Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A balanced scorecard framework of new service development performance

The purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical framework reflecting new service development performance. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with KIBS managers knowledgeable about new service development in their organization and researchers specialized in innovation and service management. New service development performance is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct reflected by the following complementary first-order dimensions: financial performance, customer performance, internal performance, and learning and growth performance. This study contributes to new service development management research by providing a set of valid and reliable operational measures, which are expected to help researchers in theory testing.
The toothless pterosaur Jidapterus edentus (Pterodactyloidea: Azhdarchoidea) from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota and its paleoecological implications

Background In the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, the toothless pterosaurs flourished with the chaoyangopterids and tapejarids playing a key role in understanding the early diversity and evolution of the Azhdarchoidea. Unlike the more diverse tapejarids, the rarer chaoyangopterids are characterized by a long and low rostrum, supporting a close relationship with the huge azhdarchids. Unfortunately, our knowledge is still limited in the osteology, paleoecology, and taxonomy of the Chaoyangopteridae. As one of the best preserved skeletons, the type and only specimen of Jidapterus edentus provides an opportunity to understand the morphology and paleoecology of the chaoyangopterids. Results Our study of the osteology of Jidapterus edentus reveals valuable information about the morphology of the Chaoyangopteridae such as a rostrum with a curved dorsal profile, high Rostral Index (RI), larger angle between the dorsal and postorbital processes of the jugal, sequentially shorter fourth to seventh cervical vertebrae, sternum with a plate wider than long, contact of the metacarpal I with the distal syncarpal, pneumatic foramen on first wing phalanx, hatchet-like postacetabular process with unconstricted neck and small dorsal process, distinctly concave anterior margin of pubis, subrectangular pubic plate with nearly parallel anterior and posterior margins, longer proximal phalanges of pedal digits III and IV, as well as reduced and less curved pedal unguals. These features further support the validity of Jidapterus edentus as a distinct species and the close relationship of the chaoyangopterids with the azhdarchids. Paleoecologically, the chaoyangopterids are probably like the azhdarchids, more terrestrial than the contemporaneous and putatively arboreal tapejarids, which may have been limited to the forest-dominated ecosystem of the Jehol Biota. Discussion The osteology of Jidapterus edentus further supports the close relationship of the Chaoyangopteridae with the Azhdarchidae in sharing a high RI value and reduced and mildly-curved pedal unguals, and it also implies a possible paleoecological similarity in their terrestrial capability. Combined with the putatively arboreal and herbivorous tapejarids, this distinct lifestyle of the chaoyangopterids provides new insights into the diversity of pterosaurs in the ecosystem of the Jehol Biota.
Participation in Micro Life Insurance and the Use of Other Financial Services in Ghana

This article investigates households decisions to take up micro life insurance and to use other financial services. It estimates a multivariate probit model based on Ghanaian household survey data. The results suggest a mutually reinforcing relationship between the use of insurance and the use of other formal financial services. Risk-averse households and households who consider themselves more exposed to risk than others are found to be less likely to participate in insurance. This suggests that insurance is considered to be risky. There is indicative evidence for adverse selection and a life-cycle effect in the uptake of insurance.
The effects of dexmedetomidine added to spinal levobupivacaine for transurethral endoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND Intrathecal α2 agonists prolong the duration of action of local anesthetics and reduce the required dose. Dexmedetomidine is an α2 receptor agonist and its α2/α1 selectivity is 8 times higher than that of clonidine. AIMS In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to intrathecal levobupivacaine on the onset time and duration of motor and sensory blocks. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled study. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group L (n= 30) patients received 3 mL (15 mg) of 0.5% levobupivacaine +0.3 mL normal saline and Group LD (n= 30) patients received 3 mL (15 mg) of 0.5% levobupivacaine + 0.3 mL (3 μg) dexmedetomidine. Sensory block onset time, block reaching time to T10 dermatome, the most elevated dermatome level, two dermatome regression time, sensory block complete regression time as well as motor block onset time, reaching Bromage 3 and regressing to Bromage 0 were recorded. RESULTS Sensory and motor block onset times were shorter in Group LD than in Group L (p<0.001). The regression of the sensory block to S1 dermatome and Bromage 0 were longer in Group LD than Group L (p<0.001). The two dermatome regression time was longer in Group LD than Group L (p< 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in blood pressure and heart rate. There was no statistically significant difference between groups when adverse effects were compared. CONCLUSION We conclude that intrathecal dexmedetomidine addition to levobupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia shortens sensory and motor block onset time and prolongs block duration without any significant adverse effects.
Return Dynamics of Japanese Stock Index Options

