Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
There Are Few Differences Between Successful and Failed Small Businesses

Literature supports the idea that the difference between a successful and a failed small business is dependent upon the firm having ( or using with more efficiency) greater access 10 variables such as ( capital .management ski//s). With a sample of 216 ma1ched pairs this study used bivariate statistics lo rest the hypothesis that successful businesses have significantly belier results for a/1 15 literature variables (p<.05 ). The rest results reveal that successful firms made significantly greater use of only two variables: professional advisors and their parents owned a business. At variance with the literature and expectations, the failed business owners had a higher level of education and experienced fewer staffing difficulties. It can be concluded that there may not be a valid and reliable set of variables that can distinguish success from failure, and that a different methodological research approach may be necessary. It can be implied that success comes from examining and understanding these variables and applying them for the specific situation at hand.
Does Advertising Serve as a Signal? Evidence from Field Experiments in Mobile Search

In a large-scale field experiment, we demonstrate that advertising can serve as a signal that enhances consumers' evaluations of advertised goods. We implement the experiment on a mobile search platform that provides listings and reviews for an archetypal experience good, restaurants. In collaboration with the platform, we randomize more than 200,000 consumers into exposure or no exposure of ads for about 600+ local restaurants. In conditions in which consumers are exposed to advertising, we also randomly vary the disclosure to the consumer of whether a restaurant's listing is an ad. This enables us to isolate the effect on outcomes of a consumer knowing that a listing is sponsored--a pure signaling effect. We find that this disclosure alone increases calls to the restaurant by 77%, holding fixed all other attributes of the ad. This effect is higher when the consumer uses the platform away from his typical city of search, when the uncertainly about restaurant quality is larger, and for restaurants that have received fewer ratings in the past. Further, on the supply side, newer, higher rated and more popular restaurants advertise more on the platform. Taken together, we interpret these results as consistent with a signaling equilibrium in which ads serve as implicit signals that enhance the appeal of the advertised restaurants. Both consumers and firms seem to benefit from the signaling. Consumers shift choices systematically towards restaurants that are better rated (at baseline) in the disclosure condition compared to the no disclosure condition, and advertisers gain from the improved conversion induced by disclosure. Further, our results imply that search-platforms would gain from clear sponsorship disclosure, and thus holds implications for platform design.
Market Orientation and the Learning Organization

Effective organizations are configurations of management practices that facilitate the development of the knowledge that becomes the basis for competitive advantage. A market orientation, complemented by an entrepreneurial drive, provides the cultural foundation for organizational learning. However, as important as market orientation and entrepreneurship are, they must be complemented by an appropriate climate to produce a “learning organization. ” The authors describe the processes through which organizations develop and use new knowledge to improve performance. They propose a set of organizational elements that comprise the learning organization and conclude with recommendations for research to contribute to the understanding of learning organizations.
Space charge accumulation and electric breakdown in XLPE under DC high electric field

We have observed space charge profiles using the PEA (pulsed electro-acoustic) system in low density polyethylene (LDPE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) under high electric dc field to study a relationship between space charge behavior and dielectric breakdown. XLPE, which is used as an insulating material of ac power cable, is also expected to be applied as the insulating layer of DC long distance power cable. To apply the polymeric materials for the insulating layer of a dc power cable, it is necessary to understand the "space charge" effect under high dc stress. In our previous research works, we have found that a large amount of, so called, packet-like charge generates in LDPE under dc high electric field of more than 100 kV/mm and it enhances the electric field locally in balk of the sample, and finally it leads a breakdown. On the other hand, such breakdown process has not been reported for XLPE yet. Because it was difficult to get a thinner XLPE sample as LDPE was. However, since we need to understand the relationship between the space charge and the breakdown in XLPE, we tried to measure them using specially arranged PEA system for high voltage application. In this report, we investigate the space charge formation and electric breakdown characteristics in XLPE. As the results, it is found that the relationship between the space charge and the breakdown in XLPE is completely different from that in LDPE. Since the XLPE was chemically made from LDPE using cross-linked agent at high temperature. It is assumed that the breakdown strength in XLPE is strongly affected by both of the residues of the cross-linking by products and the heat history.
CONCEPT MAPPING - AN EFFECTIVE TOOL TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS AMONG NURSES

