Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New product development in Malaysia: does organizational background really matter?

New Product Development (NPD) is vital in assisting Research and Development (R&D) based organizations to adapt to the changes in markets and technology for competitive advantage. Ensuring the success of new products and optimization of new product performance is critical and essential for Research and Development based organizations. Hence, this study is carried out to explore does organizational background in term of company’s ownership (i.e. local or multinational companies) and operational scales (i.e. number of Research and Development staffs) affect NPD performance of Research and Development companies in Malaysia. In line with this, 8 New Product Development performance attributes were identified from literature review. These attributes were subsequently formulated into a survey questionnaire and responded by 186 respondents. Thereafter, the effect of organizational ownership and operational scale toward NPD performance are examined separately via Independent Sample t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Finding from the study revealed that the level of NPD performance in multinational R&D companies is higher than local R&D companies. Findings from this research also implied that NPD performance can be further improved by increasing number of R&D staffs.
Exact Tests for Interaction in Several 2 × 2 Tables

Abstract The investigation of interaction in a series of 2 × 2 tables is warranted in a variety of research endeavors. Though many large-sample approaches for such investigations are available, the exact analysis of the problem has been formulated for the probability statistic only. We present several alternative statistics applicable in this context. We also give an efficient polynomial multiplication algorithm to compute exact distributions and tail areas for the family of stratum-additive statistics. Besides the probability statistic, these include the score, likelihood ratio, and other statistics. In addition to comparing, in empirical terms, the diverse computational strategies for exact interaction analysis, we also explore the theoretical linkages between them. Data from published papers are used for illustration.
What Type of Finance Matters for Growth? Bayesian Model Averaging Evidence

This paper examines the effect of finance on long-term economic growth using Bayesian model averaging to address model uncertainty in cross-country growth regressions. The literature largely focuses on financial indicators that assess the financial depth of banks and stock markets. These indicators are examined jointly with newly developed indicators that assess the stability and efficiency of financial markets. Once the finance-growth regressions are subjected to model uncertainty,the results suggest that commonly used indicators of financial development are not robustly related to long-term growth. However, the findings from the global sample indicate that one newly developed indicator -- the efficiency of financial intermediaries -- is robustly related to long-term growth.
Results of the Mount Stromlo Abell cluster supernova search

We report the results of the Mount Stromlo Abell cluster supernova search, a three-year project to find supernovae (SNe) in a well-defined sample of high-density, southern Abell clusters with redshifts 0.02 ≤ z ≤ 0.08. The search discovered 48 SNe, 23 of which were consistent with SNe of type Ia (SNIa). Of these, 15 were spectroscopically classified SNIa, with the remaining 8 SNe tentatively classified as SNIa via the goodness of fit of the template light curves. This paper describes the methods employed to produce the light curves for the SNe discovered during the Mount Stromlo Abell cluster supernova search. We derive the redshift-independent distances to the SNIa from the search, as well as a large sample of other well-observed SNIa taken from the literature via a modified Δm 15 template light curve fitting technique. This technique and the problems encountered in using it are described in detail. We construct a Hubble diagram for SNIa and show that our data with z < 0.2 are consistent with an accelerating universe. Using current Cepheid HST calibrations, we estimate that the value of the Hubble constant lies between 53 < H 0 < 83 km -1 s -1 Mpc -1 , with the large spread almost entirely due to possible systematic errors in the Cepheid calibration.
The Role of Informational Rents: Network Utilities and Vertical Structure

This paper presents a theoretical assessment of the efficiency implications of alternative vertical structures in an industry characterized by a natural monopoly, vertically related to potentially competitive markets (network utilities). Based on the incomplete contracts and asymmetric information paradigm, I show that the monopoly’s informational rents vary according to the vertical structure of the industry. This, in turn changes the relative advantages of these alternative structures in terms of their allocative and productive inefficiencies. The main policy conclusion of this paper is that the existence of conglomerates in network industries matters. This paper’s contribution is that its exploration of the issue does not assume that monopolies behave in an uncompetitive fashion toward their rivals, as is common in the literature on this subject. This paper, therefore, offers an economic rationale for vertical separation.
Nearest neighbor classification in infinite dimension

