Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Importance of international linkages for local know-how flows. Some econometric evidence from Belgium

External knowledge is an important input for the innovation process of firms. Increasingly, this knowledge is likely to originate from outside of their national borders. This explains the preoccupation of policymakers with stimulating local technology transfers coming from international firms. We find that firms that have access to the international technology market are more likely to transfer technology to the local economy. In doing so, we qualify the traditional assertion that multinational firms are more likely to transfer technology to the local economy. Once controlled for the superior access to the international technology market that multinationals enjoy, we find that these firms are not more likely to transfer technology to the local economy compared to exporting or local firms that have access to the international technology market. In summary, the main result of this paper is that it is not so much the international character of the firms, but rather their access to the international technology market that is important for generating external knowledge transfers to the local economy.
[To re-evaluate the clinical classification criteria of liver failure].

OBJECTIVE To study the clinical feature and more reasonable diagnostic typing criteria for patients with liver failure. METHODS 13/21 cases of ALF, SALF with no past liver disease, 49/72 cases of with chronic hepatitis, and 23/73 cases ALF, SALF with liver cirrhosis, were analyzed respectively. RESULTS 1 ALF patients (1). There exist significant statistic differences in ALB, ALT, CHE in three ALF groups. (2). It had statistic differences in those patients with hepatic encephalopathy. (3). The prognosis of the patients with chronic hepatitis group (42.85 percent) was best than that of chronic cirrhosis (26.09 percent) and no past liver disease (15.38 percent). (2) In SALF patients (1). There exist significant statistic differences in ALB, GLO, ALT, AST, BDIL, GLU and CHE in three SALF groups. (2). It had statistic differences in those patients with hepatic encephalopathy in three SALF groups. (3). The prognosis of the patients with chronic hepatitis group (51.39 percent) was best than that of chronic cirrhosis (36.85 percent) and no past liver disease (33.33 percent). CONCLUSION There are different clinic feature and prognosis in three ALF or SALF groups, so we suggest that it were clinic practicability and science in classify of liver failure at present.
SME marketing in practice

Acknowledges that SMEs (small to medium‐sized enterprises) cannot do conventional marketing because of the limitations of resources which are inherent to all SMEs and also because SME owner/managers behave and think differently from conventional marketing decision‐making practices in large companies. In this context the discussion focuses on SME characteristics and how these impact upon marketing characteristics within SMEs. In a search for “alternative” marketing approaches, the inherent existence of the owner/manager’s “network” in its various guises such as personal contact networks, social networks, business networks and industry and marketing networks and how these networks are used is considered. Some evidence from an empirical study carried out simultaneously in Northern Ireland and Australia is presented which illustrates how and why networking is used by SME owner/managers as a tool or approach for carrying out meaningful marketing.
A Script-theoretic Analysis of Industrial Purchasing Behavior

This article applies cognitive script theory to the analysis of the industrial purchase behaviors involved in a computer terminal purchase. Industrial buyers' scripts for the overall new buy purchase process, an initial sales call, a follow-up negotiation meeting, and a modified rebuy situation are established and validated. Implications for industrial marketing research and practice are suggested.
Measurement of activities in two different angiotensin II generating systems, chymase and angiotensin-converting enzyme, in the vitreous fluid of vitreoretinal diseases: A possible involvement of chymase in the pathogenesis of macular hole patients

Purpose. To investigate possible involvement of chymase and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the pathogenesis of vitreoretinal diseases, both of which are related to the production of angiotensin II. Methods. We measured chymase and ACE activities in the vitreous in the 54 affected eyes of 54 patients who had undergone vitreous surgery for idiopathic macular holes (MH, n = 14), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR, n = 14), idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM, n = 13), and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD, n = 13). Results. Chymase activities in the vitreous from patients with MH, PDR, ERM, and RRD were 1.87 ± 0.53, 0.06 ± 0.04, 0.40 ± 0.12, and 0.08 ± 0.03 (mean ± SE) mU/mg protein, respectively, and ACE activities in the vitreous humor were 0.18 ± 0.09, 0.30 ± 0.07, 0.01 ± 0.01, and 0.03 ± 0.02 (mean ± SE) mU/mg protein, respectively. Chymase activity was significantly elevated in MH among these diseases (p < 0.01, Scheffe), and ACE was significantly activated in PDR compared to ERM and RRD (p < 0.05, Scheffe). Conclusions. Our results suggest that two different angiotensin II generating systems are activated in human vitreous humor; an increased activity of chymase may play a possible role in the formation of macular holes.
Parametrization of Convolutional Neural Network for Image Classification