Title : Effect of Concept Mapping in Development of Critical thinking (CT) Skills among B. Sc Nursing Students Objectives : To evaluate the effectiveness of concept mapping as a teaching strategy to develop critical thinking skills. Materials and Methods : Pretest, post test control group design was used. The IV year B.Sc nursing students were included as experimental group (n=40) and control group (n=44). The experimental group was given a training to prepare nursing care plans using concept mapping. The training programme was for 12 weeks where the participants were given case study scenarios every week to prepare nursing care plans using concept map. The experimental group and control group were again assessed for the critical thinking skills. The concept maps were evaluated using scoring criteria. Results: In the post test, there was a significant difference in the critical thinking scores of both the groups at 0.05 level. (t= 2.16). A significant improvement was identified between the pretest and post test critical thinking scores of experiment group at 0.05 level (t=2.0). Comparison of concept mapping scores of the experimental group in the pretest and post test showed a highly significant difference at 0.041 level. Conclusion: The study was able to show a significant improvement in the critical thinking skills of nursing students. However, the critical thinking scores were poor due to the high standard of the assessment tool. It is needed to develop critical thinking skill assessment tool which will suit the nursing community and further research is required to promote concept mapping as a teaching and learning strategy.
LINKAGE BANKING AND OUTREACH: A CASE OF MICROFINANCE COOPERATIVES IN TANZANIA

While microfinance cooperatives (MFCs) involved in linkage banking has increased in order to overcome their financing gap and thus expand their outreach, studies associating microfinance institutions (MFIs) outreach with sustainability, cost efficiency and profitability signal the possibility of MFIs involved in linkage banking to reduce their outreach. Previous studies relating outreach to linkage banking are biased toward banking institutions. Based on semi-regression model applying primary data collected from 102 MFCs, this paper assesses the relationship between outreach and linkage banking. The results reveal missing and mixed effects of financial linkages on MFCs outreach. Explanations of these resultsinclude poor organisation of linkage banking, unfavourable terms or loan requirements and the graduation of MFCs’ large member-borrowers to partner banking institutions.
Extent of Disclosure in the Annual Reports of Malaysian Federal Statutory Bodies

Federal statutory bodies in Malaysia are public sector organizations that adopt a corporate style-management, where annual report serves as an important accountability medium. This study aimed at determining the extent of accountability information disclosed by these bodies in their annual reports. Using a disclosure index derived from the public accountability paradigm, 106 annual reports were analysed. Findings suggest that these bodies provided a moderate level of disclosure in their reports. The highest disclosure was found in the Performance category while the least disclosure was detected in the Governance category. In this regard, more efforts are required in ensuring that the annual reports of such federal statutory bodies serve more effectively as a mechanism by which public accountability agenda can be achieved and fulfilled. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016. v7n2p158
Critical approaches in undergraduate marketing teaching: investigating students' perceptions

For some years now, marketing educators have been exhorted to adopt more critical approaches in teaching and learning. Such approaches are purported to bring numerous benefits to students, including improved appraisal skills, self-awareness, and enhanced abilities to deal with the uncertainties and ambiguities of marketing practice. To date however, there has been very little empirical study of how students respond to critical approaches, and whether they perceive any of the proposed benefits themselves. This study addresses the gap by investigating the perceptions and experiences of students on two modules, both of which take similarly designed critical approaches. In practice, students were found to perceive the modules as more labour intensive and intellectually challenging than others, due primarily to the volume and depth of required reading. The task of being critical was itself perceived as difficult, due to the need for a different mindset, and for students to have confidence in their own ideas. However, overall evaluations of the modules were positive, and students identified a number of benefits and personal rewards from their experiences, at least some of which matched with those proposed in the literature. The paper discusses factors influencing students' perceptions and concludes with some practical recommendations.
Pirogoff Ankle Disarticulation as an Option for Ankle Disarticulation

Eleven patients (12 ankles) who had Pirogoff ankle disarticulation were followed up for an average of 5.6 years (range, 2.1–8.9 years). After disarticulation of the Chopart joint, the talus was removed and the calcaneus was cut off in the coronal plane. The heel then was rotated 90° to the tibial plafond. The postoperative result was evaluated using a scoring sheet. Excellent results were seen in four feet: two in patients with trauma, one in a patient with a metastatic tumor, and one in a patient with osteomyelitis. Good results were seen in two feet: one in a patient with trauma and one in a patient with diabetes mellitus. A fair result was seen in one foot in a patient with diabetes mellitus. Poor results were seen in four feet in three patients with arteriosclerosis and one foot in a patient with diabetes mellitus. In Pirogoff ankle disarticulation, the leg-length discrepancy is compensated for by using the calcaneus. The patients only had a leg-length discrepancy of 2.8 cm on average, which enabled them to walk outdoors wearing only a shoe orthosis. The postoperative results were unfavorable in patients with vascular diseases and were satisfying in patients without vascular diseases.
Capital structure determinants and dynamics: A comparison of China and the United States