Let X be a random element in a metric space (F,d) , and let Y be a random variable with value 0 or 1 . Y is called the class, or the label, of X . Let (Xi ,Yi )1 ≤ i ≤ n be an observed i.i. d. sample having the same law as (X,Y) . The problem of classification is to predict the label of a new random element X . The k -nearest neighbor classifier is the simple following rule: look at the k nearest neighbors of X in the trial sample and choose 0 or 1 for its label according to the majority vote. When , Stone (1977) proved in 1977 the universal consistency of this classifier: its probability of error converges to the Bayes error, whatever the distribution of (X,Y) . We show in this paper that this result is no longer valid in general metric spaces. However, if (F,d) is separable and if some regularity condition is assumed, then the k -nearest neighbor classifier is weakly consistent.
The Global Histone Modification Patterns of Osteosarcoma

Background: Epigenetic alteration may affect a patient’s prognosis by altering the development and progression of the tumor. Some recent reports have identified a correlation between histone modification and patient outcome. However, no studies have been conducted on global histone modification in osteosarcomas. Methods: We investigated histone modification in 54 cases of osteosarcoma by performing immunohistochemical staining. The immunohistochemical expression of four histone modification markers, acetylated H4 lysine 12 (H4K12Ac), acetylated H3 ly sine 18, trimethylated H3 lysine 27, and dimethylated H3 lysine 4 were evaluated. Results: High H4K12Ac expression was correlated with patient age (p= 0.011). However, the other histone modification markers showed no correlation with any of the clinicopathological data such as survival, tumor grade, tumor site, metastasis, age, or gender. Conclusions: Our study showed that all four histone modification markers are expressed in osteosarcoma (median expression rate, 40 to 60%). However, we did not find a correlation with the clinicopathological factors except for age. Further study to evaluate the reason for the association between H4K12Ac and patient age is needed.
Cross-national differences in happiness: Cultural measurement bias or effect of culture?

The number of cross-national research studies on happiness is soaring, but doubts about the comparability of happiness between countries remain. One source of doubt is the possibility of cultural measurement bias. Another source of doubt is in the theory that happiness is culturally relative. These qualms were checked using the available data on differences in average happiness across nations. It appears that happiness can be compared across nations and used as an indicator of how well people thrive in a society.
Scale interactions near the foothills of Himalayas during CAIPEEX

[1] Scale interactions associated with small scale (<100 km) dynamics might play a crucial role in the distribution of aerosol in the Himalayan foothills region. Turbulence measurements from a horizontal flight path during Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement EXperiment (CAIPEEX) are used to illustrate the scale interactions in the vertically sheared flow below the high-level subtropical westerly jet, which is important in the transport of pollution. Data analysis reveals the three dimensional property of large eddies that scale 10–12 km near the slopes, which could bring pollution from the valley to the Tibetan Plateau through a circulation adhering to the slopes. This circulation has a subsidence region away from the slopes and may also contribute to the buildup of pollution in elevated layers over the Plains. The vertical velocity and temperature spectra from research flight data showed clear indications of (−5/3) slope in the mesoscale range. The isotropic behavior of the velocity spectra was noticed for cloud-free traverses, while this behavior is distorted for cloudy conditions with the enhancement of energy at smaller scales as well as with low frequency gravity wave generation. A high-resolution cloud allowing model simulation over the flight path is used to examine the representation of these dynamical interactions in the numerical model. Based on the analysis of observational data and model inferences, a conceptual understanding of the flow in the region close to the foot hills and its role in the distribution of aerosol and cloud condensation nuclei is presented.
Shareholders’ reaction to Corporate Social Responsibility issues: An event-study of CSR announcements on stock prices

This study examines whether shareholders are sensitive to corporations corporate social responsibility announcements. Using the event study methodology and applying it to 234 events of 66 US publicly traded companies in the time period from 2011 to 2016, we try to answer the question whether it is worthwhile for companies to implement social responsible corporate activities into corporation policy. Specifically, we conduct a short-term event study and use the Carhart four-factor model in order to calculate cumulative abnormal returns for the event windows [-1,0], [-1,1] and [-1,2]. Our findings suggest that CSR has a significant effect on capital markets, particularly, negative events decrease stock prices significantly whereas positive events have no significant positive impact. Furthermore, shareholders value offsetting CSR which regard positive CSR news for companies with a history of low CSR-performance. Companies with a history of high CSR-performance however are less penalised for CSR non-conforming behaviour, which suggests that the implementation of effective CSR principles can minimise the effect feared for negative CSR announcements. We therefore conclude that it is worthwhile for companies to invest in CSR. (Less)
Is Vague Valid? The Comparative Predictive Validity of Vague Quantifiers and Numeric Response Options

