Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of social capital and knowledge transfer in selling center performance

Purpose – This paper aims to understand how organizational and interpersonal relationships influence selling centers, and how to form an effective selling center to establish cooperation among the functional departments to satisfy customer needs.Design/methodology/approach – The selling center and social capital literatures are reviewed. A social network perspective is employed to explore the internal and external relationships of corporate selling centers.Findings – Building upon social capital literature and team literature, the authors propose that selling center performance is influenced by its internal and external social capital. Social capital influences selling center performance through facilitating knowledge transfer and absorption within and across the selling center.Practical implications – The findings help sales managers diagnose the problems of the social networks among their selling center members, to improve their selling center performance in the future.Originality/value – The paper inve.
Sporadic Isolation of Sabin-Like Polioviruses and High-Level Detection of Non-Polio Enteroviruses during Sewage Surveillance in Seven Italian Cities, after Several Years of Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccination

ABSTRACT Sewage surveillance in seven Italian cities between 2005 and 2008, after the introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccination (IPV) in 2002, showed rare polioviruses, none that were wild-type or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), and many other enteroviruses among 1,392 samples analyzed. Two of five polioviruses (PV) detected were Sabin-like PV2 and three PV3, based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and PCR results. Neurovirulence-related mutations were found in the 5′ noncoding region (5′NCR) of all strains and, for a PV2, also in VP1 region 143 (Ile > Thr). Intertypic recombination in the 3D region was detected in a second PV2 (Sabin 2/Sabin 1) and a PV3 (Sabin 3/Sabin 2). The low mutation rate in VP1 for all PVs suggests limited interhuman virus passages, consistent with efficient polio immunization in Italy. Nonetheless, these findings highlight the risk of wild or Sabin poliovirus reintroduction from abroad. Non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) were detected, 448 of which were coxsackievirus B (CVB) and 294 of which were echoviruses (Echo). Fifty-six NPEVs failing serological typing were characterized by sequencing the VP1 region (nucleotides [nt] 2628 to 2976). A total of 448 CVB and 294 Echo strains were identified; among those strains, CVB2, CVB5, and Echo 11 predominated. Environmental CVB5 and CVB2 strains from this study showed high sequence identity with GenBank global strains. The high similarity between environmental NPEVs and clinical strains from the same areas of Italy and the same periods indicates that environmental strains reflect the viruses circulating in the population and highlights the potential risk of inefficient wastewater treatments. This study confirmed that sewage surveillance can be more sensitive than acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance in monitoring silent poliovirus circulation in the population as well as the suitability of molecular approaches to enterovirus typing.
Macroeconomic Uncertainty, State Ownership, and Board Size in China

This paper examines the impacts of macroeconomic uncertainty, state ownership and board composition on firm performance. First, we find state ownership is negatively related to firm performance measured by return on assets and Tobin’s Q. However, Tobin’s Q increases with state ownership when firms face a higher level of macroeconomic uncertainty. The strong positive incremental effect of state ownership on Tobin’s Q is robust when controlling for possible endogeneity. Second, we add evidence to the negative relationship between board size and firm performance. But we further show that Tobin’s Q increases with board size when the level of macroeconomic uncertainty is high. Our results indicate that connections/resources provided by directors and through the ownership arrangement are valuable to cope with macroeconomic uncertainty.
The impact of Online Travel Reservation Website Customer's Perception of Relational Benefits on Customer Loyalty:The Moderating Effect of the Attractiveness of Alternatives

The authors did a questionnaire survey in online travel reservation service context to test the impact of the relational benefits on customer loyalty and the moderating effects of attractiveness of alternative on relationship between relational benefits and customer loyalty.The results indicate that: in online travel reservation service setting,confidence benefits and special treatment benefits are positively related to customer loyalty while social benefits have negative effect on it.Special treatment benefits have the most important impact on customer loyalty,followed by confidence benefits.It found that the attractiveness of alternatives has significant moderating effect on the relationship between relational benefits and customer loyalty.The authors also discussed the implication of the findings,the contributions and limitations.
A Convergent Study of Motivations, Success Factors and Issues of Foreign Entrepreneurs in South Korea

Abstract Due to globalization, more foreign-owned small businesses have been joining the South Korean economy. In order to better support the growth, this study's purpose is to identify foreign entrepreneur demographics and company information as well as entrepreneurial motivations and perceived success factors. To fulfill these goals, a survey of 98 immigrant entrepreneurs from 31 countries doing business within the local Korean market was conducted. The results show that most foreign-owned small businesses are service-oriented and primarily started for intrinsic reasons. It was also identified that the perceived business success determinants that the government can most directly affect are skills-based, rather than infrastructure or financially oriented. Furthermore, top issues include unreliable employees, language barrier and too much competition. The findings of this study are particularly relevant to both academics and policy makers alike because almost no prior foreign entrepreneur-focused research has been conducted in Korea.
Leveraging Mobile 2.0 in India for Agricultural Market Access

