Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Benefits of Hierarchy? - Exploring the Effects of Regional Headquarters in Multinational Corporations

This chapter investigates the role Regional Headquarters (RHQs) play in large multinationals and probes to what degree the establishment of RHQs provides hierarchy benefits according to the M-form principles. Nine large multinational corporations (MNCs) provided the empirical setting for 55 in-depth interviews with decision-makers at corporate, regional and local levels. Case reports were developed for each MNC and the industries they operated in. Observations, company documents, detailed workshops with managers and a follow-up survey within one of the MNCs complemented the data. We find evidence for benefits of hierarchy when RHQs are introduced very much along the lines of the classic M-form organisation with product divisions. However, M-form principles are taken ad absurdum by the fact that there seems to be constant reorganisation regarding the mandates and the geographic scope of the regions. The practical implications of the chapter show that MNCs need to be aware that RHQs and the regional divisions they manage seem to be more difficult to manage in a stable way than product divisions. A clear rationale needs to underlie regional groupings to minimise instability, dissatisfaction among subsidiaries and, hence, ruptures of the M-form principles. Further research is needed to compare the stability of product versus regional divisionalisation. Future research on organisational structures should focus on firm-specific definitions of regional scope.
Computation of the  $Q$  Limits for Arbitrary-Shaped Antennas Using Characteristic Modes

In this paper, we present an efficient and direct method for computing the lower bound on Q for arbitrary-shaped, perfectly conducting antenna geometries. We begin by deriving a new formula for Q based on the currents induced on the antenna/scatterer and the method of moments (MoM) impedance matrix [Z]. We then use this formula in conjunction with the theory of characteristic modes to find lower bounds on arbitrary-shaped electrically small antennas (ESAs). Current distributions that yield the minimum possible Q are also given, providing for a powerful insight into the physical factors that affect Q, and offer guidelines for improving the ESA designs constricted to arbitrary physical volumes. Several supporting examples are investigated, and appropriate comparisons to the literature are given to demonstrate the flexibility and effectiveness of our approach.
Development of Neutralizing Antibodies in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treated with IFN-β1a

ABSTRACT Sixty-eight patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were treated with 3 million or 9 million IU of recombinant interferon-β1a (recIFN-β1a) s.c. three times a week for 2 years. Their sera were tested for antibodies neutralizing the IFN (NAb) in a bioassay. Sera with titers ≥1:20 were considered positive. We detected NAb in 3.2%, 13.8%, and 15.9% of the patients in sera obtained at 3, 6, and 24 months, respectively. The incidence was not related to the IFN dose. Interestingly, during the 6 month baseline period before the start of the study, relapse rates, baseline disability, nnd the volume of lesions on T2-weighted images were significantly higher in patients who developed NAb during treatment. Because of interpatient variability, no definitive relationship was observed between NAb formation and loss of clinical or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) response.
Open or Delete: Decision-makers’ Attitudes Toward E-mail Marketing Messages

Organisations make use of e-mail marketing messages, with Swedish companies spending SEK40 million on this form of marketing communication. The purpose of this paper was to examine the attitudes of decision-makers in the Swedish manufacturing industry regarding e-mail marketing messages received. The authors used a quantitative research approach with an online-survey in order to collect the necessary data. The population was decision-makers within the manufacturing industry in Sweden and 1 777 responses from decision-makers were received and analysed. The majority of decision-makers tend to have negative attitudes toward e-mail marketing messages. Differences in attitudes exist between those of different ages and positions within companies. While respondents indicated that they check their e-mail frequently, no significant differences in attitudes to e-mail marketing messages could be identified. Marketers can attempt to improve attitudes among recipients by building relationships with the recipients prior to sending e-mail marketing messages, and paying attention to the layout and content of the e-mails.
Planning and Growth Characteristics of Small Business Owner- Managers

This paper outlines the findings from a study of small business owner-managers who were seeking to grow their businesses. The study examined the management practices of these owners and their strategic thinking in relation to internal and external environmental issues. The study suggests that owner-managers who have a strong growth orientation are likely to have an enhanced sense of their strategic vision, and the ability to communicate this vision to their employees. Firms that possess formal business plans are more likely to have stronger support network partnerships, formal quality assurance and the ability to lead change among employees. A relationship was found between an above average level of average annual sales turnover and the personal vision of the owner-managers. The findings suggest that ownermanagers from small firms should seek to benchmark their business against industry best practice, but that such benchmarking must be supported by a clear strategic vision and the capacity to communicate this vision to others, particularly employees. Implications for the education of small business owners are also discussed.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor spares choline acetyltransferase mRNA following axotomy of motor neurons in vivo

