Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Technologies and Indian SMEs

The study identifies and analyses the factors that influenced the adoption of new technologies in SMEs. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been used as proxy of new technologies. The findings of the study suggest that industry-specific characteristics such as skill- and export-intensiveness have bearings on the type of ICT adoption. The size of operation measured in terms of sales turnover influenced the adoption of new technologies. The results also suggest that there are marginal differences in the labour productivity and profitability of firms that adopted varying degree of ICTs. In view of the fact that that MFA provisions are no more available to garments sector firms since January 1, 2005, the government needs to embark on providing technological, physical, and communication infrastructure at a globally competitive rate so that SMEs can withstand onslaught posed by large domestic firms and MNCs.
Pie-Expansion Efforts: Collaboration Processes in Buyer–Supplier Relationships

The business press has coined the term “pie expansion” to refer to the collaborative process of creating mutually beneficial strategic outcomes between buyers and suppliers. In this research, the author provides an explanation of this process, hypothesizing that such outcomes are achieved through the use of coordination efforts across organizational boundaries and specialized investments. The author investigates the facilitating roles of various environmental, interorganizational, and interpersonal conditions in this process. The results of a longitudinal survey of more than 220 buyers and suppliers indicate that the collaboration process is worthwhile, with coordination efforts and investments leading to enhanced profit performance and the realization of competitive advantages over time. Environmental dynamism and demand motivate suppliers to form collaborative exchanges with buyers and facilitate the dyad's willingness to create idiosyncratic investments. Goal congruence and interpersonal trust facilitate coordination effort, and complementary capabilities facilitate both effort and investments.
Information Sources and Awareness of Climate Change by Citrus Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

The need for information by farmers in this era of climate change is very crucial to their production. The study therefore examines the various sources of information available to farmers on climate change and their level of awareness. Multi stage sampling procedure was used to select 123 respondents out of the total number of 1230. Primary data were collected using interview schedule and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and pie charts; while inferential statistics used were Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMS) and chi-square. Results revealed that 64.2% of the respondents were between the ages of 35-45 years, 94.3% were married and 45.5% had 10 – 20 years of farming experience. Thirty- seven percent have been noticing change in climate for between the periods of 6-10 years; while 91.9% stated that they were aware of general decrease in yearly amount of rainfall. Their major information source is family member (91.9%), followed by radio (86.7%). Analysis of data from FGDs revealed that respondents were aware that there has been less rainfall in the past 2 years when compared to 3-5 years ago. P=0.05, age (÷2=0.000), education (÷2=0.005) and experience (÷2=0.001) were significantly related to information sources. In conclusion, the study has shown that majority of the respondents were aware of the change in climate and their major source of information was family members and radio and not through extension agents. Therefore there is the need for an urgent strengthening of extension arm in Nigeria. Key words : Climate change, Awareness, Information sources, Citrus farmer
How Customer Satisfaction Affects Employee Satisfaction and Retention in a Professional Services Context

While retention of highly qualified employees is vital for professional services firms, prior research has largely neglected the role of customers as a driver of employee satisfaction and retention. Drawing on an experimental study and a dyadic field study, this article shows that client satisfaction is an important determinant of employee satisfaction, which in turn increases employee retention. Thus, for professional services firms, the common logic in relationship marketing that employee satisfaction affects client satisfaction can also be reversed. First, in line with balance theory, an attitudinal transfer occurs from the client to the employee which is stronger when both share the same opinion about their collaboration. Second, in line with Herzberg’s motivational theory, client satisfaction indirectly affects employee satisfaction by affecting the perceived appreciation the employee receives from the customer. These findings have three major managerial implications: First, investments into client satisfaction might pay off double by enhancing revenues and profit on one hand, and enhancing employee satisfaction and retention, on the other hand. Second, positive client feedback has positive effects on employee satisfaction and recognition. Third, these results suggest that marketing and human resource issues are intertwined in professional services firms. Thus, service firms should encourage ample communication and collaboration between these functions.
The effects of developing a dual sensory loss on depression in older adults: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of developing a dual sensory loss (DSL) on depression over time and evaluate the impact of preexisting single sensory loss on this effect. METHOD Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data (N = 2,689) from the Health and Retirement Study. RESULTS A significant increase in depression at the first report of DSL occurred, and depression increased at a significantly faster rate following DSL, in a curvilinear pattern. In addition, persons who eventually developed DSL began the study with a depression score significantly higher than persons who did not experience sensory loss. A preexisting single sensory loss did not alter the effect of DSL on depression. DISCUSSION Two sources of disparity in depression between persons with and without DSL were identified: preexisting differences and differences that occurred due to the DSL. The relationship exhibited between depression and developing a DSL indicated an adjustment process.
Differentiating Between Conceptual Implicit and Explicit Memory

