Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Venture capital investment in China : Monitoring and value-added

This dissertation seeks to contribute to the body of literature covering the field of inter-organizational relationships of entrepreneurial firms in developing economies. More specifically, this study attempts to fill a significant gap in the research into relationships between entrepreneurial firms and their venture capital investors in China. Even though it has been recognized that social capital embedded in inter-organizational relationship may be more important in imperfect completion characterized by weak institutional support and distorted information, there is little rigorous, theory-based, empirical research that focuses on the factors influencing the monitoring and value-added that start-up companies receive from their venture capital investors in developing countries. This dissertation contributes to the literature by developing and empirically testing a model of the monitoring and the value-added mechanisms and of the factors influencing those mechanisms. Based on a review of the literature covering venture capital and related domains of research into inter-organizational relationships, this dissertation identifies formal and informal monitoring as the primary mechanism through which venture capital oversee their investees, and classifies resource and knowledge access as the major mechanisms through which venture capital investments add value to technology-based new firms beyond financing. Building on received theories, an integrated model of the monitoring and value-added mechanisms, and the factors influencing those mechanisms is developed. The model draws on the agency theory and the asymmetric information and resource-based view of the firm in order to understand the factors influencing both mechanisms. These theories are complemented by social capital theory in identifying the factors facilitating monitoring and sharing resource/knowledge across organizational boundaries. In order to test the model empirically, primary data were collected from fund managers of active Chinese venture capital using two sequential mail surveys. The primary data were complemented by archival data. The hypotheses were tested using multivariate statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling. The model and the hypotheses received support from the empirical data. This dissertation makes important contributions to the literature in the area of venture capital and inter-organizational relationships of technology-based new firms in the Chinese business environment. The findings have important practical implications for venture capital either seeking investment opportunities in China or already managing an existing investor relationship with a Chinese investee. In addition to venture capitalists, the findings have important implications for entrepreneurs.
A swarm intelligent scheme for routing in mobile ad hoc networks

The highly dynamic topology of ad hoc networks and their limited bandwidth made the routing task more difficult. Actually, various kinds of sources (such as voice, video, or data) with diverse traffic characteristics and quality of service requirements (QoS) are multiplexed at very high rates, leads to significant traffic problems such as packet losses, transmission delays, delay variations, etc, caused mainly by congestion in the networks. The prediction of these problems in real time is quite difficult, making the effectiveness of "traditional" protocols based on analytical models questionable. We propose in this paper a state of the art of this problem followed by a solution based on reinforcement learning paradigm that we find more adapted for this kind of problems.
Factors Affecting the Management of Outcome in Elderly Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Particularly with Regard to Reperfusion

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in elderly patients is often unrecognized and associated with poor prognosis. Objectives: To investigate management and efficacy of reperfusion therapy to the elderly patients with AMI. Methods: From the January 1, 2001 to October 31, 2002, 964 patients with AMI were included in the French regional RICO survey. The patients were divided into three groups: younger (<70 years old), elderly (70–79 years old) and very elderly (≧80 years old). Results: Distribution of groups was 56, 27, and 16%, respectively. The longest time delay to first request for medical attention was found in the very elderly group (30 and 55 vs. 90 min, respectively, p < 0.05). Rate of lysis fell significantly with increasing age (35, 22 and 9%, respectively, p < 0.001) but the time delay to lysis was similar for the 3 groups. The proportion of patients who benefited from primary percutaneaous transluminal coronary angioplasty decreased with age (21, 15, 11%, respectively, p < 0.001), but time delay to balloon angioplasty was similar and no difference in mortality rate was observed between the three groups after reperfusion. The incidence of in-hospital cardiovascular events (cardiogenic shock and recurrent myocardial infarction/ischemia) and in-hospital mortality increased with age (5, 13, 17%, respectively, p < 0.001). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that only ejection fraction and Killip >1 were independent predictive factors for in-hospital cardiovascular mortality, respectively (OR 5.15, 95% CI 2.08–12.74, p < 0.0001 and OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.90–7.65, p < 0.0001), whereas age, sex, diabetes and anterior location were not significant. Conclusion: Our data in an unselected population indicate that very elderly patients were characterized by increased pre-hospital delays and less frequent utilization of reperfusion therapy, although no difference in the mortality in reperfused patients could be observed between the three age groups.
Islamic Social Reporting Of Listed Companies In Malaysia

