Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Integrative Sales Growth Model for Small Enterprises in Sri Lanka : Path Analysis Approach

Small enterprises are increasingly playing an important role in Sri Lanka. However, little is known about the determinants of small enterprise growth in this context. 17te purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the factors in different dimensions influencing small enterprise growth in Sri Lanka. Based on an analysis of data from 97 owner-managers of small manufac­ turing enterprises located in Colombo district, the researcher developed an imegrative sales growth model that suggests how human capital, social capital, access to external resources and internal capabilities & business structure directly and! or indirectly influence the sales growth of small en­ terprises. Results of path analysis suggested that three human capital variables namely : training with work experience in same field, technical and professional education and education with ex­ perience in government sector indirectly affect small emerprises sales growth through other in­ termediate variables. Three social capital variables namely : organizational network with network maintenance and resources sharing with SEs and supportive network with financial institutes have significant direct positive effect on sales growth. The direct and indirect effects of access to exter­ nal resources variables on sales growth are not so strong. Only one variable in internal capabili­ ties & business structure dimension, namely innovation and imitation has positive direct effects on sales growth.
Electric Power System Operation: A Petri Net Approach for Modeling and Control

In this paper the operation of electric power system is treated as a discrete event system and a Petri Net is used as formal tool to achieve it. Each component of power system is modelled as a single Petri Net and the complete model is reached by composition of these single Petri Nets. Properties such as: parallelism, conflict, concurrency and others are used to study the operation of the modelled system. In this study are detected undesired behaviors on the dynamics of system. The theory of supervisory control is used to avoid these undesired behaviors forcing the system to have a controlled behavior. To obtain a controlled system a set of constraint are modelled by linear inequalities and the systems is forced to obey it. A case study application is presented to illustrate the proposed model here.
The relationship between liquidity and the company size with company value in companies listed onthe Tehran Stock Exchange

The aim of this paper is to study the relationship between liquidity and size of the company with the value of the company in companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. The financial information of 100 companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange during the time span of 2007 to 2011 has been studied. For the purpose of data analysis obtained from the study Spss 20 & Eviews 7 software have been used and the results indicate that there is no significant relationship (p<0.05) between stock risk and the size of the company with stock return and between the size of the company and the value of the company. Also, the results indicate that there is a direct and significant relationship (p<0.05) between market value and liquidity volume as well as there is a significant and positive relationship between liquidity volume and stock return. Normal 0 false false false RU X-NONE X-NONE
Drivers of Trade Promotion Receptiveness: The Role of Relationship and Trade Promotion Satisfaction

Trade promotions are widely practiced but sparingly researched. Retailers prefer trade promotions that provide short-term economic benefits; vendors prefer those that provide long-term, franchise-building benefits. This research develops and tests a model of trade promotion receptiveness by retailers, using data collected from senior executives from a broad swath of the retail industry. Both promotion satisfaction and relationship satisfaction with the vendor play important roles in trade deal receptiveness. Vendors could increase relationship satisfaction by emphasizing benevolence and enhance promotional satisfaction by improving their trade promotion management systems and processes.
Exploring Online Sales Promotions in the Hospitality Industry

In this study, a cognitive–affective–conative multidimensional model was hypothesized to incorporate all elements of how and why hotel customers utilize sales promotions offered over the Internet. The proposed model incorporates various facets related to customers' exploitation of online sales promotions and focuses on the relationship between hotel customers' beliefs, attitude, and purchasing behavior. The model fit was tested through structural equation modelling analysis (SEM) and results indicated significant support for the hypothesized paths. The suggested pattern appears to influence behavior towards online promotion deals, and certain trait variables had considerable impact on the process.
Bandwidth study of a dual band PIFA on a fixed substrate for wireless communication