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) is a functional and specific marker gene for neurons such as primary motor neurons that synthesize and release acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter. In adult mammals, transection of the peripheral nerve results in a loss of immunoreactivity for ChAT in the injured motor neurons without affecting their cell number. Using a quantitative RNase protection assay, we have investigated dynamic changes in ChAT mRNA levels following axotomy of motor neurons in the brainstem of adult rats. One week after transection of the left hypoglossal nerve, levels of ChAT mRNA in the ipsilateral side of the hypoglossal motor nucleus decreased dramatically to around 10% when compared to the uninjured contralateral side. When cut axons were chronically exposed to brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for 1 week, ChAT mRNA levels were maintained at 63% of control levels. Thus, BDNF can abrogate the injury‐induced loss of ChAT mRNA in mature motor neurons in vivo. In contrast, neither neurotrophin 4/5 nor nerve growth factor could prevent the decrease in message. This effect of BDNF on ChAT mRNA levels following peripheral injury to motor neurons demonstrates the existence of regulatory pathways responsive to neurotrophic factors that can “rescue” or “protect” cholinergic gene expression. J. Neurosci. Res. 47:134–143, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of Denison's Model of Organisational Culture and Effectiveness in the Indian Context

Taking cue from the recent surge in organisational culture and effectiveness studies' mainly in Western countries, the present study investigated the link between these two constructs using Denison's Organisational Culture Survey (DOCS) in the Indian context. The results, besides finding a strong support for the DOCS model, indicated that of the four cultural traits studied–involvement, adaptability, mission, and consistency, mission was found to be a single most cultural trait responsible for a number of bottom-line performance indicators. The implications of and limitations to the study are also discussed.
Performance, immunity, and physiological responses of broilers to dietary energy and protein sequential variations.

The current trial was designed to examine effects of sequential feeding of diets varying in energy and protein contents on performance, gut development, welfare indices, and immune responses of broiler chicks. A total of 240 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 5 replicates in a completely randomized design. Sequential feeding was evaluated in 48-h cycles during 8 to 28 d of age. Diets varied in energy (E+ = 3,210 kcal/kg and E- = 2,790 kcal/kg) and protein (P+ = 25.14% CP and P- = 16.76% CP) contents. The 4 feeding programs were: control (ME: 3,000 kcal/kg, CP: 20.95%); P+/P- (P+ followed by P- containing 3,000 kcal/kg energy); E-/E+ (E- followed by E+ containing 20.95% CP), and E-P+ / E+P- (E-P+ followed by E+P-). The experiment lasted 42 d and birds were fed by a standard finishing diet from d 28 to 42. Broilers fed on E-/E+ and E-P+/E+P- had lower daily feed intake than control ones during 8 to 28 d of age (P < 0.05), while daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected significantly. Footpad dermatitis was lower in birds sequentially fed E-/E+ and E-P+/E+P- at 35 d of age (P < 0.05). Sequential feeding of diets varying in either energy or protein or both increased duration of tonic immobility at d 39 of age (P < 0.05). Feeding with E-/E+ regime decreased jejunal crypt depth, while feeding P+/P- regime increased villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum and ileum (P < 0.05). However, no relationship was found between intestinal morphology and growth performance of broiler chickens. Antibody production against sheep red blood cells as well as Newcastle and influenza disease viruses was not affected by sequential feeding. In conclusion, digestive organs and intestinal morphology might be adjusted to energy and protein variations. Sequential feeding increased the fear level in chickens.
High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone therapy for pain in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS The management of episodes of severe pain in patients with sickle cell disease is a difficult clinical problem. We studied 36 children and adolescents with sickle cell disease who had 56 acute episodes of severe pain (44 in 27 patients with sickle cell anemia, 8 in 7 patients with sickle cell-hemoglobin C disease, and 4 in 2 patients with sickle cell-beta (+)-thalassemia). The patients were randomly assigned in double-blind fashion to receive an intravenous infusion of either saline placebo or high-dose methylprednisolone (15 mg per kilogram of body weight, to a maximum of 1000 mg) on their admission to the hospital and again 24 hours later. All the patients received intravenous morphine sulfate until severe pain abated and were then given acetaminophen with codeine. RESULTS For all episodes of pain, the duration of inpatient analgesic therapy (intravenous and oral) was significantly shorter for the patients who received methylprednisolone than for those given placebo (mean, 41.3 vs 71.3 hours; P = 0.030). The difference was still significant (31.0 vs. 62.5 hours; P = 0.010) when we excluded seven episodes that were complicated by the chest syndrome (three in the methylprednisolone group and four in the placebo group). The patients who received methylprednisolone had recurrent episodes of pain shortly after the discontinuation of therapy more often than did the patients receiving placebo. No adverse effects of methylprednisolone were observed. CONCLUSIONS A short course of high-dose methylprednisolone decreased the duration of severe pain in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease, but patients who received methylprednisolone had more rebound attacks after therapy was discontinued. On balance, corticosteroids are promising as an adjunct to supportive therapy for painful episodes in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.
A Counterparty Risk Study of UK Banking Systems