As of today, the academic literature has not yet provided a comprehensive analysis of capital structure determinants and dynamics in China. The following paper closes this gap by conducting a detailed empirical study on Chinese and US companies. With prior research on capital structure mainly having focused on the US market, findings for the developed economy serve as a benchmark in our study. Comparing the financing environments in the two countries, we find that capital markets and financial intermediation are still less developed in China in terms of size and the degree of investor protection. In light of these observations, our study examines whether firm-specific capital structure determinants and dynamics are nonetheless similar in both countries. Panel data, covering the time period from 1998 to 2012, is drawn from Compustat and Worldscope Fundamentals. We run a static OLS regression of leverage on firm-specific characteristics. Subsequently, we use the system GMM method to examine capital structure adjustments over time. Indeed, we find the same firm-specific capital structure determinants to be significant in both countries, revealing similar effects on leverage. Whilst the size and tangibility of assets as well as median industry leverage exert a positive impact, profitability is negatively related to leverage. Furthermore, we also find evidence that Chinese companies partly adjust to a target capital structure over time, similar to their US counterparts. However, given the financial constraints faced by Chinese companies and potentially high adjustment costs, the speed of adjustment is estimated to be lower than for US companies.
Unsupervised Fully Automated Inline Analysis of Global Left Ventricular Function in CINE MR Imaging

Objectives:To implement and evaluate the accuracy of unsupervised fully automated inline analysis of global ventricular function and myocardial mass (MM). To compare automated with manual segmentation in patients with cardiac disorders. Materials and Methods:In 50 patients, cine imaging of the left ventricle was performed with an accelerated retrogated steady state free precession sequence (GRAPPA; R = 2) on a 1.5 Tesla whole body scanner (MAGNETOM Avanto, Siemens Healthcare, Germany). A spatial resolution of 1.4 × 1.9 mm2 was achieved with a slice thickness of 8 mm and a temporal resolution of 42 milliseconds. Ventricular coverage was based on 9 to 12 short axis slices extending from the annulus of the mitral valve to the apex with 2 mm gaps. Fully automated segmentation and contouring was performed instantaneously after image acquisition. In addition to automated processing, cine data sets were also manually segmented using a semi-automated postprocessing software. Results of both methods were compared with regard to end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), and MM. A subgroup analysis was performed in patients with normal (≥55%) and reduced EF (<55%) based on the results of the manual analysis. Results:Thirty-two percent of patients had a reduced left ventricular EF of <55%. Volumetric results of the automated inline analysis for EDV (r = 0.96), ESV (r = 0.95), EF (r = 0.89), and MM (r = 0.96) showed high correlation with the results of manual segmentation (all P < 0.001). Head-to-head comparison did not show significant differences between automated and manual evaluation for EDV (153.6 ± 52.7 mL vs. 149.1 ± 48.3 mL; P = 0.05), ESV (61.6 ± 31.0 mL vs. 64.1 ± 31.7 mL; P = 0.08), and EF (58.0 ± 11.6% vs. 58.6 ± 11.6%; P = 0.5). However, differences were significant for MM (150.0 ± 61.3 g vs. 142.4 ± 59.0 g; P < 0.01). The standard error was 15.6 (EDV), 9.7 (ESV), 5.0 (EF), and 17.1 (mass). The mean time for manual analysis was 15 minutes. Conclusions:Unsupervised fully automated segmentation and contouring during image reconstruction enables an accurate evaluation of global systolic cardiac function.
Perceived Significance of Scheme Attributes in Mutual Fund Purchase: A Comparative Study of Retail and Non-retail Investors

Several research evidences have found the relative importance of various attributes within the mutual fund scheme construct while deciding on purchases of mutual fund, especially by retail investors. Literature is scanty with respect to non-retail investors. This study presents a comparative analysis of retail and non-retail mutual fund investors with respect to attributes related to mutual fund schemes, in the context of their selection of various mutual funds. Primary data collected from 400 retail and 50 non-retail investors, randomly selected from cities under survey, were used to assess the components of mutual fund schemes. The factor analytic technique resulted in four components, namely, managerial and intrinsic attributes, performance and asset profile, third-party assessment and extrinsic attributes. Inferential statistics on the Anderson–Rubin (AR) factor scores depict the difference between retail and non-retail mutual fund investors with respect to performance and asset profile and extrinsic attributes. This study therefore is an addition to the existing literature and may help in improving strategies of asset management companies.
rut Sites in the Nascent Transcript Mediate Rho-dependent Transcription Termination in Vivo*

