Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Moderating role of involvement in building a retail brand

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on one of the main antecedents of consumer behaviour concerning its role in building a retail brand. It addresses how consumer involvement influences perception of retailer attributes, which affects customer‐based retail brand equity when considering retailers as brands.Design/methodology/approach – A model is developed that includes the impact of central dimensions of the perception of retailer attributes, their effects on customer‐based retail brand equity and the moderating role of consumer involvement. The empirical study is based on a sample of 3,000 consumers spread over five retail sectors (grocery, clothing, DIY, electronics and furniture). Findings – Using multiple‐group structural equation modelling, the intersectoral relevance of involvement as a moderator in building a strong retail brand is demonstrated. In retailing, consumer involvement has a moderating effect on the influence of retailer attributes on retail brand equity. The direction of this.
On the Green's function for second order parabolic differential equations with discontinuous coefficients

du d ( du) Lu s dt d%j \ dxj for (x, 0 G o r = i2X(0, r ] , where Q is a bounded open simply connected region in E (n^2), T an arbitrary positive number, and the da are assumed only to be bounded and measurable in QT. The purpose of this note is to report results concerning the existence and certain properties of the generalized Green's function g(x0, Jo; x, t) for L subject to homogeneous boundary conditions. Our results are largely based on the maximum principle for the problem
A Robust Distributed Reputation Mechanism for Peer-to-Peer Systems

In P2P content distribution networks, incentive mechanisms are required for sustainable operation of the network. In general, there are two classes of incentive mechanisms, direct and indirect. In direct mechanisms, a content consumer compensates the work of a supplier by providing him some content in return. In indirect mechanisms, the work of a supplier can be rewarded by any peer in the future. A sub-class of indirect incentive mechanisms is based on the concept of reputation. In such a mechanism, based on its past behavior, a peer is assigned a reputation value and based on this value the other peers decide whether to collaborate with him or not. Designing an effective reputation mechanism comes with many challenges such as the accuracy of the reputation values, the security, and the scalability of the mechanism. In this thesis, we investigate these aspects of distributed reputation mechanisms and we incorporate our techniques and algorithms into the BarterCast reputation mechanism, which is an Internet-deployed mechanism in the field of content sharing.
Generic manufacturing strategies: A conceptual synthesis

This paper provides a conceptual framework that links manufacturing to business unit strategy and focuses on developing the notion of ‘generic manufacturing strategies’ at the strategic business unit (SBU) level. Specifically, an explicit conceptual link is drawn between ‘generic’ business unit strategies and ‘generic’ functional structures in manufacturing. It is proposed that the alternate manufacturing structures implicitly represent ‘generic manufacturing strategies’. Drawing on ideas and concepts from the business strategy literature and manufacturing literature the paper links Porter's generic strategy framework to a complementary manufacturing structure framework that uses three dimensions: process structure complexity, product line complexity, and organizational scope. Viewed from different perspectives, the ‘manufacturing contingency theory’ concepts presented implicitly in the paper can be viewed as an extension of classic research on the interdependence between strategy and structure. The frameworks developed here provide a partial synthesis of knowledge in the broader disciplines of engineering and management without sacrificing academic rigor and practitioner relevance.
A model to evaluate upstream vulnerability

The current body of literature with regard to supply chain vulnerability pays limited attention to how companies actually evaluate and manage risk. A second limitation is the scarce use of empirical evidence. Aiming at reducing these gaps, this work proposes a new conceptual model by which companies can assess their upstream vulnerability. The development process for the model involved two steps. First, based on a literature review, a draft of the assessment model was designed and operationalised via a questionnaire. Then, to refine the model and to verify its discriminant ability, case studies were conducted. The model is able to effectively compare the riskiness of the context in which a company operates with the firm's preparedness in risk management, providing guidance in evaluating and reducing upstream vulnerability.
Impact of postponement on transportation: An environmental perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of postponement in the context of environmentally sound management.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examined the environmental issues for a postponement strategy, with transport as a mediating factor. It also investigated the impact of related practices (e.g. just in time, e‐commerce, vendor managed inventory and factory gate pricing) on transport.Findings – This paper discussed ways of developing a postponement strategy which could benefit the economy, and which are not limited to taking into consideration the trade‐off between inventory and transport costs. Some thoughts were also presented on possible ways of mitigating the effects of the increase in transport on traffic congestion and pollution levels.Practical implications – The results of the research contribute to better designing the postponement strategy by placing more emphasis on environmental compatibility while conforming to the end market demand.Originality/value – The.
Microarray and bioinformatic detection of novel and established genes expressed in experimental anti-Thy1 nephritis.