We study the effect of counterparty risk on the stability of a banking system using stylized banking cascade models calibrated with UK exposure and balance sheet data from regulatory reports. We observe the development of a fragile phase, at which small perturbations to banks' capital reserves can trigger a sudden system failure. We compute the critical balance sheet values for a stylized homogeneous system and show that a more realistic heterogeneous system, with different bank types and complex interbank network calibrated on UK data, also has systemic failures around similar sized shocks to banks' capital as the stylized homogeneous system. By aggregating the fraction of surviving banks to specific bank types, we show that balance sheet size and banks' position in the interbank network are not the decisive components when considering system failure due to counterparty insolvency. This implies that interbank network structure and heterogeneity do not play a critical role in the onset of the fragile phase. Instead, the onset of the system failure depends on the ratios of interbank assets to total assets and loss absorbing capital to total assets. Finally, we discuss the effects of increased exposure of specific banks and we compute minimum capital requirements to ensure a stable banking system.
The internationalization and performance of SMEs

We discuss and explore the effects of internationalization, an entrepreneurial strategy employed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), on firm performance. Using concepts derived from the international business and entrepreneurship literatures, we develop four hypotheses that relate the extent of foreign direct investment (FDI) and exporting activity, and the relative use of alliances, to the corporate performance of internationalizing SMEs. Using a sample of 164 Japanese SMEs to test these hypotheses, we find that the positive impact of internationalization on performance extends primarily from the extent of a firm's FDI activity. We also find evidence consistent with the perspective that firms face a liability of foreignness. When firms first begin FDI activity, profitability declines, but greater levels of FDI are associated with higher performance. Exporting moderates the relationship FDI has with performance, as pursuing a strategy of high exporting concurrent with high FDI is less profitable than one that involves lower levels of exports when FDI levels are high. Finally, we find that alliances with partners with local knowledge can be an effective strategy to overcome the deficiencies SMEs face in resources and capabilities, when they expand into international markets. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two-Quantum 2D FT Electronic Spectroscopy of Biexcitons in GaAs Quantum Wells

Seeing Double Whereas electrons roam free in a metal, their motion in a semiconductor often correlates with that of the positively charged holes their excitation has left behind. Various spectroscopic techniques have quantified the energetics associated with such electron-hole pairs, termed excitons. However, the higher-order correlations that ensue from exciton-exciton interactions are harder to probe. Now, Stone et al. (p. 1169) have characterized the dynamics of such exciton pairs, or biexcitons, directly in a gallium arsenide quantum well structure using a sequence of four ultrashort optical pulses with precisely controlled mutual phase relationships. Controlling the phase and timing of four optical pulses enables measurement of correlations between the electronic semiconductor carriers. The motions of electrons in solids may be highly correlated by strong, long-range Coulomb interactions. Correlated electron-hole pairs (excitons) are accessed spectroscopically through their allowed single-quantum transitions, but higher-order correlations that may strongly influence electronic and optical properties have been far more elusive to study. Here we report direct observation of bound exciton pairs (biexcitons) that provide incisive signatures of four-body correlations among electrons and holes in gallium arsenide (GaAs) quantum wells. Four distinct, mutually coherent, ultrashort optical pulses were used to create coherent exciton states, transform these successively into coherent biexciton states and then new radiative exciton states, and finally to read out the radiated signals, yielding biexciton binding energies through a technique closely analogous to multiple-quantum two-dimensional Fourier transform (2D FT) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A measured variation of the biexciton dephasing rate indicated still higher-order correlations.
Channels of Health Communications Used Among Korean and Asian Indian Older Adults