Farmers in developing countries are often unable to engage effectively in agricultural markets in their countries since these markets are prone to inefficiencies (Barret, 2005; Fafchamps, 2004; World Banks, 2002 amongst others). Small and subsistence farmers in particular tend to have unfavorable linkages to markets due to a lack of market orientation (Timmer, 1997). The commercialization of agriculture and the subsequent structural complexity it has induced in the food system has meant that poor farmers face higher transaction costs to access competitive markets (Pingali et al, 2005; Pingali, 2006). The lack of effective engagement translates into the inability of farmers to utilize market information in their livelihood decisions. These suboptimal decisions in turn restrict the possibility for farmers to leverage their produce or commodities to improve and sustain their incomes, by engaging, for instance, in financial instruments such as forward contracts. The inability to enter into such contracts precludes them from access to crop insurance and working capital loans using their produce as collateral (e.g., a forward contract or commodity backed financing using warehouse receipts). Providing access to accurate and timely market price information without physically visiting markets is the first step in reducing the transaction costs and allowing farmers to engage effectively in agricultural markets. Ratnadiwakara et. al., (2008) argue that provision of market price information in a timely manner reduces information asymmetry, which in turns allows farmers to reduce their transaction costs while also increasing their bargaining power in market transactions (also Jaleta & Gardebroek, 2007). A crucial benefit of having access to market price information (especially forward and/or future prices) is that it gives farmers more control over their crop planting and harvesting schedules which they can then optimize so as to align their agricultural outputs to meet the demand in local and external markets. This in turn would help facilitate a more stable revenue stream from their produce.ICTs can play an important role in bridging the information deficiencies and can provide access to markets. From pure market price dissemination to more sophisticated systems that link farmers to output markets, ICTs can play an important developmental role. Its potential as a poverty alleviation tool has been recognized and countless examples exist in the developing world of initiatives to improve farmers’ livelihoods via ICT driven linkages to markets.
Gastric intramucosal pH: an indicator of weaning outcome from mechanical ventilation in COPD patients.

The aim of this study was to determine whether gastric intramucosal pH (pHim) and/or gastric intramucosal carbon dioxide tension (PCO2,im) measured by tonometry can be used to predict the success of weaning in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Twenty six consecutive COPD patients, undergoing mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure and satisfying the criteria of weaning from mechanical ventilation with nasogastric tonometer in place, were studied. Arterial blood gas values and PCO2,im were measured 24 h before (H-24), just before (H0), and after 20 min of a weaning trial on T-piece (H20min). Weaning failure was defined as the development of respiratory distress and/or arterial blood gas impairments during the first 2 h of spontaneous breathing on T-piece, or reintubation within 24 h after extubation. Between the weaning failure (n = 6) and weaning success (n = 20) groups, there were no differences in blood gas analysis readings at H-24 and H0 before the weaning period, age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) on admission, SAPS on the day of weaning trial, and duration of ventilation. Clinical status, tonometric and arterial gasometric data were similar at H-24 and H0 in all patients. During mechanical ventilation, pHim was < or = 7.30 in patients who failed weaning and > 7.30 in patients who were successfully weaned (p < 0.001; 100% sensitivity and specificity). The threshold value for PCO2,im of 8.0 kPa (60 mmHg) represents a clear demarcation with respect to outcome before the weaning trial. PCO2,im values during mechanical ventilation are significantly different (p < 0.001) between patients who were successfully weaned and those who were not (6.9 +/- 0.9 vs 9.9 +/- 1.1 kPa (51.9 +/- 6.7 vs 74.3 +/- 8.0 mmHg, respectively)). At H20min, pHim and PCO2,im were still statistically different between the weaning failure and the weaning success group. We conclude that measurement of gastric intramucosal pH (or gastric intramucosal carbon dioxide tension) represents a simple and accurate index to predict weaning outcome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients before attempting weaning.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Earnings Management: Evidence from Asian Economies

We investigate how earnings management is associated with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and investor protection with 139 firms in ten Asian countries. In Asia, CSR is increasingly attracting attention but the legal system generally is perceived as being poor. We hypothesize that there is an inverse relationship between CSR and earnings management, as well as between investor protection and earnings management. Regarding earnings management, we investigate earnings smoothing and earnings aggressiveness. We find that Asian firms with relatively good CSR are engaged significantly less with earnings management. Investor protection also is negatively associated with earnings management. We find that this is very case sensitive and depends on the ways in which earnings management and investor protection are actually measured. In addition, we establish that CSR shows positive interaction with investor protection. We conclude that in Asian countries CSR moderates firms’ earnings management and that this is conditioned by the legal system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
General practitioners’ management of psychostimulant drug misuse: Implications for education and training