This paper addresses the return dynamics of stock index options. Distributional moments are suggestive of a skewness preference hypothesis that provides an economic rationale for investors' interest in options. There is no evidence of detectable intermarket arbitrage opportunities from cross- sectional tests of volatility ratio and implied elasticity. Joint tests of market efficiency and parity dynamics suggest that the longer the remaining life of at-the-money options, the higher the likelihood of parity deviations being absorbed in response to percentage index changes. There are also indications of maturing Japanese options markets from rational expectations and parity regression tests.
Female labour force participation in greater santiago, Chile: 1957-1997. A synthetic cohort analysis

By using a synthetic cohort methodology, this paper contributes to the analysis of the evolution of female labour force participation in Chile over the last forty years. We decompose the participation rate in terms of age, year and cohort effects. The results of the estimations show that the age effect significantly explains the participation rate. Cohort variables are also important, enabling us to identify cohort effects associated with both, the number of children and the level of schooling of the group. In turn, contemporary variables are relevant, in particular the cyclical component. All this indicates that the changes in the participation rate may be due in the first place to increases in the number of women in the age groups where the participation rate is higher. Secondly, the increase in the participation rate is due to effects that are associated with different behaviours in the succeeding cohorts of women; and, finally, contemporary variables seemingly have very small importance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Actuarial Balance Sheet for Pay-as-You-Go Finance: Solvency Indicators for Spain and Sweden

This paper provides the first estimate of the actuarial balance of the Spanish contributory pension system for the old age contingency, based on official data. The novel entry in the balance sheet, named "Contribution Asset" or "Hidden Asset", is at the centre of the theoretical discussion. A comparison between the official balance sheet for the Swedish national account system and our balance sheet for the Spanish system is also provided. The main finding is that the Spanish pension system has an insolvency rate of 31.4 %. The policy implication is that unless current legislation is reformed, Spanish taxpayers (the plan sponsor) should count on making transfers to the pension system with a present discounted value of 31.4 % of current liabilities. Moreover, a comparison of the consecutive balance sheets for 2001-06 shows that the degree of insolvency is growing over time, even though the cash-flow outcome has improved over the same period. Taking steps to reverse this trend and restore solvency is in the Spanish taxpayers' interest, and possibly also in the interest of those in the European Union who recognise that there is a chance that they may have to support the Spanish budget in the future.
Blockade of CD137 Signaling Counteracts Polymicrobial Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture

ABSTRACT Sepsis, a leading cause of death worldwide, involves proinflammatory responses and inefficient bacterial clearance. Previously, we have shown that CD137 (4-1BB), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, plays critical roles in eradicating infective Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive bacterium, and that stimulation of CD137 protects mice from sepsis-induced death. In this study, we unexpectedly found that CD137 activation aggravated polymicrobial sepsis due to mixed gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infection induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). CD137-deficient (CD137−/−) mice showed significantly lower mortality than CD137-sufficient (CD137+/+) mice in the CLP model. Administration of an agonistic anti-CD137 monoclonal antibody (MAb) to CD137+/+ mice decreased their survival in this infection model, while administration of a blocking anti-CD137 ligand MAb (TKS-1) to such mice increased their survival. CD137−/− mice and TKS-1-treated CD137+/+ mice had lower levels of chemokines/proinflammatory cytokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-12) and an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), exhibited improved bacterial clearance in the peritoneum, liver, and blood, and had greater numbers of infiltrated peritoneal neutrophils and macrophages in the CLP model than control mice. Our data suggest that CD137 activation aggravates polymicrobial sepsis induced by CLP.
Evaluation of the Loading, Unloading, and Permanent Deformation of Newly Available Epoxy Resin Coated Ni-Ti Wires Using Self-Ligating Brackets

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the load and unload deflection and permanent deformation of round 0.016′′ and rectangular 0.016′′ × 0.022′′ regular and coated Ni-Ti wires. Materials and Methods Ni-Ti archwires produced by two manufacturers were evaluated. Both regular and coated round and rectangular Ni-Ti wire segments (n = 15) from each group were submitted to a three-point bending test. Both types of wires were evaluated for permanent deformation at the end of a recovery cycle. Results The coated round 0.016′′ Ni-Ti wires produced a significantly lower force in loading (p < 0.01) and unloading (p < 0.01) than regular wires of the same manufacturer and size. There was no significant difference in permanent deformation between coated and regular round Ni-Ti wires from the same company. For rectangular 0.016 × 0.022′′ Ni-Ti wires, there was a significant difference in the loading evaluation, but the unloading test presented no significant differences. The permanent deformation of the rectangular wires revealed no significant difference between them. Conclusion The addition of an esthetic coating to these new Ni-Ti wires produced changes in their mechanical properties, manifested as a reduction in the applied force, which should be considered in clinical management.
Impact of error management practices on service recovery performance and helping behaviors in the hospitality industry: The mediating effects of psychological safety and learning behaviors

