Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Technology, Organizational Structure, and New Product Development---The Mediating Effect of Cross-Functional Team Interaction

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among information technology, organizational structure, cross-functional team interaction, and the performance of new product development (NPD). Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses in a sample of 102 NPD cases. The findings suggest that the degree of investment and training on information technology is positively related to cross-functional team interaction; that when the organizational structure is more decentralized and less formalized, cross-functional team interaction is more favorable; and that cross-functional team interaction is positively related the performance of NPD. This study contributes to the theoretical development of a conceptual model in examining the mediating role of cross-functional team interaction between contextual variables and the outcome of NPD. The empirical evidences support the process-oriented view, and indicate that information technology and organizational structure can deliver a better performance of NPD but do so primarily through improving cross-functional team interaction. This study provides the theory building, explanatory variance, missing in the literature that did not look at the black box of relationships between information technology, organizational structure, and outcome of NPD. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.
Autonet: A High-Speed, Self-Configuring Local Area Network Using Point-to-Point Links

Autonet is a self-configuring local area network composed of switches interconnected by 100 Mb/s, full-duplex, point-to-point links. The switches contain 12 ports that are internally connected by a full crossbar. Switches use cut-through to achieve a packet forwarding latency as low as 2 ms/switch. Any switch port can be cabled to any other switch port or to a host network controller. A processor in each switch monitors the network's physical configuration. A distributed algorithm running on the switch processor computes the routes packets are to follow and fills in the packet forwarding table in each switch. With Autonet, distinct paths through the set of network links can carry packets in parallel, allowing many pairs of hosts to communicate simultaneously at full link bandwidth. A 30-switch network with more than 100 hosts has been the service network for Digital's Systems Research Center since February 1990. >
ACRA: A unified admission control and resource allocation framework for virtualized environments

Exploiting the benefits of virtualization, web services are consolidated in large data centers. Managing the performance of such complex systems is a critical problem. Providers must offer applications with high quality of service (QoS) and performance and simultaneously achieve optimal utilization of their infrastructure. Meeting their Service Level Objectives (SLOs), such as response time in a dynamic environment (dense load, variable capacity), while minimizing the energy consumption of the data center is an open research problem.Most of the proposed approaches use either admission control or resource allocation techniques to solve it. We present a unified framework, which models the system's dynamic behavior with a group of state-space models, scales between different desired operation points and uses a set-theoretic control technique to solve admission control and resource allocation problems as a common decision problem with stability and robustness guarantees for the system under study.
Interactions of membranes with coarse-grain proteins: a comparison

We study the interactions between lipid bilayers and rigid transmembrane proteins by Monte Carlo simulations of generic coarse-grain models. Different popular protein models are considered and compared with each other, and key parameters such as the hydrophobicity and the hydrophobic mismatch are varied systematically. Furthermore, the properties of the membrane are manipulated by applying different tensions. The response of the membrane to the insertion of single proteins is found to be mostly generic and independent of the choice of the protein model. Likewise, the orientational distributions of single proteins depend mainly on the hydrophobic mismatch and the hydrophobicity of the proteins, and are otherwise similar for all protein models. Orientational distributions are generally found to be very broad, i.e. tilt angles fluctuate very much, in agreement with experimental findings. Weakly hydrophobic proteins respond to positive hydrophobic mismatch by tilting. Strongly hydrophobic (strongly bound) proteins distort the surrounding membrane and tend to remain upright. For proteins with intermediate hydrophobicity, the two mechanisms compete, and as a result, the tilt only sets in if the hydrophobic mismatch exceeds a threshold. Clusters of several strongly hydrophobic proteins with negative positive mismatch may nucleate raft-like structures in membranes. This effect is more pronounced for proteins with rough, structured surfaces.
Pediatric liver transplant portal vein anastomotic stenosis: Correlation between ultrasound and transhepatic portal venography

