Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Perceived Risk on Online Shopping in Jordan

Consumers’ perceived risk has been considered as a fundamental concern of decision making process during online shopping. For the purpose of this study, perceived risk is defined as the potential for loss in pursuing a desired outcome from online shopping. The study aimed to examine the effect of perceived risks (financial risk, product risk, time risk, delivery risk, and information security risk) on online shopping behavior in Jordan. To investigate the hypotheses of the research, data was collected from online shopping users; a survey was conducted with a sample size of 395 online shoppers among consumers who previously purchased online and mainly from the main popular online stores in Jordan, methodology was done using SPSS 17 and Amos 18. The study revealed that financial risk, product risk, delivery risk, and information security risk negatively affect online shopping behavior. The results also showed that the other two dimensions, perceived time risk, and perceived social risk have no effect on online shopping. The study has an important managerial implication; it provides marketers with the importance of consumers risk perception in order to adopt adequate risk-reduction strategies in the internet shopping environment. Keywords: Perceived Risk, Risk Dimensions, Online Shopping, Electronic Commerce, Jordan.
Trappings versus substance ‐ Market orientation in food and drink SMEs

Many companies claim to be market oriented, yet on closer inspection lack a real customer focus. Other firms eschew marketing as ignoble trickery yet prove to have exceptional market orientation. This paper analyses three case studies of small and medium firms in the food and drink sector, examining the reasons underpinning their success in spite of a lack of formal marketing organisation or activities, and their antipathy to popular conceptions of marketing. Organisational culture, excellent (if informal) customer and competitor knowledge and long‐term orientation are seen to underpin the success of these “marketers in denial”.
Constraints on Tone Sensitivity in Novel Word Learning by Monolingual and Bilingual Infants: Tone Properties Are More Influential than Tone Familiarity

This study compared tone sensitivity in monolingual and bilingual infants in a novel word learning task. Tone language learning infants (Experiment 1, Mandarin monolingual; Experiment 2, Mandarin-English bilingual) were tested with Mandarin (native) or Thai (non-native) lexical tone pairs which contrasted static vs. dynamic (high vs. rising) tones or dynamic vs. dynamic (rising vs. falling) tones. Non-tone language, English-learning infants (Experiment 3) were tested on English intonational contrasts or the Mandarin or Thai tone contrasts. Monolingual Mandarin language infants were able to bind tones to novel words for the Mandarin High-Rising contrast, but not for the Mandarin Rising-Falling contrast; and they were insensitive to both the High-Rising and the Rising-Falling tone contrasts in Thai. Bilingual English-Mandarin infants were similar to the Mandarin monolinguals in that they were sensitive to the Mandarin High-Rising contrast and not to the Mandarin Rising-Falling contrast. However, unlike the Mandarin monolinguals, they were also sensitive to the High Rising contrast in Thai. Monolingual English learning infants were insensitive to all three types of contrasts (Mandarin, Thai, English), although they did respond differentially to tone-bearing vs. intonation-marked words. Findings suggest that infants' sensitivity to tones in word learning contexts depends heavily on tone properties, and that this influence is, in some cases, stronger than effects of language familiarity. Moreover, bilingual infants demonstrated greater phonological flexibility in tone interpretation.
Spirometrically gated high-resolution CT findings in COPD: lung attenuation vs lung function and dyspnea severity.

STUDY OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between high-resolution CT (HRCT) lung attenuation measurements, acquired under spirometric control of inspiratory and expiratory lung volume, and pulmonary dysfunction as well as dyspnea severity in patients with COPD. PATIENTS AND DESIGN In 51 patients with COPD, we compared by linear regression, univariate and multivariate logistic regression airflow limitation (FEV(1)/vital capacity [VC]), hyperinflation (percentage of predicted residual volume [RV%]), parenchymal loss (percentage of predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide [Dlco%]), and Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale with relative area with attenuation values < - 950 HU at 90% of VC [RAI(950)] and < - 910 HU at 10% of VC, respectively, and with mean lung attenuation measured at the same levels of VC (mean CT lung density at 10% of VC, and mean CT lung density at 90% of VC [MeanCTEXP]). RESULTS All HRCT attenuation measurements were significantly related with functional abnormalities and dyspnea severity. In multivariate logistic models, with 1 indicating worse changes in dichotomous outcome variables, MeanCTEXP independently predicted FEV(1)/VC (odds ratio [OR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 0.56), RV% (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.77), and MRC dyspnea scale (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.82), while RAI(950) independently predicted Dlco% (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.65). CONCLUSIONS Spirometrically gated measurements of HRCT lung attenuation reflect differently functional changes and dyspnea perception in COPD. Inspiratory measurements assess the extent of emphysematous tissue loss, and expiratory measurements may reflect airflow limitation and lung hyperinflation with attendant dyspnea perception. Pulmonary dysfunction in COPD cannot be assessed by a single modality of lung attenuation measurement.
Whole body motion generation of a humanoid robot using a predifined reaction force

