Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defining Service and Non-Service Exchanges

Clear-cut classification of exchanges into services and non-services is vital for governments to estimate contributions of service and other sectors to national incomes, for businesses to know their tax and tortious liabilities and for researchers to develop new theories and concepts of services. Unfortunately, the definitions and schema they use to classify exchanges have serious shortcomings. This paper proposes a legal approach to classify exchanges. Whereas existing definitions and schema are concerned with trading of acts or goods, the proposed approach is concerned with trading of legal rights and obligations. The time taken by contracting parties to fulfill their contractual obligations has been used to define service and non-service exchanges. The proposed definitions are unambiguous and they overcome the shortcomings of two most-cited definitions of services. [ Service Science , ISSN 2164-3962 (print), ISSN 2164-3970 (online), was published by Services Science Global (SSG) from 2009 to 2011 as issues under ISBN 978-1-4276-2090-3. ]
Impact of product development and innovation on market share

This study was conducted to identify the relationships between increase in market share through product development and innovation. Many studies have been done on the concept of product development and innovation and much of what has been written tends to discuss this concept as a veritable tool for improving the life cycle of a product without substantial relation to market share enhancement. The population from where samples (respondents) were drawn included product developers, marketers, advertising practitioners, and salespersons in organisations and direct sellers of commodities. There was need to visit the salespersons of organisations and direct sellers so as to ascertain if motivation existed in selling, and if selling more arises from the introduction of a new product or new uses for a product. Direct sellers were interviewed to ascertain if there was any correlation between higher profits and the introduction of a new product and/or new uses for a product. Questionnaires, interviews and direct observation (when new products are brought to the attention of direct sellers and salespersons) were the techniques used for data collection in this study. Direct sellers were observed to underscore their joys and/or disappointment at new products. The results of the survey were interpreted using the Likert model through SPSS analysis, as it is the case with this type of investigative research. Also, recommendations and conclusions were made based on the findings, and conclusions were drawn highlighting the main issues of the study.
Modeling the demand for alcoholic beverages and advertising specifications

In this paper, the demand for beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks in Ontario is modeled in two parts: an equation is specified to endogenize group expenditures and a demand system is set up to allocate budgeted group expenditures across ,types of beverages. Advertising is allowed to influence both the level of group expenditures and its allocation. Three popular advertising specifications are compared using the ]-test and the likelihood dominance criterion. Even though all three specifications fitted well according to standard criteria, the calculated expenditure, price and advertising elasticities were sensitive to the manner with which advertising is specified. This clearly highlights the need to rely on a sound criterion to identify a dominant specification. From the identified dominant specification, we found that advertising has very subtle effects on expenditures on alcoholic beverages (group and individual beverages). Thus, advertising is not effective in enlarging markets and this suggests that firms (especially breweries) use advertising to compete in zero-sum market share games. From a public policy perspective, our results are comforting but future research should investigate whether the neutral effect of advertising on aggregated expenditures hide substantial offsetting changes in the drinking habits of individuals. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The effects of visually primed pharmaceutical advertising disclosure on attitudes and perceived CSR practices

Purpose – This study seeks to examine how consumers perceive the visually primed disclosure in a pharmaceutical company's advertisement and form their attitudes toward the disclosure, perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and attitudes toward the pharmaceutical company.Design/methodology/approach – An online study with a convenient sampling consisting of college students is used to manipulate the visual communication of a pharmaceutical company's advertising disclosure for the purpose of examining the effects of visually primed advertising disclosure on attitude toward the disclosure, perceived CSR practices, and attitude toward the pharmaceutical company.Findings – The results reveal that a visually primed disclosure affects consumers' attitudes toward the disclosure positively. Visual priming also enhances consumers' perceived CSR practices and attitudes toward the company. This is evident as the impact of attitude toward the disclosure on attitude toward the company is mediated by p.
Postural modulation of the segmental reflex: effect of body tilt and postural sway.

This purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between segmental reflex excitability and posture and to investigate potential mechanisms responsible for modulation of the H-reflex (HR) in unsupported standing. Soleus (S) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) HRs were recorded from subjects (N=12S, N=11LG) while their static posture was altered from supine to vertical (5 positions). This was compared to an unsupported standing position in which the subjects naturally underwent a small degree of postural sway, a dynamic posture condition. Although individual profiles suggested varied relationships between the S and LGHR and the angle of body tilt, the group data did not reveal significant differences. There was, however, a significant (p < .01) decrease in the S (43% 49%) and LG (34%-46%) HR when subjects stood without support compared to all static postures. This decrease occurred even though the tonic or background activity of the S and LG was present only when subjects were free standing. To determine whether weight-bearing was responsible for the HR depression, 3 additional conditions were compared (N=3), supported standing without weight-bearing (90 degrees NWB), supported standing with weight-bearing (90 degrees WB), and free standing. Again, S and LGHRs were depressed only when subjects were free standing. Presynaptic inhibition presumably accounts for the depression of the HR in unsupported standing. Data from 8 of the subjects were collected under the same 6 conditions using a shorter interstimulus interval (1 Hz stimulus instead of 0.1 Hz) which produced low frequency depression (LFD) of the S and LG HR. LFD reduced the amplitude of the S HR an average of 43% (p < .05) when subjects were in a supported static position but only 21% when subjects were free standing. Although tonic activity of the S was present only when subjects were free standing, in 2 (of 8) individuals the EMG in free standing was not measurably different from static conditions. In these individuals, free standing still depressed the SHR by 35%; however, the shorter stimulus interval now produced the same degree of LFD when subjects were free standing (35%) as when they were standing with support (37%). The data suggest that 2 presynaptic mechanisms, although independent, interact to control spindle afferent feedback when subjects are free standing. Postural sway appears to be necessary to reduce the gain of the HR when subjects are standing, whereas, LFD is influenced by the degree of muscle activation.
Comparison of toxin overlay and solid-phase binding assays to identify diverse CryIA(c) toxin-binding proteins in Heliothis virescens midgut

The binding proteins, or receptors, for insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki delta-endotoxins are located in the brush border membranes of susceptible insect midguts. The interaction of one of these toxins, CryIA(c), with proteins isolated from Heliothis virescens larval midguts was investigated. To facilitate the identification of solubilized putative toxin-binding proteins, a solid-phase binding assay was developed and compared with toxin overlay assays. The overlay assays demonstrated that a number of proteins of 170, 140, 120, 90, 75, 60, and 50 kDa bound the radiolabeled CryIA(c) toxin. Anion-exchange fractionation allowed the separation of these proteins into three toxin binding fractions, or pools. Toxin overlay assays demonstrated that although the three pools had distinct protein profiles, similar-size proteins could be detected in these three pools. However, determination of toxin affinity by using the solid-phase binding assay showed that only one of the three pools contained high-affinity binding proteins. The Kd obtained, 0.65 nM, is similar to that of the unsolubilized brush border membrane vesicles. Thus, the solid-phase binding assay in combination with the toxin overlay assay facilitates the identification and purification of high-affinity B. thuringiensis toxin-binding proteins from the insect midgut.
The environmental impact of changing logistics structures

Purpose – This paper seeks to address how firms may contribute to environmental improvement through structural changes of their logistics systems.Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive literature review discloses the low interest that has been directed to environmental issues in logistics, and findings relevant for structural issues at a firm level are described. Three cases where firms have implemented different types of structural changes to their logistics systems support the analysis.Findings – A range of different measures to succeed in environmental as well as logistics performance are presented, comprising types of consolidation, logistics standardisation, and IS/IT solutions allowing a vast restructuring of logistics systems.Originality/value – The discussion about logistics and the environment has mostly revolved around more environmental friendly technological solutions, concerning single firms as well as governmental support for technology development. The structural, more organisational.
The Effect of Cash Flow on Share Price of the Jordanian Commercial Banks Listed in Amman Stock Exchange

This study aims at examining the effect of cash flow on share price of the Jordanian commercial banks listed in Amman stock exchange, through measuring the effect of operational, investing and financing cash flow, as individual or jointly on the share price of the Jordanian commercial banks. In order to achieve the objectives of the study a sample of twelve Jordanian commercial banks were chosen through intentional sampling approach, out of fifteen banks which constitutes the total number of the Jordanian commercial banks. These participating banks meet the requirement of the study.For the sake of the study, the analytical approach along with other necessary statistical methods have been utilized. Annual reports to obtain financial statements for the purpose of statements analysis are used too. Statistical analysis indicates several results such as: There is limited effect of operative, investment and financing cash flows on share market value of the Jordanian commercial banks (study’s sample responses on items 10, 20,132). Consequently, more concern is needed in regard to cash flow behavior when conducting share price assessment.
Quantitative and morphological analysis of dentate granule cells with recurrent basal dendrites from normal and epileptic rats

