Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate Insurance and Managers' and Owners' Risk Aversion

Using corporate property insurance contracts of small and medium-sized private firms, I document negative relations between various ownership measures --- CEO salary, ownership concentration and aggregate female ownership --- and insurance use as well as a positive relation between the number of family owners and insurance use. None of these relations seem consistent with the risk aversion motive to insure or to hedge. Next, I show that changes in insurance premium and lagged changes in earnings are positively related, consistent with the view that insurers raise premium after firms' earnings soar. If mangers and owners with significant stakes reduce coverage at the margin or relative to the average firm to counteract rent extraction by brokers or insurers, then the positive association between changes in earnings and changes in premium might help explain why proxies for managers' and owners' risk aversion show negative instead of positive relation with property insurance. Further, I provide evidence of strong causal relations between insurance, leverage and cash. Specifically, insurance and cash are risk management complements since insurance use exerts a positive influence on corporate cash holdings and cash exerts a positive influence on insurance use.
Sparse SVD Method for High-Resolution Extraction of the Dispersion Curves of Ultrasonic Guided Waves

The 2-D Fourier transform analysis of multichannel signals is a straightforward method to extract the dispersion curves of guided modes. Basically, the time signals recorded at several positions along the waveguide are converted to the wavenumber-frequency space, so that the dispersion curves (i.e., the frequency-dependent wavenumbers) of the guided modes can be extracted by detecting peaks of energy trajectories. In order to improve the dispersion curve extraction of low-amplitude modes propagating in a cortical bone, a multiemitter and multireceiver transducer array has been developed together with an effective singular vector decomposition (SVD)-based signal processing method. However, in practice, the limited number of positions where these signals are recorded results in a much lower resolution in the wavenumber axis than in the frequency axis. This prevents a clear identification of overlapping dispersion curves. In this paper, a sparse SVD (S-SVD) method, which combines the signal-to-noise ratio improvement of the SVD-based approach with the high wavenumber resolution advantage of the sparse optimization, is presented to overcome the above-mentioned limitation. Different penalty constraints, i.e., $l_{1}$ -norm, Frobenius norm, and revised Cauchy norm, are compared with the sparse characteristics. The regularization parameters are investigated with respect to the convergence property and wavenumber resolution. The proposed S-SVD method is investigated using synthetic wideband signals and experimental data obtained from a bone-mimicking phantom and from an ex-vivo human radius. The analysis of the results suggests that the S-SVD method has the potential to significantly enhance the wavenumber resolution and to improve the extraction of the dispersion curves.
A Linear Identification of Diode Models from Single I-V Characteristics of PV Panels

This paper presents a novel approach on diode model parameter identification from the $I$ – $V$ characteristics of photovoltaic panels. Other than the prevailing methodology of solving a group of nonlinear equations from a few points on the $I$ – $V$ curve, the proposed methodology views the diode model as the equivalent output of a dynamic system. From this new viewpoint, diode model parameters are linked to the transfer function (after Laplace transform) of the same dynamic system whose parameters are then identified by a simple integral-based linear square. The indoor flash test shows the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method, and outdoor module testing shows its ability of online monitoring and diagnostics. Comparisons to the methods of Lambert W function and evolution algorithms are also included.
ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF PERCEIVED VALUE, SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN THE ONLINE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

The purpose of this study is to investigate online customer-perceived value in relation to the online purchase of tourism products in Taiwan. This study synthesises findings from these areas in order to identify the key antecedents and consequences which influence customer-perceived value in a B2C e-commerce setting. The customer-perceived value model is developed which, in turn, broadens the value literature by integrating a range of key variables into a single theoretical framework. A mixed-method research approach has been employed in order to gather in-depth data from a wide area, thereby enhancing the reliability and validity of the analysis. The findings suggest that Taiwanese consumers place greater importance on the sacrifice associated with purchasing tourism products than they do on the price, quality and satisfaction elements. The proposed customer-perceived value model explains greater variance in the value construct than other models from the literature, indicating strong analytical support for the framework
Managing consumer expectations of low‐margin, high‐volume services

Service firms operating on low margins per transaction must generate a high volume of business to survive the competitive environment of the 1990s. Firms must raise the expectations of consumers to increase patronage, then successfully meet these expectations. Examines the antecedents to consumer expectations of low‐margin, highvolume service firms, and gives managerial implications, illustrating how to manage a service firm, successfully operating on low margins successfully.
High doses of nicotinamide prevent oxidative mitochondrial dysfunction in a cellular model and improve motor deficit in a Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease

