Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The antecedents of consumer expectations of services: an empirical study across four industries

Develops a conceptual model of the antecedents of consumer expectations and firm image, based on past research in service, and empirically tested using the simultaneous equation procedures of LISREL 7. Data were collected and analyzed for four service industries (tax services, dental services, restaurants and video rental stores). Significant findings include: the image consumers have of a service firm has the strongest impact on their expectations; the relative saliences of the antecedents vary across industries; advertising has no significant impact on expectations or firm image in any of the four industries or in the aggregate analysis; and the level of customization and service provider judgment has an impact on the relative importance of each of the antecedents of consumer expectations.
Channel Collaboration, Market Orientation and Performance Advantages: Discovering Developed and Emerging Markets

Abstract Channel collaboration has occupied an increasingly prominent role in contemporary business strategy, and has been considered a key driver for providing value for the partnering firms involved. Drawing on the resource based theory of the firm, the present study aims to explore the effects of collaborative capability and market orientation on firms' performance advantages in the context of marketing channels. We also investigate whether the firms in developed and emerging markets significantly differ in their capability profiles. The data consists of 545 responses to a survey of small, medium-sized and large companies representing the grocery goods sector (manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers) in nine countries. In line with the theory, channel collaboration enhances positional and performance advantages of firms, and this collaboration is shaped by the type of economy adopted.
Values Orientation in Business Through Service Innovation: A Conceptual Framework

Service innovation evinced as the most discernible facet of service literature. It has been viewed as a strong mechanism to create value for customers, communities, business alliances and society. The emergence of service-dominant logic has brought about a radical change in terms of how value is created through service innovation. S-D logic only considers the value-in-use that is the financial value. Consequently the focus of service innovation research has remained on profit maximization only. Accordingly there is a paucity of research directed towards values based service innovation. Couched on this notion of valuesbased service, this research will shed light on the service innovation paradigm. The theoretical dimension has been drawn from S-D logic and linked with the concept of triple-bottom line that encompasses the acuity of sustainability. A conceptual framework has been developed with some propositions. This study further suggests that more empirical research is required to further investigate values-based service innovation.
Modeling and Monitoring of Microbial Diversity in Ecosystems - Application to Biological Wastewater Treatment Processes

Key microbiological conversion processes do not result from the work of a single bacterial species but are performed by a wide variety of bacteria. Up till now, this microbial diversity is usually not tracked during reactor operation and mostly neglected in mathematical models. Nevertheless, experimental evidence is available that different process conditions may favor the selection of different types of bacteria, modifying the microbial diversity and consequently the behavior of the ecosystem. This contribution assesses microbial diversity in biological wastewater treatment systems by means of two case studies: nitrification and anaerobic digestion, experimental data being provided for the nitrification process. Situation where a toxicant is present is carefully analyzed for anaerobic digestion. In both cases, the potential of process control to optimize microbial populations is discussed and it is highlighted that frequent changing of operating conditions can impact favorably to overall stability of the processes.
Accuracy of m‐mode and two‐dimensional echocardiography in the diagnosis of aortic dissection: An experience with 128 cases

The accuracy of combined M‐mode and two‐dimensional echocardiography in the diagnosis of aortic dissection was evaluated in 673 patients with a clinical suspicion of aortic dissection, over a six‐year period. In 128 cases, the diagnosis of aortic dissection was confirmed by angiographic, tomographic (CT scan), or autopsy findings, or during surgery. Two echocardiographic features were found to support a diagnosis of aortic dissection: a dilation of at least one segment of the aorta (sensitivity 95%, specificity 51%) and a typical abnormal linear intraluminal echo corresponding to the intimal flap (sensitivity 67%, specificity 100%). This pathognomonic intimal flap was observed in 86 cases, of which three types could be distinguished: (1) a long oscillating flap (n=15), (2) a long but minimally mobile linear echo which was duplicated and parallel to one or two aortic walls (n=64), (3) a short, double linear image with a rapid systolic motion and high frequency oscillations. These features were found to have a high sensitivity in type I aortic dissection (88%), although in types II and III the sensitivity was much lower. In some cases, a fourth type of abnormal image could be detected: a small intraluminal echo moving in parallel to the aortic wall. This feature should be interpreted with caution since its predictive value for a positive examination was low (48%). Out of 23 cases in which the diagnosis of aortic dissection was suspected on the basis of this doubtful abnormal echo, it was confirmed in only 11 patients. The results in these 128 cases of aortic dissection indicate that two‐dimensional echocardiography, which is easily performed at the patient's bedside, could take priority in investigations of this condition. It is extremely sensitive in the diagnosis of ascending aortic dissection, but much less so in the diagnosis of descending aortic dissection.
ELEARNING IN CHINA - GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PILOT UNIVERSITIES

