Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mind the gap: An analysis of service provider versus customer perceptions of market orientation and the impact on satisfaction

An emerging perspective on market orientation suggests that strategic insights may be gained when firms take into account their customers’ view on the organization’s level of market orientation. Recent research offers evidence on the applicability of a customer‐defined market orientation construct, and the existence of a gap between suppliers’ and customers’ evaluations of the supplier’s extent of market orientation. Extends this line of research by exploring the market orientation gap and its outcomes in a relationship‐marketing context. Specifically, explores the importance of such a gap for the relationship. Reviews a number of theoretical viewpoints as to why multiple perspectives should be sought when assessing organizational phenomena such as market orientation. Then tests the impact that a perceptual market orientation gap between business service providers and their customers has on customer satisfaction. The findings suggest that the greater the divergence in perceptions of market orientation between customers and service providers, the lower the level of customer satisfaction. Explores the research and managerial implications of these findings and offers strategies as to how to “mind the gap”.
Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates oxidative stress and myocardial apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

We evaluated the cardioprotective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 in a diabetic rat model induced with high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Ginsenoside Rg1 was injected intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Myocardial injury indices and oxidative stress markers were determined. Changes in cardiac ultrastructure were evaluated with transmission electron microscopy. Myocardial apoptosis was assessed via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TDT)-mediated DNA nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry. Ginsenoside Rg1 was associated with a significant dose-dependent reduction in serum levels of creatinine kinase MB and cardiac troponin I, and lessened ultrastructural disorders in diabetic myocardium, relative to the untreated diabetic model rats. Also, compared with the untreated diabetic rats, significant reductions in serum and myocardial levels of malondialdehyde were noted in the ginsenoside Rg1-treated groups, and increased levels of the antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were detected. TUNEL staining indicated reduced myocardial apoptosis in ginsenoside Rg1-treated rats, which may be associated with reduced levels of caspase-3 (CASP3) and increased levels of B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL) in the diabetic myocardium. Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment of diabetic rats was associated with reduced oxidative stress and attenuated myocardial apoptosis, suggesting that ginsenoside Rg1 may be of potential preventative and therapeutic value for cardiovascular injury in diabetic patients.
Intellectual Property Activity by Service Sector and Manufacturing Firms in the UK, 1996-2000*

This paper provides evidence from a newly constructed database of UK firms about the extent of their intellectual property acquisition activities over five years. We focus on service sector firms, which have not previously been studied, with comparisons for firms in manufacturing and other sectors, such as agriculture. The measures of IP include both trade marks, which are most important in services, and patents, which are predominantly sought by manufacturing firms. The analysis includes patents and trade marks applied for via both the UK and European routes. While IP assets sought through the UK Patent Office remained strong, more services firms were seeking European Community trade marks and more manufacturing firms were seeking patents via European Patent Office through time. Firm characteristics that are positively correlated with IP activity include larger firm size, stock market listed status and high product market diversification.
Warfarin for the prevention of systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis

Background: Warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is well documented. However, it has not been examined in the prevention of systemic embolism. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of warfarin in preventing systemic embolism (embolism to limbs or viscera) in patients with AF. Methods and results: A combined Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and SveMed+ search were made. Fifteen studies were included. Warfarin was better than antiplatelet agents for preventing systemic embolism with a 50% reduction of risk (odds ratio (OR) = 0.50, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.75) without increasing the risk of major bleeding (OR = 1.07; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.34). Warfarin compared with placebo resulted in a risk reduction of 71% (OR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.08 to 1.07) with higher risk of major bleeding with warfarin (OR = 3.01; 95% CI 1.31 to 6.92). Results of a comparison of warfarin with low-dose warfarin (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 0.40 to 5.81) or low-dose warfarin with aspirin (OR = 1.00; 95% CI 0.17 to 5.81) were inconclusive. Conclusions: Warfarin not only reduces the risk of stroke but is also better than placebo and antiplatelet agents in prevention of systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular AF. Warfarin increases the risk of major bleeding compared with placebo but not compared with antiplatelet agents.
Supply chain flexibility and responsiveness : an empirical analysis of the Chinese textile and clothing industry

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Systematic review of cervical discography as a diagnostic test for chronic spinal pain.