Aims: To provide baseline data regarding GPs’ knowledge, experience, and attitudes toward the management of PsychoStimulant Drug Misuse (PSDM) patients to inform future education and training initiatives. Methods: A structured cross-sectional postal questionnaire was developed following initial content setting interviews, piloted then sent to a sample of 250 GPs in north east Scotland. Findings: A 52.13% response rate was achieved after two reminders. Over 42% of GPs expressed uncertainty about their knowledge regarding PSDM. The majority were aware that some patients were using psychostimulant drugs (61.5%), and 62.7% thought this was increasing. More than half the GPs did not have experience in managing PSDM. Although 57% of respondents agreed that GPs should be involved over half (54.1%) were not personally willing to do so. Conclusion: GPs are aware of the rise in PSDM prevalence in their communities, but chose to keep their involvement minimal. The majority thought that the most suitable way to manage PSDM patients was primarily by specialist services with minimum input from them. A change in attitudes, education and guidance are necessary to encourage GPs to be more involved in the management of PSDM patients.
Viral Oncology: Molecular Biology and Pathogenesis

Oncoviruses are implicated in approximately 12% of all human cancers. A large number of the world’s population harbors at least one of these oncoviruses, but only a small proportion of these individuals go on to develop cancer. The interplay between host and viral factors is a complex process that works together to create a microenvironment conducive to oncogenesis. In this review, the molecular biology and oncogenic pathways of established human oncoviruses will be discussed. Currently, there are seven recognized human oncoviruses, which include Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), Human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1), Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), and Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV). Available and emerging therapies for these oncoviruses will be mentioned.
EFICIÊNCIA DO SETOR BANCÁRIO BRASILEIRO POR SEGMENTO DE MERCADO: UMA AVALIAÇÃO RECENTE

This paper evaluates the evolution of technical efficiency and scale efficiency of the Brazilian banking sector during 2000-2006, a period characterized for a period of credit decline and another more recent period of credit growth, and also for other changes in the banking sector, that includes a wave of mergers and acquisitions. For this purpose, the empirical study selected a sample of 38 banking institutions; the sample was divided in five segments: the big retail banks; regional retail banks; retail banks oriented towards high income; wholesale banks; niches banks specialized in credit. In order to evaluate banking efficiency we use a non-parametric technique, Data Envelopment Analyses (DEA). We also use two approaches – intermediation model and revenues model. The findings of the paper show firstly that the evolution of technical efficiency in both models was stable, that means that there were not marked changes in the efficiency of the banking sector in the evaluated period. Secondly, that the segment of banking sector that had the better efficiency performance was the big retail banks, while the regional retail banks had the worst performance. Finally, the findings of the scale efficiency show that there were not very much differences among the segments analyzed in the research, in particular in the revenues model; in the intermediation model there were losses of scale efficiency between the range from R$ 30 billion to R$ 100 billion of total assets, but after that point the losses, if it is the case, were low. These findings suggest that the option to be big can be good for a retail bank, due to the increased potential to generate revenues and profits.
Brow droop after superficial temporal artery biopsy.

To the Editor. —Biopsy of the superficial temporal artery remains the sole means by which to confirm the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Direct complications of biopsy are rarely reported, even though larger arterial segments are now sampled in order to improve the yield of histologic confirmation. In 1971, Fisher 1 described a case of ipsilateral cerebrovascular infarction after superficial temporal artery biopsy in a patient with ipsilateral carotid occlusion. In another case, chronic skin ulceration 2 in the temporal area occurred several months after biopsy in a patient without signs of arteritis. Report of a Case. —A 55-year-old diabetic woman developed bilateral concomitant ischemic optic neuropathy with an elevated sedimentation rate. A 3-cm segment of the horizontal section of the right superficial temporal artery in the temporal fossa was attained after infiltration of the subcutaneous tissue with 2% lidocaine (Xylocaine). Due to a poorly palpable pulse overlying the
Effects of in utero antiretroviral exposure on mitochondrial DNA levels, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress

HIV and antiretroviral (ART) exposure in utero may have deleterious effects on the infant, but uncertainty still exists. The objective of this study was to evaluate aspects of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress simultaneously in placenta, umbilical cord blood and infant blood in HIV/ART‐exposed infants compared with uninfected controls.
Acute liver failure: Clinical features, outcome analysis, and applicability of prognostic criteria

