Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurship programs, operational efficiency and growth of small businesses

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the impact of owners/managers of small businesses participating in entrepreneurship programs on operational efficiency and growth of small businesses.Design/methodology/approach – It is a cross‐sectional study analysis of the impact of exposure of owner‐managers of small businesses on their performance (i.e. operational efficiency and growth rate) in a non‐contrived environment. The data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for the analysis and the degree of error is α=0.05. Findings – Small businesses, whose owner‐managers who have the experience of participating in entrepreneurship programs, exhibited superior managerial practice; hence, a higher gross‐margin and rate of growth than small businesses whose owner‐managers did not have such experiential learning.Research limitations/implications – The members of the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists, Lagos Chapter served as the popul.
Deficiency of a protein-repair enzyme results in the accumulation of altered proteins, retardation of growth, and fatal seizures in mice.

L-Asparaginyl and L-aspartyl residues in proteins are subject to spontaneous degradation reactions that generate isomerized and racemized aspartyl derivatives. Proteins containing L-isoaspartyl and D-aspartyl residues can have altered structures and diminished biological activity. These residues are recognized by a highly conserved cytosolic enzyme, the protein L-isoaspartate(D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.77). The enzymatic methyl esterification of these abnormal residues in vitro can lead to their conversion (i.e., repair) to normal L-aspartyl residues and should therefore prevent the accumulation of potentially dysfunctional proteins in vivo as cells and tissues age. Particularly high levels of the repair methyltransferase are present in the brain, although enyzme activity is present in all vertebrate tissues. To define the physiological relevance of this protein-repair pathway and to determine whether deficient protein repair would cause central nervous system dysfunction, we used gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate protein L-isoaspartate(D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase-deficient mice. Analyses of tissues from methyltransferase knockout mice revealed a striking accumulation of protein substrates for this enzyme in the cytosolic fraction of brain, heart, liver, and erythrocytes. The knockout mice showed significant growth retardation and succumbed to fatal seizures at an average of 42 days after birth. These results suggest that the ability of mice to repair L-isoaspartyl- and D-aspartyl-containing proteins is essential for normal growth and for normal central nervous system function.
INDEX FUTURES OPTIONS IN AUSTRALIA ‐AN EMPIRICAL FOCUS ON VOLATILITY

The futures option contract on the Australian All Ordinaries Share Price Index is a relatively new hybrid security that ought to enhance the richness and potential efficiency of security markets. This paper considers the problems of valuing it using the theoretical price of a futures‐style option. It was found that there was little consistency between theoretical prices using a number of historical estimates and observed market prices, either intertemporally or between in‐the‐money or out‐of‐the‐money calls. Further, implied volatility was found to be a decaying function of time and, except at times of instability, did not predict the ex ante futures volatility as well as historic volatility.
THE EFFECT OF EMPHASIS ON TIGHT BUDGET TARGETS AND COST CONTROL ON PRODUCTION AND MARKETING MANAGERS' PROPENSITY TO CREATE SLACK

Abstract Extant literature suggests that target setting must be complemented by cost control. There are, however, strong theoretical reasons to suggest that cost control, whilst meaningful for the manufacturing function, may be less effective for the marketing function. Difficulties in setting standards and tracing marketing results (sales) to marketing effort and the discretionary nature of many marketing costs are likely to reduce the effectiveness of cost control in marketing departments. This study examines firstly, whether cost control moderates the relationships between emphasis on tight budget targets and subordinates' propensity to create slack; and secondly, whether these relationships are found in both the manufacturing and the marketing functions. The results support a significant two-way interaction between emphasis on tight budget targets and cost control affecting propensity to create slack for the manufacturing function, but not for the marketing function. Marketing managers' propensity to create slack was found to be associated only with emphasis on tight budget targets. These results are consistent with the theory that differences in manufacturing and marketing can influence the effectiveness of accounting control systems.
Comparison of fetal cartilage‐derived progenitor cells isolated at different developmental stages in a rat model