Human memory is not monolithic, and researchers differentiate among its various expressions. With regard to long-term memory, one such distinction is between explicit memory (conscious or intentional recollection) and implicit memory (unconscious or unintentional retrieval usually assessed with repetition priming; Horner & Henson, 2008; Mulligan, 2003). Researchers also differentiate between perceptual and conceptual forms of implicit memory. Tests of perceptual implicit memory feature fragmentary, perceptual cues, whereas tests of conceptual implicit memory provide cues that are meaningfully related to the to-be-retrieved material. Priming on perceptual tests is generally sensitive to manipulations of perceptual form but not manipulations of semantic elaboration; conceptual priming exhibits the opposite pattern. For example, manipulating study modality (e.g., auditory vs. visual presentation of words) typically affects later perceptual priming but not conceptual priming, whereas the degree of semantic elaboration during encoding typically affects later conceptual priming but not perceptual priming (Mulligan, 2003).
The mediating role of corporate image on customers’ retention decisions: an investigation in financial services

A conceptual framework is proposed that investigates the effects of customer satisfaction, service quality, and value on perceptions of corporate image and customer loyalty towards the service firm. To test the framework, structural equation modelling techniques are applied to data collected from 1,224 customers in the banking services industry. The results of the study indicate that satisfaction and service quality are positively related to value and that quality exerts a stronger influence on value than satisfaction. The findings also show that customers receiving higher levels of service quality will form a favourable image of the banking institution. In addition, value is found to positively impact on image, suggesting that the banking institution should have a strong image when customers believe they are getting high value. Similarly, customer satisfaction and image perceptions are found to impact on service loyalty with satisfaction having a greater influence on loyalty than image. The managerial and research implications of the reported study are discussed.
Atherosclerotic disease of the aortic arch as a risk factor for recurrent ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic disease of the aortic arch is found in 60 percent of patients 60 years of age or older who have had brain infarction. The aim of this study was to determine whether atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic arch are a risk factor for recurrent brain infarction and for vascular events in general (i.e., brain infarction, myocardial infarction, peripheral embolism, and death from vascular causes). METHODS For a period of two to four years, we followed a cohort of 331 patients 60 years of age or older who were consecutively admitted to the hospital with brain infarction (a total of 788 person-years of follow up). All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography to determine whether atherosclerotic plaques were present in the aortic arch proximal to the ostium of the left subclavian artery. The patients were divided into three groups according to the thickness of the wall of the aortic arch ( < 1 mm, 1 to 3.9 mm, and > or = 4 mm). RESULTS The incidence of recurrent brain infarction was 11.9 per 100 person-years in patients with an aortic-wall thickness of > or = 4 mm, as compared with 3.5 per 100 person-years in patients with a wall thickness of 1 to 3.9 mm and 2.8 per 100 person-years in patients with a wall thickness of < 1 mm (P < 0.001). The overall incidence of vascular events was 26.0, 9.1, and 5.9 per 100 person-years of follow-up in the respective groups (P < 0.001). After adjustment for the presence of carotid stenosis, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, and other risk factors, aortic plaques > or = 4 mm thick (including the thickness of the aortic wall) were found to be independent predictors of recurrent brain infarction (relative risk, 3.8; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.8 to 7.8; P = 0.0012) and of all vascular events (relative risk, 3.5; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.1 to 5.9; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Atherosclerotic plaques > or = 4 mm thick in the aortic arch are significant predictors of recurrent brain infarction and other vascular events.
Recent Developments in Private Sector Accounting Education in Russia