Abstract This study used a 2 × 2 × 2 experimental research design to examine the influence of organizational support, supervisor support, and coworker support for error management practices on employees’ service recovery performance and helping behaviors during service recoveries. More importantly, the current work examined the mediating role of psychological safety and learning behaviors on the proposed relationships. Two hundred eighty-four undergraduate students from a large university in the southwestern United States participated in the study and were randomly assigned to one of the eight experimental conditions. All respondents worked either full-time or part-time in various hospitality organizations, including hotels and restaurants. Results indicate that organizational support, supervisor support, and coworker support for error management had a positive effect on employees’ service recovery performance and helping behaviors. Moreover, the study found the mediating effects of psychological safety and learning behaviors. The study's implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Delayed appearance of the scaffolding proteins PSD‐95 and homer‐1 at the developing rat calyx of held synapse

The calyx of Held synapse is a giant axosomatic synapse that acts as a fast relay in the sound localization circuit of the brainstem. In rodents it forms within a relatively brief period starting around the second postnatal day (P2). The relative timing of the formation of its pre‐ and the postsynaptic compartment are not yet known. By means of fluorescent immunohistochemistry in neonatal rats we therefore compared the developmental expression patterns of the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)‐1 and the postsynaptic density scaffolding proteins Homer‐1 and PSD‐95 in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). Before its formation, colocalized punctate staining of VGLUT‐1 and Homer‐1 or PSD‐95 was observed on principal neurons, in agreement with earlier work showing that they are already innervated by fibers from the cochlear nucleus before the calyx forms. The expression of VGLUT‐1 clusters within the nascent calyx of Held synapse preceded the expression of Homer‐1 and PSD‐95 clusters, as indicated by the presence of principal neurons with only a large contiguous cluster (LCC) of VGLUT‐1 at P2‐3, whereas no neurons with only an LCC for Homer‐1 or PSD‐95 were seen. At P3 the first principal neurons with both a pre‐ and a postsynaptic LCC were observed, and at P12 all principal neurons had both a pre‐ and a postsynaptic LCC. The relatively late appearance of Homer‐1 and PSD‐95 within the developing calyx of Held synapse suggests that they play a role in its stabilization and the recruitment of additional receptors to its postsynaptic density. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4581–4590, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Value at Risk - Which One is Better: Historical Simulation or Variance Covariance Approach? (Comparative Analysis between Historical Simulation and Variance Covariance Method with Portfolio Simulation at IDX)

In recent world of globalization, banks and financial institution are taking part to gain profit as much as possible from global financial market. It is not only profit that comes on the first line of consideration but also the risk. Value at Risk, is one of risk management tools which summarized measure of market risk. Under Basel II Accord, Banks and other Authorized Deposit-taking Institution (ADIs) are required to communicate their daily market risk estimates to the relevant national monetary. They should report it at the beginning of each trading day, using one of a variety of Value-at-Risk (VaR) models to measure risk. The purpose of this paper is to provide a simple explanation and comparative analysis for calculating VaR using Historical Simulation and Variance Covariance Method. VaR summarizes the worst loss over a target horizon that will not be exceeded with a given level of confidence. The VaR methodology also can assist portfolio managers in making better decisions by offering a comprehensive view of the impact of a trade on portfolio risk. Ultimately, it will help to create greater shareholder value added.
Efficiency and Productivity Change of Non‐Life Insurance Companies in Japan

In a book published in 1994, Production Frontiers, Fare and colleagues developed an output-based DEA (data envelopment analysis) technique to compute productivity change. The technique constructs the Malmquist index using Farrell measures of efficiency. The Farrell efficiency measures are derived from linear programming problems which allow slack in output constraints. The possible existence of output slack is less than desirable in the computation of efficiency. Therefore, the present paper constructs also the Russell and Zieschang measures of efficiency, which disallow output slack and compares them with the Farrell measures. The analysis uses data on Japanese non-life insurance firms during the period 1983–94.
The Determinants of Debt Maturity Structure: Evidence from France, Germany and the UK

