Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The main intellectual capital components that are relevant to the product, process and management firm innovativeness

This paper focuses on the influence of the human, structural and relational capital on the product-process and management innovativeness of the firm. A global model including variables used in previous literature is used and we establish hypotheses for testing this model and use statistic technique to estimate the parameters of the model in a sample. To do so, we use a survey from 68 firms working on the auto components sector, established in the Northern Spain and Northern Portugal. We found firstly, that innovativeness has two main dimensions, perfectly differentiated, the product-process innovation and the management innovation; secondly, that the intellectual capital components influences differently each type of innovation capacity (innovativeness). We concluded that the human and relational capital influence positive and directly the product-process innovativeness and that the structural capital influences positive and directly the management innovativeness. These results highlight the importance and influence of the intellectual capital on the innovativeness. Moreover, they point out the different character of product-process and management innovativeness.
Transfer of Training in the Mentally Retarded: A Review

The research reviewed herein suggests that an increase in the efficiency of transfer occurs when (a) the retardate is relatively young; (b) a high similarity exists between tasks, such that a substantial amount of the training task can be transferred as a unit; and (c) meaningful pretraining of a general and varied nature is provided. The general nature of the verbal instructions provided the retardate also seems to influence transfer performance.
Electoral Engineering : One Man , One Vote Bid

We compare two mechanisms to implement a simple binary choice, e.g. adopt one of two proposals. We show that when neither alternative is ex ante preferred, simple majority voting cannot implement the first best outcome. The fraction of the surplus lost rises with the number of voters and the total surplus loss diverges in the limit when the number of voters grows large. We introduce a simple bidding mechanism where votes can be bought at a quadratic cost and voters receive rebates equal to the average of others’ payments. This mechanism is budget-balanced, individually rational, and fully efficient in the limit. Moreover, the mechanism redistributes from those that gain from the outcome to those that lose and everyone is better off under bidding compared to voting. We test the two mechanisms in the lab using an environment with “moderate” and “extremist” voters. In the first part of the experiment, subjects gain experience with both bidding and voting. Then they collectively decide which mechanism applies in the second part. This endogenous choice of institutions provides clear evidence in favor of bidding: with groups of size eleven, 90% of the groups opt for the bidding mechanism. The observed efficiency losses under voting are close to theoretical predictions and significantly larger than under bidding. Because of redistribution, the efficiency gain from bidding benefits mostly the moderate voters. Observed behavior under the bidding mechanism deviates from theoretical predictions to some extent, which can be explained by a quantal response equilibrium model if we assume that voters overestimate the chance of being pivotal.
The impact of urban agriculture on the household and local economies.

As cities grow, they add jobs and services, becoming more complex economically as well as physically. The need for new jobs places huge demands on cities that are struggling to provide the public services that growth demands, often in the face of existing unemployment. In the developing world, many of the new jobs needed are for unskilled and relatively uneducated workers, both migrants and those born in the city.
Whole of Government Budgeting and Accounting: Conceptual Issues

This paper examines certain conceptual and practical difficulties related to whole-ofgovernment (WoG) accounting and budgeting. Inspired by the New Public Management, financial accounting and budgeting techniques have been transferred from the profit sector. In several countries, this includes an increased interest in managing the state’s budget and finance from a consolidated point of view. Despite its increasing attraction and active promotion by international standard setting bodies, previous experiences with consolidation have had mixed results. Our paper is a conceptual analysis of WoG and points to two specific problems. First, it appears to be difficult to determine the scope of the governments to be included in WoG. The definition of the group may depend on political accountability criteria, as well as on financial relationships, but these are two very different perspectives. Furthermore, although WoG is intended to better allow macro-economic monitoring of the state’s fiscal policy and budget management, it is doubtful whether WoG based consolidated reports really can deliver such information. More generally, consolidation as currently conceptualised by international standard setting bodies seems to be inadequately adapted to fit characteristics of the public sector. In order to provide some real world experiences, the paper briefly examines the recent reform (2003) of the budgeting and accounting system of the Belgian State by means of a document analysis. The Belgian legislator developed a WoG system whereby the traditional budgetary system remains applicable, but adds a new, businesslike budgeting and financial planning system, aimed at output monitoring and improved public administration.
Internal entrepreneurship, innovativeness and creativity in empirical studies of Polish organisations

