Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information technology and organizational performance within international business to business relationships: A review and an integrated conceptual framework

Purpose – Advanced information technology (IT) changes the way companies manage cross‐border supply chains. This paper examines the role of IT in the context of international business to business (B2B) relationship and its contribution to supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approach – This literature review paper develops a conceptual model of IT‐mediated relationships in international supply chain relationships. The framework integrates transaction cost economics and resource‐based theory perspectives and argues that IT capabilities facilitate supply chain performance, deter partner's opportunism and this process is mediated by B2B processes. Moreover, environmental, relational, cultural and country level moderators are examined.Findings – It is suggested that IT capabilities contribute directly to improved organizational process such as coordination, transaction specific investment, absorptive capacity and monitoring. These in turn contribute to strategic and operational performance outcomes. Ag.
Silicon Microring Modulator for Dispersion Uncompensated Transmission Applications

We report an investigation of the negative-chirp characteristics of an overcoupled silicon microring modulator with carrier-depletion p-n junction for 10-Gb/s transmission over single-mode fiber up to distances of 100 km. The modulator exhibits over 15 dB extinction ratio for an approximately 5 V peak-to-peak driving voltage. The on/off chirp α-parameter is estimated to be less than -1 for an optimally designed device. This negative chirp leads to a robust dispersion tolerance which is verified by bit error rate measurements. The results show that the device can support transmission with a negative power penalty up to 50 km, while the power penalty at 100 km is as low as 2.5 dB.
THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION IN THAILAND'S MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of human resource management (HRM) practices on employee retention in Thailand’s multinational corporations (MNCs) with foreign direct investment (FDI) that had been promoted under Board of Investment (BOI) to invest and based in the key industrial zone of the eastern seaboard industrial estate, Rayong province. Eleven theoretically based hypotheses have been developed that point to possible positive and negative relationships between HRM practices, mediating variables and employee retention. A total of 411 managers, consisting of top management, HR leader and line manager, were examined and then empirically tested using SPSS AMOS for Path Analysis. The results show that HRM practices have a direct and indirect effect on employee retention. In terms of indirect effect, out of the five mediating variables, the one that has the strongest effect on employee retention is employee engagement. Organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), however, have no effect on employee retention. Therefore, this study has provided new insight into HRM practices and employee retention, getting to the heart of the role that mediating variables, particularly employee engagement, play in the network of relationships.
Agent technology, Computing as Interaction: A Roadmap for Agent Based Computing

Citing this paper Please note that where the full-text provided on King's Research Portal is the Author Accepted Manuscript or Post-Print version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version for pagination, volume/issue, and date of publication details. And where the final published version is provided on the Research Portal, if citing you are again advised to check the publisher's website for any subsequent corrections.
Analysis and modeling of task scheduling in wireless sensor network based on divisible load theory

In this paper, we propose a novel task scheduling algorithm (Divisible Task scheduling Algorithm for Wireless sensor networks (DTAW)) based on divisible load theory in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks to complete the tasks within the shortest possible time and reduce the sensors' energy‐consuming. In DTAW, the tasks are distributed to the wireless sensor network by the (SINK) on the basis of the processing and communication capacity of each sensor. After receiving the subtasks, the intracluster sensors carry out its tasks simultaneously and send the results to cluster head sequentially. By removing communication interference between each sensor, reduced task completion time and improved network resource utilization are achieved. Each cluster head simultaneously finishes sending fused data to the SINK after fusing the data obtained from intracluster sensors. In this way, the overlap between the task performing and communication phase would be much better. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the impacts of different network parameters on the makespan and energy consumption. The results show that the algorithm enables to reasonably distribute tasks to each sensor and then effectively reduces the time‐consuming and energy‐consuming. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing the relationship between intellectual capital and a company's performance : evidence from South Africa

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the performance of a company’s intellectual capital can explain organisational performance. The dimensions of a company’s performance are (1) profitability, (2) productivity and (3) market valuation. Data were obtained from a sample of 65 companies that are listed on the JSE Securities Exchange (high knowledge‐base sectors). Findings from the empirical analysis indicate that the relationships between the performance of a company’s intellectual capital and (1) profitability, (2) productivity and (3) market valuation are informative but varied. The empirical findings suggest that the performance of a company’s intellectual capital can explain profitability and productivity, but not market valuation.
To what extent can soft-tissue releases improve hip displacement in cerebral palsy?