The resurgence of Islam to a loftier pedestal as a way of life opened up an additional dimension to financial reporting to stakeholders. Muslim decision-makers expect corporations to include additional information in their reports to enable them to exercise prudence, both from economics and Islamic jurisprudence point of views. Based on the Islamic theoretical foundation of social accountability and full disclosure, Muslim business owners - or in this study, the shariah-approved companies, must prove that they are operating under Islamic laws. The Islamic capital market has developed at such a rapid pace that the shariah-approved companies are beginning to present a religious aspect to their financial statements by disclosing the fulfilment of its obligations in line with the shariah, like zakat, sadaqa, wages and compensation, and the conduct of business activities within a halal environment; hence, the need for Islamic Social Reporting (ISR). This study attempted to measure the extent of ISR as practiced by shariah-approved Malaysian companies listed in Bursa Malaysia in their annual reports. The study led to a conclusion on the degree of accountability on the part of the companies by way of their conformity to shariah. Based on the descriptive statistics of the disclosure index, it can be concluded that the extent of ISR in the annual report of selected companies is considered minimal.
Accumulating and Spending Retirement Assets: A Behavioral Finance Explanation

Increasing uncertainty surrounding social security benefits and public sector pension plans is pushing retirement savings into the spotlight. This study finds that education, financial discipline, and financial sophistication increase the likelihood of participating in a pension or an IRA/Keogh plan. Financial distress decreases the likelihood of setting aside additional funds in an IRA/Keogh plan. Further, the likelihood that an eligible individual will decline an offered pension plan decreases with education and financial discipline and financial sophistication. Controlling for health and marital status, the choice to annuitize retirement assets decreases with age and the desire to take risk. © 2013 Academy of Financial Services. All rights reserved. JEL classifications: D14 (Personal Finance); D91 (Intertemporal Consumer Choice: Life Cycle Models and Saving); Gil (Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions)
Refined Statistical Analysis of Evolution Approaches for Wireless Networks

To meet future traffic and data rate demands, operators have the opportunity to select between a variety of network evolution approaches. This paper presents a new method for evaluating such approaches, in a simple yet operator specific way. The novelty of the method lies in that, with limited complexity, it takes into account not only conventional dimensioning parameters like targeted user experience, average traffic demand, user density and cell sizes, but also three dimensional spatial user and traffic distribution, site specific propagation, and deployment strategies. This is enabled through the use of an explicit city model, capturing the main characteristics of the operators environment. Applying the method to two examples of different cities illustrates the influence of the refinement parameters and their impact on the benefits of two evolution approaches: macro densification and deployment of small cells.
Market Response to Mandatory Pre-Earnings-Announcements - Evidence from Ad-Hoc Disclosures in Germany

In this study, we examine the market reaction to ad hoc disclosures, a form of early disclosure unique to Germany, associated with periodic financial reports using data from the German stock market for the period 2003--2009. Although the immediate release of ad hoc disclosures is mandatory if subsequent periodic reports contain significant surprises, a considerable number of these disclosures is published on the same date as the corresponding report. While ad hoc disclosures, in general, lead to larger market reactions than periodic reports, results indicate that the majority of contemporaneous ad hoc disclosures are less important. An analysis of earnings surprises shows that market reaction to a similar earnings surprise is larger when the information is communicated through an ad hoc disclosure than when through a regular periodic report. We interpret a stronger market reaction as perceived higher persistence of the earnings surprise. Investigating the announcement timing, our analysis suggests that positive news that has persistent impact on future earnings is more likely to be announced early via ad hoc disclosure, while permanent disappointments tend to be announced with a delay.
'JUST IN TIME' INFORMATION FOR PERFORMANCE BASED SYSTEMS

One of the major problems in implementing performance contracting is the identification of selection performance criteria and the enormity of the amount of performance information required to guarantee performance. Every construction project has unique requirements. To have an efficient information system, the amount of information required to minimize risk makes a performance contracting process seen uneconomical in terms of cost and time. This research proposes that a “Just-intime” approach to information that has been very successful in the manufacturing supply chain area can be used in construction performance based contracting. In conjunction with the concepts of information measurement theory (IMT), where the information system minimizes the amount of data, where the data is refined instead of the processor, and where decisions are minimized and used to delegate responsibility, the “just in time” concept would minimize the need for complex modeling, excessive information gathering, and decision making and minimum standards. The research uses the results of over 300 tests of the Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) to support the theoretical hypothesis of “Just-in-time” Information. The research proposes that the concepts of performance information may be more effective than complex modeling and extensive database systems in minimizing risk and producing performing construction.
Internet Price Discrimination, Self-Regulation, Public Policy and Global Electronic Commerce