BACKGROUND Microarray technology is a powerful tool that can probe the molecular pathogenesis of renal injury. In this present study microarray analysis was used to monitor serial changes in the renal transcriptome of a rat model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Administration of anti-Thy1 antibody results in phases of acute mesangial injury (day 2), cell proliferation (day 5), matrix expansion (days 5 and 7), and subsequent healing (day 14). METHODS Using Affymetrix (RAE230A) microarrays coupled with sequential primary biologic function-focused and secondary "baited" global cluster analysis, a cohort of established and putative novel modulators of mesangial cell turnover was identified. RESULTS Cluster analysis of proliferative genes identified a number of gene expression profiles. The most striking pattern was increased gene expression at day 5, a cluster that included platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), cyclins and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The gene expression patterns identified by primary focused cluster analysis were used as bioinformatic bait and resulted in the identification of novel families of genes such as the S100 family. The expression of established and novel genes was confirmed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Next, in vivo gene expression was compared to PDGF-stimulated mesangial cells in vitro revealing similar patterns of dysregulation. CONCLUSION Transcriptomic analysis defined both known and novel molecules involved in mesangial cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo and defined a panel of molecules that are potential contributors to mesangial cell dysfunction in glomerular disease.
Consumers' adoption of new technology products: the role of coping strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how accelerated technology innovations lead to shorter product lifecycles, and consumers often face the dilemma of choosing between keeping the existing product and upgrading to a new version. They may enact certain coping strategies to deal with the stress and uncertainty. Based on the work of Mick and Fournier, this study aims to propose a set of coping strategies, which include refusal, delay, extended decision‐making, and pretest.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a survey of consumers regarding the 3G mobile phones, the authors test the effects of coping strategies within the framework of the technology acceptance model.Findings – The results of canonical analyses suggest that coping strategies have significant influence on consumers' product beliefs, which in turn mediate the effects of coping strategies on consumers' attitude toward adoption and their purchase intention.Research limitations/implications – Coping strategies help better understand co.
The Effect of the IFRS 16: Constructive Capitalization of Operating Leases in the Turkish Retailing Sector

The new International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 16 issued by the International Accounting Standards Board will significantly change accounting for leases. The most important issue is that operating leases beyond one year will be capitalized, which means Off-TheBalance Sheet (OBS) financing via operating lease is effectively eliminated. “IFRS 16: Leases” will fundamentally change the way that leases are accounted for and reported in financial statements. This paper tries to illustrate the impact of IFRS 16 on financial statements and financial ratios. The study is an ex ante research, simulating a predicted outcome of the new lease standard, which will be in effect after 1 January 2019. For this purpose, this research is applied to the Turkish retailing companies whose shares are publicly traded in the Istanbul Stock Exchange. The study uses the constructive capitalization method for these companies. The results indicate that new standard will have a statistically significant effect on some of the financial ratios tested (debt/asset, debt/equity, return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE)) for 2010 – 2013.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding vs standard medical management in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a budget impact analysis in the UK

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the financial consequences of using laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in place of standard medical management (SMM) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes from a UK healthcare payer perspective. Design and methods: A budget impact model was constructed to evaluate the budgetary implications of LAGB in obese patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK. For patients undergoing LAGB, the model captured pre-, peri-, and post-operative costs including consultations with physicians, psychologists, nurses, and dieticians, the cost of surgery, and costs associated with post-surgical complications. The model also captured costs associated with medication for diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, costs of diabetes complications, sleep apnea, and asthma, and costs of diagnostic tests. The SMM arm also captured costs associated with very low calorie diet products. Costs were modeled in a simulated UK cohort of 100 obese patients with newly-diagnosed diabetes. Future costs were discounted at 3.5% per annum and all costs were reported in 2010 pounds sterling. Results: Over the 5-year time horizon, the cohort of 100 patients who underwent LAGB incurred costs £91,287 lower than an equivalent cohort receiving SMM (£818,668 and £909,955, respectively). Costs of surgery and post-surgical complications (£254,000 and £40,981, respectively) were more than offset by savings arising from reduced diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnea medication costs, reduced incidence of diabetes complications, and fewer healthcare professional contacts. Sensitivity analysis (SA) showed that the model was most sensitive to assumptions around diabetes medication use, although none of the SA findings showed LAGB to be more costly than SMM. Limitations: In order to capture the diverse resource use and medical care costs arising in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, the analysis made use of a range of heterogeneous data sources. While the vast majority of data were applicable to obese patients with recently-diagnosed diabetes in the UK setting, some surrogate data (e.g. from different geographies) were used in cases where data in the target population were unavailable. Additionally, given the largely uncharacterized long-term risk profile in patients with remission of type 2 diabetes, remission was captured using a transparent and highly conservative approach. Conclusions: Based on the findings of the present analysis, the high initial costs of performing LAGB are offset within 5 years after surgery when compared with SMM in a population of obese patients with type 2 diabetes. The high up-front costs associated with surgery should not therefore be a barrier to its reimbursement in this patient group.
Communication Systems and Techniques