Background and purpose — Hip displacement is frequent in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) and treatment is controversial. This prospective study assesses the effectiveness of soft-tissue releases to treat hip subluxation, analyses prognostic factors for outcome, and identifies time to failure in hips with poor outcome. Patients and methods — 37 children (16 girls) with hip subluxation were recruited from the population-based screening program for children with CP in Norway. They had consecutively undergone soft-tissue releases (bilateral tenotomies of adductors and iliopsoas) at a mean age of 5.0 (2.8–7.2) years. Functional classification was Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level III in 9 children, level IV in 10, and level V in 18 children. The outcome was termed good if the patient had not undergone further hip surgery and if the migration percentage (MP) of the worst hip at the latest follow-up was <50%. The mean follow-up time was 7.3 (5.1–9.8) years. Results — The outcome was good in all the ambulatory children and in 17 of 28 of the nonambulatory children. The only independent preoperative risk factor for poor outcome was MP ≥50%. The mean time to failure was 2.2 (1–5) years postoperatively and the reasons for failure were insufficient initial correction and later deterioration of displacement. Interpretation — Bilateral soft-tissue release is recommended in both ambulatory and nonambulatory children with hip subluxation. The operation should be performed before the hip displacement reaches 50%.
Blockholders on Boards and CEO Compensation, Turnover and Firm Valuation

We find that the presence of independent directors who are blockholders (IDBs) in firms promotes better CEO contracting and monitoring, and higher firm valuation. Using a panel of about 11,500 firm-years with a unique, hand-collected dataset on IDB-identity and a novel instrument, we find that firms with IDBs have lower excess CEO pay, lower flow and stock of CEO equity incentives, and higher valuations. These effects are substantial and robust. Our findings imply that by making it easier for blockholders to obtain a board seat, proxy access rules or bylaws can benefit shareholders.
A model of adaptation for families of elderly patients with dementia: focusing on family resilience

ABSTRACT Objectives: We constructed a model explaining families’ positive adaptation in chronic crisis situations such as the problematic behavior of elderly patients with dementia and attendant caregiving stress, based on the family resilience model. Our aim was to devise an adaptation model for families of elderly patients with dementia. Method: A survey of problematic behavior in elderly patients with dementia, family stress, family resilience, and family adaptation was conducted with 292 consenting individuals. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: The communication process, family stress, and problematic behavior of elderly patients with dementia had direct and indirect effects on family adaptation, while belief system, organization pattern, and social support had indirect effects. Specifically, family stress and more severe problematic behavior by elderly patients with dementia negatively influenced family adaptation, while greater family resilience improved such adaptation. Conclusion: Interventions aiming to enhance family resilience, based on the results of this study, are required to help families with positive adaptation. Such family programs might involve practical support such as education on the characteristics of elderly persons with dementia and coping methods for their problematic behavior; forming self-help groups for families; revitalizing communication within families; and activating communication channels with experts.
Positive regulation of p 53 stability and activity by the deubiquitinating enzyme

While the referees appreciate the data supporting that OTUB1 regulates the stability of p53, they also raise major concerns with the analysis. As you can see below, all three referees find that there is not enough data provided to support the mechanism for how OTUB1 regulates the stability of p53 and if OTUB1 acts in a canonical manner or non-canonical manner to regulate p53 levels. This is one the major concerns with the study and this issue has to be resolved before further consideration here. Should you be able to provide further data to provide definitive insight into the mechanism whereby OTUB1 regulates p53 stability and the other concerns raised then we would be willing to look at a revised manuscript. I don't know if you will be able to address the concerns raised in full, but it is such level of insight that we would need in order to consider publication in the EMBO Journal. I should remind you that it is EMBO Journal policy to allow a single major round of revision and that, therefore, acceptance or rejection of the manuscript will depend on the completeness of your responses included in the next, final version of the manuscript.
The utility of serum tryptase as a marker in chronic spontaneous urticaria.