The Internet as a medium for commerce is only in the beginning stages of development. Already there are a proliferation of entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies alike trying to gain market share and brand name recognition while Internet commerce is still in its infancy. This early stage of Internet commerce involves experimentation of strategy and pricing to determine how to best position oneself for future profits. It is too early to tell whether Internet commerce today is representative of a market anomaly or is indicative of the future. Regardless, there are some unique aspects about the Internet which make it an excellent marketplace to test economic theory. Internet commerce may reduce market friction. While it is difficult to formulate such a hypothesis in a testable form, this paper uses transaction cost economics, game theory, and menu costs to describe how a reduction in market friction may impact commerce on the Internet. The paper outlines four testable hypotheses and presents the results from an exploratory data set of over 30,000 observations to show that there may be more friction in Internet commerce than anticipated. Specifically, no data was found to support the hypotheses of pure price competition. However, there was data to support the hypothesis that reduced menu costs allow for more frequent price changes. Specifically, menu costs may be reduced to the point where prices can be rendered and changed dynamically. The ability to change prices dynamically for price discrimination purposes is the focus of this paper. The paper describes why price discrimination is attractive to Internet retailers and how they can implement such a system. The paper then describes market features in the absence of regulation which may ensure protection of consumer surplus. Finally, the paper explores ways in which regulation can prevent Internet retailers from price discriminating both from self-regulation and government regulation perspectives. The paper concludes with a discussion of the drawbacks of federal or global policies at this time and recommends self-regulation of the industry along with market forces to keep price discrimination practices at bay. Internet Price Discrimination 1
Early Life Stress, Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Alcohol Use Disorders

Stress is a major driving force in alcohol use disorders (AUDs). It influences how much one consumes, craving intensity and whether an abstinent individual will return to harmful alcohol consumption. We are most vulnerable to the effects of stress during early development, and exposure to multiple traumatic early life events dramatically increases the risk for AUDs. However, not everyone exposed to early life stress will develop an AUD. The mechanisms determining whether an individual’s brain adapts and becomes resilient to the effects of stress or succumbs and is unable to cope with stress remain elusive. Emerging evidence suggests that neuroplastic changes in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) following early life stress underlie the development of AUDs. This review discusses the impact of early life stress on NAc structure and function, how these changes affect cholinergic signaling within the mesolimbic reward pathway and the role nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play in this process. Understanding the neural pathways and mechanism determining stress resilience or susceptibility will improve our ability to identify individuals susceptible to developing AUDs, formulate cognitive interventions to prevent AUDs in susceptible individuals and to elucidate and enhance potential therapeutic targets, such as the nAChRs, for those struggling to overcome an AUD.
Avirulent, urease-deficient Helicobacter pylori colonizes gastric epithelial explants ex vivo.

BACKGROUND Urease-negative Helicobacter pylori generated by insertional mutagenesis fails to colonize gnotobiotic piglets, and this effect is largely independent of gastric pH. The purpose of this study was to determine whether urease-negative H. pylori colonized gastric explants ex vivo. METHODS Gastric mucosal explants derived from neonatal germ-free piglets were inoculated with either wild-type H. pylori or one of two mutants derived by insertional mutagenesis. RESULTS All three bacterial strains colonized explants. The level of colonization increased over the duration of the experiment, reaching 10(8)-10(9) cfu/g gastric mucosa by 72 h after inoculation. Morphologic evidence of colonization was similar to that observed in gnotobiotic piglets. CONCLUSIONS Colonization of explants was not affected by lack of urease. These results contrast with previous findings showing that urease activity is essential for colonization of piglets by H. pylori. Thus, urease-dependent colonization is dependent on an intact gastric microenvironment.
Google Glass While Driving

Is it legal to use Google Glass while driving? Most states ban texting while driving and a large number also forbid drivers from being able to see television and video screens. But do these statutes apply to Google Glass? Google advises users to check their states’ law and to “Read up and follow the law! ” Yet, laws designed for a tangible world are very difficult to apply to virtual screens projected by futuristic wearable technology. In short order, however, police and prosecutors across the country will be called upon to apply outdated distracted driving laws to Google Glass. This article describes how the plain language of most distracted driving statutes is not broad enough to reach Google Glass. Moreover, even statutes that arguably forbid drivers from “using” Glass are practically unenforceable because drivers could easily claim the devices were turned off or that they were being used for lawful functions – such as phone calls or GPS directions – that are allowed under texting while driving statutes. The lack of a clear prohibition on Google Glass while driving is troublesome. Social science evidence demonstrates that using hands-free devices while driving creates “cognitive tunnel vision” that drastically reduces drivers’ mental focus on the road. After analyzing the nation’s distracted driving laws and reviewing the social science evidence, this article proposes a statutory framework for effectively banning Google Glass while driving.
Endothelial progenitor cells: characterization, pathophysiology, and possible clinical relevance