Nicotinamide, the principal form of niacin (vitamin B3), has been proposed to be neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease. However, the effects and mechanisms of nicotinamide on motor function in animals and on mitochondrial function in cellular systems have not been well studied. We hypothesized that niacin‐derived NAD(P)H as antioxidants and enzyme cofactors could inhibit oxidative damage and improve mitochondrial function and thus protect neurodegeneration and improve motor function. In the present study, the effects of nicotinamide on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress were studied in a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+)–induced cellular model of Parkinson's disease, and the effects of improving motor dysfunction were studied in an α‐synuclein transgenic Drosophila Parkinson's model. Mitochondrial function was tested by measuring the activity of mitochondrial complex I and α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and oxidative damage was tested by measuring reactive oxygen species, DNA damage (8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and Comet assay), and protein oxidation (protein carbonyls) levels. Nicotinamide at a relatively higher concentration, that is, 100‐fold of the level in the cell culture medium (101 mg/L), significantly protected SK‐N‐MC human neuroblastoma cells from an MPP+‐induced decrease in cell viability, complex I and α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity, and an increase in oxidant generation, DNA damage, and protein oxidation. In the Drosophila model, nicotinamide at 15 and 30 mg/100 g diet significantly improved climbing ability. These results suggest that nutritional supplementation of nicotinamide at high doses decreases oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial and motor function in cellular and/or Drosophila models and may be an effective strategy for preventing and ameliorating Parkinson's disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring attitudinal commitment in business‐to‐business channels

While organizational behaviourists have largely adopted a three‐component conceptualisation of attitudinal commitment, marketers continue exclusively to apply one‐ or two‐component models. In this paper, the reliability and validity of one‐, two‐ and three‐component models of commitment are examined within a business‐to‐business context. The results indicate that the three‐component model incorporating instrumental, affective and normative dimensions is superior on both substantive and empirical grounds. It is subsequently argued that marketing planners need to demand that marketing researchers are more precise when incorporating commitment into conceptual and empirical studies, and account for these distinct components either by explicitly including or omitting them. It is also argued that marketing managers can enhance channel relationships if they are cognisant of the three distinct types of attitudinal commitments when formulating channel management tactics and strategies.
Information and Communication Technology Usage and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Growth in the Accra Metropolis

The main aim of this study was to explore the relationship between information and communications technology (ICT) usage and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) growth in the Accra Metropolis. A multi stage sampling technique was employed to select 120 SMEs in the Greater Accra metropolis. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between ICT usage and SME growth. The results showed a positive association between ICT usage and sales volume, profitability and market share. The paper recommends that policy makers and the other business development service providers should step up education on ICT usage in order to inform SME owners on the positive influence of ICT on firm growth. Keywords: SMEs, ICT, Business Growth, Accra Metropolis
A Study on HRM Philosophies and Managers' Beliefs about Human Resources: Comparisons Based on Japanese Companies in Japan, and Japanese and Bangladeshi Companies in Bangladesh

This study attempts to explore differences and similarities of management philosophies, managerial beliefs and organizational climates about human resources among managers in three manufacturing entities: Japanese companies in Japan (n = 104) Japanese companies in Bangladesh (n = 102), and Bangladeshi companies (n= 112). Managerial samples were drawn from 100 Japanese companies, 50 Japanese companies in Bangladesh, and 50 Bangladeshi companies. In each sample company, five managers were randomly selected as respondents, providing the total number of usable sample N = 320 for the present analysis (response rate =32%). Data were analyzed a) to explore the interrelationship between HRM philosophies and managers' beliefs about their companies' human resources, and b) to examine the differences among three groups of managers. The findings indicated that managers in Japanese companies in Japan are the most "Theory Y oriented", whereas managers in Japanese companies in Bangladesh are the least "Theory Y oriented. " While those in Bangladeshi companies in Bangladesh are the most "Theory X oriented" regarding their beliefs in human resources. Theory Y oriented managers tended to evaluate their companies organizational philosophy and climate to be more democratic and participating than Theory X oriented managers. Managers working for Theory Y oriented companies were found to engage more in self-study and participate more actively in company sponsored learning and training programs.
Effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

LAPAROSCOPY is ‘‘the golden standard’’ in treating symptomatic gallstones. Because the postoperative benefits are superior to open cholecystectomy, laparoscopy is today also used in patients with underlying diseases. To be able to treat this challenging patient population, we should be aware of physiological alterations caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation and elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). It is now commonly accepted that pneumoperitoneum causes intraoperative adverse cardiovascular, respiratory and renal effects. Some of these effects are related to CO2 and some to elevated IAP. CO2 is the preferred gas for the creation of pneumoperitoneum because it is inexpensive, highly soluble, chemically stable, rapidly eliminated, physically inert, suppresses combustion and also provides fairly good illumination. CO2 is a normal product of human metabolism and at physiological levels non-toxic.
The Pore Characteristics of Geopolymer Foam Concrete and Their Impact on the Compressive Strength and Modulus