BACKGROUND Chronic neck pain represents a significant public health problem. Despite high prevalence rates, there is a lack of consensus regarding the causes or treatments for this condition. Based on controlled evaluations, the cervical intervertebral discs, facet joints, and atlantoaxial joints have all been implicated as pain generators. Cervical provocation discography, which includes disc stimulation and morphological evaluation, is often used to distinguish a painful disc from other potential sources of pain. Yet in the absence of validation and controlled outcome studies, the procedure remains mired in controversy. STUDY DESIGN A systematic review of the cervical discography literature. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the validity and usefulness of cervical provocation discography in managing and diagnosing discogenic pain by means of a systematic review. METHODS Following a comprehensive search of the literature, selected studies were subjected to a modified Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) diagnostic accuracy evaluation. Qualitative analysis was conducted using 5 levels of evidence, ranging from Level I to III with 3 subcategories in Level II. The rating scheme was modified to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS A systematic review of the literature demonstrated that cervical discography plays a significant role in selecting surgical candidates and improving outcomes, despite concerns regarding the false-positive rate, lack of standardization, and assorted potential confounding factors. Based on the studies utilizing the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) criteria, the data show a prevalence rate ranging between 16% and 20%. Based on the 3 studies that utilized IASP criteria during the performance of cervical discography, the evidence derived from studies evaluating the diagnostic validity of the procedure, the indicated level of evidence is Level II-2 based on modified U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. LIMITATIONS Limitations include a paucity of literature, poor methodologic quality, and very few studies performed utilizing IASP criteria. CONCLUSION Cervical discography performed according to the IASP criteria may be a useful tool for evaluating chronic cervical pain, without disc herniation or radiculitis. Based on a modified AHRQ accuracy evaluation and USPSTF level of evidence criteria, this systematic review indicates the strength of evidence as Level II-2 for diagnostic accuracy of cervical discography.
Biomechanics of tibial plateau leveling of the canine cruciate-deficient stifle joint: a theoretical model.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of tibial plateau leveling on the biomechanics of the canine stifle. STUDY DESIGN Analysis of a 3-dimensional (3-D) anatomically accurate theoretical model of the canine stifle. METHODS A 3-D, 3-segment mathematical model of the normal canine stifle was modified to simulate the effect of rotation of the tibial plateau during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The model examined the normal stifle, the stifle with a tibial plateau angle (TPA) of 0 degrees, and the stifle with a TPA of 5 degrees. Analysis of the models at 10 consecutive equally spaced positions during the stance phase yielded data such as ligament forces and joint reaction forces at each position. RESULTS Rotation of the tibial plateau to a TPA of 0 degrees almost eliminates forces in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) throughout the stance phase. Rotation to a TPA of 5 degrees did not, however, substantially decrease the load in the CCL. Both procedures increased the load in the caudal cruciate ligament (CaCL). CONCLUSIONS Cranial tibial thrust (CTT) is converted into caudal tibial thrust when the TPA is 0 degrees ; however, rotating the plateau to a TPA of 5 degrees does not eliminate the CTT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The TPLO procedure performed as currently recommended (rotating the tibial plateau to a TPA of 5 degrees) may not eliminate the CTT, but only reduce it. Both TPLO procedures evaluated here were found to increase the load in the CaCL.
Structural remodeling of resistance arteries in uremic hypertension.

BACKGROUND Structural remodeling of the resistance vasculature is present in many forms of human and experimental hypertension. In particular, an increase in the ratio of wall thickness to lumen diameter develops, and might in itself maintain hypertension by increasing vascular resistance. Because uremia is associated with raised peripheral resistance, hypertension, and histologic changes suggestive of vascular remodeling, we sought to formally examine the structural and mechanical (elastic) properties of isolated pressurized resistance arteries in uremic hypertension. METHODS Cremaster, cerebral and mesenteric arteries from subtotally nephrectomised Wistar-Kyoto rats, normotensive control Wistar-Kyoto rats, and spontaneously hypertensive rats were mounted on a pressure myograph and relaxed in calcium-free buffer. Wall thickness and lumen diameter were measured at increasing lumen pressures from 10 to 200 mm Hg, and from this wall:lumen ratio, wall cross-sectional area, and an index of elasticity were derived. RESULTS In uremic hypertensive animals increased wall:lumen ratio and decreased lumen diameter was seen in cremaster and mesenteric arteries, although no significant changes were observed in cerebral arteries, compared to normotensive controls. In spontaneously hypertensive animals increased wall thickness and wall:lumen ratio was seen in cerebral and mesenteric arteries, decreased lumen diameter in cremaster and mesenteric arteries, and increased wall cross-sectional area in cerebral arteries, compared to normotensive controls. Elasticity of the arterial wall in uremic and spontaneously hypertensive animals did not differ from normotensive controls. CONCLUSION Cremaster and mesenteric resistance arteries undergo predominantly eutrophic inward remodeling in uremic hypertension, broadly similar to that seen in spontaneous hypertension.
Dawn arrives at Ceres: Exploration of a small, volatile-rich world

