Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Capital and Entrepreneurial Performance in Russia: A Panel Study

Drawing on the social embeddedness perspective, this paper examines the impact of entrepreneurs' social capital on their firm performance in post-Soviet Russia. Based on face-to-face interviews with 75 Russian entrepreneurs in 1995, and the follow-up study in 1999, the study contrasts the effects of structural embeddedness, relational embeddedness and resource embeddedness on firm performance. The main finding is that relational embeddedness and resource embeddedness have direct positive impacts on sales growth, profit margin and return on assets in contrast to structural embeddedness that has no impact on performance. The research implies that further research should focus on finding out what dimensions of social capital affect what performance indicators and how they affect. The practical implication is that entrepreneurs should recruit more resource-rich weak ties into their personal networks.
Incidental Nonuterine High-grade Serous Carcinomas Arise in the Fallopian Tube in Most Cases: Further Evidence for the Tubal Origin of High-grade Serous Carcinomas

Most nonuterine high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs) in women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, due to germline BRCA1/2 mutation, arise in the fimbria of the fallopian tube. However, the site of origin of sporadic HGSC, which is usually widely disseminated at presentation, is not well established. We sought to characterize cases of HGSC discovered incidentally in patients not known to be at high risk, in order to determine the site distribution and possible origin of sporadic HGSC. Incidental microscopic, non–mass-forming cases of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma or HGSC in salpingo-oophorectomy specimens in which the tubes and ovaries had been extensively examined were identified. No patients were known or suspected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Twenty-one cases were identified (mean age: 57 y). Surgery was for benign disease (n=15), uterine endometrioid adenocarcinoma or atypical hyperplasia (n=3), bladder carcinoma (n=1), or ovarian serous borderline tumor (n=2). In 16 of 21 cases, the lesion was confined to the fallopian tube (unilateral in 14 cases, bilateral in 2). There was serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma in all cases and invasive HGSC into the underlying lamina propria in 8 of these 16 cases; the invasive focus measured 1.3 cm or less in every case. In the remaining 5 cases, there was fallopian tube mucosal and ovarian involvement; in 2 of these cases, there was also microscopic peritoneal involvement. Sporadic cases of nonuterine HGSC arise in the fallopian tube fimbria in a large majority of cases, providing further evidence for the tubal origin of these neoplasms.
Health-care decision-making processes in Latin America: Problems and prospects for the use of economic evaluation

Objectives: The use of economic evaluation studies (EE) in the decision-making process within the health-care system of nine Latin American (LA) and three European countries was investigated. The aim was to identify the opportunities, obstacles, and changes needed to facilitate the introduction of EE as a formal tool in health-care decision-making processes in LA. Methods: A comparative study was conducted based on existing literature and information provided through a questionnaire applied to decision makers in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Portugal Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Systematic electronic searches of HEED, NHS EED, and LILACS were conducted to identify published economic evaluation studies in LA from 1982 onward. Results: There is relatively little evidence of the conduct and use of EE within the health care systems in LA. Electronic searches retrieved 554 records; however, only 93 were EE. In the nine LA participating countries, broad allocation of health-care resources is primarily based on political criteria, historical records, geographical areas, and specific groups of patients and diseases. Public-health provision and inclusion of services in health-insurance package are responsibilities of the Ministry of Health. Decisions regarding the purchase of medicines are primarily made through public tenders, and mainly based on differences in clinical efficacy and the price of health technologies of interest. Conclusions: To expedite the process of incorporating EE as a formal tool to inform decision-making processes within the health-care systems in LA countries, two main conditions need to be fulfilled. First, adequate resources and skills need to be available to conduct EE of good quality. Second, decision-making procedures need to be modified to accommodate “evidence-based” approaches such as EE.
Na(+)/K)+)-ATPase α2-isoform preferentially modulates Ca2(+) transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2(+) release in cardiac myocytes.