This article provides background information on eLearning in China, focusing primarily on its historical development and current scope. I discuss the key factors that have shaped the current eLearning systems, the expansion of pilot universities and their roles in the development of eLearning, problems currently facing the system, and potentials for future development. While eLearning is enjoying a rapid expansion in China through government and industry support, it still faces many challenges.
Collaboration or opportunism? The role of social capital in developing successful export clusters

This paper reports on an exploratory study into social capital and its influence on the development of horizontal export-focused industry clusters for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). The paper contends that higher levels of social capital within firms can be externalized to other firms in industry clusters, and this makes the cluster more effective in international markets. The study assessed the levels of social capital evident within nine individual SMEs based in South East Queensland, Australia, across three different industry clusters. The study evaluated attitudes of the firm towards its other cluster members and found that higher levels of social capital within individual SMEs, was being externalized to their industry cluster, and this helped the firms to develop long-term relationships, develop common objectives and improve levels of trust among members. Higher levels of exposure in international markets, was evident in such firms in the cluster.
Strengthening the Innovation Chain: The Role of Internal Innovation Climate and Strategic Relationships with Supply Chain Partners

In this study, we use blended theoretical arguments from resource dependence theory, social capital theory, and the knowledge-based view to posit that supply chain partner innovativeness enhances a firm's innovation strategy which in turn positively influences innovation performance. In addition, we argue that the effect of supply chain partner innovativeness on product innovation strategy could be further enhanced by innovation climate and having strategic relationships with key supply chain partners. Using data collected from 207 manufacturing firms in Australia, the findings show that key supply chain partner innovativeness has a positive effect on product innovation strategy. Further, the effect of supply chain partner innovativeness on innovation strategy is enhanced when firms have stronger strategic relationships with their key supply chain partners. Finally, we find that the joint influence of innovation climate and strategic relationships with key supply chain partners enhances the effect of supply chain partner innovativeness on innovation strategy. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.
Predictors of investment in risky assets among Malaysian families

Investment, as a strategy to enhance financial well-being, is exposed to high expected risk in order to gain high expected returns. This study focused on the effects of personality and behavioural factors in predicting investments in risky assets. The personality factors studied were future time orientation, financial risk tolerance and self-worth, whilst the behavioural factors concerned were the dimensions of financial management practices of families. Quota sampling based on ethnicity was used to sample a total of 800 respondents, namely the reported family financial managers from families residing in Peninsular Malaysia. Investment in risky assets was based on the self-reported investment in stocks. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed financial risk tolerance, self-worth, record-keeping, credit, savings and risk management as significant predictors of investment in risky assets. Family financial managers who were more risk-tolerant with higher self-worth tend to invest in risky assets. Furthermore, those who perform record-keeping; regularly save; and managing risk well were also more likely to invest in risky assets. However, those managing credit wisely were less likely to invest in risky assets. The most influential factors for predicting investment in risky assets found in this study were savings, followed by self-worth, risk practices, record-keeping and financial risk tolerance. The findings provided evidence that specific personality factors and financial management practices did predict investment in risky assets. Knowing these factors will enable financial planners to identify those with potential to invest in this type of asset and encourage them to invest in risky assets in order to gain greater return from their investment. As for those families having such personality and performing influential financial practices, they would realise their capability in risky investment. However, for those having low self-worth, less tolerating with financial risk and hardly did those influential financial practices, they could be trained to make them capable to invest in risky assets. More families would have the potential to invest in risky assets that can lead to financial stability in the long run. Additionally, this will contribute to the economic growth of the country.
DIGITAL BANKING SECURITY, RISK AND CREDIBILITY CONCERNS IN SOUTH AFRICA

This paper addresses aspects of security in the following digital banking delivery channels: Internet, cellphone and Automated Teller Machine (ATM). South African banks use these delivery channels to reduce operational costs and enable customers to conduct banking transactions conveniently. This study found that the adoption of digital banking services in South Africa is growing tremendously. This has attracted criminal elements employing tactics such as skimming, SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card swapping, ‘phishing’ and ‘spoofing’, ATM bombings, and SMS (Short Message Service) interception. Because customers are extremely concerned about digital banking crime, South African banks are dealing with the crime swiftly and with a great deal of sophistication. The study has found that the adoption of digital banking services is not negatively affected by security concerns. In other words, the credibility of digital banking remains intact despite security issues.
A Study on Determinants of Repurchase Intention in Mobile Internet Services