An introductory, graduate-level look at modern communications in general and radio communications in particular. This seminal presentation of the applications of communication theory to signal and receiver design brings you valuable insights into the fundamental concepts underlying today's communications systems, especially wireless communications. Coverage includes AM, FM Phase Modulation, PCM, fading, and diversity receivers.
Sense of virtual community and perceived critical mass in online group buying

This study examines the effect of social influences (sense of virtual community and perceived critical mass) on online consumer behavior in online group buying (perceived risk and behavioral intention). The study tests 458 usable responses collected with mall-intercept systematic sampling from consumers with past experience in participating and purchasing on online group buying websites. Proposed hypotheses based on a review of relevant literature were tested using structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that sense of virtual community and perceived critical mass represent social influences that have a significant effect on consumers' behavioral intentions to engage in online group buying. Sense of virtual community also exerts a significant influence on perceived risk, which in turn is significantly related to online group buying intention. The implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
Revisit Technology Acceptance Model for Internet Banking (Case Study: Public Banking in Indonesia)

In nowadays business, online service in Internet Banking is a major concern for managing customer relationship but in the other side, there are several challenge should be face by bank when they implement this technology. By using technology acceptance model, this research was conducted through questionnaires that printed and handed directly to customer that using internet banking. From 100 respondents that fill in the questionnaires and after the data that gathered are done to analyses. From four variables that research, only perceive usefulness that give significant contribution to the intention customer to use internet banking, the rest of the variables like ease of use, risk and trust still not significant. Factor of ease of use become critical and also trust and risk for customer want to use this services, otherwise this service just only wasting time and financial. For future research this model can be expanded into private banking and with mix unit analyses. Index Terms - Technology Acceptance Model, Internet Banking, Public Banking, TAM, e-Banking
Service Firms’ International Entry-Mode Choice: A Modified Transaction-Cost Analysis Approach

Some peculiar characteristics of service firms, such as low capital intensity and the inseparability of production and consumption, have necessitated the modification of the traditional transaction-cost framework used to study entry-mode choice. By relaxing some unduly restrictive assumptions of the conventional transaction-cost analysis (TCA) model, the paper argues that firms prefer to start with full-control modes. It postulates that substantial variation in entry-mode choice occurs when firms that are characterized by low asset specificity relinquish control in response to the rising costs of integration or the diminishing ability to integrate. Several hypotheses on the propensity of service firms to employ shared-control entry modes are developed and tested. The results not only provide insights into entry-mode choice by service firms but also indicate how the transaction-cost framework can be broadened to develop a more comprehensive model for understanding entry-mode choice.
Water's two height scales: The moist adiabat and the radiative troposphere

The temperature structure of the tropical troposphere resembles a moist adiabat, with a lapse‐rate transition toward dry adiabatic where water becomes scarce at an altitude Hma ∼ 8 km (350 hPa). Infrared emission by water vapour cools a deeper layer, extending up to Hrad ∼ 14 km (160 hPa). Five consequences of these unequal heights are reviewed.
Customers′ Risk Perceptions of Electronic Payment Systems

One reason for the slow adoption rate of Electronic Fund Transfer at Point‐of‐Sale (EFTPoS) is that consumers perceive that EFTPoS has a higher level of risk than other traditional payment methods. Makes use of a concept in consumer behaviour and perceived risk to study the differences of consumers′ risk perceptions among alternative payment methods and whether these perceptions will be affected by the size of purchase and EFTPoS usage experience. The major findings are: (1) EFTPoS has the lowest physical risk and highest financial risk, the credit card has the lowest psychological risk and highest time loss risk, while cash has the highest physical risk and lowest performance risk; (2) Physical risk, financial risk and time loss risk for cash payment are significantly higher when the purchase is large, while performance risk for EFTPoS and credit card payment is significantly higher when the purchase is small; and (3) users of EFTPoS have a significantly higher level of perceived financial and time loss .
China's business reforms: Institutional challenges in a globalised economy