On 6 March 2015, Dawn arrived at Ceres to find a dark, desiccated surface punctuated by small, bright areas. Parts of Ceres’ surface are heavily cratered, but the largest expected craters are absent. Ceres appears gravitationally relaxed at only the longest wavelengths, implying a mechanically strong lithosphere with a weaker deep interior. Ceres’ dry exterior displays hydroxylated silicates, including ammoniated clays of endogenous origin. The possibility of abundant volatiles at depth is supported by geomorphologic features such as flat crater floors with pits, lobate flows of materials, and a singular mountain that appears to be an extrusive cryovolcanic dome. On one occasion, Ceres temporarily interacted with the solar wind, producing a bow shock accelerating electrons to energies of tens of kilovolts.
The Effect of Lexical Predictability on Eye Movements in Reading: Critical Review and Theoretical Interpretation

A word's predictability in its context has a reliable influence on eye movements in reading. This article reviews the extensive literature that has investigated this influence, focusing on several specific empirical issues. These include assessment of cloze probability as the critical measure of predictability, the form of the relationship between predictability and reading time, the distributional effects of predictability, the interaction between predictability and word frequency, and the interaction between predictability and parafoveal preview. On the basis of this review, two theoretical conclusions are proposed. First, predictability effects in reading result from graded activation of potentially many words, as opposed to discrete prediction of a specific word. Second, this activation has the effect of facilitating either very early stages of lexical processing or pre-lexical processing of visual features or letters.
Transdermal nitroglycerine enhances the post-operative analgesic effect of intrathecal clonidine in abdominal hysterectomies

Clonidine is frequently used as an adjuvant in spinal anaesthesia to enhance the quality and duration of post-operative analgesia,[1-3] transdermal nitroglycerine (tNTG) has been found to be useful for enhancing the post-operative analgesic effect of intrathecal (IT) sufentanil[4] and neostigmine[5] by release of nitric oxide (NO). This NO increases the intracellular concentration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which produces pain modulation in the central and peripheral nervous system. [6,7] We have carried out this study to evaluate the effect of tNTG on IT clonidine.
Association between Psychopathic Disorder and Serum Antibody to Herpes Simplex Virus (Type 1)

The sera of a small of patients has been examined for herpes simplex virus antibody. Three clinically-defined groups of patients were compared: (a) aggressive psychopaths, (b) psychiatric controls, and (c) general hospital patients. The first group had an unusually high average kinetic neutralization constant against type 1 herpes simplex virus.
Resolving the Capability–Rigidity Paradox in New Product Innovation

Managers face an important strategic dilemma in product innovation: how to exploit existing product innovation competencies (competence exploitation) while avoiding their dysfunctional rigidity effects by renewing and replacing them with entirely new competencies (competence exploration). Although the resolution of what is termed the “capability–rigidity paradox” is considered a fundamental managerial task in enhancing product innovation outcomes and the firm's competitive advantage, it has received little research attention. The author argues and finds support that market orientation provides a key to this paradox. Specifically, customer and competitor orientations ensure simultaneous investments in exploiting existing product innovation competencies and exploring new ones. The author also finds that the effects of these orientations on competence exploitation and exploration are differentially moderated by interfunctional coordination and perceived market opportunity. Regarding outcomes, competence exploitation and exploration have opposing relationships with incremental and radical innovation performance. However, the relationship between competence exploration and radical innovation performance is positively moderated by interfunctional coordination. Overall, the results of this study suggest that market orientation can prevent a firm from becoming operationally efficient but strategically inefficient by simultaneously engendering competence exploitation and exploration, which are differentially related to incremental and radical product innovation outcomes.
What Determines the Domestic Bias and Foreign Bias? Evidence from Equity Mutual Fund Allocations Worldwide

Digital data which is correlatively encoded into discrete plural states and transmitted by modulating a carrier signal whose phase in each baud interval is a function of the data is detected through a tree searching technique which recursively determines the maximum metric for each of the states during each baud interval and generates a data bit stream therefrom. The maximum metric is determined by computing the transition metric for each possible path into a state from a comparison of the baseband signal with a reference signal generated therefrom and adding it to the state metric for the prior state from which the path originated to derive a path metric and then selecting the maximum path metric for each state designated survivor decision metric. The data bit stream, there being one for each state, is generated by updating the data bit stream corresponding to its associated survivor metric by deleting the oldest bit therefrom and adding as the newest bit, the bit value associated with the survivor metric path.
The Physiologic Effects of Isoflurane Anesthesia in Neonatal Mice