To launch effective mobile Internet marketing strategics, firms need to understand mobile Internet user behavior Thus in this study we investigated factors that affect on the repurchase intention of mobile Internet users. A random sample of 501 users was surveyed. Attitude (mediating factor) and familiarity factors (initial factor) were found to have the most significant impact on the reuse intention.
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance in Pakistan: The Case of Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE)-30

This paper examines the relationship between four important corporate governance mechanisms (board size, board composition, CEO/chairman duality and audit committee) and two firm performance measures (return on equity, ROE, and profit margin, PM), for a sample of 30 Pakistani listed firms between 2008 and 2009. The results provide evidence of a positive significant relationship between ROE and PM and three corporate governance mechanisms (board size, board composition and audit committee). The implication of this is that, the board size should be limited to a sizeable limit and board must be a right mixture of executive and non-executive directors. The study, however, could not provide a significant relationship between the two performance measures (ROE and PM) and CEO/Chairman duality. These results are consistent with prior empirical studies.
Provider-Patient Communication and Metabolic Control

OBJECTIVE To determine whether nurses' and NIDDM patients' communicationstyles during consultations are related to subsequent metabolic control and to examine factors influencing patterns of communication in these consultations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 47 NIDDM patients participated in the study and completed the following procedures: 1) assessment of baseline HbA1 2) attended 3.5 days of diabetes education, 3) returned in 1 mo fora follow-up consultation with a nurse, and (4) returned in 9–12 wk for a follow-up HbA1 assessment. The communication variables coded from the consultations were the frequency with which nurses produced controlling, informative, and patientcentered utterances and the frequency with which patients sought information, engaged in decision making, and expressed negative affect. RESULTS The results were as follows: 1) patients experienced poorer metabolic control after interacting with nurses who were more controlling and directive in their communication with patients (r = 0.39, P < 0.01); 2) the nurses' use of patientcentered responses was directly related to the degree to which patients expressed feelings (r = 0.34, P < 0.01) and exhibited decision-making behavior (r = 0.62, P < 0.01); and 3) several of the nurses' and patients' communicative behaviors were related to patient characteristics such as age, sex, education, and baseline HbA1 levels. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that providers' attempts to exert considerable control during consultations with NIDDM patients may be counterproductive and contribute to poorer outcomes. The findings also indicate that patient-centered behaviors (e.g., encouraging the patient's involvement, respecting the patient's opinion, and offering support) facilitate the patient's ability to be an active participant in the consultation.
Interest on Cash, Fundamental Value Process and Bubble Formation on Experimental Asset Markets

We study the formation of price bubbles on experimental asset markets where cash earns interest. There are two main conclusions. The first is that paying positive interest on cash is ineffective in diminishing bubbles through the reducing-active-participation channel. The second is that the fundamental value generating process plays a critical role in the formation of asset bubbles in the laboratory. In particular, bubbles tend to occur whenever there is a conflict between the sign of the time trend of the fundamental value and the sign of the expected dividend payment. This explanation is consistent with all existing studies that analyze the role of fundamental value processes in inducing bubbles on experimental asset markets.
The Likelihood of Corporate Entrepreneurship in Large Corporations

Entrepreneurship becomes more important nowadays in the strategic management process, in particular, in the company’s ability to increase profitability over time. From the view of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs notice opportunities from where they act and create new hierarchies or ventures to organize transactions. If the entrepreneur happens to be the firm’s manager and when the management function is distinguished from the entrepreneurial function, agency problems arise in the new hierarchy. The firm’s manager could act against corporate entrepreneurship if he decides to explore the innovation concept for his own benefits to setup his own business. This paper sought to explore the feasibility of corporate entrepreneurship in large corporations under the consideration of conflict of interest, the characteristics of the manager, and the moral consideration of the manager. This is an explanatory research which used three case studies through semistructured interviews. The results of the three case studies and the cross cases analysis support the existence of the conflict of interest in determining whether to explore the innovation concept for the corporation or his own benefits. It also confirms the importance of the characteristics of the manager and the moral consideration of the manager in the decision-making process on how to explore the innovation concept. All the cases confirmed that the likelihood of corporate entrepreneurship in large corporations is low as the manager is likely to explore the innovation concept for his own benefits.
Development Of Secondary Food Forms Of Cocoyams ( Colocasia spp)

