Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and threats for competitors in product‐harm crises

Purpose – Product‐harm crises have become an almost familiar phenomenon in today's business environment as technology becomes more vulnerable. Even if a product‐harm crisis is associated with the company that manufactured the defective product, the entire industry may be affected. Not only consumers of the affected company, but also consumers of competitors are affected by the crisis. The paper seeks to deal mainly with the situation of competitors and examines the potential opportunities and threats that may arise when another company in the same industry faces a product‐harm crisis.Design/methodology/approach – For the purposes of this paper, an experiment was conducted that relied on four important influential factors of crisis management (i.e. corporate reputation, crisis scope, external effects, and organisational responses). The crisis was described through a hypothetical scenario. Consumer attitudes towards competitive products were used to determine impending prospects and threats.Findings – The p.
VN30 Index: An Overview and Default Probability Analysis

Stock indices prove their capacity as a powerful predictive tool, an effective performance benchmark, a measure of market efficiency and underlying assets for financial investment products. Vietnamese stock market currently enjoys a strong developing potentiality that promises profitable opportunities for investors. As part of broadly market restructuring plan, VN30 has just been built, hoping to reflect truly the market movement and better orient the investors’ psychology as well as easier for ETF development. However, the concern about the quality of index member stocks is vividly existent. This paper covers VN30 Index related discussions as the construction, composition of the index. It also takes a fresh look at the question of stock quality by accessing the financial information to evaluate the probability of default of each company theoretically based on the models of Z-scores for Vietnamese firms. This research also establishes a comparison with an equivalent CAC40 Index on the rating classification for further understanding of a developed country index and the developing one as Vietnam.
CARMA OBSERVATIONS OF PROTOSTELLAR OUTFLOWS IN NGC 1333

We present observations of outflows in the star-forming region NGC 1333 using the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-Wave Astronomy (CARMA). We combined the 12CO and 13CO (1–0) CARMA mosaics with data from the 14 m Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory to probe the central, most dense, and active region of this protostellar cluster at scales from 5″ to 7′ (or 1000 AU to 0.5 pc at a distance of 235 pc). We map and identify 12CO outflows, and along with 13CO data we estimate their mass, momentum, and energy. Within the 7′ × 7′ map, the 5″ resolution allows for a detailed study of morphology and kinematics of outflows and outflow candidates, some of which were previously confused with other outflow emission in the region. In total, we identify 22 outflow lobes, as well as 9 dense circumstellar envelopes marked by continuum emission, of which 6 drive outflows. We calculate a total outflow mass, momentum, and energy within the mapped region of 6 M☉, 19 M☉ km s−1, and 7 × 1044 erg, respectively. Within this same region, we compare outflow kinematics with turbulence and gravitational energy, and we suggest that outflows are likely important agents for the maintenance of turbulence in this region. In the earliest stages of star formation, outflows do not yet contribute enough energy to totally disrupt the clustered region where most star formation is happening, but have the potential to do so as the protostellar sources evolve. Our results can be used to constrain outflow properties, such as outflow strength, in numerical simulations of outflow-driven turbulence in clusters.
Filled Skutterudite Antimonides: A New Class of Thermoelectric Materials

A class of thermoelectric materials has been synthesized with a thermoelectric figure of merit ZT (where T is temperature and Z is a function of thermopower, electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity) near 1 at 800 kelvin. Although these materials have not been optimized, this value is comparable to the best ZT values obtained for any previously studied thermoelectric material. Calculations indicate that the optimized material should have ZT values of 1.4. These ternary semiconductors have the general formula RM4X12 (where R is lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, or europium; M is iron, ruthenium, or osmium; and X is phosphorus, arsenic, or antimony) and represent a new approach to creating improved thermoelectric materials. Several alloys in the composition range CeFe4−xCoxSb12 or LaFe4−xCoxSb12 (0 < x < 4) have large values of ZT.
Quantification of thalamocortical tracts in schizophrenia on probabilistic maps

Diffusion properties of the thalamocortical pathways were compared between 30 schizophrenic patients and 22 healthy age-matched and sex-matched volunteers. T1-weighted and diffusion tensor images were used for cortical parcellation and probabilistic tractography to generate population-based thalamocortical pathway maps. The weighted fractional anisotropy and the longitudinal and transversal diffusivity of each pathway were calculated for individual participants. Patients with schizophrenia demonstrated decreased anisotropy and increased longitudinal and transversal diffusivity within the pathways from the mediodorsal nucleus and the pulvinar to the orbitofrontal and parietal-occipital-temporal lobes. Anisotropy decreases and diffusivity increases were correlated with positive and negative syndrome scale scores. Alterations in global diffusion properties within the thalamocortical pathways imply the disruption of brain circuitry in schizophrenic patients.
NEW INSIGHTS INTO VASCULAR REACTIVITY: FROM ALTERED STRUCTURE TO NEURAL CONTROL *