Bone marrow and peripheral blood of adults contain a special sub‐type of progenitor cells which are able to differentiate into mature endothelial cells, thus contributing to re‐endothelialization and neo‐vascularization. These angiogenic cells have properties of embryonal angioblasts and were termed endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In general, three surface markers (CD133, CD34 and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2) characterize the early functional angioblast, located predominantly in the bone marrow. Later, when migrating to the systemic circulation EPCs gradually lose their progenitor properties and start to express endothelial marker like VE‐cadherin, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and von Willebrand factor. The number of circulating EPCs in healthy subjects is rather low and a variety of conditions or factors may further influence this number. In the context of possible therapeutic application of EPCs recent clinical studies employing these cells for neo‐vascularization of ischemic organs have just been published. However, the specificity of the observed positive clinical effects, the mechanisms regulating the differentiation of EPCs and their homing to sites of injured tissue remain partially unknown at present.
Mutation of the Bacillus subtilis alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (ahpCF) operon reveals compensatory interactions among hydrogen peroxide stress genes

In Bacillus subtilis, hydrogen peroxide induces the synthesis of catalase (KatA), alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AhpCF), and a DNA-binding protein of the Dps family (MrgA). KatA, AhpCF, heme biosynthesis enzymes, and MrgA are also induced upon entry into stationary phase under conditions of iron and manganese limitation. In an effort to define the peroxide regulon repressor, PerR, we used mini-Tn10 mutagenesis to identify loci affecting the regulation of mrgA. From this screen, we isolated two mini-Tn10 insertions in ahpC, the gene encoding the small subunit of AhpCF, that increase the transcription of mrgA-lacZ even in iron-supplemented minimal medium. Indeed, these ahpC::Tn10 insertions lead to elevated expression from all peroxide regulon promoters, including those for mrgA, katA, hemAXCDBL, and ahpCF. As a result, the ahpC::Tn10 mutants display an increased resistance to H2O2. The ahpCF promoter region contains three sequences similar to the peroxide regulon consensus operator (per box). We demonstrate that the ability of ahpC::Tn10 mutations to derepress mrgA requires aerobic growth. In contrast, a second distinct trans-acting regulatory mutation bypasses this requirement for aerobic growth. Since the peroxide regulon is activated in the absence of AhpCF, which degrades alkyl hydroperoxides, we propose that organic hydroperoxides may be physiologically relevant inducers in vivo.
Retailer adoption of the Internet – Implications for retail marketing

To date, most of the commentary on the impact of the Internet on retail marketing has been anecdotal, offering exaggerated speculative forecasts of its future potential. One view contends that the Internet will become a major new retail format, replacing the traditional dominance of fixed location stores. However, little academic research exists to either disprove or support the claims of Internet penetration by retailers. Seeks to redress the balance by presenting a comprehensive and rigorous review of UK retailer Internet activities. A sampling frame of 1,099 UK retail multiples was used, and each Web site individually inspected to categorise the range of marketing functions and services offered. The findings indicated that, despite the hype, the majority of retail organisations surveyed have not yet registered a Web site address. Moreover, of those retail organisations that have developed a Web site, the vast majority are using it primarily as a communication tool to promote corporate or product information to Internet users, rather than to support direct sales. In conclusion, summarises the implications of these current levels of Internet activity for the future of retail marketing.
Government Promotion of the Electric Car: Risk Management or Industrial Policy?

There are two prominent motivations for why governments seek to promote the electric car: risk management and industrial policy. This article provides operational definitions of these two motivations and uses them to characterize the public policies of six political jurisdictions: California, China, the European Union, France, Germany, and the United States. The article finds that while the European Union is focused primarily on risk management, China, Germany and the United States are primarily engaged in industrial policy. California and France are intermediate cases with a substantial blend of industrial policy and risk management. Future research into the ramifications of industrial policy for liberalized international trade is recommended.
Ponomarenko Synchronization of 0 . 1 Hz Oscillations in Heart Rate and Blood Pressure : Application to Treatment of Myocardial Infarction Patients

Synchronization between 0.1 Hz oscillations in heart rate and blood pressure is studied and its change during vertical tilt is evaluated in 37 myocardial infarction patients. Two groups of patients are identified with decreased and increased, respectively, synchronization of the studied oscillations as a response to a tilt test. It is shown that assessment of synchronization of 0.1 Hz oscillations as a response to vertical tilt can be used as a guideline for selecting optimal dose of beta-blocker treatment in post-myocardial infarction patients. Keywords—Cardiovascular system, heart rate variability, synchronization.