A number of surveys, including many student surveys, rely on vague quantifiers to measure behaviors important in evaluation. The ability of vague quantifiers to provide valid information, particularly compared to other measures of behaviors, has been questioned both within both survey research generally and educational research specifically. Still, there is a dearth of research on whether vague quantifiers or numeric responses perform better in regards to validity. This study examines measurement properties of frequency estimation questions through the assessment of predictive validity, which has also been shown to be important in examining measurement properties of competing question formats. Data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), a preeminent survey of university students, is analyzed, in which two psychometrically tested benchmark scales, active and collaborative learning and student-faculty interaction, are measured through both vague quantifier and numeric responses. Predictive validity is assessed through correlations and regression models relating both vague and numeric scales to grades in school and two education experience satisfaction measures. Results support the view that the predictive validity is higher for vague quantifier scales, and hence better measurement properties, compared to numeric responses. These results are discussed in light of other findings on measurement properties of vague quantifiers and numeric responses, suggesting that vague quantifiers may be a useful measurement tool for behavioral data, particularly when it is the relationship between variables that are of interest.
The stability of antigorite in the systems MgO-SiO2-H2O (MSH) and MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O (MASH): The effects of Al3+ substitution on high-pressure stability

Abstract The high-pressure stability of antigorite in the systems MSH and MASH was investigated using two structurally and chemically well-constrained natural samples. Careful sample selection and characterization ensured that the only significant difference between the samples was Al content, one sample being essentially Al free, and the other containing 3.06(2) wt% Al2O3. In the system MSH, the reaction antigorite = forsterite + clinoenstatite + water was bracketed, under water-saturated conditions, between 630 and 650 °C at 1.6 GPa, between 620 and 660 °C at 2.5 GPa, between 620 and 660 °C at 3.9 GPa, and between 4.5 and 5.0 GPa at 520 °C. In the system MASH, the reaction antigorite = forsterite + clinoenstatite + chlorite + water was bracketed, under water-saturated conditions, between 660 and 700 °C at 2.0 GPa, between 660 and 680 °C at 2.9 GPa, and between 5.0 and 5.5 GPa at 600 °C. At pressures above 5.8 GPa, intersection of this reaction with the reaction chlorite + clinoenstatite = pyrope + forsterite + water leads to an additional reaction whereby the Al component of the antigorite is transferred to pyrope upon antigorite breakdown. The addition of a few weight percent Al2O3 into antigorite is shown to stabilize the antigorite structure to significantly higher temperatures and pressures, possibly by minimizing structural misfit among the component octahedral and tetrahedral sheets. This effect partially explains the considerable discrepancies noted between previous studies on the stability of antigorite at high pressure. In addition, antigorite breakdown in the system MASH transfers a significant volume of water to chlorite-bearing assemblages, thereby greatly increasing the range of temperatures over which water is tied up in hydrous phases relative to the system MSH.
The Influence of Age On Entrepreneurial Processes

Age was selected in order to investigate to what extent entrepreneurs in Germany tend to choose effectuation and causation in going through entrepreneurial process steps. Using data generated among university students from Germany no evidence was found that age has any influence on the decision to what extent effectual or causal approaches in entrepreneurial processes are chosen. Moreover, third factors such as the gender of a person could not be demonstrated as a potential influence on decision-making in entrepreneurial processes.
Confidence of accountants in applying international financial reporting standards

Research on how accountants could increase their confidence in interpreting and applying International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is lacking. This study examines whether the accuracy of judgments made by accountants varies as a consequence of their level of confidence, and whether their confidence in exercising judgments could be enhanced by greater familiarity with IFRS. The results of the study support that accountants who are more confident make judgments that better reflect the economic substance of a transaction than accountants who are less confident. The results further indicate that familiarity with IFRS enhances the confidence of accountants and the most accurate judgments are made by those accountants who are not only familiar with IFRS but also have confidence in their judgments.
An experimental test of the effects of online and face-to-face feedback on self-esteem