We examine the determinants of the debt maturity structure of French, German and British firms. These countries represent different financial and legal traditions that may have implications on corporate debt maturity structure. Our model incorporates the factors representing three major theories (tax considerations, liquidity and signalling, and contracting costs) of debt maturity. It also controls for capital market conditions. The results confirm the applicability of most theories of debt maturity structure for the UK firms. However, the evidence from France and Germany are mixed. Overall the findings suggest that the debt maturity structure of a firm is determined by firmspecific factors and the country's financial systems and institutional traditions in which it operates.
Testing for Twin Deficits and Ricardian Equivalence Hypotheses: Evidence from Iran

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit in Iran from 1971 to 2007. Twin deficits, which argues that a larger budget deficit leads to an expanded current account deficit, and Ricardian equivalence hypothesis, which states that there is no casual relationship between these two deficits, are examined for this purpose. To achieve this goal, Johansen co-integration and Granger causality tests are used for the period under study. The results indicate that there exists a long run equilibrium link between budget deficit and current account deficit. There is a one-way causality relationship from the budget deficit toward the current account deficit.
Ion Dynamics in the Meso-scale 3-D Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability: Perspectives From Test Particle Simulations

Over three decades of in-situ observations illustrate that the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability driven by the sheared flow between the magnetosheath and magnetospheric plasma often occurs on the magnetopause of Earth and other planets under various interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions. It has been well demonstrated that the KH instability plays an important role for energy, momentum, and mass transport during the solar-wind-magnetosphere coupling process. Particularly, the KH instability is an important mechanism to trigger secondary small scale (i.e., often kinetic-scale) physical processes, such as magnetic reconnection, kinetic Alfvén waves, ion-acoustic waves, and turbulence, providing the bridge for the coupling of cross scale physical processes. From the simulation perspective, to fully investigate the role of the KH instability on the cross-scale process requires a numerical modeling that can describe the physical scales from a few Earth radii to a few ion (even electron) inertial lengths in three dimensions, which is often computationally expensive. Thus, different simulation methods are required to explore physical processes on different length scales, and cross validate the physical processes which occur on the overlapping length scales. Test particle simulation provides such a bridge to connect the MHD scale to the kinetic scale. This study applies different test particle approaches and cross validates the different results against one another to investigate the behavior of different ion species (i.e., H+ and O+), which include particle distributions, mixing and heating. It shows that the ion transport rate is about 1025 particles/s, and mixing diffusion coefficient is about 1010 m2 s−1 regardless of the ion species. Magnetic field lines change their topology via the magnetic reconnection process driven by the three-dimensional KH instability, connecting two flux tubes with different temperature, which eventually causes anisotropic temperature in the newly reconnected flux.
KTP laser therapy as an adjunctive to scaling and root planing in treatment of chronic periodontitis

Abstract Objective. The main goal of periodontal treatment is to control infection and, thereby, curb disease progression. Recent studies have suggested that the use of a laser as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) might improve the effectiveness of conventional periodontal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical effects of potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in combination with traditional SRP. Materials and methods. Twenty-four patients with untreated chronic periodontitis were treated using a split-mouth study design in which each side was randomly treated by SRP alone (control group) or KTP laser (0.8W, time on 50 ms, time off 50 ms, 30 s, 532 nm) followed by SRP (test group). In the distribution of the teeth (total = 124 teeth) in the patients, 106 (86%) were molars and 18 (14%) were premolars. The selected teeth were probed with a pressure-controlled probe, guided by stents. Clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing attachment level (PAL) were recorded at baseline and at 2 and 12 months following therapy. Results. Statistical analysis demonstrated no differences between groups at baseline for all parameters (p > 0.05). BOP and PPD reductions and PAL gains were statistically significant both between baseline and 2 months and between baseline and 12 months in both groups (p < 0.05). The test group showed a greater reduction in PPD compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the test group showed a greater probing attachment gain compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions. In patients with chronic periodontitis, clinical outcomes of conventional periodontal treatment can be improved by using an adjunctive KTP laser.
Demand- and Supply-Side Agglomerations: Distinguishing between Fundamentally Different Manifestations of Geographic Concentration

Agglomeration research investigates the benefits that firms receive from locating in close geographic proximity. Despite a substantial surge in interest in this topic over the past 20 years, a lack of distinction among unique manifestations of spatial concentrations of similar firms threatens continuing progress in this stream of research. We argue that agglomerations of related firms that draw benefits from the supply-related externalities of increased access to specialized labour, specialized inputs, and knowledge spillovers are fundamentally different from those that draw benefits from heightened demand realized through reduction in consumer search costs. Extending agglomeration theory, we explicate the differences between these distinct phenomena, discuss how the nature of key theoretical relationships varies across these agglomeration types, and demonstrate significant implications for research. We discuss how the differences affect a host of theoretical relationships and empirical research decisions.