature of business
Change at Work

This book illuminates what is really happening in the American workplace. The contributors explain how the widespread restructuring of American firms-usually resulting in a reduction of the workforce to cut costs-has had a profound impact on the lives of workers. The book explains how the new relationship requires high skill levels, but does not provide training for them. Workers themselves now must take charge of their personal development instead of relying on their employers. Their alienation from their firms is compounded by the large disparity between the pay of top managers and that of workers. The future is uncertain, but the authors argue that the traditional relationship between employer and employees will continue to erode.
Modeling Hedonic Portfolio Products: A Joint Segmentation Analysis of Music Compact Disc Sales

The authors present a framework that enables researchers to differentiate better among a wide array of hedonic products. Specifically, the authors define and discuss characteristics of hedonic portfolio products and offer a joint segmentation model that is appropriate for understanding the sales dynamics of this class of products. The model offered in this article can accommodate a large degree of product heterogeneity through product clusters and model covariates. The basic premise is that several generic consumer segments exist and remain fixed across all albums, and each album (or each cluster of similar albums) can be viewed as drawing different proportions from each of these underlying segments. The authors also allow explanatory variables to have a differential impact on both components of the model—that is, accelerating purchase rates within a consumer segment and changing the proportions drawn from each consumer segment by each product cluster—thereby expanding or contracting the potential market size. The authors apply this model to music compact disc sales for 20 different albums and discuss the different effects of radio airplay and holiday buying on sales for a sample in the music industry.
Does Human Capital Impact Differently to the Opportunity Perception and Business Creation? The Case of Spain

The current study analyzes how Spaniard’s general/specific human capital influences their likelihood of perceiving entrepreneurial opportunities and creating a business. The analysis pivots around the comparison of two processes which are part of entrepreneurship. Data from the Spanish Global Entrepreneurship Monitor—GEM of 2008 are used. Logistic regression analysis is performed to test several theoretical hypotheses. Findings revealed that general human capital such as education is not significant for both perceiving entrepreneurial opportunities and creating a business. However, work experience, managerial business, and entrepreneurial training are positively significant to perceive entrepreneurial opportunities and to create a business. This research reveals that specific types of human capital play different roles in entrepreneurship. The contribution of this paper is to compare how the human capital influences upon two processes of entrepreneurship.
Lowering metabolic rate mitigates muscle atrophy in western fence lizards

ABSTRACT Extended periods of skeletal muscle disuse can cause a significant loss of contractile proteins, which compromises the ability to generate force, mechanical work or power, thus compromising locomotor performance. Several hibernating organisms can resist muscle atrophy despite months of inactivity. This resistance has been attributed to a reduction in body temperature and metabolic rate and activation of physiological pathways that counteract pathways of protein degradation. However, in these systems, such strategies are not mutually exclusive and the effects of these mechanisms can be difficult to separate. In this study, we used the western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, as an ectothermic model to determine whether a reduction in metabolic rate is sufficient to resist muscle atrophy. We induced atrophy through sciatic denervation of the gastrocnemius muscle and housed lizards at either 15 or 30°C for 6–7 weeks. Following treatment, we used muscle ergometry to measure maximum isometric force, the force–velocity relationship and contractile dynamics in the gastrocnemius. This approach allowed us to relate changes in the size and morphology to functional metrics of contractile performance. A subset of samples was used to histologically determine muscle fiber types. At 30°C, denervated muscles had a larger reduction in muscle mass, physiological cross-sectional area and maximum isometric force than at 15°C. Maximum shortening velocity of the muscle decreased slightly in animals housed at 30°C but did not change in those housed at 15°C. Our results suggest that metabolic rate alone can influence the rate of muscle atrophy and that ectothermic vertebrates may have an intrinsic mechanism to resist muscle atrophy during seasonal periods of inactivity. Summary: Although many mechanisms can slow skeletal muscle atrophy in hibernating vertebrates, a lowered metabolic rate is sufficient to mitigate muscle atrophy in fence lizards.
Single-Phase Single-Stage Isolated ZCS Current-Fed Full-Bridge Converter for High-Power AC/DC Applications