© 2013 The Authors. doi: 10.2340/00015555-1486 Journal Compilation © 2013 Acta Dermato-Venereologica. ISSN 0001-5555 Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CsU) is defined as recurrent episodes of spontaneous pruritic wheal and flare skin lesions that occur daily, or on most days of the week, for at least 6 weeks (1). CsU is characterized by an unpredictable clinical course with varying degrees of frequency and severity. Mast cell activation may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria as mast cells release a variety of mediators, including histamine and tryptase (2). Elevated tryptase levels can be identified in the setting of mast cell degranulation (i.e. IgE-mediated reactions, such as anaphylaxis) and/or increased mast cell burden (i.e. mastocytosis) (3, 4). Elevated total serum tryptase (tST) has been demonstrated in a subset of patients with CsU compared with controls (5–7). The aim of this study was to identify clinical features of a subset of patients with CsU and elevated tST compared with those with normal tST.
A Survey of the European IPO Market

Based on a sample of 15 European countries, this survey analyses various features of the European IPO (Initial Public Offering) market over the period from 1995 to 2004: listing requirements, IPO-mechanism choices, performance and secondary market liquidity. First, the comparison of national primary market regulations, in spite of the commonly observed segmentation between Main, Parallel and New Markets, shows a wide diversity in listing requirements and reveals that the primary market’s mechanisms are almost always monitored by investment banks, which then control the initial pricing and allocation of new issues. The examination of issuers’ practices looks at the increase in the different types of IPO mechanisms in the late nineties and the widespread use of the book-building mechanism nowadays. Second, our empirical analysis of IPO short-term and long-term performance confirms, with a few exceptions, widely recognised patterns, but also show discrepancies between countries, periods, sector and primary listing mechanisms. The average initial underpricing amounts to 22% over our pan-European sample and is observed at various levels in each of the 15 countries of the sample. Empirical evidence on long-term performance is less clear. Results are not benchmark-dependent but sometimes differ from one measurement method to another. However, in line with previous studies, significant underperformance is found at the 3-year horizon with all methodologies and in all countries, except Greece and Portugal. Finally, using a sample of IPOs launched on Euronext between 1995 and 2004, our study examines the relationship between initial returns and post-listing liquidity in the short and in the long-run. We support the ‘illiquidity-compensation hypothesis’. Initial underpricing is positively linked to information asymmetry in the after-market. It produces higher turnover immediately after the IPO but has no effect on trading volumes after the first year of trading, so that this liquidity effect cannot be put down to ownership structure but is more likely attributable to the interest underpriced stocks generate.
Social skills preferences among internal auditors - an explanatory study using the FIRO-B

This study applies the FIRO-B technique to analyze the social interaction preferences of certified internal auditors working in U.S. corporations. Surveys were developed using the FIRO-B technique and obtained information on internal auditors from corporations located in the Western and Southeastern sections of the United States. This study will determine the social interaction scores of certified internal auditors, and compare them to the scores of other accounting professionals. This study indicates that social interaction skills are of increasing importance to the working success of internal auditors. The SII number is higher than prior research of CPAs employed in large international CPA firms but similar to those results found among accountants at regional CPA firms and national business professionals. This study did not segment the sample by industry to determine if there are any effects due to industry or company size. Future research might compare the internal auditors might make these comparisons. Also, the study did not include samples from outside of the United States. Understanding the social interaction of certified internal auditors is important since such information sheds light on the types of professionals who are most likely to succeed in the diverse work environment that internal auditors face. This is the first exploratory study using the FIRO-B on internal auditors.
Modulation of salivation and heartburn in response to the site of acid infusion in the human oesophagus

Background The pathogenesis of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease includes increased acid reflux, reduced salivation and impaired peristalsis. This may depend upon the height of acid wave and magnitude of oesophageal mucosal exposure. Interestingly, the effect of site of acid infusion upon salivary secretion and heartburn has not been examined in any detail.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury in Current Military Populations

Background: The use of unconventional weaponry combined with decreased mortality rates and servicemembers being exposed to intense ground combat during multiple deployments has increased the risk of servicemembers living with the consequences of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and combat operational stress. Objective: The purpose of this article is to perform a critical analysis of the literature to identify current rates of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and TBI in military and veteran populations who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan and their combined effects on persistent postconcussive symptoms. Design: A search of the literature with military and veteran populations published after 2001 in Pubmed, OVID/Medline, Cochran Database, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsychInfo was conducted using keywords. Results: Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. The literature search yielded mixed results for rates of PTSD, TBI, and comorbid conditions. Conclusions: There is some evidence that comorbid PTSD and TBI result in greater reports of postconcussive symptomology than either condition alone. Limitations include lack of consistency of measurements, sampling biases, and lack of experimental design, and these warrant further exploration. Future research is needed to decrease variability in study findings and elucidate relationships between these disorders and their effects on persistent postconcussive symptomology.
Governance Transparency, Finance, and the Institutions of Capitalism: A Global Perspective