1. The present review covers two aspects of the author's research into the pharmacology of vascular reactivity of isolated vessels and in the intact circulation. First, how ‘normal’ reactivity is altered by injury or disease and, second, how novel drugs have allowed insight into the role of the cotransmitter neuropeptide Y and ‘N’ type calcium channels in neurotransmitter release.
Where Urban Residents Shop for Produce

There is limited research documenting the shopping behaviors of urban residents with regard to where they shop for fruits and vegetables. This study sought to: (1) describe characteristics of consumers who shop for produce at supermarkets, alternative fresh food outlets, and farmers' markets; and (2) identify correlates of farmers' market shopping among urban consumers. Participants were recruited from 30 randomly selected residential blocks in West and Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to complete a cross-sectional survey. Of 622 residents contacted, 82.6 percent completed a usable survey. Participants were predominantly African American (75.2 percent), single (47 percent), and receiving public assistance (30.1 percent). About half of the respondents reported shopping at farmers' markets (48.2 percent), produce stores (47.9 percent), and/or fruit and vegetable trucks (48.0 percent percent) for produce. Having vouchers for farmers' markets was significantly associated with shopping at those markets, being younger, and not owning a car. Our analysis begins to bridge the gap in understanding how individual-level differences may influence shopping patterns. Findings suggest that financial incentives to shop at farmers' markets can be meaningful contributors to shopping at these venues and may work to support the narrowing of disparities in access to healthy, affordable food.
Intronic polymorphism (1541‐1542delGT) of the constitutive heat shock protein 70 gene has functional significance and shows evidence of association with lung cancer risk

Somatic mutations of 11q23.3‐linked constitutive heat shock protein 70 gene (HSPA8 alias HSC70) are detected by others in breast carcinomas. To examine whether intragenic, somatic mutations of HSPA8 occur in lung carcinomas, we sequenced its exons 2–8, with adjacent intronic sequences, in a series of DNA samples from non‐small‐cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Twenty‐one polymorphisms were detected, but no somatic mutation. However, we observed an association between the HSC70 1541‐1542delGT genotype and the immunohistochemical staining pattern of HSC70 protein. Tumors with weak (+) HSC70 protein staining were more frequent in the carriers of the polymorphic 1541‐1542delGT allele than in the homozygotes of the major allele (20% vs. 6%, P = 0.05 by Fisher's exact test). This statistically significant association prompted us to test the polymorphism functionally. The method we developed for the functional evaluation of intronic sequence alterations showed that the HSPA8 intron 2 with the deleted GT dinucleotide was associated with noticeable (approximately 20%) and statistically significant (P = 0.005) reduction of the reporter gene activity. Our case‐control analysis showed that the 1541‐1542delGT heterozygous genotype was associated with significantly decreased risk for lung cancer (crude odds ratio (OR) = 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23–0.84). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the association between a polymorphism of a gene coding for the chaperone protein and lung cancer risk. Moreover, the simple method reported here, based on the dual‐luciferase reporter assay system, can be useful for testing functional significance of polymorphisms located in introns of other genes. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental and computational studies of the aerodynamic performance of a flapping and passively rotating insect wing

Flapping wings are important in many biological and bioinspired systems. Here, we investigate the fluid mechanics of flapping wings that possess a single flexible hinge allowing passive wing pitch rotation under load. We perform experiments on an insect-scale ( ${\approx}1$ cm wing span) robotic flapper and compare the results with a quasi-steady dynamical model and a coupled fluid–structure computational fluid dynamics model. In experiments we measure the time varying kinematics, lift force and two-dimensional velocity fields of the induced flow from particle image velocimetry. We find that increasing hinge stiffness leads to advanced wing pitching, which is beneficial towards lift force production. The classical quasi-steady model gives an accurate prediction of passive wing pitching if the relative phase difference between the wing stroke and the pitch kinematics, ${\it\delta}$ , is small. However, the quasi-steady model cannot account for the effect of ${\it\delta}$ on leading edge vortex (LEV) growth and lift generation. We further explore the relationships between LEV, lift force, drag force and wing kinematics through experiments and numerical simulations. We show that the wing kinematics and flapping efficiency depend on the stiffness of a passive compliant hinge. Our dual approach of running at-scale experiments and numerical simulations gives useful guidelines for choosing wing hinge stiffnesses that lead to efficient flapping.
The potential impact of artificial shopping agents in e-commerce markets