In this paper, a single-phase single-stage isolated zero current switched (ZCS) current-fed full-bridge ac/dc converter is proposed for IGBT-based high-power power factor correction (PFC) applications. By adding an additional commutation path and few resonant components, ZCS operation is realized for all IGBTs. The conduction loss is also lowered by the additional path. Furthermore, the control strategy for the proposed converter is compatible with that developed for traditional PFC converter. In this paper, the topology derivation and circuit operational analysis are given. The control strategy is introduced. A 3-kw prototype is developed and tested to verify the circuit functionality. Finally, the efficiency performance is investigated and comparison is made to show the advantages of the topology.
Susceptibility Profile of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) to Bacillus sphaericus on Selection with Rotation and Mixture of B. sphaericus and B. thuringiensis israelensis

Abstract Several strains of Bacillus sphaericus (Neide) (Bsph), a spore-forming bacterium that produces potent mosquitocidal toxins, have been widely used against mosquito larvae globally. In some locations in the field and in the laboratory, moderate to high levels of resistance in Culex pipiens complex mosquito larvae to Bsph have been reported. Practical strategies for dealing with the resistance problem and more importantly to delay or possibly prevent development of resistance to Bsph in the first place are urgently needed. From published reports, we deduced that Bsph-resistant mosquito larvae are completely susceptible to Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. isreaelensis (Bti) and that there is no appearance of cross-resistance to Bti. On the basis of this information, we hypothesized that Bti offers a good potential for the management of resistance to Bsph, especially when it comes to delaying or preventing emergence of resistance. We conducted laboratory studies to see whether rotation of Bsph and Bti or mixture of both delays or prevents resistance development in Bsph-susceptible California Cx. quinquefasciatus. Development of resistance using Bsph alone increased after F15 and fluctuated slightly on further selections. Rotation of Bsph and Bti resulted in much higher level and rapid emergence of resistance to Bsph. However, selection with mixtures of Bti and Bsph for 36 generations showed no emergence of resistance. On the basis of this information, we believe mixtures have a good potential in delaying or preventing Bsph resistance.
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, STRUKTUR KEPEMILIKAN, PERTUMBUHAN PERUSAHAAN DAN EFEKTIVITAS USAHA TERHADAP KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN PADA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect Profitability, Ownership Structure, Corporate Growth and Business Effectiveness against Dividend Policy. Dividend policy is important for investors, because investors tend mengingankan profit to be distributed as dividends, while the company wants on hold in order to finance investment in the future akandating, it is necessary to determine the factors that influence the dividend policy. This study was performed on companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange 2010-2013. The number of samples taken is 8 companies. The sampling method in this study using purposive sampling and using regression analysis techniques berganda. This study indicate that profitability, ownership structure, and the effectiveness of efforts partially positive effect on the dividend policy, while the business growth negative effect on dividend policy
Characterization of a 2.6 kbp variable region within a class 1 integron found in an Acinetobacter baumannii strain isolated from a horse.

OBJECTIVES A complete gene cassette contained in a class 1 integron from a multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii cultured from a horse was characterized by molecular methods. METHODS Template genomic DNA purified from the A. baumannii isolate was investigated by PCR. A gene cassette-associated amplicon was detected and completely characterized. RESULTS A 2.6 kbp DNA fragment containing four gene cassettes was amplified from the MDR A. baumannii isolate. Sequence analysis showed it was similar to sequences recently reported in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and an Escherichia coli plasmid p1658/97 which conferred aminoglycoside resistance. Aminoglycoside resistance-encoding genes aacC1 and aadA1 were located within the 2.6 kbp amplicon, separated by two open reading frames (ORFs) coding for unknown products. This cassette structure (and some variants) was identified in unrelated Acinetobacter spp. from human sources, based on sequence comparisons of the current databases. CONCLUSIONS Identification of a complete class 1 integron in an equine isolate of A. baumannii suggests that the screening of isolates from animals for these elements should be considered, as this information could influence the selection of chemotherapeutic agents.
Are Retailers More Sensitive to Changes in Business Conditions Compared to Wholesalers