The pore characteristics of GFCs manufactured in the laboratory with 0-16% foam additions were examined using image analysis (IA) and vacuum water saturation techniques. The pore size distribution, pore shape and porosity were obtained. The IA method provides a suitable approach to obtain the information of large pores, which are more important in affecting the compressive strength of GFC. By examining the applicability of the existing models of predicting compressive strength of foam concrete, a modified Ryshkevitch’s model is proposed for GFC, in which only the porosity that is contributed by the pores over a critical diameter (>100 μm) is considered. This “critical void model” is shown to have very satisfying prediction capability in the studied range of porosity. A compression-modulus model for Portland cement concrete is recommended for predicting the compression modulus elasticity of GFC. This study confirms that GFC have similar pore structures and mechanical behavior as those Portland cement foam concrete and can be used alternatively in the industry for the construction and insulation purposes.
Evidence of ancient life at 207 m depth in a granitic aquifer.

The results of electron-microscopy investigations of calcite precipitated in a water-conducting fracture in a ca. 1800 Ma granitic rock from 207 m below sea level at the island of Aspo on the southeastern (Baltic) coast of Sweden are compared with measurements of carbon, oxygen, and sulfur isotope composition of the calcite and embedded pyrite. Parts of the calcite had extremely low delta 13C values, indicative of biological activity, and contained bacteria-like microfossils occurring in colonies and as typical biofllms. X-ray microanalysis demonstrated these fossils to be enriched in carbon. Our results provide evidence for ancient life in deep granitic rock aquifers and suggest that the modern microbial life found there is intrinsic. Modeling historical and present geochemical processes in deep granitic aquifers should, therefore, preferably include biologically catalyzed reactions. The results also suggest that the search for life on other planets, e.g., Mars, should include subsurface material.
Consumer Purchase Behaviour towards Foreign Made Ethnic Wear

The purpose of the study is to examine the Indian consumers purchase intention towards foreign made ethnic wear especially saris through the composite framework which includes variables like actual purchase and demographics. On other hand, the study aims to fulfil the scarcity in viewing ‘foreign made’ perspective of ethnic wears and also to contribute to the Indian consumer behaviour literature. A survey questionnaire was employed to derive data from 163 respondents who were identified through judgement sampling technique. The data were examined through SPSS 20.0. With some limitations, the variables had significance in explaining the results of overall model. On other hand, the results had shown that Indian consumers have positive attitude towards foreign made sari. The influence of variables has plethora of implications for both academic and managerial view.
Analysis of determinants of farm-level adaptation measures to climate change in Southern Africa

The study examines farmer adaptation strategies to climate change in Southern Africa based on a cross-section database of three countries (South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe). A multivariate discrete choice model was used to analyse the determinants of farm-level adaptation strategies. Results confirm that access to credit, free extension services, awareness of climate change are critical determinants of farm-level adaptation options. Policies aimed at easing identified key limits to farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change need to emphasize the critical role of: extension services; provision of improved climate, production and market information as well as the means to implement adaptation through affordable credit and insurance against climate risks (safety nets). Key words: Climate change, farm-level adaptation, Southern Africa.
Postfracture Instability of Vertebrae With Simulated Defects Can Be Predicted From Computed Tomography Data

Study Design. Structural properties of vertebrae with simulated defects were measured from computed tomography data. Relations between structural properties and postfracture stability were tested using linear regressions. Objectives. To determine whether the postfracture stability of lumbar and thoracic vertebrae can be predicted from noninvasive, prefracture measurements of structural properties. Summary of Background Data. Sensitive and specific guidelines are needed that can predict fracture risk and spinal stability after pathologic fractures. Such guidelines may help determine whether treatment is needed to prevent neurologic complications. Simple measurements made from computed tomography data can predict the load-bearing capacity of intact vertebrae and vertebrae with simulated and actual metastatic defects. It is not known whether these same measurements can also predict postfracture stability. Method. Simulated metastatic defects were created in human three-vertebrae segments from the lumbar and thoracic spine. Axial rigidity was calculated from quantitative computed tomography data, and failure load and postfracture stability were measured. Results. Postfracture stability was linearly correlated with both failure load (r2 = 0.3–0.6) and axial rigidity (r2 = 0.3–0.6). Conclusions. The postfracture stability of three-vertebrae segments with simulated defects was modestly related to noninvasively measured, prefracture structural properties.
Bonding Ability of a New Adhesive Composed of Citric Acid-Sucrose for Particleboard