In Artificial Intelligence, convolutional neural network has been the most widely used machine learning methodology of recent times for object recognition. The focus of this research is to identify a combination of key parameters that help improve the accuracy of image classification on this neural network. The network model used in this study comprises of an input layer for normalization and extraction of image data, three hidden layers for convolution, activation and pooling of the feature maps, one fully connected layer for extraction of consolidated image features, followed by an output layer where the image is classified. Sample images of size 32x32 pixels from the Kaggle’s CIFAR-10 image dataset belonging to 10 different classes has been used in this experiment. The neural net is studied across Prototyping, Training, Validation and Testing phases, and the concept of Feed Forward and Backward Propagation has been applied in two stages – first in the hidden and fully connected layers, and later in the output layer – for different objectives as related to error convergence. The effectiveness of various parameterizations has been analysed in both these stages, including weights, bias, momentum, learning rate, regularization strength and iterative epochs. The application of different convolution, activation and pooling functions, key classifiers and novel concepts such as weight decay, weight dropouts and cross-entropy loss has been studied as part of this research project.
Long-term Results with the Palmaz Stent in the Superficial Femoral Artery

Purpose: Femoral stenting has demonstrated inconsistent and often disappointing long-term results. To compare our experience, we retrospectively analyzed a series of patients who had Palmaz balloon-expandable stents placed exclusively for superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions. Methods: From January 1990 to November 1993, 39 patients were evaluated for claudication (79%) or critical ischemia in 42 limbs. The culprit lesions were confined to the SFA: 24 (57%) occlusions and 18 (43%) stenoses, including 3 restenotic lesions. Stenting was elective in 12 (29%) cases: the 3 restenoses and 9 chronic, calcified occlusions. The remaining stents were applied for postangioplasty residual stenosis or angioscopic findings of thrombogenic luminal irregularities. A total of 55 prostheses were successfully implanted. All patients were maintained on ticlopidine and followed by routine duplex scanning. Follow-up angiography was performed in 28 (72%) patients between 4 and 45 months. Results: In the postprocedural period, two acute thromboses (4.8%) occurred within 48 hours in patients who had long occlusions and poor runoff; no other major complications were encountered, for a clinical success rate of 95%. Follow-up evaluation ranged from 4 months to 4 years with a mean of 25 months. The restenosis rate was 19% (34% in occlusions; 10% in stenotic lesions, p = NS). At 24 months, cumulative primary patency was 77% and secondary patency 89%. Conclusions: Palmaz stents performed well in the SFA, demonstrating a low acute thrombosis rate and good long-term patency. The incidence of restenosis is likely to be greater in occlusions than in stenoses.
BUSINESS START-UPS BY WOMEN IN NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO: A STUDY OF MOTIVATIONS AND APPROACHES

ABSTRACT In recent years, women entrepreneurs have been starting businesses increasing numbers. This paper assembles the cases of twenty-two successful women entrepreneurs from Northern Ontario and studies their motivations and approaches. Specifically, the study looks at the importance of ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors in motivating women to launch their businesses and assesses the applicability of the two models of business start-ups as identified by Brush: the Deliberate Approach and the Evolutionary Approach. Data were collected through interviews using an open-ended questionnaire. Results showed that ‘push’, ‘pull’ and a combination of ‘push’ and ‘pul’” factors were involved in motivating women to start businesses. As for the applicability of the Deliberate and Evolutionary Approaches, we found that the women in our sample did not neatly fit into these categories. Many followed a Mixed Approach. Sample case studies of women entrepreneurs following different approaches are presented. We also hypothesised t.
Effects of AVX-470, an Oral, Locally Acting Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor Antibody, on Tissue Biomarkers in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS AVX-470 is an orally administered, bovine-derived, anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antibody with local activity in the gastrointestinal tract. In the first-in-human clinical trial of AVX-470 in active ulcerative colitis, we evaluated inflammatory biomarkers in colon tissue as measures of disease activity and early response to treatment. METHODS Thirty-six patients received active drug (AVX-470 at 0.2, 1.6 or 3.5g/day) or placebo over 4 weeks. Colon biopsy samples were collected from 5 regions of colon at baseline and week 4. Tissue inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), epithelial cell apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and bovine immunoglobulin by immunohistochemistry and mass spectrometry. Endoscopic activity (Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity [UCEIS]) at colonoscopy was assessed in each colonic region by a central reader. RESULTS Bovine immunoglobulin was observed in mucosal tissue before and after dosing in lamina propria and submucosal layers of biopsy tissue. Baseline levels of TNF, myeloperoxidase (MPO), CD68 and interleukin (IL)-1β and, to a lesser extent, IL-6 mRNA were 2- to 3-fold higher in distal vs proximal colon tissue, corresponding to the 2- to 3-fold differences in baseline severities of endoscopic scores. Reductions of >10-fold in TNF and, to lesser extents, in MPO and epithelial cell apoptosis were observed in proximal and distal colon biopsies after 4 weeks of AVX-470 3.5g/day treatment. Reductions in TNF scores were correlated with changes in MPO and CD3 immunohistochemistry scores. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with anti-TNF activity of orally administered AVX-470 in colon mucosal tissue in ulcerative colitis patients and demonstrate the utility of tissue biomarkers in assessing disease and treatment response in early clinical studies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov as study NCT01759056 and with EudraCT as study 2012-004859-27.
Employee Engagement: Motivating and Retaining Tomorrow's Workforce

