Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SME retailer internationalisation: case study evidence from British retailers

Purpose – The internationalisation of large multinational retailers is well documented and much research attention has been given to their motives and strategies for expansion. Yet, no research in this field has specifically addressed the internationalisation of small‐ to medium‐sized companies (SMEs) operating in the retail industry. The theoretical insights from the literature revealed important gaps in extant research, which relate to the barriers, stimulants, drivers, facilitators, process, and market entry strategy of retail SME internationalisation.Design/methodology/approach – This paper aims to fill these gaps. Since the intention of this study was not to describe, but rather to build theory from an unexplored area of research, an in‐depth case approach was deemed most appropriate. Therefore, the paper presents the findings from a number of case studies of SME retail internationalisation operating from the UK.Findings – Key findings from this study not only confirm that smaller British retailers h.
Epoetin beta pegol alleviates oxidative stress and exacerbation of renal damage from iron deposition, thereby delaying CKD progression in progressive glomerulonephritis rats

The increased deposition of iron in the kidneys that occurs with glomerulopathy hinders the functional and structural recovery of the tubules and promotes progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we evaluated whether epoetin beta pegol (continuous erythropoietin receptor activator: CERA), which has a long half‐life in blood and strongly suppresses hepcidin‐25, exerts renoprotection in a rat model of chronic progressive glomerulonephritis (cGN). cGN rats showed elevated urinary total protein excretion (uTP) and plasma urea nitrogen (UN) from day 14 after the induction of kidney disease (day 0) and finally declined into end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), showing reduced creatinine clearance with glomerulosclerosis, tubular dilation, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. A single dose of CERA given on day 1, but not on day 16, alleviated increasing uTP and UN, thereby delaying ESKD. In the initial disease phase, CERA significantly suppressed urinary 8‐OHdG and liver‐type fatty acid–binding protein (L‐FABP), a tubular damage marker. CERA also inhibited elevated plasma hepcidin‐25 levels and alleviated subsequent iron accumulation in kidneys in association with elevated urinary iron excretion and resulted in alleviation of growth of Ki67‐positive tubular and glomerular cells. In addition, at day 28 when the exacerbation of uTP occurs, a significant correlation was observed between iron deposition in the kidney and urinary L‐FABP. In our study, CERA mitigated increasing kidney damage, thereby delaying CKD progression in this glomerulonephritis rat model. Alleviation by CERA of the exacerbation of kidney damage could be attributable to mitigation of tubular damage that might occur with lowered iron deposition in tubules.
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, GROWTHOPPORTUNITY, LIKUIDITAS, STRUKTUR ASET, RESIKO BISNIS DAN NON DEBT TAX SHIELD TERHADAP STRUKTUR MODAL PADA PERUSAHAAN SUB-SEKTOR BARANG KONSUMSI

Abstract:This study was conducted to examine and analyze the effect of profitability, firm size, growth opportunity, liquidity, asset structure, business risk and non-debt tax shield on the capital structure in the consumer goods sub-sector company listed on the Stock Exchange in period 2008-2012. This study used purposive sampling method for sampling, in order to obtain a total of 12 companies by the number N = 60. Analytical method used is multiple regression analysis with the help of analysis tools SPSS version 18.0. Based on the analysis of data it can be concluded that there is influence of variables on capital structure and profitability has a negative direction. While for the variable firm size, growth opportunity, liquidity, asset structure, business risk and non-debt tax shield does not affect the capital structure. Keywords:capital structure, profitability, firm size, growth opportunity, liquidity, asset structure, business risk and non debt tax shield.
RECALL AND RECOGNITION IN INTENTIONAL AND INCIDENTAL LEARNING.

Recall and recognition of a list of 36 words were studied in 3 groups: an intentional group (Group 1) instructed to remember the words; an incidental group (Group 2) instructed to respond to each stimulus word by indicating whether it was a noun, verb, or adjective; a 3rd group (Group 3) instructed to both remember the words and perform the orienting task. Group 1 showed superior recall, but Groups 2 and 3 recognized significantly more words than Group 1. The superior recall of Group 1 was attributable mainly to performance of those Ss reporting use of a memorizing strategy (e.g., grouping, rehearsing). These results support the view that intention to learn is crucial for learning only to the extent that it generates adequate learning operations. Furthermore, different learning responses (e.g., recall and recognition) require somewhat different operations.
Intraclass Correlation Values for Planning Group-Randomized Trials in Education