The objective of this study was to determine which transabdominal ultrasound parameters correlate with portal vein stenosis (PVS) on percutaneous transhepatic portal venography in pediatric liver transplant patients. A retrospective review was performed of percutaneous transhepatic portal venograms performed between 2005 and 2013. The findings were compared to those from ultrasounds performed before venography and at the baseline. Patients were stratified on the basis of the presence of significant PVS (group 1, >50% stenosis; group 2, ≤50% stenosis) on portal venography. Findings were compared to those for age‐matched controls. Twenty portal venograms were performed for 12 pediatric patients. Thirteen of the 20 patients (65%) demonstrated significant PVS (>50%). The mean peak anastomotic velocity (PAV) was 253.6 ± 96 cm/s in group 1, 169.7 ± 48 cm/s in group 2, and 51.3 ± 20 cm/s in the control group. PAV (r = 0.672, P = 0.002) was the only ultrasound variable that correlated with the presence of significant PVS. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated from PAV and PVS data (area under the curve = 0.75, P = 0.08). A threshold velocity of 180 cm/s led to a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 71% in predicting significant PVS on portal venography. At the baseline, the mean PAV was 155.8 ± 90 cm/s for group 1 and 69.5 ± 33 cm/s for group 2 (P = 0.08); for control subjects, it was 78.9 ± 53 cm/s (P = 0.06). PAV is the only measured ultrasound parameter that correlates with significant PVS on portal venography in pediatric liver transplant patients. An elevated baseline PAV may increase the risk of developing PVS. Liver Transpl 21:547–553, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Modelling social support, life events, competence, and depression in the context of age and sex

As part of a longitudinal study, life events, social support, and personal competence are examined in terms of their ability to explain depressive symptomatology in three empirically discerned age groups of males and females. The major findings point to the centrality of social support in the epidemiology of depression in all age-sex groupings. While support was found to be the most significant predictor of depression in all groups, the magnitude of its contribution was found to vary by age and sex. The effects of life events and personal competence, on the other hand, were found to vary across age and sex. They also indirectly affected depression via social support. While some evidence was found for interaction effects among the antecedent variables, these contributions were modest. The ability of the model variables to explain depression decreased over age for both males and females. A theoretical framework is presented in which the role of social support and the functions of personal competence and life events are conceptualized as being socially structured. The implications of these and other findings are discussed.
Effect of glycine and glucose on sodium and water absorption in patients with cholera

Electrolyte solutions containing glucose, glycine, or a combination of the two were absorbed sufficiently well from the intestine to supply maintenance fluid and the electrolytes required by cholera patients. Data on net absorption and duration and volume of diarrhoea show that a solution containing both glucose and glycine provides more effective therapy than solutions containing either glucose or glycine alone.
Patterns of parental language use in wales

This paper reports the language use of some 400 mothers in North Wales and their partners. The sample was divided into five types of couple, both mainly Welsh speaking, only father Welsh speaking, only mother Welsh speaking, both mainly English speaking, and couples where both have always used a mixture of Welsh and English. Factors associated with language use are examined, and these include cross‐language partnerships, past educational medium, and situation. Thinking in Welsh most clearly differentiates the groups, with the majority of the Welsh speaking couples and or the Welsh speaking partners in cross‐language marriages thinking in Welsh. Those in the mixed language background group tend to think in English. Language choice for reading and viewing is also examined. Finally, consideration of the effect of gender on language use/choice in the home indicates that the father may have the greater influence.
Global Output Feedback Stabilization for a Class of Nonlinear Planar Systems with Output-Dependent Growth Rates

Abstract In this paper, we consider the global output feedback stabilization problem for a class of nonlinear planar systems under a more general growth condition. The nonlinearities in such a system are bounded by both lower-order and higher-order terms with an output-dependent growth rate. This problem is solved by integrating the feedback domination technique and a novel dual observer approach, where two individual observers are constructed in parallel with one estimating the linear part of the unmeasurable state and the other estimating the higher-order part. Moreover, the presented observers and the output feedback controller all have nonlinear gains. Simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed stabilization scheme.
Methodological considerations when conducting in vitro, air–liquid interface exposures to engineered nanoparticle aerosols

Abstract Little consistency exists in the methodology for toxicological testing of aerosolized nanoparticles used in in vitro, air-interfaced culture (AIC) exposure systems for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) risk-assessment, preventing inter-laboratory comparisons to identify dose thresholds for adverse effects. These inconsistencies result from heterogeneity in particle types, exposure durations, exposure systems, and dose metrics reported. We screened 10,241 studies in the literature for toxicological assessment of ENPs, resulting in 110 publications included after meeting eligibility criteria. In this review, we critically analyzed methodology within these studies to answer whether: (1) the administered dose or the deposited dose correlated better with biological response, (2) a difference existed between various AIC exposure systems when depositing the same dose, (3) consistent results were generated for nanomaterials with similar physico-chemical properties, (4) the deposited dose in vitro correlated to the deposited dose in vivo, and (5) AIC studies reliably modeled acute toxicity in vivo. Methods used in delivering, measuring, and reporting ENP aerosol doses in vitro are summarized. Dosimetry and biological response comparisons of AIC, conventional suspensions, and in vivo exposures are discussed through case studies on silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and multi-walled carbon nanotube exposures. Finally, based on these findings, recommendations are offered for design of future AIC experiments to aid standardization and comparisons of results.
Employees' reactions to problematic events: A circumplex structure of five categories of responses, and the role of job satisfaction