Tomorrow's workforce is seeking more than a paycheck; they want their work to meet their needs for affiliation, meaning, and self-development. Companies willing to meet these demands will capture the enormous profit potential of a workforce of fully engaged workers. This piece explores what engagement is, why it matters, and how human resource development (HRD) professionals can be strategic corporate partners in creating the changes necessary to engage the talent in their employees.
Drug Information: From Education to Practice

Drug information is a specialty area within the realm of clinical pharmacy that has evolved as technology and clinical practice have changed. Drug information specialists are trained individuals who have clinical knowledge and skills that allow them to provide clear, concise, and accurate recommendations regarding drug use. The constant changing culture of drug information and health care in general has prompted the need for continual growth and refinement of the standards that govern drug information practice. This article outlines specific standards to help ensure that the education and practice of drug information will continue to meet the needs of the health care community. This opinion paper is divided into two sections: Education and Training, and Practice Areas. The Education and Training section is organized to describe the role of drug information and that of the drug information specialist in the training of all pharmacy students and advanced trainees, as well as to describe the role of focused training for those individuals wishing to specialize in drug information. This article also affirms the recommendations for the standards‐based approach to drug information education and specialty training. The Practice Areas section is organized to describe the role of the drug information specialist within various practice settings, to identify some of the challenges faced by the drug information specialist within those settings, and to provide recommendations for the different practice areas. The areas found within this section include academia, institutional health systems, managed care, industry, medical writing, and informatics.
How Gordon Ramsay appeals to consumers: Effects of self-concept clarity and celebrity meaning on celebrity endorsements

How do celebrities like Gordon Ramsay appeal to consumers? This article examines one explanation. We study how celebrities appeal to consumers in the context of celebrity chefs. We examine how a consumer's self-concept clarity (SCC) interacts with their perception of the meaning that a celebrity endorser possesses. An experiment comparing fictional ads endorsed by different celebrity chefs yields the surprising result that consumers with a clear sense of who they are (high-SCC consumers) are more influenced by an ad featuring a celebrity high in meaning (Ramsay), whereas low-SCC consumers are influenced to slightly higher levels by a celebrity with lower levels of celebrity meaning.
Protoporphyrin IX Level Correlates with Number of Mitochondria, But Increase in Production Correlates with Tumor Cell Size

Abstract Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is produced in cells via the heme synthesis pathway, from the substrate aminolevulinic acid (ALA), and can be used for tumor detection, monitoring or photodynamic therapy. PpIX production varies considerably between tumor cell types, and determining the cell types and methods to optimize production is a central issue in properly utilizing this drug. A panel of eight cancer cell types was examined for PpIX production capacity, including breast, prostate, and brain cancer tumors, and the production varied up to 10-fold among cell types. A positive correlation was seen between mitochondrial content and naturally occurring PpIX prior to ALA administration, but mitochondrial content did not correlate to the yield of PpIX resulting from the addition of ALA. Interestingly, total cell size was positively correlated to the yield of PpIX from ALA administration. Addition of an iron chelator, 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridone (L1) in combination with ALA allows the final step in the heme synthesis pathway, conversion of PpIX to heme, to be delayed, thereby further increasing the yield of PpIX. Those cell types that had the lowest ALA to PpIX production without L1 showed the largest percentage increase in production with L1. The study indicates that use of L1 in tumors with a lower innate production of PpIX with ALA alone may be the most productive approach to this combined delivery.
The Impact Of Forced Financial Restatements On The Share Prices Of JSE Listed Firms

This study investigates the effect of forced financial restatements on the share prices listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). An event study methodology is used to examine the share price reaction of 34 firms that forcefully restated their results following a GAAP Monitoring Panel review. The results indicate that the equity of 79.1 per cent of the firms decreased as a result of the restatement. The average standardised abnormal returns for 55.9 per cent of these firms were also found to be negative. The study further finds that the volume of shares traded directly following the announcement increased substantially, especially five days following the announcement. The study makes a contribution to the existing literature in that is the first of its kind to focus on the share price reaction of forced financial restatements on share prices in the South African context.
Seeing the big picture in services marketing research: infographics, SEM and data visualisation