Acute liver failure(ALF)is an uncommon condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients evaluated for ALF. The aim of our study is to determine the clinical features and outcome of such patients and to assess the validity of King's College Hospital (KCH) prognostic criteria. One hundred seventy‐seven patients were evaluated for ALF during a period of 13 years. Mean age was 39 years, and 63% were women. The causes included viral hepatitis (31%), acetaminophen toxicity (19%), idiosyncratic drug reactions (12%), miscellaneous causes (11%), and an indeterminate group (28%). Twenty‐five patients (14%) recovered with medical therapy (group I), 65 patients (37%) died without orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT; group II), and 87 patients (49%) underwent OLT (group III). Patients in group II were older and often had advanced encephalopathy, whereas those in group I had less hyperbilirubinemia and often had hyperacute failure. KCH criteria had high specificity and positive predictive value but low negative predictive value for a poor outcome. We conclude that early prognostication is needed in patients with ALF to assist decision making regarding OLT. The fulfillment of KCH criteria usually predicts a poor outcome, but a lack of fulfillment does not predict survival.
Restaurant Work Experience as Stepping Stone to the Rest of Labour Market

Abstract The restaurant sector is expected to provide start-up jobs for young persons in the labour market in Sweden. This study uses data from the Swedish population and tax register, and follows the routes of employees in the sector from 2003 to 2008. The conclusion is that work experience in the restaurant sector can be considered an important stepping stone to other parts of the labour market. However, it is more common among individuals with foreign-born parents to remain in the sector or become unemployed, whereas individuals with Swedish born parents are more likely to go on to other sectors.
Voriconazole and fluconazole susceptibility of Candida isolates.

An adapted NCCLS M27-A method was used to evaluate the activity of voriconazole (VRC) and fluconazole (FLC) against 295 Candida isolates collected from 189 patients (including isolates from deep sites). Isolates included 186 C. albicans, 54 C. glabrata, 27 C. tropicalis, 14 C. parapsilosis, 6 C. krusei, 6 C. lusitaniae, 1 C. lypolytica and 1 C. sake. Forty-two isolates had reduced susceptibility to FLC (MIC >8 mg/L); 83.3% of these had VRC MICs < or =2 mg/L (9 of 11 C. albicans, 18 of 19 C glabrata, 6 of 6 C. krusei, 2 of 2 C. lusitaniae and 0 of 4 C. tropicalis), including 60% of isolates collected from deep-seated infections. These results suggested that in the era of azole resistance, VRC has a promising antifungal activity for serious infections with Candida spp. , including most species with low susceptibility to FLC and uncommonly isolated species.
Low interest rate, bubble bursts and subprime crisis

I develop a model to analyze this time subprime crisis. When bank using funds invests in the flxed amount of real estate, create huge surges in the asset prices and then results in real estate bubble boom rapidly. After receiving bad economic information then sudden reversal of market sentiment causing the housing bubble bursts and the prices plummeted. As a consequences, the crisis occurred with selffulfllling validating. Our model has some policy implications, flrst, the origin of the asset price bubble is the low interest rate policy since the last decade of USA, if the interest rate ascend, the bubble begin to burst. Second, it is inefiective to prevent subprime crises through suspension of deposit convertibility and flnancial dollarization. Third, suspension of currency convertibility can prevent currency crisis but not the banking crisis. Complex results of lender of last resort of central bank. Finally, fully deposit insurance, strict risk supervision and management and minimum capital requirement have its power to curtail twin crises simultaneously.
Advertising Media Efficiency of FMCG Firms in India: An Empirical Investigation Using Data Envelopment Analysis

The present study aims to evaluate the advertising spending efficiency of 17 FMCG firms for the time period of seven years from 2006 to 2012. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique is used to evaluate the efficiencies in terms of Overall Technical Efficiency (OTE), Pure Technical Efficiency (PTE) and Scale Efficiency (SE) for each firm in different years. The analysis reveals that on an average, almost 6% of the companies in terms of OTE and 22% firms in terms of PTE efficiently utilize their advertising expenditure. The analysis also reveals that the analyzed companies, on an average, need to reduce their inputs by almost 50% while maintaining their current levels of outputs in order to become efficient.
Collateral Requirements for Mandatory Central Clearing of Over-the-Counter Derivatives

By the end of 2012, all standardised over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives must be cleared with central counterparties (CCPs). In this paper, we estimate the amount of collateral that CCPs should demand to clear safely all interest rate swap and credit default swap positions of the major derivatives dealers. Our estimates are based on potential losses on a set of hypothetical dealer portfolios that replicate several aspects of the way that derivatives positions are distributed within and across dealer portfolios in practice. Our results suggest that major dealers already have sufficient unencumbered assets to meet initial margin requirements, but that some of them may need to increase their cash holdings to meet variation margin calls. We also find that default funds worth only a small fraction of dealers' equity appear sufficient to protect CCPs against almost all possible losses that could arise from the default of one or more dealers, especially if initial margin requirements take into account the tail risks and time variation in risk of cleared portfolios. Finally, we find that concentrating clearing of OTC derivatives in a single CCP could economise on collateral requirements without undermining the robustness of central clearing.