A refined exit, voice, loyalty, and neglect (EVLN) typology (Farrell, 1983) was examined. It was argued that the category of voice responses, that is, attempts to improve the situation, should be divided into two forms: considerate voice and aggressive voice. Considerate voice consists of attempts to solve the problem taking into account one's own concerns as well as those of the organization, and aggressive voice consists of efforts to win, without consideration for the concerns of the organization. In line with Farrell (1983), all categories of behavioral responses were assumed to differ on two dimensions, namely, destructive-constructive and active-passive. It was assumed that the responses can be ordered in a circumplex structure. Factor analyses of data from 233 teachers and maternity nurses demonstrated the empirical separability of the five categories of behavioral responses and supported the two-dimensional structure of the model. Job satisfaction, especially satisfaction with supervision, seemed to promote considerate voice and loyalty (that was relabeled as patience), and suppress exit, aggressive voice, and neglect. Furthermore, the correlations between job satisfaction and the five responses provided additional support for the circumplex structure of the refined model. The pattern of responses runs in the following order: considerate voice, aggressive voice, exit, neglect, patience. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Violent video gaming and moral reasoning in adolescents: is there an association?

In this study of 109 adolescents from the eighth grade of seven public elementary schools in Canada, the relationship between adolescents’ violent video game playing patterns, habits and attitudes, and their levels of moral reasoning was investigated. The results suggested that playing violent video games in general was a very popular activity among the adolescents. The results demonstrated the significant negative relationship between adolescents’ amount of time playing violent video games during the day and their sociomoral maturity based on their scores on The Sociomoral Reflection Measure. The findings are put into the educational and the context of normal development, and suggestions are given for parents, for educators and for future violent video game research.
Individual Adjustment, Readiness for Relationship Change, and Dyadic Adjustment

The association between individual adjustment and relationship adjustment is well documented, but it is not apparent whether levels of adjustment have impact on readiness to change. This study applied the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) to examine associations between distress and individual readiness for change in the couple relationship. Using data collected from 389 married and cohabitating individuals, this study examined individual adjustment, readiness to change, and relationship adjustment. Women were more ready to change than were men. Men's individual well-being (not women's) predicted readiness for couple change for both men and women; women's readiness for couple change (not men's) predicted relationship adjustment. Women's readiness for change partially mediated the pathway between men's well-being and men's relationship adjustment. These findings point toward different process-related implications for heterosexual couples. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.
Psychometric properties of the Drug Abuse Screening Test in psychiatric outpatients.

Individuals with severe mental illness frequently have substance abuse and dependence problems, placing them at increased risk for poor treatment outcome. However, the reliability and validity of self-report measures assessing substance abuse and dependence remains understudied in this population. This investigation evaluates 2 versions of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST; H. Skinner, 1982) as screening tools for an outpatient psychiatric sample. Participants were 73 men and 24 women Who had been receiving treatment at a public psychiatric facility. All participants completed the DAST along with other measures of substance use and psychiatric status. The DAST demonstrated adequate internal consistency and temporal stability in this sample. Factor analysis supports a multidimensional scale. We evaluated criterion-related, concurrent and discriminant evidence for validity, and we have concluded that both tested versions of the DAST have sound psychometric properties when used with psychiatric outpatients.
HEALTH EDUCATION NEEDS FOR PREGNANCY: A STUDY AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING PRIMARY HEALTH CENTERS