AIMS Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (NKA) is essential in regulating [Na(+)](i), and thus cardiac myocyte Ca(2+) and contractility via Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange. Different NKA-α subunit isoforms are present in the heart and may differ functionally, depending on specific membrane localization. In smooth muscle and astrocytes, NKA-α2 is located at the junctions with the endo(sarco)plasmic reticulum, where they could regulate local [Na(+)], and indirectly junctional cleft [Ca(2+)]. Whether this model holds for cardiac myocytes is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS The ouabain-resistant NKA-α1 cannot be selectively blocked to assess its effect. To overcome this, we used mice in which NKA-α1 is ouabain sensitive and NKA-α2 is ouabain resistant (SWAP mice). We measured the effect of ouabain at low concentration on [Na(+)](i), Ca(2+) transients, and the fractional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release in cardiac myocytes from wild-type (WT; NKA-α2 inhibition) and SWAP mice (selective NKA-α1 block). At baseline, Na(+) and Ca(2+) regulations are similar in WT and SWAP mice. For equal levels of total NKA inhibition (~25%), ouabain significantly increased Ca(2+) transients (from ΔF/F(0)= 1.5 ± 0.1 to 1.8 ± 0.1), and fractional SR Ca(2+) release (from 24 ± 3 to 29 ± 3%) in WT (NKA-α2 block) but not in SWAP myocytes (NKA-α1 block). This occurred despite a similar and modest increase in [Na(+)](i) (~2 mM) in both groups. The effect in WT mice was mediated specifically by NKA-α2 inhibition because at a similar concentration ouabain had no effect in transgenic mice where both NKA-α1 and NKA-α2 are ouabain resistant. CONCLUSION NKA-α2 has a more prominent role (vs. NKA-α1) in modulating cardiac myocyte SR Ca(2+) release.
Consumers’ Acceptance of Unethical Consumption Activities: Implications for the Youth Market

The objective of this research is to explore the acceptance of unethical consumption activities of young Malaysian consumer in regards to gender, exposure to ethics education and the amount of allowances received per month. The specific focus on the young consumers is taken into account as this group has been a growing population of consumers in Malaysia with many forms of advertising, promotions and marketing strategies targeted at them. In this study, the sample was drawn from undergraduate students from a private university in Malaysia. The results indicated that female consumers were more ethical in two of the four dimensions of consumer ethical beliefs. Furthermore those who have not taken ethics course were found to be more ethical in at least two of the dimensions of the consumer ethical scale. Finally the quantum of allowance received per month did not influence the level of consumer ethical beliefs in all the four dimensions of consumer ethics.
Investigating the Effect of Audit Quality on Sustainability of Earnings (Case study: a Comparison between Financially-Distressed Companies and the Rest of Companies in Tehran Stock Exchange)

Earnings quality and sustainability increase the desirability of earnings to shareholders. However, audit is what may control the opportunist behavior of management, reduce agency conflicts between shareholders and managers and contribute to sustainability of earnings. A high quality audit can affect earnings quality and sustainability as well as the amount of discretionary accruals applied by management. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of audit quality on earnings sustainability in financially-distressed companies as compared with other companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). A set of inclusion criteria were applied to select 184 TSE companies as the research sample. The temporal domain of the study was from March 21, 2008 to March 20, 2012. The data were collected using available software, websites, journals and other information resources. Six hypotheses were tested in the present study. Audit quality was measured by using three criteria including audit firm size, auditor industry specialization and auditor tenure. The results of testing the research hypotheses showed a significant positive correlation of audit firm size and auditor specialization with sustainability of earnings. However, there was no significant correlation between auditor tenure and sustainability of earnings. The findings also revealed that the correlation between audit quality (auditor size and specialization) and sustainability of earnings was stronger in financially-distressed than non-distressed companies. Applicable and research recommendations are made to guide further studies on the topic.
Information Privacy Research: An Interdisciplinary Review

To date, many important threads of information privacy research have developed, but these threads have not been woven together into a cohesive fabric. This paper provides an interdisciplinary review of privacy-related research in order to enable a more cohesive treatment. With a sample of 320 privacy articles and 128 books and book sections, we classify previous literature in two ways: (1) using an ethics-based nomenclature of normative, purely descriptive, and empirically descriptive, and (2) based on their level of analysis: individual, group, organizational, and societal. Based upon our analyses via these two classification approaches, we identify three major areas in which previous research contributions reside: the conceptualization of information privacy, the relationship between information privacy and other constructs, and the contextual nature of these relationships. As we consider these major areas, we draw three overarching conclusions. First, there are many theoretical developments in the body of normative and purely descriptive studies that have not been addressed in empirical research on privacy. Rigorous studies that either trace processes associated with, or test implied assertions from, these value-laden arguments could add great value. Second, some of the levels of analysis have received less attention in certain contexts than have others in the research to date. Future empirical studies-both positivist and interpretive--could profitably be targeted to these under-researched levels of analysis. Third, positivist empirical studies will add the greatest value if they focus on antecedents to privacy concerns and on actual outcomes. In that light, we recommend that researchers be alert to an overarching macro model that we term APCO (Antecedents → Privacy Concerns → Outcomes).
Willingess to pay for green energy: An agent-based model in NetLogo platform