This paper examines the importance of governance transparency as a foundation of modern finance and the national institutions of effective capitalism. Governance transparency has two major components, self-dealing transparency and corporate ownership transparency. Governance transparency reduces transactions costs and reduces asymmetric information problems by reducing instances of opportunistic behavior. We examine state of the art component measures of governance transparency and find that governance transparency is a significant influence on financial architecture, equity participation, and the cost of equity. We also document the effects of national trust and financing preferences on the demand for governance transparency. This overview and review should be of much interest to firm owners, managers, scholars, and policy-makers concerned with transparency and financial and economic development.
Critical Success Factors for Business Process Management for Small and Medium Banks in Nigeria

The study examines the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of Business Process Management (BPM) and Small Medium Bank performance in Nigerian banking industry. We carried out a large scale survey of organizations in financial sector and applied a rigorous research methodology. We found out five critical success factors (CSFs) of BPM implementation, which are IT investment, volume of financial activities, personnel commitment, strong capital base, and effective reward system. Among these factors, IT investment, personnel commitment and volume of financial activities have significant relationship with overall organizational performance (cost reduction, customer service management and operational efficiency performance), while effective reward system is only significant with cost reduction performance and strong capital base is significant with customer service management only. The study contributes to the research by identifying the success factors of business process management adoption in Primary Mortgage finance and Microfinance bank.
An Investigation on Domestic Leisure and Holiday-making

Tourism market in Hangzhou and Its EnlightenmentDevelopingleisure and holiday-making tourismis natural choice forthe transformation and upgrade of China’s tourism industry.However,we still have a lack of understanding about the currentsituation,which results in certain blindness in the development ofdomestic leisure and holiday-making tourism products.The paper,based on the questionnaire,analyzes the present state of the marketand offers opinions and suggestions regarding differentialdevelopment and cultivation of leisure and holiday-making market.
The Perceived Deficits Questionnaire: Perception, Deficit, or Distress?

BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction affects approximately 43% to 70% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is an important determinant of several functional outcomes in MS and quality of life. Brief neuropsychological test batteries have been developed specifically for use in MS and are widely used to aid clinicians in assessing levels of cognitive impairment in MS. Neuropsychologists and neurologists also frequently use briefer screening measures, such as the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), to assist in determining whether a more extensive neuropsychological evaluation is warranted. However, despite the ease of such measures, the relationship between self-report and objective cognitive impairment has been inconsistent, at best. Moreover, factors such as depression, fatigue, anxiety, and personality have been found to be more related to reports of cognitive difficulties. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the relationship between subjective cognitive concerns and objective cognitive impairment while accounting for related symptoms. METHODS We examined the association of self-reported cognitive concerns on the PDQ with objective cognitive measures, as well as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and self-efficacy. RESULTS There was no relationship between self-reported cognitive concerns and objective performance. Rather, reports on the PDQ were more correlated with reports of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Depression and poor self-efficacy can contribute to reports of cognitive difficulties. Effective treatment to improve these factors seems warranted given the impact of perceived cognitive impairment on outcomes in MS and the potential for more accurate self-reports.
Effect of vitamin D replacement on musculoskeletal parameters in school children: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Despite the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in children and adolescents worldwide, the impact of vitamin D deficiency on skeletal health is unclear. METHODS One hundred seventy-nine girls, ages 10-17 yr, were randomly assigned to receive weekly oral vitamin D doses of 1,400 IU (equivalent to 200 IU/d) or 14,000 IU (equivalent to 2,000 IU/d) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 1-yr protocol. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) at the lumbar spine, hip, forearm, total body, and body composition were measured at baseline and 1 yr. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D metabolites were measured during the study. RESULTS In the overall group of girls, lean mass increased significantly in both treatment groups (P < or = 0.05); bone area and total hip BMC increased in the high-dose group (P < 0.02). In premenarcheal girls, lean mass increased significantly in both treatment groups, and there were consistent trends for increments in BMD and/or BMC at several skeletal sites, reaching significance at lumbar spine BMD in the low-dose group and at the trochanter BMC in both treatment groups. There was no significant change in lean mass, BMD, or BMC in postmenarcheal girls. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D replacement had a positive impact on musculoskeletal parameters in girls, especially during the premenarcheal period.