This article deals with a possible future of e-commerce, not with how consumers or marketers currently shop on the Internet. In the future, artificial shopping agents may change e-commerce markets by significantly extending the search and evaluation capabilities of consumers. These agents have the potential to change current market relationships because they work on behalf of individual consumers, rather than offer advice to consumers on behalf of retailers. Additionally two types of shopping agents are possible, one of which may result in different patterns of choice than at present. The prospect of consumers relying on artificial agents for shopping decisions has raised concerns about negative impacts on both consumer welfare and the stability of markets. The article evaluates these concerns and concludes that major dislocations in consumer choice patterns are unlikely in the short run, but increasingly possible in the long run.
Exploring the Importance of Early Alert Programs in Improving Learning in Selected Public Universities in South Africa

While many student retention and support programs are already in place in higher education, the unrelenting challenge of high student drop out in the first year of study requires scrutiny of the perceived promising high impact programs through empirical research. This paper which is part of a larger project on the implementation of student retention programs, explored the implementation of one promising retention program called “early warning or alert” in two conveniently selected public universities. A mixed method approach was used whereby qualitative data and quantitative data were corroborated at data collection and analysis stages. Data were gathered from four purposively selected student retention institutional leaders. These leaders responded to in-depth interviews. The research also heavily sought institutional documents for document analysis. The findings were analysed inductively and presented thematically. The study found that early alert programs were an important national strategy for improving students’ performance and retention. The alert program improved decision making, planning and allocation of resources. However, program marketing, lack of professional capacity to handle all the required processes and negative students’ attitudes towards the program were found to beset the programme success. The study recommends that public universities increase individuals providing alert and intervention processes, and to orient students about the program. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n23p1099
Research on migration program of users and equipment for the SGCC IMS administrative switch network

With switch technology evolving from the program-controlled to soft-switch, and IMS technology, the power switch network faces technology selection. Through an investigation and analysis into the administrative switch network of the State Grid, and study the migration and evolution technologies in depth, consider the characteristics of electric communication network, this paper presents an evolution program for users and switch equipment transfer from existing administrative switch network to the IMS network. It provides a reference for the evolution of the SGCC administrative switch network.
HOW TRANSPARENT ARE COMPANIES LISTED ON THE BUCHAREST STOCKEXCHANGE WHEN DISCLOSE THEM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The main objective of this paper is to examine the level of disclosure regarding theconsolidated financial statements in the case of Romanian listed companies. In order to measurethis, a multiple index was used that quantifies the level of dislosure a company has achieved. Themain conclusion, in accordance with our hypotheses is that the disclosure index is higher in thecase of first category of listed entities comparing with the second and third category.
Less Physician Practice Competition Is Associated With Higher Prices Paid For Common Procedures.

Concentration among physician groups has been steadily increasing, which may affect prices for physician services. We assessed the relationship in 2010 between physician competition and prices paid by private preferred provider organizations for fifteen common, high-cost procedures to understand whether higher concentration of physician practices and accompanying increased market power were associated with higher prices for services. Using county-level measures of the concentration of physician practices and county average prices, and statistically controlling for a range of other regional characteristics, we found that physician practice concentration and prices were significantly associated for twelve of the fifteen procedures we studied. For these procedures, counties with the highest average physician concentrations had prices 8-26 percent higher than prices in the lowest counties. We concluded that physician competition is frequently associated with prices. Policies that would influence physician practice organization should take this into consideration.
The economics of retail markets for new and used cars

In this chapter we describe the institutions and economics of newand used-car retailing. Our aim is to provide a resource for researchers interested in the automobile market. We focus on three categories of economic concepts relevant to car retailing: dealership location choice, including agglomeration, entry, and exit; determinants of car pricing; and information, which is central to the used-car market but also affects the newcar market. We also provide a primer on the institutions of car retailing and a reference on data sources for researchers interested in empirical work involving cars. 1 We thank George Iny of the Automobile Protection Association for providing very helpful comments on an earlier draft.
Switched capacitor DC-DC converter in 65nm CMOS technology with a peak efficiency of 97%

This paper presents a highly efficient switched capacitor (SC) DC-DC converter, which is implemented in a 65nm low power CMOS process to enable SoC integration. The converter supplies a nominal output current of 30mA with an efficiency of 95%. The buck converter operates with a constant input voltage of 1.83V and produces an output voltage of 1.2V. The charge is transported in two phases from the input supply to the output capacitor. Therefore, a network consisting of switches and two so-called flying capacitors are used. This converter is intended to be used in power management units for mobile devices and to substitute complex and expensive inductor based DC-DC converters. A test chip was designed in collaboration with Infineon Technologies Austria AG. The measurement results are presented and give for an output current of 10mA a peak efficiency of 97%.
Lactic Acid Bacteria in Biopreservation and the Enhancement of the Functional Quality of Bread

© 2013 Muhialdin et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Lactic Acid Bacteria in Biopreservation and the Enhancement of the Functional Quality of Bread
The Regulation of Public Auditing in Canada and the United States: Self-Regulation or Government Regulation?