According to Healthy People 2010, health communication is an important tool to reduce health disparities. Communication channels in which people prefer to receive health information may differ by race/ethnicity. One of the main challenges in designing an effective health communication program is to identify the most trusted and most often used channels of health information by Asian older adults. The aim of this study is to determine which health communication channels can be used to promote healthy lifestyles among older adults. A non-probability, convenience-sampling technique was used to recruit Korean (n = 9) and Asian Indian (n = 9) older adults from two senior centers in New York City. The findings from the two focus groups identified three distinct channels used by Asian older adults when obtaining health information: interpersonal (i.e., health care providers, word of mouth), mass media (i.e., ethnic mass media sources), and community specific (i.e., religious organizations, community centers). Health communication is an important area for prevention. Increased efforts are needed to develop culturally appropriate health messages and equally important to deliver these messages in the context in which Asian older adults trust and use the most.
Informing regional food innovation through lead user experiments: The case of blue mussels

Purpose – Lead user experiments are increasingly applied in food-related innovation. The purpose of this paper is to: first, experiments should excavate new recipes, production processes and narratives for mussels with a specific regional origin and connotation. Second, the study should test a lead user set-up and investigate the commitment and potential benefits, not only for future mussel producers but also for the lead users themselves. Design/methodology/approach – This study organized and evaluated a lead user experiment involving eight chefs and other food experts. Findings – The experiment was successful in the sense that the lead users activated a considerable combinatory knowledge ability and creativity, and they could address issues of wider regional branding significance and contribute with catching narratives. The lead users found the experiment beneficial on several dimensions, providing the opportunity to reflect and undertake tests under respectfully inquisitive observation of others, and t.
Applying process mining to analyse business process performance in the Physical Asset Management environment

Applying Process Mining to Analyse Business Process Performance in the Physical Asset Management Environment BT. Greyling Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Thesis: MScEng (EngMan) December 2015 Physical Asset Management (PAM) has become a vital part of asset intensive organisations in recent years. The rise of standards associated with Asset Management (AM) and the competitive nature of large organisations has resulted in a demand for performance improvements in terms of the value created by physical assets. This thesis addresses this need by calling on an interdisciplinary approach to help improve the processes that support these physical assets within an organisation’s PAM strategy execution environment. Improvement is facilitated by the use of Business Process Management (BPM) and Workflow Management (WfM) principles in conjunction with process mining. While BPM and WfM provide the tools, process mining generates the metrics and models to be improved. This thesis starts by examining the literature of PAM and how processes form part of the enablers that support execution functions of a PAM strategy. Linkage between these enablers and physical assets creating value is then examined. The review finds that there is a lack of structured and mathematical analysis involved with PAM processes as they are executed in the real world. This lack ii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Accuracy and precision of gravitational-wave models of inspiraling neutron star – black hole binaries with spin : comparison with numerical relativity in the low-frequency regime

Prayush Kumar,1, 2, ∗ Kevin Barkett,3 Swetha Bhagwat,1 Nousha Afshari,4 Duncan A. Brown,1 Geoffrey Lovelace,4 Mark A. Scheel,3 and Béla Szilágyi3 Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H8, Canada Theoretical Astrophysics 350-17, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA Gravitational Wave Physics and Astronomy Center, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, California 92834, USA (Dated: July 2, 2015)
Firm Size and R&D on Profitability : An Empirical Analysis on Japanese Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry

This paper investigates the influence of corporate R&D investment on a firm's subsequent profitability and also examines the differences in R&D efficiency among firms of different sizes. In addition, the relationship between firm size and R&D investment is also determined. It is based on regression analysis of 170 Japanese firms in chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The results indicated that the R&D expenditure and R&D intensity are positively and significantly related to the return on assets, return on equity, gross profit margin, operating income margin and ordinary income margin. Larger firms also proved to be more efficient in their management of R&D for profits for all the above mentioned profitability variables. In addition, the findings imply a positive and significant relationship between the firm size and R&D investment, both in terms of an absolute amount and a ratio to sales.