The paper assumes that internal entrepreneurship, innovativeness and creativity of employees and an organisation itself – are all linked, bearing upon the performance of the organisation in terms of its competitiveness, effectiveness or profitability. The paper points to the need of an integrated approach in examining internal entrepreneurship, innovativeness and creativity and their impact on the performance of an organisation. Consequently, we have proposed a model presenting relationships among the above-mentioned categories. The description of the model and the results of its verification are the subject of this paper.
An Examination Of Tourists Loyalty Towards Medical Tourism In Pattaya, Thailand

The purpose of this study is to explore the antecedents of tourists’ attitudinal loyalty towards medical tourism in Pattaya (a major tourist destination in Thailand). Multiple regression analysis indicated that attitudinal loyalty towards medical tourism was mainly driven by satisfaction, trust, perceived value, destination familiarity, as well as destination image, respectively. When examining these antecedents between hospital tourists and clinic tourists, the results indicated that trust becomes the most important driver for hospital tourists whereas satisfaction becomes the most important driver for clinic tourists.
Adalimumab for the treatment of uveitis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adalimumab, an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), is the only systemic non-corticosteroid agent which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis. Areas covered: The aim of this review is to summarize the research which demonstrated the effectiveness of adalimumab in the treatment of intraocular inflammation and helped to establish its side effect profile, ultimately leading to its FDA approval. Expert commentary: Adalimumab is a useful second-line agent in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis. While it is only approved in the United States for use in intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adults, I find it to be effective in off-label treatment of pediatric uveitis and scleritis as well.
Gastric aspirate shake test for diagnosis of surfactant deficiency in neonates with respiratory distress

Abstract The gastric aspirate shake test (GST) was evaluated in 77 newborns with respiratory distress for predicting hyaline membrane disease (HMD) at KEM Hospital, Pune, India. Methods: Over 0.5 ml of gastric fluid was obtained within 30 min of birth and mixed with an equal volume of normal saline for 10 sec; 1 ml of 95% ethanol was then added and the mixture agitated for 10 sec. After standing for 15 min, the air–liquid interface was examined for bubbles. Results: All 21 infants with a negative GST developed HMD. However, 12 infants with an intermediate and nine with a positive test also developed HMD. None of the infants with other respiratory disorders, e.g. transient tachypnoea and pneumonia, had a negative GST. A negative GST had a specificity of 100%, sensitivity of 70% and positive predictive value of 100% for developing HMD. Conclusion: GST is a useful test for predicting HMD and might be of particular value in developing countries.
Over or Under? Momentum, Idiosyncratic Volatility and Overreaction

Several studies have attributed the high excess returns of the momentum strategy in the equity market to investor behavioral biases. However, whether momentum effects occur because of investor underreaction or because of investor overreaction remains a question. Using a simple model to illustrate the linkage between idiosyncratic volatility and investor overreaction as well as the stock turnover as another measure of overreaction, I present evidence that supports the investor overreaction explanation as the source of momentum effects. Furthermore, I show that when investor overreaction is low, momentum effects are more due to industries (industry momentum) rather than stocks.
Fast Measurement of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Concentration for Small-Volume Interstitial Water by Acid Extraction and Nondispersive Infrared Gas Analysis

We developed a system for measuring the total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations in interstitial water and hydrothermal fluid, which are hard to obtain in large volumes. The system requires a sample volume of only 500 μL, and it takes only 150 s per one sample. The detection limit of this system was estimated to be 66.6 μmol/kg with repeated analysis of CO_2-free ultrapure water ( n = 9). The precision of this nondispersive infrared (NDIR) system was ±3.1% of the relative standard deviations (2 σ ) by repeated CRM batch 104 ( n = 10). This result is much larger than the required precision for oceanographic studies, but is comparable to a previous result of interstitial water analysis. An on-site trial showed a significant DIC enrichment in interstitial water of hydrothermally altered sediment, and is considered to occur by the mixing of hydrothermal fluid. This procedure will achieve carbon dioxide flux calculations from hydrothermal activities, and will bring a more accurate feature on the global carbon cycle.
CD72 negatively regulates B lymphocyte responses to the lupus-related endogenous toll-like receptor 7 ligand Sm/RNP

Akatsu and colleagues show that CD72 specifically recognizes Sm/RNP, a lupus-related self-antigen and an endogenous TLR7 ligand, and inhibits B cell responses to Sm/RNP. In mice, CD72 prevents production of anti-Sm/RNP antibodies crucial for lupus development.
Growth and nutritional status of migrant and minority children : The case of Macedonian and Albanian children in Slovenia and Macedonia