We propose a method to generate natural-speed stable motion for a humanoid robot to push or pull an object. In our daily life, we often perform pushing and pulling motions, for example, opening/closing doors, refrigerators, and drawers. Several studies on opening a door using a humanoid robot have been conducted, however, because no prior knowledge about the environment was used in these studies, the motions generated were slower than human motion. To speed up these motions, we propose to use a predifined reaction force as prior knowledge, and to expand the preview control to handle the predifined force. We also propose to accelerate calculation of the Resolved Momentum control used for controlling the center of mass obtained by the preview control. We experimentally verified applicability of the proposed method using the humanoid robot HRP-4.
Explaining Variations in the Advertising & Promotional Costs/Sales Ratio: A Rejoinder

In 1994, the authors (see Ailawadi, Farris, and Parry 1994) reported the results of a failed attempt to validate the findings of Balasubramanian and Kumar's (1990) empirical analysis of the determinants of the firm-level ratio of advertising and promotion to sales (A&P/S). Balasubramanian and Kumar (1997) have now listed several concerns with the authors’ 1994 analysis—of which two data preparation errors are valid. However, these errors have no impact on the main thesis of the authors 1994 article—market share and market growth are not good predictors of A&P/S. The authors also have analyzed currently available COMPUSTAT data, and their findings once again invalidate Balasubramanian and Kumar's (1990) results. The authors can only reiterate their earlier conclusion—neither currently available COMPUSTAT data, Profit Impact of Market Strategy data, nor brand-level data show any significant effect of market share and market growth on A&P/S. The authors conclude that Balasubramanian and Kumar's (1990) findings are simply not valid, and there is no way to identify what exactly led to their unique results because they have not made available their original data set.
Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Evaluation of the Infarct Size and Segmental Transmural Involvement in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

To compare parameters between three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) and delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) for estimating myocardial infarct size, peak systolic strain, and transmural involvement of infarct segments in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
The Determinants of Japanese New Product Successes

The authors report the results from a three-year study of new product development practices in Japanese firms. They develop a causal model of factors correlated with new product success. They test the model using data collected on 788 new products developed and commercialized by Japanese firms in the past four years. The “best practices” identified in this study suggest that Japanese new product success is positively influenced by the level of cross-functional integration and information sharing, the firm's marketing and technical resources and skills, the proficiency of the new product development activities undertaken, and the nature of market conditions. Cross-functional integration and product competitive advantage are two key determinants of new product success. The authors also discuss managerial and research implications.
SMEs' attitude towards SI programmes: evidence from Belgium

This paper presents the findings of an empirical study of Strategic Intelligence (SI) in Belgian (Walloon) small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The main objective of the research was to take stock of the attitude towards SI initiatives directed at small businesses. More precisely, the research aimed to establish whether or not some threats to such programmes, identified by previous studies, needed to be taken into account in the Walloon approach. These threats mainly lay in the cognitive, affective and behavioural dimensions of SMEs' attitudes, used as a framework for analysis. A total of 250 phone interviews were carried out with the head or a top manager of each SME. The research reveals a lack of awareness of SI and SI programmes and a gap between the SMEs' self-confidence in their information level and their intelligence practices. In short, findings show that Wallonia is a virgin territory for SI and does not suffer from all the handicaps that have been identified in studies of other countries' programmes.
Sudden epilepsy deaths and the forensic pathologist

Sudden unexpected deaths in epileptic persons are not rare events, most commonly encountered by the forensic pathologist rather than the clinician. Such deaths may represent 1–1.5% of all “natural” deaths certified by the medical examiner or coroner. The typical victim is a black male about 30 years of age who tends to abuse alcohol, with a history of generalized epilepsy for more than 1 year and likely for more than 10 years. There are a lack of obvious anatomic causes for the death at autopsy, but 60–70% of cases will have a lesion in the brain (most commonly old trauma) to explain the epilepsy. Most victims have no blood levels of anticonvulsant medications at the time of death. We have evolved a form for use by medical examiner/coroner's investigators at the scene to collect relevant information which will be of assistance to the pathologist in interpreting the case. Estimated prevalence of sudden epilepsy death, mechanisms, and other features of such cases are reviewed briefly.
Prenatal exclusion of Leigh syndrome due to T8993C mutation in the mitochondrial DNA

