Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How does culture influence innovation? A systematic literature review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review of the studies that have analyzed the impact of culture on innovation. Design/methodology/approach The authors carried out a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles in the past 37 years (January 1980-January 2017). Based on a total of 61 identified primary studies, the authors developed two clusters of culture definition studied in relation to innovation, including organizational culture and national culture. Findings After reporting the findings of the systematic literature review, the authors discuss how a variety of culturally related factors combine to facilitate or restrict innovation performance in their corresponding cluster. The findings highlight the complex and idiosyncratic relationship between culture and innovation. Future research lines are recommended. Research limitations/implications The authors adopt a systematic literature review method to probe into existing literature, inevitably missing some empirical studies. Implications for future research are suggested. Practical implications The paper offers interesting implications for managers and academia. For business practitioners, this study can provide a useful reference regarding the role of cultures in the corporate internal management or international operations; for scholars, the study can provide a current research landscape and development process in this field. Originality/value The findings are derived from a systematic literature review that has studied the influence of culture on innovation. In addition, implications and insights as to where future research might be usefully inquired in this field are provided.
Level dependence of cochlear nucleus onset unit responses and facilitation by second tones or broadband noise.

1. The responses of onset units in the cochlear nucleus of the anesthetized guinea pig have been measured to single tones, two-tone complexes, and broadband noise (BBN; 20-kHz bandwidth). The onset units were subdivided into three groups, onset-I (OnI), onset-L (OnL), and onset-C (OnC), on the basis of a decision tree using their peristimulus time histogram (PSTH) shape and discharge rate in response to suprathreshold best-frequency (BF) tone bursts. 2. PSTHs were constructed from responses either to single tones at a unit's BF or to BBN as a function of level. When sufficient sustained activity could be elicited from the unit, arbitrarily defined as > 100 spikes/s, a coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated; the majority were characterized by a CV that was similar to transient chopper units (0.35 < CV < 0.5). First spike latency decreased monotonically with increasing sound level. For the majority of onset units, the first spike timing was very precise. 3. BF rate-level functions recorded from OnL and OnC units did not show any signs of discharge rate saturation at the highest sound levels we have used (100-115 dB SPL). No systematic relationship was observed between the threshold at BF and the shape of the rate-level function. BBN rate-level functions were typically characterized by higher discharge rates than in response to BF tones. However, for OnI units and a minority of other onset units, there was little difference in the shape of their rate-level functions in response to BF tones or BBN. 4. The threshold of most onset units to BBN was similar to the threshold to a BF tone that had similar overall root-mean-square (RMS) energy. The BBN threshold was, on average, 5.5 dB greater than the BF threshold. This result contrasts with that found in auditory-nerve fibers recorded in the same species, with the use of an identical sound system, where the threshold to BBN was, on average, 19.4 dB higher. The mean threshold difference between BBN and BF tones for a population of chopper units recorded in the same series of experiments was 17.7 dB. The relative thresholds to BBN and BF tones indicated that the bandwidths near the onset units' BF threshold were broader than could be estimated with the use of single tones. Ten units were characterized by bimodal response areas. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Rituximab therapy for primary Sjögren's syndrome: an open-label clinical trial and mechanistic analysis.

OBJECTIVE To study the safety and clinical efficacy of rituximab therapy for primary Sjögren's syndrome, as well as to investigate its mechanisms. METHODS Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome were enrolled in an open-label trial, were given rituximab (1 gm) infusions on days 1 and 15, and were monitored through week 52. The primary end point was safety, with secondary end points evaluating clinical and biologic efficacy. Blood was obtained for enumeration of lymphocyte subsets, measurement of serum autoantibody and BAFF levels, and analysis of gene expression. RESULTS Twelve female patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome were administered rituximab. They had a median age of 51 years (range 34-69 years) and a median disease duration of 8.0 years (range 2-18 years). We observed no unexpected toxicities from the rituximab therapy. Modest improvements were observed at week 26 in patient-reported symptoms of fatigue and oral dryness, with no significant improvement in the objective measures of lacrimal and salivary gland function. The recovery of blood B cells following the nadir from rituximab therapy was characterized by a predominance of transitional B cells and a lack of memory B cells. While blood B cell depletion was associated with an increase in serum BAFF levels, no significant changes were observed in the levels of serum anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and anti-type 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies or in the blood interferon signature. CONCLUSION In patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, a single treatment course of rituximab was not associated with any unexpected toxicities and led to only modest clinical benefits despite effective depletion of blood B cells.
Modelling the dynamic physical protection of soil organic carbon: Insights into carbon predictions and explanation of the priming effect