Objective: To find out the level of health awareness related to pregnancy and the sources of information among parous women visiting the Primary Health Centers in Al- Khobar. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at three Primary Health Centers in Al-Khobar during a two-week period in April 2001. Five hundred and eighty one parous women who were eligible for the study were interviewed with the help of a questionnaire. Results: A large proportion of the women were well informed about certain health issues of pregnancy such as dietary intake of essential foods like dairy products (74.7%), Protein-rich foods (71.4%) and fruits (68.2%), the hours of daily rest necessary (81.9%), the need for exercise (83.6%), the importance and timing of antenatal visits, the risk of smoking in pregnancy (99.3%) and proper spacing of babies (97.7%). However, many women had no knowledge of the importance of taking high-fiber foods (55.1%) to avoid constipation, the required dietary changes in early pregnancy to prevent nausea and vomiting, and the ill-effects of maternal smoking on the fetus, Rubella infection and advancing maternal age on the fetus. They were also not aware of the importance of the various antenatal procedures such as blood examination, breast-care during pregnancy and immunizations to prevent Tetanus and Rubella infection. A higher literacy level of the women was significantly correlated with better knowledge on certain health parameters. Physicians and nurses constituted poor sources of health information (35.6%). Conclusion: There is a need to restructure the Health Education programmes relating to pregnancy delivered through PHCs and the mass media for better knowledge among women of childbearing age can decrease pregnancy-related problems and improve perinatal outcome.
The Psychological Functions of Music in Adolescence

The article presents a theoretical model of the psychological functions of music in adolescence. The model is a categorization of the psychological goals that direct and give meaning to musical activities in everyday life. It is based on the developmental tasks of adolescence and finds support from a wide range of studies from several disciplines. It consists of four categories: interpersonal relationships, identity, agency, and emotional field, which represent different areas of psychological functions that can be supported by engaging in music. Through promoting the satisfaction of these psychological aims music contributes substantially to adolescent development and mental health.
Can pharmacotherapists be too supportive? A process study of active medication and placebo in the treatment of depression

Background This study examined therapist–patient interactions during clinical management with antidepressant medication and pill-placebo. Method The sample consisted of 80 patients on active medication and 40 patients in a pill-placebo condition from a randomized controlled trial for moderate to severe depression. Pharmacotherapist–patient interactions were characterized using observer ratings of the therapeutic alliance, pharmacotherapist-offered facilitative conditions, pharmacotherapist adherence to clinical management treatment guidelines and pharmacotherapist competence. Patients, therapists and raters were blind to treatment condition and outcome. Results Provision of greater non-specific support (facilitative conditions) in early sessions predicted less subsequent improvement in depressive symptoms for patients receiving pill-placebo but not those receiving active medications, for which none of the process ratings predicted subsequent change. Early symptom change predicted later alliance and adherence in both conditions and therapist competence in the active condition. Conclusions Higher levels of support in early sessions predict poorer subsequent response among placebo patients. It remains unclear whether patients who are likely to be refractory elicit greater non-specific support or whether the provision of such support has a deleterious effect in unmedicated patients. Differences in treatment process variables between conditions late in treatment are likely to be largely a consequence of symptom relief produced by active medications.
Good News: Research on the Nongraded Elementary School

A survey of the research published between 1968 and 1961 comparing graded and nongraded elementary schools has impelled me to share the good news with others in the field. The research results were assembled while completing a doctoral dissertation at Harvard University. For the thesis an ideal model of nongradedness was devised. The model brought together the assumptions on which nongradedness is based and the implications of these assumptions in terms of expected behaviors. The material was used to assess the philosophical commitment toward and the actual practice of nongradedness in two local public schools.
Study of Iranian English language teachers' familiarity with language functions in request, apology, refusal, and greeting

One of the major aims in the modern teaching of foreign language is to enable the learners to communicate appropriately in target language. Pragmatic competence is a need for everyone to communicate appropriately. Speech acts are one of the most important elements of pragmatic competence. In this respect, the main aim of this study was to investigate Iranian English language teachers' familiarity with language functions in four of basic and important face threatening speech acts: Request, Refusal, apology, Greeting. The participants involved 30 English language teachers that comprised of 15 males and 15 females. A Written Discourse Completion Test (DCT) and multiple choice discourse completion questionnaires (MDCT) were used to generate participant's data. Selection of situations in WDCT was based on three social factors of relative power, social distance, and gender. The emerging data was analyzed mainly based on Blum-Kulka et al.'s Cross-cultural Speech Act Realization Project (CCSARP) and by using descriptive statistics. The data analysis revealed that the participants had enough knowledge about speech act and politeness strategies. In requesting, they mainly relied on indirect strategies; similarly, in refusing, they had a tendency towards using indirect strategies more than direct ones; in apologizing they acted more directly and in greeting they used verbal behaviors and hello expression more than hi expression and non-verbal behavior in formal situations. Based on Brown & Levinson's politeness theory, Iranian EFL Teachers in this study mainly resorted to negative politeness strategies.