Fetal cartilage‐derived progenitor cells (FCPCs) could be a useful cell source in cell‐based therapies for cartilage disorders. However, their characteristics can vary depending on the developmental stages. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of rat FCPCs from the hind limb on embryonic day 14 (E14), E16 and E20 regarding proliferation, pluripotency, and differentiation. Morphologically, rat fetal cartilage tissue showed an increase in cartilaginous differentiation features (Safranin‐O, type II collagen) and decrease in pluripotency marker (Sox2) in the order of E14, E16 and E20. E14 FCPCs showed significantly higher doubling time compared to E16 and E20 FCPCs. While the E14 FCPCs expressed pluripotent genes (Sox2, Oct4, Nanog), the E16 and E20 FCPCs expressed chondrogenic markers (Sox9, Col2a1, Acan). E20 FCPCs showed the highest ability to both chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation and E14 FCPCs showed relatively better activity in osteogenic differentiation. Further analysis showed that E20 FCPCs expressed both adipogenic (C/ebpß) and osteogenic (Runx2, Sp7, Taz) transcription factors as well as chondrogenic transcription factors. Our results show an inverse relationship overall between the expression of pluripotency genes and that of chondrogenic and lineage‐specific genes in FCPCs under development. Due to its exceptional proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation ability, fetal cells from epiphyseal cartilage (E20 in rats) may be a suitable cell source for cartilage regeneration.
Travelers’ Perceptions of Airline Alliance Benefits and Performance

This study assessed air travelers’ perceptions of the importance of airline alliance benefits and the performance of airline alliances. In the process, important differences in terms of certain demographics, frequency of travel, and country of origin were established. Interviews were conducted with 819 international travelers departing Hong Kong. Results indicated that in contrast to previous research findings, it is mainly factors contributing to travelers’ convenience that were ranked highest rather than the ability to earn frequent flyer points and an expanded route network offered by alliances. Furthermore, importance ratings for respondents residing in Western countries were generally, and in many cases significantly, lower than those of respondents residing in Asian countries. The moderate evaluation of the global alliances by the most frequent travelers highlights the various areas that require further attention and improvement.
Teacher Preparation and In-Service Needs Associated With Management of the Total Program of Agricultural Education in Georgia

The purpose of this descriptive census study was to survey agriculture teachers (N = 348) in Georgia to determine perceived level of importance, competence, and preservice/in-service training needs for a set of non-instructional, agriculture teacher competencies, specifically associated with duties related to managing the “total program” of agricultural education. Sixty one percent of the teachers (n = 212) completed a modified version of Joerger’s (2002) Minnesota Beginning Agricultural Education Teacher In-service Programming Needs Assessment instrument, which was based on Borich’s (1980) Needs Assessment Model. Mean and Standard Deviation were calculated to indicate teachers’ perceived level of importance and competence for each professional competency, while Mean Weighted Discrepancy Scores were calculated to represent in-service and pre-service needs. Teachers considered all of the noninstructional competencies needed for managing the total program of agricultural education important. They also considered themselves at least somewhat competent in each of the competencies. According to the Georgia agriculture teachers in this study, the most important training need for either pre-service teacher education or professional development was advising students about post-secondary education in agriculture. Other highly rated pre-service/in-service training needs included preparing FFA proficiency award applications and FFA degree applications, developing an effective public relations program, and developing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) opportunities for students.
What Role Taxes and Regulation? A Second Look at Open Market Share Buyback Activity in the UK

This paper re-examines the evidence on open market share repurchase activity reported by Rau and Vermaelen (2002) for the UK. Using data from the Securities Data Corporation (SDC), Rau and Vermaelen conclude that the level of repurchase activity is trivial. They attribute the low repurchase volume to regulatory restrictions that limit companies' ability to take advantage of an undervalued stock price and conclude that the bulk of repurchase activity that does occur is driven by the desire to generate tax credits for pension funds. Using data collected from a variety of sources, we find that the SDC substantially understates UK open market buyback activity. Based on our more comprehensive dataset we conclude that (a) pension funds' tax considerations are not the primary cause of UK share repurchases and (b) despite the prevailing regulatory environment, underpricing still represents an important determinant of repurchase activity.
Intellectual capital in a recession: evidence from UK SMEs

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to present the findings of a qualitative investigation of intellectual capital (IC) in the engineering industry in the UK within the context of a recession.Design/methodology/approach – Due to the fact that IC involves tacit knowledge which can often be “non‐verbal” or in some cases “non verbalable”, intuitive and unarticulated (Hedlund), qualitative methodology was chosen as it allows the flexibility to explore the IC in the target population in greater detail and to explore area/ideas of interest that may have developed during the data collecting process. Ten interviews were conducted on companies chosen from the Reed Business database’s classification of precision engineering. Data collection was via a semi‐structured interview, the results were coded into Nvivo and analysed.Findings – It was discovered that there is an interrelatedness of the components of IC, knowledge of IC management as a strategy in the engineering industry is low and the academic discourse on IC.
IgG subclass specific antibody response to periodontopathic organisms in HIV-positive patients.