This paper presents the initial findings of the research cooperation between Slovenian and Macedonian researchers investigating environmental effects on children’s growth and development. The study includes five different groups of children: Macedonian majority children who live in Macedonia, Albanian minority children who live in Macedonia, Macedonian children from migrant families who live in Slovenia, Albanian children from migrant families who live in Slovenia, and the population data of children who live in Slovenia. The first round of measurements, organised in the 2000/2001 school year, are presented. The findings show that the differences in stature, body mass, triceps skinfold thickness, and BMI between Macedonian and Albanian children living in Macedonia were bigger than the differences between the children of both migrant ethnic groups living in Slovenia. Macedonian children living in Macedonia were much more inclined towards pre-obesity and obesity than their Albanian peers were. When the migrant Albanian and Macedonian children in Slovenia were observed, the differences almost disappeared, although the observed rates of obesity were also higher among migrant children in Slovenia in comparison to Albanian and Macedonian children living in Macedonia. The differences in stature, body mass, triceps skinfold thickness and BMI between the migrant groups of children and population of children in Slovenia were very small, and there were no significant differences in pre-obesity and obesity rates.
Modeling consumer satisfaction and word‐of‐mouth: restaurant patronage in Korea

Purpose – The research seeks to extend the notions of utilitarian and hedonic value to account for outcomes of consumer service encounters.Design/methodology/approach – The research question is examined using a sample of Korean restaurant consumers who used a structured questionnaire to evaluate their dining experience. Structural equations analysis is used to test various research hypotheses and examine the extent to which consumer service value mediates the effect of the environment on customer satisfaction and future intentions.Findings – Key findings include the ability of the consumer service value scale to account for utilitarian and hedonic value, the role of functional and affective service environment components in shaping consumer satisfaction and future patronage intentions and the relative diagnosticity of positive affect.Research limitations/implications – There is a need to extend the results to a diverse range of cultures.Practical implications – Restaurant managers should place increased e.
Assessment of Access to Information and Communication Technology among Agricultural Extension Officers in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study examined the factors associated with the level of access of Agricultural Extension officers in Kwara State to Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It also identified the constraints to the usage of ICT for the purpose of sourcing agricultural information. Data for the study were collected from the Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) and Extension Agents (EAs) of the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project (KWADP) through the use of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed for the data analysis. The study revealed that about 70% of the EAs do not earn above N20, 000. Only8.8% of the EAs possessed university degrees and none had access to computer systems at work. All the SMSs had official computers, although none of the computers were connected to the internet. Income of the respondents was found to be significant and positively related to access to ICT. The numbers of years on the job and the age of the respondents had negative but significant relationship with access. Apart from the general constraints to the use of ICT such as, high cost of personal computer, inadequate electricity supply and poor internet access, poor training and technological knowhow were also identified as specific constraints faced by the EAs. The study therefore recommended the need for easier access by all agricultural extension officers to ICT. Besides, training workshops should be organized for Extension officers in the area of ICT and computer appreciation.
Difficult tracheal tube passage and subglottic airway injury during intubation with the GlideScope® videolaryngoscope: a randomised, controlled comparison of three tracheal tubes

Difficulty during placement of the tracheal tube is a known problem when intubating with the GlideScope®, which may lead to subglottic airway injury. This randomised, controlled clinical trial was designed to compare the resistance to passage of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), reinforced or BlockBuster tracheal tubes during intubation with the GlideScope. Secondary outcomes included the time taken to intubate and assessment of subglottic airway injury. One‐hundred and seventy‐seven patients were included in the data analysis. There was difficult tracheal tube passage (moderate or severe resistance) in 15 (21.4%) patients using the PVC tube compared with 4 (7.4%) and 1 (1.9%) using the reinforced and BlockBuster tubes, respectively (p = 0.003 for PVC vs. BlockBuster). The median (IQR [range]) time taken to intubate was 35 (27–45 [15–115]) s, 25 (20–27 [15–110]) s and 25 (22–30 [16–90]) s, respectively, (p < 0.001 for PVC vs. reinforced as well as PVC vs. BlockBuster). Subglottic airway injury, assessed using a fibreoptic bronchoscope after extubation, was higher with the PVC tube (p < 0.001) and the reinforced tube (p = 0.012) compared with the BlockBuster tube. We conclude that the BlockBuster tracheal tube is a better choice for orotracheal intubation with the GlideScope than PVC or reinforced tubes.
Androgen binding protein (ABP) in fluids collected from the rete testis and cauda epididymidis of sexually mature and immature rabbits and observations on morphological changes in the epididymis following ligation of the ductuli efferentes.