This study investigated the effect of receiving confirming vs. disconfirming feedback to individuals’ self-disclosure on their self-esteem, the role of giving reciprocal feedback in this relationship, and how these effects differ between online and face-to-face communication. Using a two (communication mode: online vs. face-to-face) by two (feedback valence: confirming vs. disconfirming) between-subjects experiment, we found that feedback had a significant indirect effect on self-esteem, through the receiver’s reciprocal feedback. This indirect effect of feedback differed in online communication from offline: In online communication, participants reciprocated negative feedback when they received it, more than in face-to-face communication. The reciprocal feedback enhanced their self-esteem in online communication, but not in face-to-face communication. Although people tend to respond more negatively to negative comments in online conversations, the process, overall, boosts rather than hinders their self-esteem.
Relationship Between Teacher ICT Competency and Teacher Acceptance and Use of School Management System (SMS)

This study aims to examine the relationship between teacher ICT competency and teacher acceptance and use of SMS in Negeri Sembilan secondary schools. This is a non-experimental quantitative research using survey technique through the administration of a set of questionnaire that comprised teacher demographic variables, teacher ICT competency and teacher acceptance and use of SMS. There are 417 returned questionnaires have been analyzed. The findings showed that teachers in Negeri Sembilan secondary schools rated themselves to have high level of ICT competency, and acceptance and use of SMS. Furthermore, data indicated that there was statistically significant positive correlation which is moderately strong between teacher ICT competency and teacher acceptance and use of SMS. In addition, the multiple regression analysis showed that smart pedagogy, professional growth and leadership, and digital citizenship being the three teacher ICT competency dimensions that are statistically significant predictors of teacher acceptance and use of SMS. The fitness indexes of the proposed structural model do not achieve the level of fitness required for RMSEA, GFI, and Ratio Chisq/df. Thus, a re-specified structural model was established for this study.
A high-extraction-efficiency nanopatterned organic light-emitting diode

To improve light extraction from organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), we introduced a photonic crystal pattern into the glass substrate of an OLED. The periodic modulation converts the guided waves in the high-refractive-index indium-tin-oxide/organic layers into external leaky waves. We used the finite-difference time-domain method to optimize the structural parameters of the photonic crystal pattern and to analyze the microcavity effect by the metallic cathode of the OLED. With the use of an optimized photonic crystal pattern, an increase of over 80% in the extraction efficiency of the OLED is expected theoretically. An increase in the extraction efficiency of over 50% was achieved experimentally, without detriment to the crucial electrical properties of the OLED.
A method to predict the load-displacement relationship of ground anchors

According to results from measurements of stress obtained by tests of the ground anchor, the relation between skin frictional stress of the anchorage bulb and its displacement is non-linear, and the axial force distribution range of the anchorage bulb expands gradually towards the tip due to increase of the load.In order to explain such behavior of the ground anchor, we have proposed a formula, which gives the load-displacement relationship of the ground anchor, by assuming an elasto-plastic model of skin frictional stress-displacement relation at a point on the anchorage bulb. Moreover, in order to apply this formula to actual cases, we have analysed numerous data from anchor tests conducted on the site and we have examined the load-displacement relationship, the distribution of axial force, and various ground constants included in the formula. As a result, we have found out a mutual relationship between the ground contants and the N value of the standard penetration test.Therefore, if N value is given as result of the soil investigation, it will be possible to predict the load-displacement relationship of the ground anchor.
Effect of Storage and Processing Temperatures on Honey Quality

The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of heating a nd storage conditions on the diastase number , invertase number and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in three types of Iraqi honey from (Haj - U mran, S h aqlawa and Sedacan) . Average values of the physico - chemical characteristics of fresh honey were as follows : HMF 3.916 mg/Kg, diastase number 17.66 , invertase number 17.27 , p roline 707 mg/Kg, reducing sugar 64.59 %, sucrose 5.07 %, moisture 17.593 %, ash 0.204 %, pH 3.9 , total acidity 28.763 mg/Kg and E.C. 0.287 ms/cm. The three types of honey were heated a t 55,65,75 ◦ C for 5,15,20,25 minutes then the h oney samples were left to room temperature(2 0 - 23 ◦ C) and stored at this ambient temperature for 2 6 weeks to be assessed. The changes in the HMF, diastase number , invertase content were observed. Heating treatment applied to honey did not effect on diastase number and invertase , except the effect storage time. While , HMF content of honey samples affected significantly from storage time and heating.