In the paper the consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for green energy is discussed. Based on the literature review and the findings from the pilot study a simple agent-based model in Netlogo is created to examine the development of the WTP towards renewables (RES) among consumers. The model shows that to increase positive appraisal of green energy and hence encourage consumers to support the development of RES, some external incentives are necessary. Hence, promoting advantages of renewables and making consumers more familiar with them, as well as offering some financial support may play a great role.
Tertiary Students’ Assessment of Service Quality in the Malaysian Banking Industry: An Importance-Performance Analysis

In order to compete, banks constantly offer new products directed at specific market segments. Tertiary students are increasingly a segment that banks target. The importance of and viability of the student cohort for banking institutions are well documented and so are the challenges facing bank marketers interested in this target market. This article reports on a study of students’ assessment of bank service quality. A survey was carried out to acquire data from 415 respondents. Using SERVQUAL scale and importance-performance analysis, shortfalls or gaps between importance and performance of bank service dimensions were observed. The results have important implications for future research directions and bank strategy practice. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n1p361
Ranking the Obstacles of Strategic Planning in the Artificial Leather Industry: A Case Study of Sadaf Leather Company

Small and medium-sized businesses have a significant importance in the economic growth and development of all countries. Also, the importance of strategic planning for the success of these businesses is undeniable. However, many businesses have not taken any actions regarding the codification and execution of strategic planning. The current research aimed to identify and rank the obstacles for implementing strategic planning in Sadaf Leather Production Company which is a medium-sized industrial production company. A questionnaire was designed based on library studies regarding the advantages of strategic planning, the disadvantages of not codifying and implementing strategic planning in small and medium-sized industries, and the situation of Sadaf Leather Company. After confirming the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, it was distributed among the employees of this company. This study was factual and aimed to investigate a practical problem in an industrial company. Quantitative data collection was used in this study and hence, it fall under the category of field studies. Due to the description of the characteristics of variables, this research was descriptive-survey and the results had a high generalizability. The results indicated that the problems and obstacles for the non-implementation of strategic planning in Sadaf Leather Company are categorized into five main factors: personal obstacles, environmental limitations, administrative restrictions, organizational and planning restrictions. It can be concluded that environmental factors such as uncertainty about the future and the existence of sanctions have had a negative effect on the performance and long-term decisions of the company's owner and this has resulted in the demotivation and resistance of employees against any changes in the company.
Delayed, But Not Immediate, Feedback After Multiple-Choice Questions Increases Performance on a Subsequent Short-Answer, But Not Multiple-Choice, Exam: Evidence for the Dual-Process Theory of Memory

ABSTRACT Three experiments, two performed in the laboratory and one embedded in a college psychology lecture course, investigated the effects of immediate versus delayed feedback following a multiple-choice exam on subsequent short answer and multiple-choice exams. Performance on the subsequent multiple-choice exam was not affected by the timing of the feedback on the prior exam; however, performance on the subsequent short answer exam was better following delayed than following immediate feedback. This was true regardless of the order in which immediate versus delayed feedback was given. Furthermore, delayed feedback only had a greater effect than immediate feedback on subsequent short answer performance following correct, confident responses on the prior exam. These results indicate that delayed feedback cues a student's prior response and increases subsequent recollection of that response. The practical implication is that delayed feedback is better than immediate feedback during academic testing.
Intelligent sensor-based services success: the role of consumer characteristics and information

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of consumer characteristics and information in explaining their shopping intention regarding intelligent sensor-based services. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses scenario-based experiments with the US consumers, in the context of retailers offering radio frequency identification (RFID)-based services. A post-hoc focus group interview was conducted to gain indepth insights into the study findings. Findings – Consumers' optimistic attitude toward innovative technologies was highly influential to their shopping intention regardless of the information message valence. The role of discomfort toward innovative technologies is mixed. Contrary to the prediction, when consumers received negative information about RFID-based services, their prior knowledge of innovative technologies increased their shopping intention. Sub-dimensions of privacy concerns had differential impacts depending on the information content. Also, the negativity effect of .
An exploration of environmentally-conscious consumers and the reasons why they do not buy green products