Fluids entering and leaving the epididymis were obtained from sexually mature and immature rabbits and examined for the presence of androgen binding protein (ABP). In mature animals and in immature animals in which fluid secretion by the testis had begun, estimated concentrations of the binding moiety in rete testis fluid were similar. In contrast, ABP concentrations in fluids from the cauda epididymidis varied considerably: in immature males the ABP concentration was much higher than that in rete testis fluid, but fell drastically to lower levels at sexual maturity. The androgen binding moiety in both fluids at both stages of development was shown to have similar specificities for steroids. The variability in ABP concentration that was observed was not a function of either the method used or of endogenous steroids present in the fluids. The histological studies suggest that the normal morphological characteristics of the proximal region of the epididymis of the maturing male rabbit are dependent upon passage of fluid of testicular origin through its lumen. Possible explanations for the differences in ABP concentration in the fluid from the cauda epididymidis of immature and adult rabbits are discussed, as are possible functions of ABP.
Does group membership matter? Evidence from the Japanese steel industry

In this study we address criticism that performance differences among strategic groups found in past research may be spurious and attributable to firm effects. The Japanese steel industry provides the setting for the study. Our analysis is based on data from the carbon steel sector of the Japanese steel industry for the periods 1980–87 and 1988–93. A one‐way ANOVA indicated that the average performance of firms in the two technology‐based groups in this industry—the integrated mills and the minimills—were significantly different during the two periods. Subsequently, we performed a regression analysis to examine the residual group effect after controlling for both environment and firm‐specific effects. We found that even after controlling for both environment and firm‐specific effects group membership was significantly associated with firm performance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relationship between Working Capital Management and Profitability: A Latvian Case

In order to ensure the financial sustainability of companies under current economic conditions successful management of current assets is crucial. In practice it is quite often observed that the decisions related to current assets management in Latvian companies are made in the short-term aspects without making analysis. Efficient management of working capital is an essential condition of rise in profitability of a company. Potentialities of working capital management in the context of efficient running of business have not been studied in Latvia up until now. The main aim of this article is to examine the effect of working capital on profitability of Latvian companies. The results of the research that has been performed in relation to Latvian manufacturing enterprises confirm the existence of a correlation [tie? ] between components of working capital and profitability. The developed regression equations meant for forecasting profitability of a company applying working capital management methods can be used by Latvian manufacturing enterprises. It follows that managers of an enterprise can forecast indexes characterizing profit, managing components of working capital and maintaining it on the optimum level.
An Assessment of the Role of Risk Management Practices in Core Banking Software Project Success: A Case of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Core Banking Software Change project in a bank is a project that is very costly and very delicate such that its success emerges the top most priority for the organization that is undergoing the change. There is need for business continuity, data integrity and customer service value addition from the product of the project. This study sought to establish the role of risk management practices towards enhancing project success in commercial banks in Kenya during Core Banking Software Change. Given its complexity, therefore, it would be paramount to establish the existing risk management practices in the local banking sector. This study sought to assess these practices with regard to risk identification, risk analysis and risk response and control. The researcher used survey research design and the target population was 14 banks that have changed their Core Banking Software in the last five years (2007-2013) based in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. A sample size of 7 banks was taken consisting of Project Managers, System Owner and Super Users as respondents. Data was the analyzed qualitatively using statistical representations such as percentages and graphs. The study revealed that most commercial banks in Kenya employ risk management practices during Core Banking Software Project implementation and most respondents believed that Risk Management is a major contributor to project success. Project success is the outcome of a personal, individual evaluation of project characteristics by each stakeholder. This may include objectively measurable characteristics such as time, money and requirements, but may also include other characteristics such as stakeholder satisfaction and the future potential of the project result (Koningsveld & Mertens, 1992). This study recommends that banks need to adopt an integrated project risk management tool to be used by the project team during the whole project cycle. This research also recommends the introduction of a prototype risk decision support tool which banks can use in decision making during the implementation of a project. These recommendations are expected to