List of Figures List of Tables List of Contributors 1. Institutional Challenges for China's Business Reforms in a Globalized Economy 2. Industrial Restructuring and Corporate Governance in China's Large-Scale State-Owned Enterprises 3. Regional Comparative Analysis of China's Banking System 4. Solving Agency Problems in a Cross-Border Environment 5. Foreign Banks - Market Entry and Foreign Investment 6. Accounting for Intangible Assets and the Relevance of Financial Statements in Developed and Emerging Capital Markets: Australia and China 7. Changing Structure of Chinese Enterprises and Human Resource Management Practices in China 8. The Management of Human Resources in Shanghai: A Case Study of Policy Responses to Employment and Unemployment in the People's Republic of China 9. Employee Perceptions of Social Protection Reform in Shanghai: Diversity Across Ownership Forms and Occupations 10. Pension Reform in China: Imperatives, Constraints and Outcomes 11. Globalization and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation in China 12. China's Entry to the WTO: Effects of Reducing Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers and Endogenous Productivity Growth 13. Raw Entrepreneurship and the Rise of the New Private Sector in Western China: The Hope Group of Chengdu, Sichuan Province Bibliography Index
Interaction of maritime shipping and hinterland traffic using a two-level hierarchical transport network

A transport scenario based on a two-level network is developed in order to model operations in maritime transport. To enhance competitiveness and sustainability of shipping companies, the interaction between maritime shipping and hinterland traffic is considered in the novel two-level hierarchical transport network. Demand occurs on the second level, the hinterland, whereas the first level, the sea transport, acts as a pure distribution network. The two-level hierarchical transport model allows regulating the degree of interaction a liner operator has regarding the hinterland traffic. Moreover, access of vehicles to nodes or edges is given subject to feasibility constraints, relating to the size of a vehicle. In this work, the relation to existing routing models, such as the travelling salesman problem, the vehicle routing problem, or the travelling purchaser problem, is illustrated. Moreover, through the definition of a proper set of assumptions, it is possible to reduce the considered two-level hierarchical transport network to different standard routing models. These new insights allow the application of existing solution methods. Numerical experiments are conducted for a particular case and illustrate the influence of node costs on the distribution of workload to the vehicles.
Structures and Functions of Snake Venom Metalloproteinases (SVMP) from Protobothrops venom Collected in Japan

Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP) are widely distributed among the venoms of Crotalinae and Viperidae, and are organized into three classes (P-I, P-II and P-III) according to their size and domain structure. P-I SVMP are the smallest SVMP, as they only have a metalloproteinase (M) domain. P-II SVMP contain a disintegrin-like (D) domain, which is connected by a short spacer region to the carboxyl terminus of the M domain. P-III SVMP contain a cysteine-rich (C) domain, which is attached to the carboxyl terminus of the D domain. Some SVMP exhibit hemorrhagic activity, whereas others do not. In addition, SVMP display fibrinolytic/fibrinogenolytic (FL) activity, and the physiological functions of SVMP are controlled by their structures. Furthermore, these proteinases also demonstrate fibrinogenolytic and proteolytic activity against synthetic substrates for matrix metalloproteinases and ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase). This article describes the structures and FL, hemorrhagic, and platelet aggregation-inhibiting activity of SVMP derived from Protobothrops snake venom that was collected in Japan.
Gene duplications circumvent trade‐offs in enzyme function: Insect adaptation to toxic host plants

Herbivorous insects and their adaptations against plant toxins provide striking opportunities to investigate the genetic basis of traits involved in coevolutionary interactions. Target site insensitivity to cardenolides has evolved convergently across six orders of insects, involving identical substitutions in the Na,K‐ATPase gene and repeated convergent gene duplications. The large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, has three copies of the Na,K‐ATPase α‐subunit gene that bear differing numbers of amino acid substitutions in the binding pocket for cardenolides. To analyze the effect of these substitutions on cardenolide resistance and to infer possible trade‐offs in gene function, we expressed the cardenolide‐sensitive Na,K‐ATPase of Drosophila melanogaster in vitro and introduced four distinct combinations of substitutions observed in the three gene copies of O. fasciatus. With an increasing number of substitutions, the sensitivity of the Na,K‐ATPase to a standard cardenolide decreased in a stepwise manner. At the same time, the enzyme's overall activity decreased significantly with increasing cardenolide resistance and only the least substituted mimic of the Na,K‐ATPase α1C copy maintained activity similar to the wild‐type enzyme. Our results suggest that the Na,K‐ATPase copies in O. fasciatus have diverged in function, enabling specific adaptations to dietary cardenolides while maintaining the functionality of this critical ion carrier.