Accounting education in Russia has undergone rapid changes since Russia started its transition from central planning to a market economy. Russian accountants have had to learn new terms and concepts such as transparency and full disclosure. Accountants at the large Russian enterprises and the independent auditors who audit them have had to become familiar with International Accounting Standards (IAS), since financial statements prepared using Russian Accounting Standards (RAS) are not credible to foreign investors. Efforts at learning have been hampered by the lack of good training materials and good instruction. The universities are upgrading their accounting curricula as resources permit, but such upgrades are of no help to practicing accountants who have already graduated from the university. The private sector has made attempts to fill this unmet need, with some degree of success. The present study, based on a series of interviews conducted in Russia during the summer of 2003, is the first to look at how the private sector provides accounting education in Russia. It summarizes the problems the Russian accounting profession faces and the solutions that are being found in the private sector.
Exercise and premenstrual symptomatology: a comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a constellation of regular, recurring, psychological or somatic complaints, or both, that occur specifically during the luteal phase of the ovulatory menstrual cycle and that resolve by the onset of or during menstruation. Many women of reproductive age experience PMS. Exercise has been proposed as a potential treatment in this regard, and several observational studies have reported a reduction in PMS and associated symptomatology in physically active women relative to their less active counterparts. METHODS This review seeks to synthesize the available literature regarding the effects of exercise on PMS, with emphasis on findings from intervention studies. Studies were identified by systematically searching relevant databases. RESULTS Four eligible intervention studies were identified; all of these reported a reduction in PMS and related symptomatology after participation in exercise interventions. However, studies to date have recruited small samples and have been of low methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of research on the effects of exercise on PMS. Although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has advised that regular aerobic exercise may help relieve PMS, to make any evidence-based policy recommendations regarding the effectiveness of exercise, more high-quality research is required.
Post Operating and Market Performance of Small and Medium Thai Enterprises

This study investigates the effects of ownership structure on operating performance after 1 year of initial public offering (IPO), and examines initial return on the first day of trading and long-run performances. Managerial ownership is one of the most important factors causing the inferior performance of newly listed companies. The signaling theory of underpriced companies was tested, illustrating that the underpricing of IPO stocks is not an indicator of a company‘s quality. The findings contradict previous research on IPOs of Japanese firms and Thai small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which often demonstrates the opposite. Using a buy-and-hold abnormal return for 36 months, the performance of Thai IPOs fluctuates in the aftermarket.
Distributor-managed inventory: a way to manage the Bullwhip Effect

Supply Chain Management covers some of the more complex problems in modern management and represents topics for a growing research interest. This paper will focus on a specific business context, the fine paper markets in Europe and the actors working with supply chain management for the distribution of fine paper products to end-customers. The Bullwhip Effect, which appears to grow from rational planning and decision making on the part of the supply chain actors, turns out to hamper the efforts of an effective supply chain management: it creates excessive inventories, a poor response to changing demand and unnecessary rush orders. In this paper, we will work out some ways to counteract and manage the Bullwhip Effect: a Distributor Managed Inventory (DMI) policy and show that this policy can be managed optimally with some optimisation models. The results are verified with a series of simulation experiments in a theoretic setting.
Shopper perception and loyalty: a stochastic approach to modelling shopping mall behaviour

Purpose – The study of shopping mall patronage behaviour includes concepts such as mall attributes and attractiveness, motivations and patronage choice. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of shopper loyalty and perception towards shopping malls. Design/methodology/approach – A survey using a systematic random sampling method was conducted on mall shoppers in major shopping malls in the most developed urban centres of Malaysia. Using a series of multivariate techniques, a stochastic model was developed to measure the impact of perception of malls on patronage loyalty. The model also estimated the mediating effects of brand trust and brand affect on patronage loyalty. Reliability and validity tests were conducted to measure the internal consistency and validity of the constructs. Findings – The results provided support for the hypothesised relationships between perception and loyalty. The results also suggested that malls generally have their own loyal patrons who not only perceive the mall.
A comparison of consumer views of traditional services and self‐service technologies

Purpose – Few marketing studies look at service classifications for self‐service technologies (SSTs) and none directly compare consumer‐based perceptions of traditional services to SSTs. To fill this gap, this study aims to examine how customers perceived traditional services and SSTs on service classifications criteria proposed by Lovelock, Bowen and Bell.Design/methodology/approach – In two separate studies consumer ratings for each classification method on each service were obtained. Using multi‐dimensional scaling (MDS), 13 traditional services and 12 SSTs were separately mapped onto a perceptual space of service classifications.Findings – The comparison of the two perceptual spaces reveals that consumers viewed the classifications of convenience, person/object, and delivery for SSTs differently than that for traditional services. The classifications of traditional services were represented by two dimensions of customization/standardization and person/object. In contrast, the classifications of SSTs w.
Identification of Conserved Prolyl Residue Important for Transport Activity and the Substrate Specificity Range of Yeast Plasma Membrane Na+/H+ Antiporters*