The role and significance of physically protected soil organic carbon (SOC) in regulating SOC dynamics remains unclear. Here, we developed a simple theoretical model (DP model) considering dynamic physical protection to simulate the dynamics of protected (Cp) and unprotected SOC (Cu), and compared the modelling results with a conventional two‐pool (fast vs. slow) model considering chemical recalcitrance. The two models were first constrained using extensive SOC data collected from soils with and without fresh carbon (C) inputs under incubation conditions, and then applied to project SOC dynamics and explore mechanisms underpinning the priming effect (PE). Overall, both models explained more than 99% of the variances in observed SOC dynamics. The DP model predicted that Cp accounted for the majority of total SOC. As decomposition proceeds, the proportion of Cp reached >90% and kept relatively constant. Although the similar performance of the two models in simulating observed total SOC dynamics, their predictions of future SOC dynamics were divergent, challenging the predictions of widely used pool‐based models. The DP model also suggested alternative mechanisms underpinning the priming of SOC decomposition by fresh C inputs. The two‐pool model suggested that the PE was caused by the stimulated decomposition rates, especially for the slow recalcitrant pool, while the DP model suggested that the PE might be the combined consequence of stimulated Cu decomposition, the liberation of Cp to decomposition and the inhibition of the protection of unprotected SOC. The model‐data integration provided a new explanation for the PE, highlighting the importance of liberation of initially physically protected SOC to decomposition by new C inputs. Our model‐data integration demonstrated the importance of simulating physical protection processes for reliable SOC predictions, and provided new insights into mechanistic understanding of the priming effect.
Invasive candidiasis in long-term patients at a multidisciplinary intensive care unit: Candida colonization index, risk factors, treatment and outcome

The incidence of fungal infections in hospitalized patients has increased, and due to demographic changes and increasingly advanced medical methods, the intensive care units (ICU) have emerged as epicentres for fungal infections. The aim of the present study was to investigate Candida colonization pattern and colonization index (CI), in combination with other risk factors and its relation to invasive candida infection (ICI), in 59 consecutive patients with at least 7 d length of stay (LOS) at a multidisciplinary ICU. Surveillance samples were collected on d 7 and then weekly during the ICU stay. In addition, immunological status was monitored by measuring the histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR). In the present study with a patient population burdened by several risk factors for ICI, 17% acquired an invasive infection. Overall ICU mortality was 30%. We could demonstrate that both a high colonization index and recent extensive gastroabdominal surgery were significantly correlated with ICI, while a decreased level of HLA-DR (≤70%) was not predictive for ICI in this high-risk population. The results indicate that ICU patients exposed to extensive gastroabdominal surgery would benefit from early antifungal prophylaxis.
Exploring paradoxes of native vegetation management in the context of bushfire in south-east Australia in the 21st century

12 Chapter 1: Introduction . 14 Context . 14 Background to the research . 14 Research problems . 18 Definitions . 18 The paradox frame . 21 Thesis structure . 21 Chapter 2 Social-ecological literature review . 23 Literature review of the contextual considerations for researching complex problems of native vegetation management in south-east Australia . 28 History and art in Australia: Early narratives of the Australian environment . 29 Media . 37 Policy narratives . 39 The Australian biophysical environment: A review of research into managing bushfire and native vegetation . 40 Native vegetation in south-east Australia. 44
Influence of obesity on the development of osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the evidence for the influence of obesity as a risk factor for the occurrence of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. METHODS A bibliographical search of Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library until April 2000 was carried out. Articles describing studies of the relationship between obesity and the occurrence of hip OA were selected. The quality of the studies was assessed with a standardized set of criteria. The outcome of the studies was compared with respect to study characteristics and the quality score for the study. A best-evidence synthesis was used to summarize the results of the individual studies. RESULTS Five longitudinal and seven cross-sectional studies were included in this review. There was no association between outcome and study design or methodological quality. The associations between obesity and hip OA were, however, stronger in studies in which the diagnosis of hip OA was based not only on radiological criteria but also on clinical symptoms. Overall, moderate evidence was found for a positive association between obesity and the occurrence of hip OA, with an odds ratio of approximately 2. CONCLUSION The evidence for a positive influence of obesity on the development of hip OA is moderate.
Conserved Oncogenic Behavior of the FAM83 Family Regulates MAPK Signaling in Human Cancer