Experiments that assign intact groups to treatment conditions are increasingly common in social research. In educational research, the groups assigned are often schools. The design of group-randomized experiments requires knowledge of the intraclass correlation structure to compute statistical power and sample sizes required to achieve adequate power. This article provides a compilation of intraclass correlation values of academic achievement and related covariate effects that could be used for planning group-randomized experiments in education. It also provides variance component information that is useful in planning experiments involving covariates. The use of these values to compute the statistical power of group-randomized experiments is illustrated.
Defining the disulphide stress response in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2): identification of the σR regulon

In the Gram‐positive, antibiotic‐producing bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), the thiol‐disulphide status of the hyphae is controlled by a novel regulatory system consisting of a sigma factor, σR, and its cognate anti‐sigma factor, RsrA. Oxidative stress induces intramolecular disulphide bond formation in RsrA, which causes it to lose affinity for σR, thereby releasing σR to activate transcription of the thioredoxin operon, trxBA. Here, we exploit a preliminary consensus sequence for σR target promoters to identify 27 new σR target genes and operons, thereby defining the global response to disulphide stress in this organism. Target genes related to thiol metabolism encode a second thioredoxin (TrxC), a glutaredoxin‐like protein and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the low‐molecular‐weight thiol‐containing compounds cysteine and molybdopterin. In addition, the level of the major actinomycete thiol buffer, mycothiol, was fourfold lower in a sigR null mutant, although no candidate mycothiol biosynthetic genes were identified among the σR targets. Three σR target genes encode ribosome‐associated products (ribosomal subunit L31, ppGpp synthetase and tmRNA), suggesting that the translational machinery is modified by disulphide stress. The product of another σR target gene was found to be a novel RNA polymerase‐associated protein, RbpA, suggesting that the transcriptional machinery may also be modified in response to disulphide stress. We present DNA sequence evidence that many of the targets identified in S. coelicolor are also under the control of the σR homologue in the actinomycete pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The Impact of Interorganizational Internet Communication on Purchasing Performance: A Study of Chinese Manufacturing Firms

SUMMARY This study investigated the effect of interorganizational Internet communication on purchasing performance. On the basis of a review of the relevant literature, three key dimensions of Internet communication behaviors were identified: frequency, diversity and formality. A model was developed to depict the antecedents of interorganizational Internet communication and the impact of such communication on purchasing performance. Responses from 284 Chinese manufacturing firms were used to test the study's hypotheses. Results revealed that the frequency, diversity and formality of Internet communication played an important role in determining the level of purchasing performance. Additionally, formality was critical to managing information flows over the Internet and preventing potential Internet information security risks. Further, results indicated that two factors, perceived Internet security risks and norms of Internet information sharing, significantly influenced Internet communication behaviors.
Autophagy induction favours the generation and maturation of the Coxiella‐replicative vacuoles

Pathogens evolved mechanisms to invade host cells and to multiply in the cytosol or in compositionally and functionally customized membrane‐bound compartments. Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever in man is a Gram‐negative γ‐proteobacterium which multiplies in large, acidified, hydrolase‐rich and fusogenic vacuoles with phagolysosomal‐like characteristics. We reported previously that C. burnetii phase II replicative compartments are labelled by LC3, a protein specifically localized to autophagic vesicles. We show here that autophagy in Chinese hamster ovary cells, induced by amino acid deprivation prior to infection with Coxiella increased the number of infected cells, the size of the vacuoles, and their bacterial load. Furthermore, overexpression of GFP‐LC3 or of GFP‐Rab24 – a protein also localized to autophagic vacuoles – likewise accelerated the development of Coxiella‐vacuoles at early times after infection. However, overexpression of mutants of those proteins that cannot be targeted to autophagosomes dramatically decreased the number and size of the vacuoles in the first hours of infection, although by 48 h the infection was similar to that of non‐transfected controls. Overall, the results suggest that transit through the autophagic pathway increases the infection with Coxiella by providing a niche more favourable to their initial survival and multiplication.
Do Board Characteristics Impact Firm Performance? An Agency and Resource Dependency Theory Perspective

This article, from the perspective of agency and resource dependency theory, investigates the relationship between the various board characteristic measures, such as, board composition, board size, leadership structure and board activity, and accounting measures of performance in a sample of listed firms of Indian information technology (IT) sector. Panel data analysis was carried out on the sample. Our study, after controlling for firm-specific factors, found that the non-duality has a positive effect on performance only when the chairman is independent especially in the case of the larger firms. However, it failed to give evidence to the aspect of agency theory linked to board independence and firm performance. A significant and positive relationship was found between board size and firm performance. Board meeting and board attendance were not found to be associated with firm performance. Our study lends new insights specific to Indian markets as we find results contrary to the popular belief that smaller boards and boards with more independent directors lead to better firm performance.
The Impact of Power on Service Customers’ Willingness to Post Online Reviews