Granule cells with recurrent basal dendrites (RBDs) were previously reported in both control and epileptic rats. RBDs are dendrites that arise from the basal half of granule cell bodies and curve toward and extend into the molecular layer. They are increased in frequency in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. The present study was undertaken to analyze the distribution and morphology of granule cells with RBDs and the synaptic connections of RBDs. Granule cells were labeled by retrograde transport of biocytin. Those with an RBD were found throughout the granule cell layer, but were most numerous at the hilar border. The morphology of these cells varied in the different depths of the granule cell layer; the angle of their cell body's long axis was mainly vertical at the hilar margin, and changed to virtually horizontal close to the molecular layer border. Quantitative data on the distribution of granule cells with RBDs and the angle of the cell body's long axis confirmed these descriptions. At the electron microscopic level, RBDs showed the typical features of dendrites and formed numerous axodendritic and axospinous synapses with labeled and unlabeled axon terminals. These results showed that RBDs of granule cells from epileptic rats are postsynaptic to axon terminals, including mossy fibers, and thus are involved in a similar synaptic circuitry as apical dendrites of granule cells from these animals. Hippocampus 2002;12:235–244. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Null Results in Brief Selenomethionine Treatment Does Not Alter Gene Expression in Normal Squamous Esophageal Mucosa in a High-Risk Chinese Population

Selenium is a promising cancer chemoprevention agent. A recent randomized controlled chemoprevention trial found that selenomethionine (SeMet) supplementation for 10 months favorably effected a change in esophageal dysplasia grade among participants who started the trial with mild dysplasia. To further explore the role of SeMet in this trial, we compared gene expression profiles by treatment group using Affymetrix HU 133A chips in before/after supplementation paired normal esophageal biopsies from a subset of 29 trial participants, 16 who received SeMet, and 13 who received placebo. Using P < 0.001 as a cutoff, 11 differentially expressed genes were found in the SeMet supplementation group but these genes did not include either known selenoprotein genes or genes previously shown to be modulated by selenium treatment. Because the number of differentially expressed genes (n = 11) was less than expected by chance (n = 18), we concluded that SeMet supplementation had no measurable effect on gene expression in the normal squamous esophagus of these subjects with dysplasia. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):1046–7)
Loop-Antenna Calibration

Loop-antenna calibration is discussed in this tutorial. Loop antennas are especially used in low-frequency radiated-emission (RE) and radiated-susceptibility (RS) measurements and tests. These are important in commercial systems, but critical in military systems. The standards used for this purpose are reviewed, and comparisons among them are made. Results are presented with commercial as well as home-made loop antennas.
In situ control of step formation on Si(100) surfaces during MOVPE preparation for III-V-on-Si solar cells

One of the fundamental problems for III-V-on-Si growth relates to the difference in atomic structure which manifests itself in the polarity of the III-V material as opposed to the non-polar nature of the silicon substrate. As a consequence, the step structure of the substrate is vital for defect-free heteroepitaxy, with single-layer steps on the substrate initiating anti-phase disorder in the III-V material, while a double-layer stepped substrate in principle enables anti-phase-free III-V growth. We have investigated step formation on Si(100) surfaces in H2 process gas environment. DA-type double layer steps, which are considered energetically least favorable on both the clean and the monohydride-terminated Si(100) surface, can be prepared on 2° misoriented substrates. We attribute DA step formation to vacancy generation due to the reactive process environment, and subsequent vacancy diffusion and annihilation at step edges. In situ reflection anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) enables direct observation of the domain content of the surface during processing and the interaction between Si(100) and H2 process gas.
Effect of posture on the plasma cholesterol level.

Many studies of diet in relation to mortality from degenerative heart disease have shown that populations with high rates of coronary artery disease have high mean plasma cholesterol levels (Keys, 1957; Groen and Van der Heide, 1959). It is possible that the level of circulating cholesterol is causally related to the incidence and severity of coronary artery disease (Kannel et al., 1964). Consequently there is considerable clinical interest in the plasma cholesterol level and in ways of lowering it.
The Relationship between Learning Orientation and Business Performance: Do Smaller Firms Gain More from Learning Orientation?