Leigh syndrome (LS) is a mitochondrial encephalopathy that is caused by a mutation either in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or in the nuclear encoded genes of the mitochondrial proteins. Prenatal diagnosis of defects in the mtDNA is usually problematic because of mtDNA heteroplasmy and tissue specificity. However, the mutations T8993 G/C in the ATP synthase subunit 6 gene of the mtDNA show a more even tissue distribution and do not appear to change significantly over time. There are only few reports of prenatal diagnosis of the T8993G mutation in Leigh disease. Here we describe the first prenatal genetic testing of T8993C in a fetus of a mother whose previous child had died of Leigh syndrome due to the T8993C mutation. Mutant load in the chorionic villus sample (CVS) as well as in amniocytes was undetectable, thus predicting a very high likelihood of an unaffected outcome, indicative of a healthy baby. The diagnosis was confirmed after birth. Gathering data on the prenatal diagnosis of mtDNA mutations is of great importance so that prenatal diagnosis of both T8993G and T8993C mutations can be offered routinely. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of bank image for customers versus non‐customers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the corporate image of financial institutions and its impact on consumer behaviour. More specifically, it aims to focus on the differences between customers and non‐customers of banking institutions.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through five questionnaires involving five major Spanish commercial banks. The questionnaires were answered by 450 individuals and SEM methodology was used to test the hypotheses of the study.Findings – Corporate image of commercial banks includes dimensions related to the services offered, accessibility, corporate social responsibility, global impression, location and personnel. Two alternative models were validated for customers and non‐customers to explain how corporate associations influence intention to use the bank's services. For the case of current customers, satisfaction is a key mediating variable.Research limitations/implications – The study is focused on national commercial banks and corporate image .
Underpricing of Initial Public Offerings in India: A Comparison of the Book-Build- ing and Fixed-Price Offerings

This study attempts to provide new evidence on the first-day IPO market performance using a set of 235 IPOs newly listed between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 2008 on Indian stock exchanges. The study examines how a change in the institutional arrangements that govern the pricing of IPOs, from the traditional fixed price approach to the building of a book, affects the level of underpricing. It also extends the literature on underpricing by comparing underpricing under the two pricing methods. The study adds new evidence to the existing literature on IPOs in a significant manner. Firstly, in consistence with the 'hot issue markets' theory (Ibbotson and Jaffe, 1975; Ritter, 1984), it highlights that on the main board of the Indian Exchange, IPO underpricing increased in 2007. The empirical findings indicate a significant mean positive underpricing (14.45 %); nonetheless, 60% of IPOs in the sample are initially overpriced. Secondly, in contrast with Giudici and Paleari (1999), the study finds no evidence that there is difference in underpricing between fixed price and book built offers.
Mechanisms of bile formation and cholestasis: clinical significance of recent experimental work.

The last decade has been witness to an exponential increase in our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in hepatic bile formation and intrahepatic cholestasis, defined herein as impaired formation of canalicular bile. This review will provide a summary of recent experimental work, with particular reference to the clinical implications of this information. For further in-depth discussions of this subject, interested readers are referred to several recent reviews (1-6). Bile formation, believed to be an osmotic process resulting from the active secretion of solutes followed by passive water movement, has long been conceptually divided into bile acid-dependent and bile acid independent (BAIBF) components (Fig. 1). Bile acid-dependent bile fiow is conventionally defined as the slope of the line relating canalicular bile fiow to bile acid output (1,3), and BAIBF as the extrapolated y-intercept of this line. While useful for discussion purposes, the limitations of this approach to studies of bile formation are readily apparent (1,3) and it is best to consider the mechanisms responsible for the formation of these two components interrelated.
Hype my Stock or Harm my Rivals? Another View on Analysts' Conflicts of Interest*

We unravel a new form of conflicts in the investment banking industry by a significant gap in ratings between affiliated firms and their competitors in the product market. Specifically, affiliated brokers issue persistently lower ratings on their clients' rivals compared to their clients. This behaviour is identified in both recommendations and price targets. Importantly, we show that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related financial regulations aiming at curbing the conflicts of interests had no significant impact in reducing this gap. As such, affiliated brokers continue to indirectly favour their clients by downgrading their clients' rivals. This form of conflict was devoid of adequate attention in prior research. Furthermore, we find that investors are unaware of the existence of such conflicts in the short-run. Overall, our findings uncover the inherently subjective nature of the investment banking research.
Information technology for purchasing

• A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Building brand community membership within organizations: a viable internal branding alternative?