FAM83B (family with sequence similarity 83, member B) was recently identified as a novel oncogene involved in activating CRAF/MAPK signaling and driving epithelial cell transformation. FAM83B is one of eight members of a protein family (FAM83) characterized by a highly conserved domain of unknown function (DUF1669), which is necessary and sufficient to drive transformation. Here, it is demonstrated that additional FAM83 members also exhibit oncogenic properties and have significantly elevated levels of expression in multiple human tumor types using a TissueScan Cancer Survey Panel PCR array and database mining. Furthermore, modeling the observed tumor expression of FAM83A, FAM83C, FAM83D, or FAM83E promoted human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC) transformation, which correlated with the ability of each FAM83 member to bind CRAF (RAF1) and promote CRAF membrane localization. Conversely, ablation of FAM83A or FAM83D from breast cancer cells resulted in diminished MAPK signaling with marked suppression of growth in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Importantly, each FAM83 member was determined to be elevated in at least one of 17 distinct tumor types examined, with FAM83A, FAM83B, and FAM83D most frequently overexpressed in several diverse tissue types. Finally, evidence suggests that elevated expression of FAM83 members is associated with elevated tumor grade and decreased overall survival. Implications: FAM83 proteins represent a novel family of oncogenes suitable for the development of cancer therapies aimed at suppressing MAPK signaling. Mol Cancer Res; 12(8); 1156–65. ©2014 AACR.
Keratin Degradation by Fervidobacterium pennavorans, a Novel Thermophilic Anaerobic Species of the Order Thermotogales

From a hot spring of the Azores islands a novel thermophilic bacterium belonging to the Thermotogales order was isolated. This strain, which grows optimally at 70(deg)C and pH 6.5, is the first known extreme thermophile that is able to degrade native feathers at high temperatures. The enzyme system converts feather meal to amino acids and peptides. On the basis of physiological, morphological, and 16S rDNA studies the new isolate was found to be a member of the Thermotogales order and was identified as Fervidobacterium pennavorans. The strain was highly related to Fervidobacterium islandicum and Fervidobacterium pullulanolyticum. The cell-bound keratinolytic enzyme system was purified 32-fold by detergent treatment with CHAPS (3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethyl-ammonio]-1-propanesulfonate) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was characterized as a serine protease with a molecular mass of 130 kDa and an isoelectric point of 3.8. Optimal activity was measured at 80(deg)C and pH 10.0. Furthermore, 19 anaerobic thermophilic archaea and bacteria belonging to the orders Thermococcales, Thermoproteales, Thermotogales, and Clostridiales (growth temperatures between 60 and 105(deg)C) were tested for their abilities to grow on feathers and produce heat-stable keratinolytic enzymes. None of the tested extremophilic microorganisms was able to attack the substrate in a native form.
Cross-cultural validation and psychometric evaluation of the Dutch language version of the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) in children with and without physical disabilities

Objective: To assess construct validity, test—retest reliability and inter-interviewer reliability of the intensity dimension of the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) for children with and without physical disabilities in the Netherlands. Subjects: In total, 232 children aged 6—18 years (110 male, 122 female) participated. Seventy-four children with various physical disabilities and 158 without a disability. Design: Participants completed the CAPE and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. In addition, parents of 142 children were interviewed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and the Family Environment Scale. For 71 children test— retest reliability and for 60 children inter-interviewer reliability were assessed. Validity was examined by assessing differences in participation intensity in children with disabilities versus without a physical disability, boys versus girls, and younger versus older children. In addition, 13 hypotheses regarding participation, child and family variables were examined. Results: Validity of the CAPE was supported by significant differences in participation for subgroups. Participation differed significantly in children with and without disabilities. Girls participated more in all activities. Older children participated more in social activities and self-improvement activities, younger children participated more in recreational activities. Validity of the CAPE was further supported with significant correlation coefficients in 8 out of 13 hypotheses. Both test—retest and inter-interviewer reliability were good to excellent. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the Dutch language version of the CAPE is a reliable and valid instrument to measure participation in recreation and leisure activities for children with and without physical disabilities aged 6—18 years.
Culture-Independent Phylogenetic Analysis of the Microbial Community in Industrial Sugarcane Bagasse Feedstock Piles