This study examines the impact of macroeconomic factors like employment, industrial production, and real GDP on the performance of retailers and wholesalers. While previous studies focus on the relation between business cycles and firm performance, this current study looks at a better, more detailed index (i.e. the ADS Index) that measures daily values of business conditions in U.S. Using the ADS Index, this study compares how retailers and wholesalers are affected by the macroeconomic conditions. The results show that when the ADS Index increases by one unit, retailers’ profit margin, return on assets, and return on equity values increase by 0.19%, 0.05%, and 0.21%, respectively. The corresponding increases for wholesalers’ are 0.18%, 0.10%, and 0.34%. While the results for profitability are statistically significant for both groups, the liquidity results are weak. For retailers, only quick ratio is affected significantly. For wholesalers, none of the liquidity measures are affected by the business conditions.
Factors Influencing Organizational Commitment among Hospital Nurses

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effective factors of organizational commitment among hospital nurses. Method: The subjects were 250 registered nurses working in 3 hospitals in Busan. Data were obtained by self-reported questionnaires from the 10th of June to 30th of June, 2009. Data were analyzed by frequency and percentage, t-test, ANOVA and Sheffe's test and stepwise multiple regression. Result: Mean of job satisfaction was (range of scale: 20-100), internal marketing was 69.49 (range of scale: 25-125), job stress obtained (range of scale: 45-180), and organizational commitment got (range of scale: 15-75). The extent of the organizational commitment had differences according to the age (F=3.300, p=.039), educational level (F=3.21, p=.042), religion (F=3.30, p=.021), position (F=5.837, p=.003), and career length (F=2.642, p=.035). The influencing factors in organizational commitment of hospital nurses were job satisfaction, internal marketing, and age. =. 503. The job satisfaction has the highest significant predictor of organizational commitment. Conclusion: The influencing factors on organizational commitment were job satisfaction, internal marketing and age. Thus it is needed to improve the job satisfaction and internal marketing of hospitals' nurses and to provide care and support to younger nurses.
Does Financial Structure Shape Industry Structure? Evidence from Timing of Bank Liberalization∗

This paper argues that the nature of financial structure (supply of financing) impacts the industry structure through its influence on the allocation of credit to firms within industries. We exploit the variation in the efficiency of the domestic banking sector at the time of liberalization across 26 developing economies to identify large changes in the nature of the supply of financing in an economy due to entry of foreign banks. Foreign, relatively arm’s length, capital largely crowds out domestic lending in markets with relatively inefficient banks after liberalization. In contrast, there is an increase in the aggregate supply of credit in countries with relatively efficient domestic banks following such an event. We use this changed mix of financing across economies and show that the nature of the supply of financing significantly impacts the allocation of credit. There is a higher growth rate and lower growth volatility for industry sectors in markets with relatively more efficient domestic banks following liberalization. These results are driven by more credit flowing to industries that are reliant on external financing and more credit flowing to smaller firms within industries in economies with more efficient domestic banks at the time of liberalization. In contrast, industry growth is lower and growth volatility is higher in countries with relatively inefficient domestic banks following liberalization. Particularly small firms are harmed in these countries. Thus, the timing of liberalization of credit markets interacts with the efficiency of the incumbent domestic banking sector, and the changed nature of the supply of financing it induces has implications on the allocation of credit and economic growth.
Axonal atrophy in sensory nerves of the diabetic BB‐Wistar rat: A possible early correlate of human diabetic neuropathy

Clinical, morphological, and biochemical findings reported in the spontaneously diabetic BB‐Wistar rat strongly indicate that this animal may be a true model of human insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. As such, it may provide a valuable model in which to study the neuropathic conditions of diabetes. We examined somatic peripheral nerves at five levels in a longitudinal fashion using quantitative morphological techniques. Myelinated fiber atrophy occurred earlier in sensory nerves than in motor nerves and showed a distal to proximal progression with duration of diabetes. Axon/myelin ratios revealed disproportionate shrinkage of axons evident already after 4 months of diabetes in the sural nerve and only after 8 months in the peroneal nerve. Endoneurial edema could not be demonstrated by morphometric means in diabetic nerves. We conclude that the distal symmetrical polyneuropathy in diabetes can be characterized as a mainly sensory axonopathy of dying‐back type.