Auditors play an important role as gatekeepers to public capital markets. By attesting to the accuracy of a company’s financial statements, the auditor lends its credibility to that company and its financial health. Both market and legal mechanisms play a role in ensuring that auditors perform high quality audits. Reputation is critical in the market for auditors. In addition, potential legal liability to issuers and investors arising from contract, tort, and statutory securities laws creates incentives for auditors to conduct high quality audits. Potential discipline by professional self-regulatory bodies also plays a part. Striking the appropriate balance among market-based, legal, and self-regulatory mechanisms is a delicate task. Canada and the US have both established oversight bodies for the auditors of public companies in an effort to enhance the quality of audits for those companies: the Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) in the United States. The two countries deviate, however, in their allocation of regulatory responsibility in relation to the accounting profession, with Canada continuing to rely on a largely self-regulatory model and the US relying almost exclusively on government regulation. This study compares these two approaches to the regulation of public auditors in Canada and the US and offers concrete suggestions for improvement. In particular, this study analyzes and compares the CPAB and the PCAOB, looking at the structure, operation, and governance of the two boards, and analyzing their effectiveness and making recommendations for how they might be improved.
Low positive emotionality in young children: Association with EEG asymmetry

Low positive emotionality (PE; e.g., listlessness, anhedonia, and lack of enthusiasm) has been hypothesized to be a temperamental precursor or risk factor for depression. The present study sought to evaluate the validity of this hypothesis by testing whether low PE children have similar external correlates as individuals with depression. This paper focused on the external correlate of EEG asymmetry. Previous studies have reported that individuals at risk for depression exhibited a frontal EEG asymmetry (greater right than left activity). Others have reported an association with posterior asymmetries (greater left than right activity). In the present study, children classified as having low PE at age 3 exhibited an overall asymmetry at age 5–6 with less relative activity in the right hemisphere. This asymmetry appeared to be largely due to a difference in the posterior region because children with low PE exhibited decreased right posterior activity whereas high PE children exhibited no posterior asymmetry. These findings support the construct validity of the hypothesis that low PE may be a temperamental precursor or risk factor for depression.We gratefully acknowledge Jurgen Kayser's assistance and advice.
Mood versus Service Quality Effects on Customers’ Responses to Service Organizations and Service Encounters

This article examines the impact of customers’ moods (positive or negative) and various conditions of service excellence (positive, neutral, negative, or mixed) on recall, evaluation, and behavioral intentions regarding a service provider. Results indicate that mood plays a less significant role than the nature of the service encounter itself when it comes to individuals’cognitive, affective, and conative responses. Furthermore, it appears that encounters containing positive aspects have the potential to overcome a negative mood state that customers may bring to a service interaction. A number of managerial implications are also noted. These include recommendations that services managers (a) pay close attention to service quality; (b) realize that performing well on some dimensions of the service encounter may overcome poor performance on others; (c) work to create more neutral rather than positive mood-evoking conditions in their customers; and (d) actively promote the positive aspects of service encounters to their customers.
Financial Performance Measures, Efficiency and Indian Banking: Empirical Evidence

Globalization forces are linking banking operations to worldwide markets making them vulnerable to global stress. This fundamental change compels banks to be more robust in terms of sound financial performance. Bankers worldwide compute a large number of financial measures using ratios to gauge bank performance. This paper calculates efficiency, an important indicator of financial performance of banks in India using Data Envelopment Analysis DEA for the period 2006-07. Following Jackson 1972, the paper investigates commonality that might exist among financial performance measures computed by banks in India and the estimated bank efficiency scores. Results of Factor Analysis uncovered fewer significant factors and interestingly show that efficiency scores do not cluster with other measures of bank performance despite emerging as one of the significant factor. The present paper argues that bankers and policy makers should not feel contented by looking at the standard performance measures alone. Rather, they should also try to examine bank performance vis-i-vis efficiency based on multiple inputs and outputs to capture the complete picture. A paradigm shift towards measurement of efficiency using sophisticated modeling techniques is recommended for better performance evaluation in banking.