Citric acid is a potential binding agent for composite products that has three carboxyl groups that can be ester linked with the hydroxyl groups found in wood. The addition of sucrose provides hydroxyl groups and increases the amount of ester groups. This research investigated the bonding ability of a new adhesive composed of citric acid-sucrose for teak particleboard. Citric acid and sucrose were dissolved in water under various ratios, and the concentration of the solution was adjusted to 59 to 60 wt%. This adhesive solution was sprayed onto the particles at 10% resin content based on the weight of air-dried particles. Each mixture was then hot pressed at 180 and 200 °C for 10 min. The physical and mechanical properties of the particleboards were tested, and the results showed that increasing the pressing temperature affected the dimensional stability. However, increasing of citric acid in adhesive composition improved the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of the particleboards. The optimum properties of the board were achieved at a pressing temperature of 200 °C and addition of only 10% citric acid. The results also indicated that the peak intensity of C=O group increased with the addition of citric acid and increasing pressing temperature, indicating that ester linkage occurred. However, the addition of sucrose did not greatly affect the peak intensity of C=O group.
Amplification of phosphodiesterase activation is greatly reduced by rhodopsin phosphorylation.

In the vertebrate rod outer segment (ROS), the light-dependent activation of a GTP-binding protein (G-protein) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) is quenched by a process that requires ATP [Liebman, P.A. , & Pugh, E.N. (1979) Vision Res. 19, 375-380]. The ATP-dependent quenching mechanism apparently requires the phosphorylation of photoactivated rhodopsin (Rho*); however, a 48-kilodalton protein (48K protein) has also been proposed to participate in the inactivation process. Purified species of phosphorylated rhodopsin containing 0, 2, or greater than or equal to 4 (high) phosphates per rhodopsin (PO4/Rho) were reconstituted into phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles and reassociated with a hypotonic extract from isotonically washed disk membranes that were depleted of 48K protein; PDE activation, in response to bleaching from 0.01% to 15% of the rhodopsin present, was measured. PDE activity was reduced by at least 30% at high fractional rhodopsin bleaches and by greater than 80% at low fractional rhodopsin bleaches in high PO4/Rho samples when compared to the activity measured in O PO4/Rho controls. A phosphorylation level of 2 PO4/Rho produced PDE activities that were intermediate between O PO4/Rho and high PO4/Rho samples at low bleaches, but were identical with the O PO4/Rho samples at high rhodopsin bleaches. Rhodopsin phosphorylation is thus capable of producing a graded inhibition of light-stimulated PDE activation over a limited range of (near physiological) bleach levels. This effect become less pronounced as the bleach levels approach those that saturate PDE activation. These results are consistent with increasing levels of phosphorylation, producing a reduction of the binding affinity of G-protein for Rho*.
Allelic exclusion in transgenic mice expressing a heavy chain disease‐like human μ protein

Heavy chain diseases (HCD) are neoplastic proliferations of B cells which secrete truncated immunoglobulin heavy chains without associated light chains. These proteins are encoded by mutated genes which may also give rise to truncated membrane immunoglobulins. The neoplastic cells proliferate in vivo although they cannot bind any antigen, due to deletions in the variable domain of their antigen receptors. The reason for the clonal proliferation of HCD cells and the biological effects of the truncated membrane‐bound chains are presently unknown. We wanted to determine whether the expression of HCD proteins would interfere with B cell development. To this end we made transgenic mice with a human μ gene, lacking the VDJ exon, that encodes a protein similar to that produced in two cases of HCD. Transgenic mice were also produced with a similar construct but encoding only the membrane‐bound form of the truncated μ chain. Transgene encoded Cμ proteins are expressed on the cell surface without associated light chains and are responsible for allelic exclusion of murine heavy chains.
Teenagers in hospital: what do they want?

Experience with hospital units for adolescents indicates that the benefits can be substantial ( Fisher 1994 ), in meeting developmental ( Battle et al 1989 , Denholm 1987 and 1988 ) and psychosocial needs ( Stevens 1986 ) of adolescents, and in enhancing the paediatric training programme for the institution ( Schonberg and Cohen 1979 ). Administrative difficulties, including financial concerns, competing clinical needs and behavioural problems, in the adolescents' unit can be readily managed ( Fisher 1994 , Schonberg and Cohen1979 ). Adolescent inpatient units were first established in the 1950s and 1960s, as a way of providing optimal, developmental appropriate care for hospitalised adolescents ( Fisher and Kaufman 1996 ).