Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF STRATEGIC INNOVATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON FIRM INNOVATION PERFORMANCE

In a highly competitive environment, innovation is the essential key to a firm obtaining a dominant position and gaining higher profits. Therefore, the understanding of which strategic innovation management practices lead to success is very important. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of innovation strategy, organizational structure, innovation culture, technological capability and customer and supplier relationships, which appear in the literature as strategic innovation management practices in business enterprises, on firm innovation performance. In this context, data collected from 132 managers at 66 firms operating in the manufacturing sector in the TRB2 zone of Turkey were analyzed. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test hypotheses of study. The analyses revealed that innovation strategy, organizational structure and innovation culture significantly increased firm innovation performance. However, no significant impacts of technological capability and customer and supplier relationships on firm innovation performance were determined.
Water Governance Reform and Catchment Management in the Mekong Region

This article investigates complexities and dynamics of water governance reforms at a number of levels in the Mekong Region. It looks comparatively at countries within the region and at the Mekong as a transboundary basin. The study takes catchment management processes as a focus for reform agendas related to water and relates water management in a river basin context to wider issues of governance reform. A central argument is that the effectiveness of water governance cannot be assessed in terms of simple environmental, economic, or social outcomes, or even against a more comprehensive “triple bottom line. ” Governance agendas and definitions are too diverse, and stakeholder interests too complex, to come up with a straightforward “best practice” of catchment-oriented water governance toward which policy reform should aspire. Rather, catchment governance in the Mekong is an arena for negotiating more sustainable, equitable, and productive use and management of water at multiple scales.
PolyWordNet: A lexical database

We developed a new lexical database named as ‘PolyWordNet’. The PolyWordNet organizes multiple senses of a polysemy word in such a way that each sense of the polysemy word is linked with its related words by dividing these related words into verbs, nouns, adverbs and adjectives. Each related word in the PolyWordNet is linked only with a single sense of a polysemy word except for the case of bridging related word. This is because such related word will lead to the multiple senses of a polysemy word during the sense disambiguation process if the related word is liked to more than one sense of the same polysemy word introducing the ambiguity in ambiguity as in the case of contextual overlap count WSD approaches that use the Princeton WordNet for sense disambiguation. The PolyWordNet resolves this problem which is produced due to the common information collected from Princeton WordNet. The results obtained from the experiments show exceptionally high accuracy (96.11%) of our Word Sense Disambiguation algorithm that uses our lexical database PolyWordNet. This accuracy is significantly higher than that of the accuracy (58.33%) of the other contextual overlap count Word Sense Disambiguation method that used the Princeton WordNet for sense disambiguation.
Management accounting as disciplinary practice: the case of ITT under Harold Geneen

Abstract The work of Michel Foucault has been influential in social science research generally and recetn scholarship on management accounting history more specifically. This paper evaluates a key section of his seminal text, Discipline and Punishment by applying it to recent corporate events. The principles of disciplinary control based on the analogy of the 'panoptical gaze' are elaborated and used to analyse the management of ITT, especially during the tenure of Harold Geneen as its Chief Executive Officer. The paper argues that Geneen's method, hailed as exemplary managerial practice, bear correspondence to Foucault's model. By applying management accounting principles, Geneen constituted managers as subjects and amenable, docile, obedient bodies, and established ITT as a large international conglomerate. However, Foucault's approach did not fully capture all of the important factors germane to this period and its aftermath. The paper concludes that political economy approaches to these events are not necessarily incommensurate or discordant with a Foucauldian approach and that both may be used in a complementary fashion to critique and reform managerial practices.
The existence of R&D spillovers: A cost function estimation with random coefficients

This is a study of the effects of R&D spillovers on the cost and production structures of Finnish manufacturing firms. Confidential data on firms is used to estimate a translog cost function system with random coefficients. Although the results suggest that intra-industry spillovers are present in Finnish manufacturing, the findings regarding inter-industry spillovers are inconclusive. The variable cost reduction associated with spillovers is positive, but relatively low. Spillovers reduce the demand for labor but increase the demand for materials. Spillovers also reduce the willingness to pay for capital inputs.
An assessment of managerial competency needs: empirical evidence from a Sri Lankan telecommunication service provider

From the management development viewpoint, it is important to know whether managers possess the required competencies to achieve successful job performance. This could be identified by exploring the competency needs. The aim of the paper is to present and discuss results of an empirical investigation on managerial competency needs using quantitative methodology. The study is confined to a fully integrated telecommunication service provider; 198 managerial employees participated in the survey. The findings led to identification of: perceived levels of current competency expertise; current and future competency gaps; and competencies that managers wish to improve. Managerial implications, limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Consumer Durables and Inertial Behaviour: Estimation and Aggregation of (S, s) Rules for Automobile Purchases