Yeast plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporters are divided according to their substrate specificity in two distinct subfamilies. To identify amino acid residues responsible for substrate specificity determination (recognition of K+), the Zygosaccharomyces rouxii Sod2-22 antiporter (non-transporting K+) was mutagenized and a collection of ZrSod2-22 mutants that improved the KCl tolerance of a salt-sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain was isolated. Several independent ZrSod2-22 mutated alleles contained the replacement of a highly conserved proline 145 with a residue containing a hydroxyl group (Ser, Thr). Site-directed mutagenesis of Pro145 proved that an amino acid with a hydroxyl group at this position is enough to enable ZrSod2-22p to transport K+. Simultaneously, the P145(S/T) mutation decreased the antiporter transport activity for both Na+ and Li+. Replacement of Pro145 with glycine resulted in a ZrSod2-22p with extremely low activity only for Na+, and the exchange of a charged residue (Asp, Lys) for Pro145 completely stopped the activity. Mutagenesis of the corresponding proline in the S. cerevisiae Nha1 antiporter (Pro146) confirmed that this proline of the fifth transmembrane domain is a critical residue for antiporter function. This is the first evidence that a non-polar amino acid residue is important for the substrate specificity and activity of yeast Nha antiporters.
Production of 1,3-Propanediol from Glycerol by Clostridium acetobutylicum and Other Clostridium Species

Glycerol was fermented with the production of 1,3-propanediol as the major fermentation product by four strains of Clostridium acetobutylicum, six of C. butylicum, two of C. beijerinckii, one of C. kainantoi, and three of C. butyricum. 1,3-Propanediol was identified by its retention times in gas chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography and by its mass spectrum. During growth of C. butylicum B593 in a chemostat culture at pH 6.5, 61% of the glycerol fermented was converted to 1,3-propanediol. When the pH was decreased to 4.9, growth and 1,3-propanediol production were substantially reduced.
Phorbol ester-induced down modulation of tailless CD4 receptors requires prior binding of gp120 and suggests a role for accessory molecules

The entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 into cells proceeds via a fusion mechanism that is initiated by binding of the viral glycoprotein gp120-gp41 to its cellular receptor CD4. Species- and tissue-specific restrictions to viral entry suggested the participation of additional membrane components in the postbinding fusion events. In a previous study (H. Golding, J. Manischewitz, L. Vujcic, R. Blumenthal, and D. Dimitrov, J. Virol. 68:1962-1968, 1994), it was found that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope-mediated cell fusion by inducing down modulation of an accessory component(s) in the CD4-expressing cells. The fusion inhibition was seen in a variety of cells, including T-cell transfectants expressing engineered CD4 receptors (CD4.401 and CD4.CD8) which are not susceptible to down modulation by PMA treatment. In the current study, it was found that preincubation of A2.01. CD4.401 cells with soluble monomeric gp120 for 1 h at 37 degrees C primed them for PMA-induced down modulation (up to 70%) of the tailless CD4 receptors. The gp120-priming effect was temperature dependent, and the down modulation may have occurred via clathrin-coated pits. Importantly, nonhuman cell lines expressing tailless CD4 molecules did not down modulate their CD4 receptors under the same conditions. The gp120-dependent PMA-induced down modulation of tailless CD4 receptors could be efficiently blocked by the human monoclonal antibodies 48D and 17B, which bind with increased avidity to gp120 that was previously bound to CD4 (M. Thali, J. P. Moore, C. Furman, M. Charles, D. D. Ho, J. Robinson, and J. Sodroski, J. Virol. 67:3978-3988, 1993). These findings suggest that gp120 binding to cellular CD4 receptors induces conformational changes leading to association of the gp120-CD4 complexes with accessory transmembrane molecules that are susceptible to PMA-induced down modulation and can target the virions to clathrin-coated pits.
The morphology of free-living stages and immature parasites of Rhabdias paraensis (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae), a parasite of Rhinella marina (Anura: Bufonidae) in Brazil

Rhabdias paraensis Santos, Melo, Nascimento, Nascimento, Giese et Furtado, 2011 was described based on fully gravid worms. Further investigations on the free-living stages, immature worms and young individuals were facilitated by cultivation in the laboratory, which allowed us to add new information about the morphology and development of the species. Observations on the free-living development of R. paraensis showed that the life cycle is typical of Rhabdias, with alternation of gonochoristic and hermaphroditic generations and without homogony. Males of the free-living generation were different from those in several species of the genus studied previously. In the original description, the excretory glands and duct were absent in gravid specimens of R. paraensis, while in this study, distinct excretory glands and a duct were observed in immature and young individuals. Additionally, we recognised the separation of the buccal capsule walls into anterior and posterior portions and described the specific shapes of these portions in lateral and apical view. Studies on the morphology and development of free-living stages of Rhabdias spp. from Neotropical regions may provide additional information for species determination.