An increasing number of consumers rely on online reviews to make purchase decisions in today’s global service industry. In this article, we investigate the impact of power on a consumer’s willingness to spread word-of-mouth (WOM) by posting an online review. Drawing on self-enhancement theory, which suggests that an individual is motivated to spread WOM in order to boost his or her self-image, and the agentic versus communal theory of power, we argue that the impact of power is moderated by the valence of the customer’s service experience, and its congruity with that of other forum users. Results from three studies in hotel and restaurant contexts indicate that powerless consumers are more likely to post positive reviews when the forum consensus is also positive. Conversely, powerful consumers are more likely to post positive reviews when the overriding consensus is negative. Further, such results hold only for positive (vs. negative) service experiences. Managerially, our findings suggest that introducing power mechanisms such as influence rankings or helpful votes into online consumer forums may shape review posting behaviors. Service marketers and social media managers need to be aware that some customer segments are not inclined to post positive online reviews. As indicated by our findings, powerful consumers, such as those with high helpful ratings or elite reviewer status, are more likely to post positive reviews when the forum consensus is negative. Conversely, powerless consumers, such as those with low helpful ratings or junior reviewer status, might be more inclined to post positive reviews when the forum consensus is also positive. Based on our findings, we also discussed the theoretical contributions, limitations, and ideas for future research.
Understanding the moderating effect of motivational values on young consumers' responses to luxury brands: A cross-cultural study of South Korea and the USA

By applying motivational values of luxury consumption, this study examined the impact of cultural differences on young consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions toward luxury brands. With the use of survey data (N = 331 for South Koreans and N = 409 for Americans), the study provided support for the hypothesized moderating effect of three perceived values: conspicuous, social, and quality values. The perceived social value was found to influence attitude change favorably among young Korean consumers. The young American consumers tended to increase their attitudes and purchase intentions toward luxury brands if they perceived superior product quality. However, they were more likely to lower their purchase intention as they recognized conspicuous value of consuming luxury brands. On the other hand, the moderating effect of uniqueness and hedonic value was not found. Theoretical and managerial implications were discussed.
Anthropometric measurements and diabetes mellitus: clues to the "pathogenic" and "protective" potential of adipose tissue.

BACKGROUND Increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is "pathogenic" through adverse endocrine and immune contributions to metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Increased VAT increases waist circumference (WC), and WC is a recommended anthropometric measure of pathogenic adipose tissue distribution. Increased subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is often described as "protective" against metabolic disease and frequently approximated by hip circumference (HC). METHODS The Study to Help Improve Early evaluation and management of risk factors Leading to Diabetes (SHIELD) evaluated a study sample weighted to reflect the U.S. adult population. Respondents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; n = 3825) and without T2DM (n = 13,327) self-reported their weight and height, WC, and HC. RESULTS T2DM men and women had a disproportionate increase in body mass index (BMI) and WC, with 30% of T2DM men and 40% of T2DM women having a WC within the highest quintile compared to the overall study population. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) appeared to be the best anthropometric predictor of T2DM. However, both T2DM men and women also had a disproportionate increase in HC, with 30% of T2DM men and 34% of T2DM women having a HC within the highest quintile, which was generally similar to the distribution of BMI and WHR. CONCLUSIONS This analysis suggests that: (1) An increase in adipose tissue generally increases the risk of T2DM; (2) central adiposity is more pathogenic than peripheral subcutaneous adiposity; and (3) SAT accumulation, as assessed by increased HC, does not always "protect" against metabolic diseases such as T2DM.
Frequent gain of copy number on the long arm of chromosome 20 in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma

We have used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to survey genomic regions with aberrant copy numbers of DNA sequences in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In 12 cell lines and 6 primary tumors from 18 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinomas, highly frequent losses (>60%) were observed on chromosome arms 6q, 9p, and 18q and the Y chromosome. Moderately frequent losses (40–60%) were observed on chromosome arms 3p, 4q, 8p, and 21q. Interestingly, these samples showed extremely high frequencies of increases in copy numbers of DNA sequences on the long arm of chromosome 20 (15/18, 83%). We further analyzed five cell lines by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes on chromosome 20 to define the increase in copy number more accurately, and we found that 20q was increased to between 5 and 8 copies per cell. These results suggest the existence of an oncogene or oncogenes on 20q that play a role in the development and/or the progression of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Genes Chromosom. Cancer 19:161–169, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Ring-substituted 4-Hydroxy-1H-quinolin-2-ones: Preparation and Biological Activity