A dual band PIFA (planar inverted "F" antenna) is designed for the 800 MHz band (824-894 MHz) and 1900 MHz band (1850-1990 MHz) that are the current US carrier frequency bands for mobile service. The PIFA has a J-shaped slot on a fixed substrate. The ground plane size has very small variation. The substrate is 10 mm thick with a dielectric constant of 2.25. The ground plane area is 3 times the area of the PIFA. A coaxial feed is used in the numerical simulation (Ansoft HFSS). Bandwidth enhancement for both bands is investigated.
Leukapheresis and pathogenetic mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic, usually progressive inflammatory disorder of joints in which the immune system plays a central role in the pathogenesis. In its classic form, the synovial tissues from severely affected joints are densely infiltrated with HLA‐DR bearing T‐lymphocytes (primarily OKT4+/Leu3+subset) and macrophage‐like cells. Moreover, these tissues, as demonstrated by ex vivo culture, spontaneously produce high levels of a multitude of inflammatory mediators, such as collagenase, PGE2, interleukin 1 and fibroblast activating factors, indicating that the cells infiltrating the synovium are “activated”. The action of these various inflammatory mediators on different target substances or cells (collagen, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, osteoclasts, etc.) most likely produce the characteristic pattern of joint pathology. Recent data indicate that this classic form of synovitis tends to be associated with peripheral anergy and other qualitative and quantitative abnormalities in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Repeated leukapheresis can induce substantial, although transient, clinical improvement in patients with these classic features, probably as a consequence of disrupting T‐lymphocyte traffic.
The Viability of Industry in Industrial Cluster: Still Hopes for Growth

Globalization and competitiveness are realities that must be faced by small and medium industry today. Government in the implementation process of the industrial development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), should see this reality and be a decisive consideration in any policy to be issued, as well as a paradigm that must be faced by any country in implementing industrialization process. Industry cluster in Indonesia is one of the policies adopted by the government in promoting small and medium industries. Survival and the success of an industrial cluster is dependent in part on whether the industry in the cluster have the power to live. This study aims to analyze the internal and external factors that affect the viability of industry, in order to get a model study of how to improve the viability of industry in the industrial cluster. These factors are age of maturity, product diversity, macroeconomic stability that affected the business climate, and government regulation. Population of research consists of entrepreneurs in the garment and metal centers in Small and Medium Industry “PIK Pulogadung”, East Jakarta, Indonesia. Regression model was chosen to measure the influence of independent variables affecting the viability of the industry in the cluster. The results showed that all independent variables significantly affect the viability of industry in the cluster, unless government regulation variable. The study revealed that 61% of variation data viability of industry is explained by independent variables, indicated by the R2. Government regulation was not affected significantly in this study, needs to get more attention. We know that operational of industrial cluster was managed by the local government cluster. In this cluster, government regulation is not significant, due to the lack of facilitation of production/promotion.
Extended-release acetylsalicylic acid for secondary prevention of stroke and cardiovascular events

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aspirin has been the bedrock of antiplatelet treatment strategies for the secondary prevention of recurrent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events for the last 3 decades. The limitations of standard aspirin therapy include bleeding, gastrotoxicity, and loss of antiplatelet effect over a 24-hour period in selected high-risk patients. An extended-release (ER) aspirin formulation, Durlaza® (New Haven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., North Haven, CT), has been developed to address some of the latter limitations and may provide an alternative to standard aspirin in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Areas covered: We searched articles describing the use aspirin for secondary prevention of stroke and cardiovascular events in PubMed published until May 2016. This is a comprehensive review which describes active- and placebo-controlled clinical trials, overview of American and European recommendations, controversies surrounding standard aspirin use, and a description of pharmacodynamics of standard and extended release aspirin formulations. Expert commentary: Available data indicates an increased bleeding risk with the use of standard aspirin therapy in conjunction with potent P2Y12 receptor blockers, and/or oral anticoagulants. Trials evaluating the efficacy of replacing aspirin with a low-dose oral anticoagulant in patients with stable cardiovascular disease or acute coronary syndrome are ongoing. Future studies are warranted to determine if the use of ER-ASA formulation may obviate safety concerns surrounding standard aspirin therapy.
Information Transparency, Corporate Governance, And Convertible Bonds

Information transparency is a popular topic in capital markets. A firm’s corporate governance policy, which influences its disclosure behavior and disclosure quality, influences the information transparency perceived in relation to that firm. It was previously understood that greater information asymmetry between investors and issuers/underwriters translates into a larger discount required to be offered in bond pricing by the issuing firm, to attract investors. In this paper, we numerically analyze: (a) the effect of the composition of the board structure on corporate information transparency under the code law system, and (b) the effect of information transparency on the initial return rate of convertible bonds. The results of our study revealed that the board structure affects corporate information disclosure policies under the code law system. Specifically, CEO duality tends to bring about lower information transparency, whereas better information transparency emanates from a higher proportion of independent directors. However, there is a lack of conclusive evidence to support the view that the shareholdings of directors and large shareholders are correlated with information transparency. We also show numerically that greater information transparency combined with lesser information asymmetry (between insiders and outsiders) leads to a lower initial return rate of convertible bonds.
Dyspepsia and Opioid–Induced Bowel Dysfunction: The Role of Opioid Receptor Antagonists