The (S, s) model, originally introduced in the study of inventories (see Arrow et al. (1951), Scarf (1959)), has recently received renewed attention both in the durable consumption and in the investment and labour demand literatures. Caballero (1993), for instance, appeals to these type of models to explain the time series properties of durable expenditure and, in particular, the persistence or "slow adjustment" of such a variable. In this paper, I model the purchase behaviour of automobiles by U.S. households as an (S, s) rule. I estimate a flexible specification of such a rule using a large microeconomic data set and study some of the aggregate implications of this type of inertial behaviour. The paper is one of the first attempts at estimating directly the parameters of an (S, s) rule using micro data. ' Because of this, some of the methodological issues concerning the specification and the estimation of (S, s) rules are relevant for many potential applications. Furthermore, the paper is one of the first to discuss and quantify the aggregate implications of an (S, s) rule estimated on micro data. In the presence of non-convex transaction costs, a full and consistent characterization of individual behaviour is very hard and typically requires strong restrictions. Grossman and Laroque (1991) prove that an (S, s) rule is optimal for a consumption and investment problem under very special circumstances. Some of their results were extended by Eberly (1991) and Beaulieu (1993a, b). Eberly (1991), in particular, has derived some closed-form solutions for durable consumption in the presence of transaction costs while Caballero and Engel (1994) construct a model of investment where an (S, s) rule is optimal. The main problem with these theoretical results is that it is only possible to show optimality of (S, s) rules under very stringent conditions. In particular, a necessary condition to derive them is that the optimization problem faced by an individual consumer can be reduced to a problem with a single state variable. Unfortunately, as pointed out by Bar-Ilan and Blinder (1992), even simple generalizations are extremely difficult to analyse
Glycine receptors mediate part of the immobility produced by inhaled anesthetics.

UNLABELLED Many inhaled anesthetics potentiate the effect of glycine on inhibitory strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in vitro, supporting the view that this receptor could mediate the immobility produced by inhaled anesthetics during noxious stimulation (i.e., would underlie minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration [MAC]). There are quantitative differences between anesthetics in their capacity to potentiate glycine's effect in receptor expression systems: halothane (most potentiation), isoflurane (intermediate), and cyclopropane (minimal). If glycine receptors mediate MAC, then their blockade in the spinal cord should increase the MAC of halothane more than that of isoflurane and isoflurane MAC more than cyclopropane MAC; the increases in MAC should be proportional to the receptor potentiation produced in vitro. Rats with chronically implanted intrathecal catheters were anesthetized with halothane, isoflurane, or cyclopropane. During intrathecal infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid, MAC was determined. Then MAC was re-determined during an infusion of 3, 12, 24, or 48 (isoflurane only) micro g/min of strychnine (strychnine blocks glycine receptors) in artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Strychnine infusion increased MAC in proportion to the enhancement of glycine receptors found in vitro. The maximum effect was with an infusion of 12 micro g/min. For the combined results at 12 and 24 micro g/min of strychnine, the increase in MAC correlated with the extent of in vitro potentiation (r(2) = 0.82). These results support the hypothesis that glycine receptors mediate part of the immobilization produced by inhaled anesthetics. IMPLICATIONS In vitro, halothane potentiates glycine's effect on strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors more than isoflurane and isoflurane more than cyclopropane. The present in vivo work indicates that antagonism of the glycine receptor with strychnine increases minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration for halothane more than isoflurane and isoflurane more than cyclopropane. Such results support the notion that glycine receptors may mediate part of the immobility produced by inhaled anesthetics.
Trade Reform, Adjustment and Growth: What Does the Evidence Tell Us?

The contrast between the growth performance of East Asia at one extreme and sub-Saharan Africa at the other is a striking one. Much has been written about the contrast, especially in relation to the former. The reason for the interest is obvious: if there are elements of the East Asian experience which can be reproduced elsewhere then let us identify and replicate. One such common factor which a number of analysts believe they have identified is openness to international trade. More specifically, the growth of exports and the growth of GDP appear to be highly correlated (even if causality is sometimes in doubt) and on average, through time, countries with a more open trade orientation appear to do better. This proposition has underpinned an extraordinary wave of unilateral trade reform in developing countries. In the last twenty years over 90 countries have initiated some kind of reform or another. Some have been voluntary. Most, however, have been initiated by both Bretton Woods institutions but especially the World Bank under its Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). Since 1980 a substantial proportion of total Bank lending has come through this window. Typically, any such loans are conditional on policy reform and in general trade policy reform figures prominently.1 Although there are political economy considerations which are relevant to the emphasis on trade policy reforms (such as the relative ease of monitoring change in that domain compared with others), the basic economic rationale is straightforward: if there appears to be a long term association between performance and openness and if an economy is presently relatively closed, then liberalisation is a necessary bridge to becoming more open. One can finesse the rationale in various ways but fundamentally that is what it comes down to. Has it worked? Has liberalisation of the World Bank inspired (or some might say required) variety proved to be a successful bridge? In other words has it led to growth? The reasons why it should or will not have been carefully presented by Dornbusch (1992) and Rodrik (1992, 1998) as well as Krueger and Taylor in this Controversy. Our concern here is not about the theory but the evidence. Overall is the evidence supportive of liberalisation providing a growth enhancing stimulus or not? In Section 1 we begin by setting out a series of
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -8, -13) in chronic periapical lesions.