In the study, a series of twelve ring-substituted 4-hydroxy-1H-quinolin-2-one derivatives were prepared. The procedures for synthesis of the compounds are presented. The compounds were analyzed using RP-HPLC to determine lipophilicity and tested for their photosynthesis-inhibiting activity using spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts. All the synthesized compounds were also evaluated for antifungal activity using in vitro screening with eight fungal strains. For all the compounds, the relationships between the lipophilicity and the chemical structure of the studied compounds are discussed, as well as their structure-activity relationships (SAR).
An Explorative Analysis of Electronic Retailing Customer Adoptions in the Context of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT An Explorative Analysis Evaluation of Electronic Retailing Customer Adoptions In the Context of Saudi Arabia To learn more about what people in Saudi Arabia thought about online shopping, a survey was distributed throughout public locations in three major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Medina. The questionnaires investigated consumers’ intersecting views regarding online and in-store shopping, and attempted to learn more about the perceived usefulness and attractiveness of online shopping in Saudi Arabia, as well as privacy or trust issues related to online shopping that are relevant for Saudi customer. The main findings of this study revealed several important tendencies. For one, the study found that males favoured shopping online more than females. Moreover, respondents appeared to find online shopping to be relaxing due to reduced sales pressure. Also, proficiency in the English language seemed to be a determining factor in the consumer’s preference to shop online. In addition, people who seemed to dislike physical shopping favoured the idea of e-shopping. The findings above are exploratory in nature due to the limited sample size and sampling process. Additional study with expanded sample across a broader Saudi Arabian geographic base could be used to confirm the use initial exploratory findings.
The role of glial cells in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The loss of these neurons is associated with a glial response composed mainly of activated microglial cells and, to a lesser extent, of reactive astrocytes. This glial response may be the source of trophic factors and can protect against reactive oxygen species and glutamate. Aside from these beneficial effects, the glial response can mediate a variety of deleterious events related to the production of reactive species, and pro-inflammatory prostaglandin and cytokines. This article reviews the potential protective and deleterious effects of glial cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta of Parkinson's disease.
Sinus floor augmentation with recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5): a histological and histomorphometric study in the Goettingen miniature pig.

AIM The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5) enhances bone formation in sinus floor augmentations in miniature pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS The maxillary sinus floors in 12 adult female Goettingen minipigs were augmented with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) on one side. The contralateral test side was augmented using two concentrations of rhGDF-5 (400 microg rhGDF-5/g beta-TCP; 800 microg rhGDF-5/g beta-TCP) delivered on beta-TCP (six animals each). One dental implant was inserted into each sinus floor augmentation. After 4 and 12 weeks, histological and histomorphometric assessment of non-decalcified histological specimens was performed. RESULTS The results showed significantly higher mean values of volume density (VD) of newly formed bone using the concentration of 400 microg/g beta-TCP (22.8%) compared with the respective control (8%) after 4 weeks (P=0.05). The bone-to-implant contact rates were also significantly enhanced after 4 weeks between test sites (400 microg: 41.9%; 800 microg: 40.6%) and control sites (400 microg: 7.8%; 800 microg: 16.4%) (400 microg: P=0.024; 800 microg: P=0.048). CONCLUSION It is concluded that rhGDF-5 delivered on beta-TCP significantly enhanced early bone formation compared with beta-TCP alone in sinus lift procedures in miniature pigs.
Vascularity and grey-scale sonographic features of normal cervical lymph nodes: variations with nodal size.

AIM This study was undertaken to investigate variations in the vascularity and grey-scale sonographic features of cervical lymph nodes with their size. MATERIALS AND METHODS High resolution grey-scale sonography and power Doppler sonography were performed in 1133 cervical nodes in 109 volunteers who had a sonographic examination of the neck. Standardized parameters were used in power Doppler sonography. RESULTS About 90% of lymph nodes with a maximum transverse diameter greater than 5 mm showed vascularity and an echogenic hilus. Smaller nodes were less likely to show vascularity and an echogenic hilus. As the size of the lymph nodes increased, the intranodal blood flow velocity increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant variation in the vascular resistance(P> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings provide a baseline for grey-scale and power Doppler sonography of normal cervical lymph nodes. Sonologists will find varying vascularity and grey-scale appearances when encountering nodes of different sizes.Ying, M.et al. (2001). Clinical Radiology, 56, 416-419.