In neonatal rodents, isoflurane has been shown to confer neurological protection during hypoxia-ischemia and to precipitate neurodegeneration after prolonged exposure. Whether neuroprotection or neurotoxicity result from a direct effect of isoflurane on the brain or an indirect effect through hemodynamic or metabolic changes remains unknown. We recorded arterial blood pressure, heart rate, blood gases, and glucose in 10-day-old mice during 60 min of isoflurane anesthesia with spontaneous or mechanical ventilation, as well as during 60 min of hypoxia-ischemia with isoflurane anesthesia or without anesthesia. During isoflurane anesthesia, hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis occurred with spontaneous and mechanical ventilation. During hypoxia-ischemia, isoflurane was fatal with spontaneous breathing but survivable with mechanical ventilation, with arterial blood pressure and heart rate being similar to that observed in unanesthetized animals. Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) was 2.3% in 10-day-old mice. In summary, isoflurane anesthesia precipitated hypoglycemia, which may have contributed to the neurodegeneration observed in neonatal rodents. Use of 0.8 MAC isoflurane for evaluation of neuroprotection during hypoxia-ischemia requires mechanical ventilation and glucose supplementation in this model.
The Effects of SFAS 131 Geographic Segment Disclosures on the Valuation of Foreign Earnings

Thomas (1999) documents that investors discount the value of foreign earnings for U.S. multinationals. He conjectures but does not test the possibility that this finding is due to poor disclosure related to foreign operations. In this paper, we investigate whether the market’s valuation of foreign earnings is a function of the firm’s geographic segment disclosures. Specifically, we examine the effects of (1) the introduction of SFAS 131, (2) the change in the number of geographic segments disclosed, and (3) the inclusion of performance measures in geographic segment disclosures. We find strong evidence that our proxies for increased disclosure are positively associated with the foreign earnings response coefficient (FERC). We further find that increases in the number of geographic segments are incrementally value relevant beyond other SFAS 131 disclosures. Similarly, inclusion of earnings in geographic segment disclosures has an incremental effect on FERC beyond both SFAS 131 per se and a change in the number of geographic segments. In addition, we use the Mishkin (1983) test and find that investors’ mispricing of the foreign component of earnings lessens (and in fact disappears) with greater disclosure related to foreign operations. Taken together, our results suggest that the pricing of foreign earnings is associated with important aspects of the firm’s information environment.
Inflation and Innovation in a Schumpeterian Economy with North–South Technology Transfer

This study analyzes how inflation affects innovation and international technology transfer via cash-in-advance constraints on R&D. We consider a North-South quality-ladder model that features innovative Northern R&D and adaptive Southern R&D. We find that higher Southern inflation causes a permanent decrease in technology transfer, a permanent increase in the North-South wage gap, and a temporary decrease in the Northern innovation rate. Higher Northern inflation causes a temporary decrease in the Northern innovation rate, a permanent decrease in the North-South wage gap, and ambiguous effects on technology transfer. Finally, we calibrate the model to China-US data to perform a quantitative analysis.
A Behavioral Theory of R&D Expenditures and Innovations: Evidence from Shipbuilding

I base an integrated model of innovation development and launch on the behavioral theory of the firm. This model specifies that research and development expenses are increased when low performance causes “problemistic search” and when excess resources cause “slack search. ” Innovations generated by search are launched if low performance gives managers high risk tolerance. Using data from shipbuilding firms, I show that high performance reduces R&D intensity and innovation launches, and high slack increases R&D intensity, as predicted.
Export Performance and its Determinants: Supply and Demand Constraints

What are the major determinants of export performance? Does the importance of these determinants vary with export performance itself? Using quantile regression techniques this study investigates the contribution towards the performance of the external sector of linkages to international markets relative to internal supply-side conditions. Results indicate that, while trade barriers continue to be of concern, poor supply-side conditions have often been the more important constraint on export performance in various regions, in particular in Africa and the Middle East, despite a generalized deepening of international trade integration. Beside strong linkages to international markets, good transport infrastructures, macroeconomic soundness and good quality institutions appear to be major determinants in the development process of the external sector.