The tubers of two cultivars of Cocoyam ( Colocasia spp) namely; Ghana cocoyam and coco-india were processed into flour and fufu flour. The flour was used as base for the preparation of secondary foods such as cakes, chin-chin, strips, bread and pancakes while the fufu flour was reconstituted and cooked into fufu (a Nigerian traditional food normally eaten with soup). The cakes, chin-chin, strips, bread and pancakes were also prepared using wheat flour to serve as control for the evaluation the various cocoyam products while yam fufu was used as a control for the various cocoyam fufu foods. A 7-point Hedonic scale was used to evaluate attributes such as colour, taste, texture and over all acceptability of the secondary cocoyam food forms. The result showed that with the exception of cakes from coco-india only secondary food forms from Ghana cocoyam were acceptable to the consumers along side the control products (P>0.05). The study has revealed high potentials of Ghana cocoyam as a base food for production of confectioneries and other traditional foods. Keywords : Cocoyam ( Colocasia spp), Ghana-cocoyam, India-cocoyam, fufu flour, cakes, chin-chin, strips, bread, pancake, confectioneries, sensory evaluation. Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol. 4 (2) 2006: pp. 126-130
GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF EGG PRODUCTION TRAITS IN DOKKI-4 STRAIN 1-CORRELATED RESPONSES HERITABILITY , GENETIC AND PHENOTYPIC CORRELATIONS FOR EGG PRODUCTION AND EGG QUALITY TRAITS .

Dokki-4 is a local strain selected for improving egg number during the first 90 days of laying. Genetic changes were estimated as deviations from its unselected control line per generation. This study was conducted to determine the effect of selection for two generations for egg production and egg quality. The results of selection for egg number during the first 90 days of laying showed: Average egg number during the first 90 days of laying of the base, first, and second generation were 43.9, 52.7 and 61.9 eggs for the selected line and 43.6, 44.8 and 46.1 eggs for control line, respectively. The cumulative realized response and expected response after two generations were 15.5 and 5.3 eggs, respectively. Selected line pullets matured earlier than those of the control line by -6.9 and -8.7 days for the first and the second generation. Also, the realized cumulative response after tow generations was 7.5 days. Average duration period of the first 10 eggs of the base, first and second generations were 26.4, 24.4 and 22.2 days for selected line. The selected pullets decreased in the duration period of first 10 eggs than those of the control line by -2.05 and -2.19 days for the first and second generations. Egg number till 45 and till 65 weeks of age were increased in the selected line compared with the control line during two generations by 21.1 and 25.9 eggs respectively. Selected line had significantly better egg mass and feed conversion during the first 90 days of laying, till 45 and 65 weeks of age than the control line.
The lemA gene required for pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae on bean is a member of a family of two-component regulators

The lemA gene of the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae is required for disease lesion formation on bean plants. Cosmid clones that complemented a lemA mutant in trans were isolated previously. The lemA gene was localized by subcloning and transposon mutagenesis. The lemA region and flanking DNA were sequenced, and an open reading frame of 2.7 kb was identified. The nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences of the lemA gene showed sequence similarity to a family of prokaryotic two-component regulatory proteins. Unlike most of the previously described two-component systems, the lemA gene product contained homology to both components in one protein. Mutations introduced upstream and downstream of the lemA gene failed to locate a gene for a second protein component but identified the putative cysM gene of P. syringae pv. syringae. The cysM gene was located upstream of the lemA gene and was divergently transcribed. The lemA gene product was expressed at low levels in P. syringae pv. syringae and appeared to be positively auto-regulated.
Export stimulation: a non‐exporter′s perspective

Investigates empirically the perceptions of non‐exporters regarding factors stimulating export initiation. Draws on research based on a representative sample of 112 Cyprus‐based manufacturers. Reveals that stimuli relating to the fulfilment of the firm′s traditional objectives exhibited the highest motivating impact, followed by factors aiming at minimizing domestic market‐related risks. These findings generally contrast with the results of previous research on export stimulation. Analysis of perceptions on stimulating factors according to certain organizational determinants showed the firm′s size to have the greatest discriminating effect, followed by the type of goods produced and exposure to export activities; the age of the firm had no differentiating role whatsoever. Finally, classification of the stimuli according to internal/external and proactive/reactive taxonomies demonstrated that factors of an internal and proactive nature provided the strongest stimulating impact, denoting a positive predisposition towards exporting.