Sugarcane bagasse is an important lignocellulosic by-product with potential for conversion to biofuels and chemicals in biorefinery. As a step towards an understanding of microbial diversity and the processes existing in bagasse collection sites, the microbial community in industrial bagasse feedstock piles was investigated. Molecular biodiversity analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed the presence of a complex bacterial community. A diverse group of mainly aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria was identified reflecting the aerobic and high temperature microenvironmental conditions under the pile surface. The major bacterial taxa present were identified as Firmicutes, Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Analysis of the eukaryotic microbial assemblage based on an internal transcribed spacer revealed the predominance of diverse cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic ascomycota. A microbial interaction model is proposed, focusing on lignocellulose degradation and methane metabolism. The insights into the microbial community in this study provide a basis for efficient utilization of bagasse in lignocellulosic biomass-based industries.
Congruence of Knowledge, Experiences, and Preferences for Disclosure of Diagnosis and Prognosis between Terminally-Ill Cancer Patients and Their Family Caregivers in Taiwan

Background. Over the last 40 years, studies have shown cultural differences in attitudes toward truth telling at the end-of-life. Nevertheless, the argument that cancer patients from an Asian culture have different preferences about information disclosure that necessitate significantly modifying information disclosure practices has not been validated by direct investigation from patients' points of view. Methods. Six hundred seventeen dyads of patient-designated family caregivers across 21 hospitals throughout Taiwan were surveyed and interviewed by a semistructured interview guide. Percentage of agreement, kappa coefficients, McNemar tests, and paired t-tests were conducted to examine the extent of congruence of knowledge, experiences, and preferences for disclosure of diagnosis and prognosis between the dyads. Results. There were substantial discrepancies in the knowledge and experiences of being informed about the diagnosis and prognosis between Taiwanese terminally-ill cancer patients and their family caregivers (kappa values ranged from 0.08 to 0.44). Cancer patients strongly proclaimed their superior rights to be informed about their disease over their family and preferred their physicians to inform themselves before releasing any information to their family caregivers. Conclusion. The arguments that cancer patients from an Asian culture (i.e., Chinese/Taiwanese culture) have different preferences regarding being informed of their diagnosis and prognosis and that family members have legitimate superior power in decision making could not be supported by data from this group of terminally-ill cancer patients. Physicians need to respect patients' preferences rather than routinely taking the family's opinions into consideration first in the event of disagreement. Equipped with adequate information, terminally-ill cancer patients from Asia may have better opportunities to make end-of-life care decisions that are in accord with their wishes.
Performance comparison of state synchronization techniques in a distributed LTE EPC

With Network Function Virtualization (NFV) generating significant interest in the network operator community, many network functions, including the LTE EPC, are being built as virtualized software appliances running on commodity hardware, as opposed to custom hardware. To provide fault tolerance and scalable performance, the virtualized network functions are typically built in a clustered architecture, with a front-end load balancer distributing incoming traffic across multiple replicas, and the replicas synchronizing shared state with each other for resilience and consistency. Our work compares several distributed designs of the LTE EPC along the axis of the frequency of state synchronization across the replicas, and quantifies the performance overhead of state synchronization for control plane and data plane operations. Using experiments with our distributed EPC prototypes, we show that synchronizing state for every message incurs a prohibitive performance penalty (over 70% reduction in throughput as compared to the case of no synchronization). On the other hand, synchronizing state at session boundaries, while providing lower fault tolerance guarantees, imposes a smaller performance penalty. We believe that our open-source prototypes and experimental results will guide future distributed EPC designs, and help operators pick the right design that is appropriate for their fault tolerance and performance requirements.
Social presence and digital dialogic communication: engagement lessons from top social CEOs

ABSTRACT This study expands the conceptual framework of dialogic communication on social media by incorporating a social dimension via social presence. Through a content analysis, we explored how dialogic internet principles and social presence strategies were implemented in top social CEOs’ Facebook posts to generate public engagement outcomes. Results showed that top social CEOs used a variety of dialogic principles on Facebook. Yet, 1-way information strategies were still more commonly used. Critically, dialogic principles, such as providing information of interest to publics and creating dialogic loops and the affective and cohesive strategies for projecting social presence effectively enhanced public engagement outcomes of reactions, likes, shares, and comments. Theoretical contributions and strategic implications on digital dialogic communication and leadership communication in public relations are discussed.