Opioid analgesics are commonly and in most cases effectively used to manage chronic pain of moderate to severe intensity. Apart from analgesia, opioids exert numerous adverse ef‐ fects, several of which impact the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The chronic use of opioid anal‐ gesics in fact is commonly associated with adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract. [1] Opioid–induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD) comprises gastrointestinal symptoms such as dry mouth, anorexia, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), delayed digestion, abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and constipation with hard stool and incomplete evacuation. Further, side effects from long–term opioid therapy may result in more serious intestinal complications such as faecal impaction with overflow diarrhea and incontinence, pseudo–obstruction (causing anorexia, nausea and vomiting), disturbance of drug absorp‐ tion, and urinary retention and incontinence. OIBD may also lead to inappropriate opioid dosing and in consequence, insufficient analgesia. As a result, OIBD significantly deteriorate patients’ quality of life and compliance with their treatment. Approximately one-third of pa‐ tients treated with opioid analgesics do not adhere to the prescribed opioid regimen or sim‐ ply quit the treatment due to OIBD symptoms [2].
Employee perception of the competitive advantage of corporate values: A case for the Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited

In the past, markets were characterized by durable products, stable consumer needs, well defined national and regional markets and clearly identifiable competitors. Competition was a “war of position” in clearly defined product or market segments. The key to competitive advantage was the market the company chose to compete in. How it chose to compete in these markets was of secondary importance. However, over the years, the business environment has evolved into one characterized by increasingly stiff competition, adversely changing econ-political patterns, globalization, and increased stakeholder awareness and, hence, expectations. These factors have helped shape the way businesses compete within the markets they choose to operate in. As such, a number of companies have set out their vision, mission, and values in a succinct statement that makes reference to quality, customer service, employee issues and good corporate citizenship (social responsibility). These corporate values are intended to set out the guiding principles of the company. This study endeavored to establish whether companies put these values into practice, and whether they have an impact on the companies’ competitiveness, as perceived by their employees. To address these objectives, a survey was undertaken using a structured questionnaire focusing specifically on the employees of the Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd. The questionnaire was administered using the drop-and-pick-later method. The study findings showed that, according to the employees, the bank had corporate values that were influenced by and revolved around customers, the employees, the company, and the community. They perceived these values as important sources sustainable competitive advantage.
A simulation-based decision support framework for real-time supply chain risk management

In today’s competitive and dynamic market conditions, Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) has become a key concern for organizations in order to respond effectively to market uncertainties and disruptions. There are several sources for supply chain risk such as process, control, demand, supply, and environment. Natural disaster and manmade crises have also put negative impact on the performance of supply chains. In addition, risk management in the supply chain is a challenge due to the fact that the time, place, and severity of risks are fairly unpredictable. Controlling and monitoring risk in real-time is critical to providing a quick response to unanticipated events in order to reduce the consequences of these events. Hence, there is an immediate need to incorporate the risk management, computer simulation, and real-time information systems into a framework to assist decision makers in evaluating and managing supply chain risks. This paper develops a framework for the design of a simulation-based decision support system for the real-time management of disruptions and mitigation of risks in supply chains. The agent-based simulation is integrated into the framework in order to analyze the detailed interactions among various actors of the supply chain and evaluate the risk management process. The proposed simulation platform also provides a virtual marketplace that takes into account the interdependencies of the decisions made by costumers and company.
Contribution of RFID technology to better management of fashion supply chains

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the deployment of RFID technology in fashion supply chain management (FSCM). It highlights the contribution of RFID to FSCM, supporting faster logistics activities, with greater products quality, cheaper and with more responsiveness, improving customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – An inductive theory building approach is used to develop a conceptual model for RFID deployment in the FSCM context. Secondary data analysis from a sample of six companies supports the identification and discussion of the real advantages, disadvantages and barriers felt by companies in a fashion supply chain when RFID technology is introduced.Findings – The logistics activities in the fashion supply chain where RFID technology is most widely deployed are: shipping operations, tracking of raw materials, semi‐finished components and finished garments, collecting finished goods, handling processes, tracking containers, tracking products from factory to store, receiving.
The Relationships among Servant Leadership , Organizational Citizenship Behavior , Person-Organization Fit , and Organizational Identification