The purpose of this study is to measure the relationship between learning orientation of firms and their business performance. It also explores the moderating effect of firm size on relationship between learning orientation of firms and their business performance. The study was conducted on manufacturing and service sector firms from the State of Punjab, India. Self developed non-disguised questionnaire has been used for the study. A purposive sample of 278 key informants (senior level managers who have insight about learning orientation and performance status of the firm) was used. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to validate the learning orientation and business performance scales. The hypotheses were tested using multi-group moderation and structural equation modeling. The study shows that learning orientation has significant positive effect on business performance. The results have indicated that firm size (based on investment) significantly moderates the relationship between learning orientation and business performance. The findings of the study are relevant for practitioners as well as researchers. Practicing managers can gain insights from the suggested learning orientation and performance relationship, especially when they are engaged in small cap firms struggling to compete with relatively established businesses. Future researchers can use the scales developed in this study. The study contributes to the knowledge management literature by providing empirical evidence for relationship between learning orientation and business performance.
Restoration of Cervical Alignment is Associated with Improved Clinical Outcome after One and Two Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Background Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) remains the standard of care for patients with cervical radiculopathy who are unresponsive to conservative care. However, the maintenance and restoration of cervical alignment as a predictive factor for outcome has not yet been fully evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of maintaining or restoring cervical alignment on one and two level ACDF patients’ outcome. Methods Data were collected from 104 patients who underwent one and two level ACDF. Cervical alignment was measured preoperatively and at follow-up visits. The patients were classified into three groups based on the postoperative change of their cervical alignment. Neck pain, arm pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were obtained preoperatively and at the latest follow-up visit. Incidences of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) and reoperations because of ASD were recorded. Results There were 64 patients in the Maintained group, 17 patients in the Restored group and 23 patients in the Kyphotic group. Pre-operatively, the neck pain scores, arm pain scores and NDI scores were not statistically different among the three groups (p>0.05). On average at 12 months follow-up, the neck pain scores improved by 2.7, 4.2, and 2.7 points respectively in the three groups (p>0.05). The patients’ arm pain scores improved by 2.1, 2.4, and 2.8 points respectively (p>0.05). NDI scores improved by 12, 31 and 13.7 points respectively (p<0.05). The incidences of ASD and reoperations because of ASD were 16%, 12% and 35% respectively (p>0.05). Conclusions The patients with restored cervical alignment had significantly greater NDI improvement and relatively better neck pain improvement. There was a trend for patients who had unchanged cervical kyphosis to have a higher incidence of ASD. Our study suggests that restoration of cervical alignment will contribute to improved clinical outcome in the patients who have one and two level ACDF surgeries. Level of Evidence This is a level III study.
Online Education

New technologies for distance Jearning through the Web, vídeo conferencing, collaborative working toais have the potential to enhance and extend learning. This requires a large leap for many institutions, teachers and students as well as an investment in technology and training. Many of those involved in graphics and visualization have in some way contributed to the development of the technologies being used and to their potential application use. These technologies have potential for widescale use at a time when there is pressure, at least in the UK, to widen access to higher education and to consider Iearning to be a life-long process. This paper challenges those involved in Graphics and Visualization Education to look at the following areas: Distance Learning For collaborative ventures to share materiais, bring in guest presentations from international speakers and to develop and enhance collaborations between those involved in Graphics and Visualization Education. Collaborative Working Research has been prescnted to the Working Group about the possibilities offered by collaborative working for visualization. The group should promete such work and build on it widening the application areas and involving other subject areas. Widening Access Promoting Participation The technical and pedagogic developments of those involved in Graphics, Visualization and Virtual Environmcnt education have the potential to open up education to those needing to study rcmotely from a University. The potential of such techniques should be promoted within a range of application areas. Getting Online With More Disciplines Much of the dcvelopmcnt of graphics and visualization toais has occurred within Computing Science, Engincering and the Physical Sciences. The benefits have great potential in other areas, particularly in the social sciences. Data mining and understanding large and complex datasets, such as longitudinal datasets, is of considerable importance in thc social sciences. The potential for lhe use of visualization techniques within research and teaching seems to be thus far unrealised . GVE'99 Coimbra Portugal 115
International Conference on Lightning Protection ( ICLP ) , Shanghai , China Regular Pulse Trains in Chaotic pulse Bursts

Electric field pulse bursts generated by lightning flashes are considered as sources of high radio frequencies. In this study, an analysis of pulse bursts in electric field records of 30 negative cloud to ground lightning flashes recorded in the southern coastal area of Sri Lanka is presented. Sixty-four percent (64%) of pulse bursts are typical chaotic pulse trains (CPT). Twenty-four percent (24%) of pulse bursts exhibit CPT characteristic while containing regular pulses within the burst. These are termed as “semi-regular pulse bursts” in this study. The regular pulses within CPTs show characteristics similar to dart stepped leaders or stepped leaders, and in some cases, more than one regular pulse trains with different characteristics are observed within a single burst. The intra-cloud lightning activities associated with CPT such as K changes, leader processes, and isolated pulses bursts also exhibit regular pulse bursts or semi-regular pulse bursts. CPT and regular pulse trains always show similarity in occurrence, and semi-regular pulses have the characteristic of both type of pulse bursts. Hence CPT and semi-regular pulse bursts may be formed by superposition of two or more regular pulse bursts which represent dart stepped leader or stepped leader type activities. Keywords-lightning; pulse bursts; chaotic pulses; regular pulses; superimposition;