The in vitro function of the coliphage λ tR1 Rho-dependent terminator is governed primarily by a tripartite upstream sequence element designatedrut. To determine the contribution of the different components of the rut site to terminator function in the normal context of coupled translation of the nascent cromessage, tR1 variants lacking different rut site sequences were tested for terminator function in vivo. IntactrutA and rutB sequences were both necessary for efficient termination. However, deletion of the upstreamrutA was far more detrimental than deletion ofrutB. The intervening boxB, which encodes a short RNA stem and loop, could be deleted without reducing termination or detectably altering Rho’s interaction with the correspondingcro transcript. The relative importance of these sequence elements was also the same in a minimal in vitrotermination assay system. Rut sequences are therefore essential for terminator function in vivo andrutA contributes substantially more to tR1 function than does rutB. The relative contribution of these elements can be ascribed to differences in Rho’s binding affinity for the encoded transcripts. If other cellular factors also bind the rutelement RNA, they do not alter the relative contribution of its two regions to Rho-dependent transcription termination in vivo.
Is there a difference in financing efficiency? Conventional banks versus ethical banks

The current economic and financial crisis have underlying, to a certain extend, the short term perspective of the decision making processes of firms, specially of banks, and the weakness of principles and values in the design and selling of complex financial products. Within this context the demand of transparency and CSR has increasing. The named ethical banks appear as a model of supplying financial services with high potential for financing, especially for small firms as well as for individuals. In this paper we analyze and compare the return on assets and on equity over a period of five years of both Ethical Banks and Conventional Banks listed on Sustainability Index. For the empirical analysis we used a fixed data panel model and a Discriminant Function Analysis. We conclude that the conventional banks get higher rates of return, due to higher risk investments they undertake and to wider range of operations. But Ethical banks are more competitive when we compare them in terms of the real economy.
Serum screening for Down's syndrome between 8 and 14 weeks of pregnancy

1. The effect of screening in the first trimester, knowing that 50% of affected fetuses will abort spontaneously. Although this concern was raised by the authors, its significance was highly underestimated. The sensitivity of the test was compared with that of serum screening in the second trimester, but we know that if corrected for the above spontaneous loss rate, the sensitivity will become much lower than the 63% quoted in this paper. 2. While agreeing with the significant discriminatory value of PAPP-A, the cost of assaying this marker compared with other markers was not addressed. PAPP-A is expensive to assay; thus it has not been practical to include it as a marker in clinical practice, for example in combination with nuchal translucency screening (K. Nicolaides, personal communication). 3. Dimeric inhibin A levels appear not to be increased in pregnancies affected by Down’s syndrome until the end of the first trimester2. It was therefore not suprising that this paper failed to show any significant discriminatory value. However, taking into consideration the different median values reported for this marker so far from various small series, it is possible that future larger series may show its usehlness in the first trimester. 4. Nuchal translucency is currently one of the most highly investigated first trimester marker for Down’s syndrome and any study of early pregnancy screening can not ignore its place. Although the data from this study did not include this marker, there is evidence from previous studies that combining nuchal translucency with PAPP-A and free f3-hCG achieves a sensitivity of 85-90%3. 5.The median age of the women from whom the assays were obtained was 39 years and it is questionable if conclusions drawn from such a high risk population could be applied to the general population.
Microalbuminuria as a screening tool in cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes

The improving longevity of cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects has resulted in an increased prevalence and duration of cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes (CFRD). Microvascular complications were reported in CFRD. Microalbuminuria is well‐established as a sensitive indicator of progression to diabetic nephropathy in non‐CF diabetes, but confounding factors may make it less sensitive for CF subjects. We performed a cross‐sectional study to look for the presence of microalbuminuria in samples from 40 CF subjects (34 without diabetes; CFND) attending the Exeter CF Clinic, compared with 43 nondiabetic, non‐CF controls. The albumin‐creatinine ratio (ACR) was raised in CF subjects both with (P < 0.001) and without (P < 0.0001) diabetes compared to controls. This reflected an increase in urinary albumin and a reduction in urinary creatinine in CF subjects. In single samples, microalbuminuria was present in 66.7%, 32.4%, and 15.4% of subjects in CFRD, CFND, and control groups. Repeat samples showed that 12% of CFND subjects and 17% of CFRD subjects met the criteria for a diagnosis of persistent microalbuminuria. In conclusion, CF subjects, even when not diabetic, have increased urinary albumin excretion due to chronic infection, and reduced urinary creatinine excretion due to low muscle mass. This results in subjects, who are not developing diabetic nephropathy, meeting the conventional criteria for microalbuminuria. We feel that further studies are required to clarify whether this measure is a useful tool to predict progression to diabetic nephropathy in subjects with CFRD. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced superconducting properties of bicrystalline YBa2Cu3Ox and alkali metals under pressure

Nearly hydrostatic pressures are found to enhance the critical current density Jc through single grain boundaries in YBa2Cu3Ox rings and to induce superconductivity in Li. Whereas Li becomes superconducting above 20 GPa at temperatures as high as 15 K, no superconductivity was observed above 4 K in Na to 65 GPa nor in K above 4 K to 43.5 GPa or above 1.5 K to 35 GPa.