BACKGROUND/AIM Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading almost all extracellular matrix and basement membrane components in many destructive pathological processes, such as chronic inflammation and bone-destructive lesions. The aim of this study was to determinate the correlation between concentration of collagenases (MMP-1, -8, -13) in chronic periapical lesions and their dimension calculated with software predilection through X-ray. METHODS Chronic periapical tissues were collected by periapical surgery from 60 teeth with clinically and radiographically verified different chronic periapical lesions (20 granulomas, 20 diffuse periapical lesions, 10 cysts). Ten normal pulps used as controls were obtained by extirpation of the pulp of impacted third molars after their surgery. For rapid analysis of MMP-1, -8, -13 collagenase activities in the examined material Chemicon Collagenase Activity Assay Kit were used. From the X-ray trough software predilection (Image Tool3 Program) of the volume of chronic periapical tissue, correlation between concentration of MMPs in the periapical lesions and their dimension was confirmed. RESULTS Different concentrations of collagenases (MMP-1, -8 and -13) in chronic periapical process from different inflammation types showed different activity of MMPs. The obtained results showed the highest values of collagenases concentration (MMP-1, -8, -13) in chronic diffuse lesions (5.39 ng/ml). Low values of concentration of MMPs accompanied less serious lesions, whereas chronical periapical lesions of large dimension had high concentration of MMPs, which was proportional to progression of the lesion and destruction of bone tissue. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the destructive role of collagenases (MMP-1, -8 and -13) in inflammation process, which directly depends on the concentration of MMPs in pathologically changed tissue.
Interdependence and Volatility Spillovers Under Market Liberalization: The Case of Istanbul Stock Exchange

This paper analyzes stock returns and volatility relations between the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) and the global market as represented by stock markets in the US, the UK, Japan and Germany. Results from monthly data and multivariate cointegration tests suggest that the ISE became significantly integrated in the global market only in the period following market liberalization in late 1989. We also find evidence based on GARCH estimations that capital liberalization actually mitigated, rather than intensified, volatility in the ISE. Our results further suggest that the Asian crisis in mid-1997 and the consequent Russian economic meltdown in mid-1998 are partly responsible for the recent excessive volatility in the Turkish market. The results also identify the US and the UK markets as dominate sources of volatility spillovers for the ISE, even in the period following the Asian-Russian crises. Consequently, it appears that the two matured markets of the US and the UK shoulder significant responsibility for the stability and financial health of smaller emerging markets like the ISE.
Thermal stability and mode of oligomerization of the tetrameric peanut agglutinin: a differential scanning calorimetry study.

Peanut agglutinin is a homotetrameric legume lectin. The crystal structure of peanut agglutinin shows that the four subunits associate in an unusual manner, giving rise to open quaternary structure [Banarjee, R. , et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 91, 227-231]. The thermal unfolding of peanut agglutinin has been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and gel filtration to elucidate its thermal stability and its mode of oligomerization. The unfolding process is reversible and could be described by a three-state model with two transitions occurring at around 331 and 336 K. For the tetramer, the ratio of DeltaHc/DeltaHv for the first transition is close to 4 and for the second transition is close to 0.25, suggesting that 4 and 0.25 cooperative unit(s) of the tetramer are involved in the first and second transitions, respectively. The agreement between the model-independent DeltaHv(S) determined from the values of the temperatures of the peak maximum (Tp1) with the protein concentration with the values of DeltaHv obtained from the fit of the data to the transition confirms that the first peak is associated with the dissociation of peanut agglutinin tetramers (A4) to "folded" monomers (4A), whereas the second peak describes the unfolding (4U) of these monomers. The overall process for the thermal unfolding of peanut agglutinin could therefore be summarized as A4 <==> 4A <==> 4U. Gel filtration studies confirm this process, as peanut agglutinin elutes as a tetramer up to 50 degrees C, and at and above 56 degrees C (Tm of first transition), it elutes at a position commensurate with that of the folded monomer of peanut agglutinin. The unfolding behavior of peanut agglutinin in the presence of saturating amounts of carbohydrate ligands is similar to that observed for the unligated form. The temperature of maximal stability of the peanut agglutinin tetramer at pH 7.4 is calculated to be around 33 degrees C with a maximal free energy of stabilization of 8.70 kcal/mol. The results demonstrate that unfolding of peanut agglutinin goes through two distinct phases with folded monomer being the intermediate.
Regulation of IL-10 and IL-12 production and function in macrophages and dendritic cells