BACKGROUND We previously reported an increased rate of progression of periodontal disease over an 18-month period in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive subjects compared to controls. The mechanism for disease progression and rapid tissue loss was unknown. Data on the microbiological studies failed to show any significant difference in the microbial characteristics of the periodontal lesions in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. Immunological analysis had identified neutrophils as an important component of the host defense against periodontal infection, especially against rapid tissue loss. Serum IgG reactivities to periodontal pathogens in HIV-positive patients with periodontitis were reduced. Other data provided circumstantial evidence to suggest that IgG subclass (IgG2) specific antibody might assist bacterial clearing in periodontal infection. The aim of the current study was to examine the specific IgG subclass antibody response to a panel of periodontopathic organisms: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella Intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Campylobacter rectus (Cr), and Bacteroides forsythus (Bf) in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. METHODS Sera from 120 HIV-positive patients (40 periodontitis, 69 gingivitis, and 11 no oral diseases) were tested for IgG subclass specific antibody response to the above listed 6 organisms using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were compared with those obtained from 40 HIV-negative control subjects (35 periodontitis, 2 gingivitis, and 3 no oral diseases). RESULTS In the HIV-positive group, a consistently high response rate was found in IgG1 to all the bacteria tested. In addition, high levels of IgG3 and IgG4 to Pg and IgG1 and IgG2 to Pi were also present. However, no significant difference was detected among the periodontitis, gingivitis, and no oral disease subgroups. When the periodontitis patients from the HIV-positive group were compared to the HIV-negative group, no difference in the antibody levels and response rates was noted. CONCLUSION We conclude that in HIV-positive patients, the specific IgG subclass antibody response to periodontopathic organisms was similar to that of HIV-negative subjects.
Quantifying Facial Age by Posterior of Age Comparisons

We introduce a novel approach for annotating large quantity of in-the-wild facial images with high-quality posterior age distribution as labels. Each posterior provides a probability distribution of estimated ages for a face. Our approach is motivated by observations that it is easier to distinguish who is the older of two people than to determine the person's actual age. Given a reference database with samples of known ages and a dataset to label, we can transfer reliable annotations from the former to the latter via human-in-the-loop comparisons. We show an effective way to transform such comparisons to posterior via fully-connected and SoftMax layers, so as to permit end-to-end training in a deep network. Thanks to the efficient and effective annotation approach, we collect a new large-scale facial age dataset, dubbed `MegaAge', which consists of 41,941 images. Data can be downloaded from our project page mmlab.ie. cuhk.edu. hk/projects/MegaAge and github.com/zyx2012/Age_estimation_BMVC2017. With the dataset, we train a network that jointly performs ordinal hyperplane classification and posterior distribution learning. Our approach achieves state-of-the-art results on popular benchmarks such as MORPH2, Adience, and the newly proposed MegaAge.
Specificity and the Cognitive Hierarchy: Value Orientations and the Acceptability of Urban Wildlife Management Actions

This article tests theory suggesting cognitions at the same level of specificity have stronger associations than those at different levels. Using data from a survey of Anchorage, AK, residents (n = 971, response rate = 59%), we explored relationships between general wildlife value orientations and (1) the general acceptability of hunting urban wildlife populations, and (2) specific wildlife management actions (e.g., the acceptability of destroying a bear or moose after specific conflict situations). Consistent with previous research, patterns of basic wildlife beliefs aligned along two distinct value orientations (protection–use and wildlife appreciation) that differentially predicted management action acceptability. As hypothesized, general wildlife value orientations had more influence on the acceptability of hunting to reduce wildlife populations than destroying an animal involved in specific conflict situations. Findings suggested ways to improve measurement, ways to develop broader models that include values-related variables, and the importance of values-level information when addressing urban wildlife conflicts.
Information Flow between Return and Trading Volume in Malaysian Futures Market

This paper examined the causal effect between return and trading volume using Kuala Lumpur options and financial futures exchange (KLOFFE) daily data from 1995 to 2009. With univariate autoregressive generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (AR-GARCH) model, the cross-correlation function (CCF) indicated that there is causality in mean from lag one of trading volume to return, which suggests significant changes in volume in previous day, may result in either a positive or negative shift to the current price. In order to examine the presence of three information arrival theories in futures market, an augmented AR-GARCH model with relevant lags was used. Notably, it is found that dependence causality in mean and variance from trading volume to return has disappeared. This implies that information spillover is not present in the interaction of price and volume. In conclusion, a reasonable thesis to support this result is the existence of noise traders’ hypothesis in Malaysian futures market.
Beta 2-microglobulin amyloid deposit in HLA-B27 transgenic rats

Beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) amyloid deposition develops serious orthopedic complications in patients with long-term hemodialysis. However, the exact pathogenesis of amyloid deposition in patients with dialysis is unknown. We used transgenic rats with HLA-B27 and beta 2-m to develop an in vivo animal model with beta 2-m amyloid-associated disorders to investigate the mechanism of formation and to report histological findings of beta 2-m amyloid deposition. Transgenic rats were divided into two groups: group 1, no treatment; group 2, arthritis induced by type II collagen. A large number of cells labeled with beta 2-m were observed in the bone marrow and synovium of the knee joint in transgenic rats. In addition, amyloid deposition, identified by Congo red staining, was found only in the knee joints of the transgenic rats with collagen-induced arthritis. Immunostaining with beta 2-m demonstrated the same pattern of tissue distribution as Congo red in serial sections. We hypothesized that elevated serum beta 2-m level-associated local chronic inflammation leads to the development of amyloid deposits and resultant arthropathy.
Implementing Codes of Conduct: How Businesses Manage Social Performance in Global Supply Chains

As manufacturing and trade become increasingly globalised, there is a need to ensure that the practices of multinational companies and suppliers operating in developing countries meet minimum standards in terms of employment conditions and rights, health and safety, and environmental practices. This publication sets out research findings on the emerging nature of corporate social responsibility and the implementation of codes of conduct in global supply chains. It draws on research undertaken in the sports footwear, clothing and retail sectors, and on interviews with hundreds of company managers and suppliers, activists, government officials, factory workers and worker representatives in a range of developed and developing countries.
PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION, RELATIONAL JOB DESIGN, AND JOB SATISFACTION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This study seeks to examine whether and how a group of Australian local government workers' perceptions of two relational job characteristics – impact on citizens and contact with citizens – influence the relationship between public service motivation (PSM) and job satisfaction. Government employees who have strong norms about performing public service were found to be more satisfied with their job partly based on the extent to which they perceived that their jobs provided avenues for worthwhile accomplishment through the frequency, magnitude, and scope of job impact. In contrast, the employees' perceptions of the frequency and breadth of contact with the recipients of their service did not significantly influence PSM, or the association between PSM and job satisfaction.
Making the Poor Work for Globalisation?

former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s son had an interest. This use of the aid budget was found in court to be ‘non-developmental ’ and therefore illegal, and the money had to be repaid from the Aid-Trade programme into the main aid budget. 5. In particular, page 29 reaf rms the government’s commitment to taking action against child labour. This is problematic empirically, since a good deal of recent research suggests that child labour does not depress educational standards much or at all (e.g. Martin Ravallion & Quentin Wodon, ‘Does Child Labour Displace Schooling? Evidence on Behavioural Responses to an Enrolment Subsidy’, Economic Journal, Vol. 110 (2000), pp. C158–75) and that attempts to outlaw it have driven it underground and possibly made working conditions worse (e.g. Kavshik Basu & Pham Hoang Van, ‘The Economics of Child Labour’, American Economic Review, Vol. 88 (1998), pp. 412–27). None of this has stopped DFID in its tracks. 6. Pages 39 and 40 are devoted to the possibilities of the internet for developing countries. 7. Uganda, Fighting Poverty in Uganda: The Poverty Action Fund (Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development , 2001), p. 2. 8. Not all. Many NGOs, such as Oxfam, are restructuring themselves and embracing the principle of ‘global partnership’ quite as enthusiastically as DFID. 9. Overseas Development Administration (ODA), Overseas Development : The Changing Emphasis in British Aid Policies. More Help for the Poorest (Her Majesty’s Stationery Of ce, 1975). 10. IFAD, Rural Poverty Report 2001: The Challenge of Ending Rural Poverty (Oxford University Press, 2001). 11. As emphasised by the IFAD report mentioned in the previous footnote, OECD aid to agriculture has fallen from 20 to 12 per cent of total aid allocable by sector between 1987 and 2001. 12. The pamphlet issued in support of the White Paper (DFID, Making Globalisation Work for the World’s Poor: An Introduction to the UK Government’s White Paper on International Development, December 2001, p. 8) states baldly that ‘education makes globalisation work’, adding speci cally that ‘research suggests that investing in girls is the single best strategy for developmen t any country can make’. 13. These and other targets for UK social policy are summarised in Simon Maxwell & Peter Kenway, New Thinking on Poverty in the UK: Any Lessons for the South? ODI Poverty Brie ng Paper 9 (Overseas Development Institute, 2000). 14. World Bank, World Development Report 2001: Attacking Poverty (World Bank, 2001). 15. Even though subsistence crops, such as sorghum, millets and cassava, form the basis for most poor people’s livelihoods in the developing world, they are not mentioned in the White Paper. By the same token, there is a great deal of mention of the IMF and the WTO, but none of the international organisations—IITA and ICRISAT—which, in conjunction with local research and extension organisations, are responsible for those crops. Looking forward and not backward may be important, but two pages on the internet and zero on subsistence crops is not a reasonable balance in a supposedly poverty-focused report.