Purpose – This paper aims to present a way to make structural equation modelling (SEM) studies more accessible and impactful. This paper suggests that authors service readers by translating their work into an infographic that clearly and artfully illustrates the essence of a paper’s contribution.Design/methodology/approach – Through the presentation of a worked example, this paper outlines four service components needed to create a visually striking, yet informative, infographic.Findings – This paper contends that authors who follow this approach will improve the marketability of their research without oversimplifying or “dumbing down” its insights.Research limitations/implications – Until a journal editor insists that modellers undertake some translation of their results as a pre-requisite to publication, this paper is unlikely to herald a revolution in how quantitative work is communicated.Practical implications – This fresh thinking can offer a way for practicing managers, and other marketing researchers unfamiliar with SEM’s peculiarities, to comprehend the findings of such studies.Originality/value – This paper contributes to a nascent body of research on how to effectively disseminate research findings to a broader audience through adopting a service arts perspective and presents an interpretive view of quantitative research never seen before in the pages of this journal.
A Generic Concept for Large-scale Microarray Analysis Dedicated to Medical Diagnostics

Summary Background: The development of diagnostic procedures based on microarray analysis confronts the bioinformatician and the biomedical researcher with a variety of challenges. Microarrays generate a huge amount of data. There are many, not yet clearly defined, data processing steps and many clinical response variables which may not match gene expression patterns. Objectives: To design a generic concept for large-scale microarray experiments dedicated to medical diagnostics; to create a system capable of handling several 1000 microarrays per analysis and more than 100 clinical response variables; to design a standardized workflow for quality control, data calibration, identification of differentially expressed genes and estimation of classification accuracy; and to provide a user-friendly interface for clinical researchers with respect to biomedical interpretation. Methods: We designed a database structure suitable for the storage of microarray data and analysis results. We applied statistical procedures to identify differential genes and developed a technique to estimate classification accuracy of gene patterns with confidence intervals. Results: We implemented a Gene Analysis Management System (GAMS) based on this concept, using MySQL for data storage, R/Bioconductor for analysis and PHP for a web-based front-end for the exploration of microarray data and analysis results. This system was utilized with large data sets from several medical disciplines, mainly from oncology (~ 2000 micro-arrays). Conclusions: A systematic approach is necessary for the analysis of microarray experiments in a medical diagnostics setting to get comprehensible results. Due to the complexity of the analysis, data processing (by bioinformaticians) and interactive exploration of results (by biomedical experts) should be separated.
Osmotic stress induced by salinity for lipid overproduction in batch culture of Chlorella pyrenoidosa and effect on others physiological as well as physicochemical attributes

Effect of NaCl-induced osmotic stress on lipid production was investigated in batch culture of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Based on the facts that NaCl stress improved lipid production but inhibited cells growth at the same times, the novel strategies of multiple osmotic stresses with different NaCl Concentration were adopted varying from 5 mM to 25mM for lipid overproduction. Results showed that after 15 days cultivation, lipid yield reached 3.16±0.008 g/L and an intracellular lipid content was 43.84 % with corresponding increase in biomass(0.19±0.016 to 1.53±0.012) at 25mM respectively, compared to the control. While, total chlorophyll and carbohydrate content increased in all the concentrations of NaCl as compared to control for the culture studied.
Exploring Innovations in Internal Governance in European Agricultural Cooperatives

Agricultural cooperative in Europe are experimenting with innovation in internal governance structures. Due to changes in the market environment, but also in business organisation legislation, cooperatives feel the need to adjust their internal governance in order to enhance market orientation, attract high quality managers, strengthen member commitment, and overall reinforce cooperative entrepreneurship. In this paper we present an overview of the different innovations in the internal governance mechanisms that can be found among agricultural cooperatives in the European Union. We present theoretical explanations for these innovations and we discuss their implications for member control and manager accountability, but also for performance and further development of the cooperative.
How online reviews create social network value: the role of feedback versus individual motivation

Online reviews, like those compiled at Yelp, Amazon, Epinions and Tripadvisor, allow consumers to create social network value for other consumers, and to influence the success or failure of reviewed businesses. These reviews, produced without compensation, are a prominent example of how new social media have altered the challenges facing strategic marketing. Although the production of online reviews has exploded, little is known about what motivates ordinary consumers to produce reviews. We surveyed Yelp review writers, and then compiled an archive of Yelp restaurant reviews and the feedback received on those reviews. This data-set enabled a longitudinal analysis of the role of feedback as an external motivation for review production. Although receiving positive feedback increases the probability that a novice reviewer will continue to produce reviews, such feedback had no detectable effect on the productivity of established reviewers. Results point to an emerging segment of consumers who have a need to publish and reach a mass audience.