Purpose – This paper seeks to propose and test the appropriateness of a brand community within an internal branding framework.Design/methodology/approach – Using the multidimensional constructs of brand community and the strengths of internal branding strategies, this study explores the theoretical underpinnings of combining the two constructs.Findings – Intraorganizational brand communities are presented as a viable strategic possibility for targeting internal branding participants. Results lend strong support to the need for and efficacy of internal brand communities, and provide an opportunity to examine the strategic synergies of pursuing such a strategy for internal as well as external audiences.Research limitations/implications – The study was delimited to domestic participants. Additional studies are recommended to further test the constructs of brand community membership in an internal brand community.Practical implications – External branding initiatives and communications can be used internally,.
Nifedipine OROS in Chinese patients with hypertension – results of a post‐marketing surveillance study in Taiwan

Aims. This post‐marketing surveillance study assessed the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the treatment with nifedipine OROS in hypertensive patients in Taiwan. Results. A total of 2044 patients were included in 204 outpatient clinics. Patients received 30 mg or 60 mg of nifedipine OROS. Mean treatment duration was 15.8 weeks. At endpoint, 91.4% of patients were receiving 30 mg nifedipine OROS. Mean blood pressure reduction was 20.6/10.3 mmHg; 46.1% of patients had a systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg and 66.8% had a diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg. Total blood pressure control was achieved in 41.2% of all patients. Beta‐blockers were the most commonly used (24.0%) concomitant antihypertensive therapy. A total of 2.3% of patients experienced adverse events. Subjective physicians' assessments of efficacy, tolerability, and patient acceptance of nifedipine OROS treatment had ratings of “very good” and “good” in 82.3% (efficacy), 87.5 (tolerability) and 88.1% (patient acceptance) of the study cohort. Conclusions. Nifedipine OROS proved to be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of hypertension in 2044 Chinese patients. The results confirm the findings and experience of previously performed controlled clinical studies.
The Dynamics of Competition in the Internet Search Engine Market

Search engines hold the key to helping consumers access the wealth of information on the web. In this paper I examine the evolution of and competition in the internet search engine market. The goal of my analysis is to examine whether early entrants benefit in the long-run from their first-mover position in internet markets. I find that while early entrants (Yahoo, Lycos, Excite, Infoseek, and Altavista) still have an advantage, the pure "brand effect" advantage has been declining over time. Yahoo has maintained its leadership position by providing a superior product. The success of a wave of recent new entrants suggests that entry barriers are still quite low in the internet search engine market.
Prospective validation of the WHO proposals for the classification of myelodysplastic syndromes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was a prospective validation of the World Health Organization (WHO) proposals for the classification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with respect to their prognostic relevance. DESIGN AND METHODS We classified 1095 patients with MDS diagnosed at our institution between November 1999 and December 2004 according to French-American-British (FAB) and WHO criteria by central morphologic review. The study was not population-based, but included all newly diagnosed patients from different regions in Germany. Patients were followed for survival and disease evolution to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through December 31th, 2005. RESULTS According to the WHO classification, there were 89 cases of refractory anemia (RA), 293 of refractory cytopenias with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD), 31 RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), 139 RCMD with ringed sideroblasts (RCMD-RS), 142 RA with excess blasts (RAEB) I and 149 RAEB II and 52 patients with 5q- syndrome. The median survival of patients with RA or RARS was not reached, the median survival of patients with RCMD was 31 months, that of patients with RCMD-RS was 28 months, that of 5q- patients was 40 months, of RAEB I 27 months and of RAEB II 12 months. The cumulative risk of AML evolution 2 years after diagnosis was 0% in RA and RARS, 8% in 5q-, 9% in RCMD, 12% in RCMD-RS, 13% in RAEB I and 40% in RAEB II. The number of high-risk karyotypes was lower in patients with RA/RARS than in those with RCMD/RCMD-RS and RAEB I/RAEB II. Karyotype findings were major prognostic variables. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS The WHO classification is feasible and provides valuable prognostic information, even in a short-term prospective study. Together with cytogenetic data and other prognostic parameters, the WHO classification is very useful for clinical decision making.
SHARIAH GOVERNANCE DAN KUALITAS TATA KELOLA PERBANKAN SYARIAH

Corporate governance for Islamic banking has a unique feature compared with banking conventional. It is required to complement the existing governance framework with shariah governance system to ensure the shariah compliance of all Islamic banking’s operational. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of the practice of shariah governance to the quality of GCG implemented by Islamic banks. Practices of shariah governance are measured by number of shariah board members, doctoral qualification of shariah board and frequency of shariah board meeting. The study finds that shariah governance has a significant impact to the increase quality of GCG in Islamic banks. Another interesting finding is that the increase of credit risk (NPF) leads to the worse of Islamic banks’ corporate governance. ROA and CAR have no significant effect to the quality of corporate governance in Islamic banks. The study recommends that the Islamic banks should improve their shariah governance practices in order to increase their governance performance as well as public confidence DOI : 10.15408/sjie.v4i2. 2301