Interleukin-10 and Interleukin-12 are produced primarily by pathogen-activated antigen-presenting cells, particularly macrophages and dendritic cells. IL-10 and IL-12 play very important immunoregulatory roles in host defense and immune homeostasis. Being anti- and pro-inflammatory in nature, respectively, their functions are antagonistically opposing. A comprehensive and in-depth understanding of their immunological properties and signaling mechanisms will help develop better clinical intervention strategies in therapy for a wide range of human disorders. Here, we provide an update on some emerging concepts, controversies, unanswered questions, and opinions regarding the immune signaling of IL-10 and IL-12.
EFFECTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE ON ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS IN ISLAMIC AZAD UNIVERSITIES OF NORTHWEST OF IRAN

This study examines the effects of organizational culture on organizational effectiveness in Islamic Azad Universities of Northwest of Iran. 75 academic members of physical education, voluntary filled out the Denison Organizational Culture (DOCS) and Hsu Organizational Effectiveness (OEQ). Statistical analysis of data (e.g. Pearson Correlation, Linear Regression and Multiple Regression) indicated that organizational culture has a significant positive influence on the organizational effectiveness. Only two indices of consistency and mission (organizational culture indices) have a significant positive influence on the organizational effectiveness. Also the results showed that organizational effectiveness has been affected 67.9% by organizational culture.
How are creative industries weathering the crisis

The article explores whether and how creative industries are surviving the current downturn in order to understand whether they will be in a position to contribute to UK’s economic growth. The argument suggested here is that creative industries are crucial for recasting UK manufacturing so that parts of it can be competitively located in the UK. The only manufacturing activities that the UK can convincingly and sustainably aim to retain and grow are the high value-added, high innovation and high creativity ones. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
Liquid-Based Cytology in Diagnosing Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has achieved great success in cytological diagnosis of various cancers when compared with conventional smear methods. However, its application in diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has never been studied. Methods Eighty-four consecutive patients who underwent nasopharyngeal biopsy for suspicious NPC or a nasopharyngeal mass under nasopharyngoscopy were enrolled in this prospective study. Brush samples were taken from the same site before punch biopsy and processed with the Thin Prep test. Results The adequacy, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, false-negative rate, and false-positive rate of LBC in diagnosing NPC were 92.9% (78 of 84), 93.6% (73 of 78), 84.2% (16 of 19), 96.6% (57 of 59), 15.8% (three of 19), and 3.4% (two of 25), respectively. There were four inadequate specimens from patients with NPC and two inadequate ones from those without NPC. Conclusions Our study showed that the adequacy, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic rate of LBC were equivalent to those using conventional smear methods. Although the diagnostic rate of NPC was lower using brush cytology than by punch biopsy, further improvements in the sampling technique could make brushing cytology a potential tool for NPC screening.
The expenditure-GDP nexus: evidence from a panel of SAARC 7-countries

The paper investigates the casual relationship between government expenditure, GDP and exports for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for the period between 1960 and 2010. Using cointegration and Granger causality, the results suggest that there exists bidirectional causality between exports and economic growth in India. For Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan there is unidirectional causality from exports to economic growth. The unidirectional causality from government expenditure to economic growth is found in Bangladesh and Maldives, whereas the reverse causality is found in Bhutan and Pakistan. For Maldives and Sri Lanka Government expenditure causes exports, whereas for Pakistan export causes government expenditure. The panel analysis finally suggests and existence of unidirectional causality from export to government expenditure and from economic growth to government expenditure.
Crises in Developed and Emerging Stock Markets

Stock market crises in the developed markets differ in important ways from the crises in emerging stock markets. Our study of nine crises in the 1970–97 period indicates that developed market crises have become less severe over time, in terms of both the extent of price decline and duration, but those in emerging stock markets have not. In both markets, prices fall for at least three years subsequent to recovery from a crisis and the crisis in one market is likely to be followed by crises in most other markets in the region. Nevertheless, even in times of crises, international stocks continue to provide diversification benefits for U.S. investors with long investment horizons.