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand how and why environmentally conscious consumers rationalise their non-green purchase behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – Seven focus groups were conducted. A total of 51 people, aged 19-70 years, participated in the study. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to organise the data as various themes emerged. Findings – Through application of neutralisation theory, this study identified additional barriers to green consumption. Two new neutralisation techniques emerged, namely protecting (maintaining) one’s sense of self and consumer attachment to the brand. These techniques recognise the impact consumer culture has had on consumers. Research limitations/implications – The study took place in an urban centre hence the views of the participants may be different from those who live in rural centres; low-income consumers were under-represented; and more male participants would have been desirable. Social implications – Despite its limitations, this stu.
Voluntary Environmental Disclosure: A study of the Carbon Disclosure Project

Events, such as increased risks of drought and flooding, that scientist have associated with climate change can have serious impacts on the physical environment, society, and the economy. In the past companies, despite their significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions were largely excluded in the search for solutions. However, increasing awareness among politicians and civil society has resulted in a call for greater responsibility of economic actors in mitigating climate change. In addition to mandatory measures (e.g. regulations) voluntary environmental programmes (VEP) have been developed, including the voluntary disclosure of environmental data. VEPs are often classified as so-called green clubs which encourage members to engage in progressive environmental actions that go beyond the regulatory status quo, in return for which they benefit from affiliation with the club’s positive brand image and reputation. This study finds that the CDP qualifies as a green club. This thesis aims to contribute to the understanding of why companies, in particular in the clean technology sector, engage in voluntary environmental disclosure and how they can benefit from this, using the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an independent non-profit organisation that gathers information on greenhouse gas emissions of companies on behalf of investors, as an example. From the literature review and interviews with eleven reference companies participating in the CDP a set of internal and external drivers for engaging in VED has been derived. Furthermore, a list of benefits, categorised according to financial, legal, competitive, and strategic aspects, has been compiled. An in-depth case study of The Company, a Swedish cleantech corporation interested in reporting to the CDP, allowed studying the information needs the CDP puts on respondents as well as potential differences concerning costs and benefits of participation compared to non-cleantech businesses due to the environmentally friendly nature of their products.
Customer Satisfaction in the Brazilian Fast Food Franchise Segment

In a market with great competition, store image associated with quality and brand become an important competitive tool, meanly when it was associated to perceived customer satisfaction. The main objective of this study was to analyze the influence of image, brand and quality on customer satisfaction in the fast food segment. Data analysis was conducted through multivariate techniques to verify the significance of the relationship between variables analyzing two of the five biggest fast food channels in Brazil. The results showed that brand and quality were the most valued variables according to perceived customer satisfaction. In the model used, brand presented the greatest explanatory power. Based on the multiple coefficient of determination (adjusted R 2 ), quality, image and brand as a group explained about 62.7% (Franchise 1) and 61.3% (Franchise 2) of the search for satisfaction, being that only quality and brand were statistically significant.
Light response of vertebrate photoreceptors.

Article de synthese sur les reponses des photorecepteurs a la lumiere chez les vertebres: couplage electrique entre photorecepteurs; modulation de la reponse par la conductance ionique du segment interne de la membrane; messager intracellulaire, proprietes des canaux sensibles a la lumiere. Role du transport du calcium (echange sodium: calcium, potassium
Venture Capital Investments by IPO Underwriters: Certification, Alignment of Interest or Moral Hazard?

We study IPO pricing when underwriters are venture capital investors in issuers and test three hypotheses concerning the effects of underwriter share ownership on the IPO underwriting and pricing processes. We find that venture investments by underwriters significantly reduce IPO underpricing; and the result is stronger for lead underwriters. This evidence is consistent with both underwriter certification and improved underwriter alignment of interests with issuers. The fall in underpricing is substantially greater when there is greater uncertainty about IPO valuation, which further supports the underwriter certification effect. Controlling for endogeneity effects does not change our conclusions. Finally, lead underwriter venture investment in IPO issuers also reduces underwriter gross spreads. Overall, the evidence is consistent with an underwriter certification effect and to a lesser degree an underwriter-issuer alignment of interest effect and inconsistent with an IPO conflict of interest effect.