This study proposes that there is a relationship between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and that person-organization fit and organizational identification moderate that relationship. One hundred fourteen participants completed a cross-sectional self-report survey. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that servant leadership behavior partially predicts organizational citizenship behaviors and that person-organization fit and organizational identification partially moderate the relationship between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior. One implication is that leaders who want to encourage citizenship behaviors among employees would do well to model those same behaviors toward others.
Characterizing drought stress and trait influence on maize yield under current and future conditions

Global climate change is predicted to increase temperatures, alter geographical patterns of rainfall and increase the frequency of extreme climatic events. Such changes are likely to alter the timing and magnitude of drought stresses experienced by crops. This study used new developments in the classification of crop water stress to first characterize the typology and frequency of drought‐stress patterns experienced by European maize crops and their associated distributions of grain yield, and second determine the influence of the breeding traits anthesis‐silking synchrony, maturity and kernel number on yield in different drought‐stress scenarios, under current and future climates. Under historical conditions, a low‐stress scenario occurred most frequently (ca. 40%), and three other stress types exposing crops to late‐season stresses each occurred in ca. 20% of cases. A key revelation shown was that the four patterns will also be the most dominant stress patterns under 2050 conditions. Future frequencies of low drought stress were reduced by ca. 15%, and those of severe water deficit during grain filling increased from 18% to 25%. Despite this, effects of elevated CO2 on crop growth moderated detrimental effects of climate change on yield. Increasing anthesis‐silking synchrony had the greatest effect on yield in low drought‐stress seasonal patterns, whereas earlier maturity had the greatest effect in crops exposed to severe early‐terminal drought stress. Segregating drought‐stress patterns into key groups allowed greater insight into the effects of trait perturbation on crop yield under different weather conditions. We demonstrate that for crops exposed to the same drought‐stress pattern, trait perturbation under current climates will have a similar impact on yield as that expected in future, even though the frequencies of severe drought stress will increase in future. These results have important ramifications for breeding of maize and have implications for studies examining genetic and physiological crop responses to environmental stresses.
Determinants of unethical public procurement in local government systems of Uganda: a case study

This paper examines the relationship between institutional framework and management systems on one hand and unethical behaviour in procurement management on the other hand. It explores the extent to which institutional and management systems could be the determinants of the increasing unethical behaviour in local government procurement systems in Kibaale District, Uganda. The results are from a cross-sectional descriptive study design that attracted a total of 77 respondents out of the sampled 86 (a response rate of 89.5%). The reliability analysis of the results was found to be with an alpha = 0.804. Descriptive and relational statistics were used to analyse the data obtained from a closed five-Likert-scale questionnaire. The findings overall do not show a very strong relationship between institutional frameworks and management systems as key determinants of unethical behaviour, suggesting the presence of other possible determinants. However, the results indicate that there are two specific variables under management (communication and monitoring and evaluation) that have a statistically significant correlation with unethical behaviour in procurement. We compare the results with existing literature and suggest practical and policy implications.
Investigating Consumer Comprehension of Drug Information Fact Sheets

This paper examines comprehension of pharmaceutical drug information sheets based upon reading level. Prescription drug information fact sheets were collected, based upon a high or lower grade-level readability. Subjects were asked to identify what the condition the drug was prescribed to treat, possible side effects and warnings or concerns regarding use of the drug. Results do not indicate that reading grade level at which the fact sheet was written influenced subject comprehension. Recommendations for future research are presented based upon these results.
Interactions Between Selected Energy Use and Production Characteristics of German Manufacturing Plants

This paper analyzes the interactions between a number of key energy characteristics of German industrial plants in 2006, using an exceptionally rich dataset comprising more than 44 000 plants. Already by using basic descriptive statistical techniques we find that larger energy users tend to use energy less efficiently. This correlation is particularly prevalent in sectors with high energy intensity. We identify an energy mix effect as the main driver of this interrelation, since larger energy consumers tend to use less electricity in relation to other fuels, and electricity can be deployed more efficiently. The energy mix effect is also one of the reasons behind a negative correlation between energy intensity and the emission factor. From the correlation between plant-level energy intensity and gross output, we infer on the existence of increasing and decreasing returns to energy. We identify increasing returns to energy in most sectors, but decreasing returns to energy in some of the particularly energy intensive sectors.