Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of strategic orientations on new product development and firm performances

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between strategic orientations as well as the role played by them to impact the performance of industrial firms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper formulates some hypotheses from the literature review. These hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling with data collected from 292 randomly selected firms operating in several industrial sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.FindingsThe findings of this study showed the importance of these strategic orientations in enhancing the performance of Saudi industrial firms and emphasized the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation in the relationships of market orientation and technology orientation to new product development performance and firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study discusses the findings and advances certain limitations and research and managerial implications for future research avenues. It proposes some recommendations to help Saudi firms to choose more than one orientation simultaneously and adopt an appropriate configuration of orientations. Future research has to consider the interplay between these strategic orientations and the impacts of environmental turbulence in terms of market and technology turbulence on strategic orientations – performance relationship.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that managers of Saudi industrial firms should utilize a mix of aspects from several strategic orientations such as market and technology through entrepreneurial capabilities and resources that enhance higher levels of performance.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship and strategic management by showing the reliability of scales used and the confirmatory of the factor structure. It also contributes to business practices by showing the importance for Saudi firms to combine different strategic orientations and provide more attention to the interplay of these orientations in order to perform better in such a transitional context.
Investigation of 1.2 kV SiC MOSFET for high frequency high power applications

SiC is among the most promising materials for next generation power electronic devices due to its superior physical properties to Si and relative mature technology. SiC MOSFET is expected to offer performance improvement over Si counterpart. This paper presents the characterization of 1.2 kV SiC MOSFET, including its static and dynamic characteristics, and its high-frequency (1 MHz), high-power (1.2 kW) zero-voltage switching (ZVS) operation in a half-bridge parallel resonant converter. In comparison with SiC JFET and Si CoolMOS, the advantages and disadvantages of the SiC MOSFET are summarized.
PhD supervision strategies in a cross-cultural setting: Enriching learning opportunities

Recent research findings highlight the importance of supervisors’ feedback aimed at helping students how to learn by themselves to develop their thinking. Responding to the current focus on internationalization of universities, this article explores how PhD supervisors can help fostering critical thinking. Based on qualitative interviews with four African double degree doctoral students, as well as participant observation, the article highlights reflections regarding different supervisory strategies a PhD supervisor faces in a cross-cultural academic setting, and the importance of meta-communication in addressing them. Results showed that most of the students appreciated the more informal student-supervisor relationship, highlighted through collaborative fieldwork experiences, as well as the use of visual tools for stimulating creative and critical thinking. However, results also showed that a coaching supervision style was experienced as unclear and scary by one student, highlighting that the supervision process is a mutual learning process in need of recurrent adaptation.
Test–Retest Reliability of Graph Metrics in High‐resolution Functional Connectomics: A Resting‐State Functional MRI Study

The combination of resting‐state functional MRI (R‐fMRI) technique and graph theoretical approaches has emerged as a promising tool for characterizing the topological organization of brain networks, that is, functional connectomics. In particular, the construction and analysis of high‐resolution brain connectomics at a voxel scale are important because they do not require prior regional parcellations and provide finer spatial information about brain connectivity. However, the test–retest reliability of voxel‐based functional connectomics remains largely unclear.
In Vivo Selection for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Opacity Protein Expression in the Absence of Human Carcinoembryonic Antigen Cell Adhesion Molecules

ABSTRACT The neisserial opacity (Opa) proteins are phase-variable, antigenically distinct outer membrane proteins that mediate adherence to and invasion of human cells. We previously reported that Neisseria gonorrhoeae Opa protein expression appeared to be selected for or induced during experimental murine genital tract infection. Here we further defined the kinetics of recovery of Opa variants from the lower genital tracts of female mice and investigated the basis for this initial observation. We found that the recovery of different Opa phenotypes from mice appears cyclical. Three phases of infection were defined. Following intravaginal inoculation with primarily Opa− gonococci, the majority of isolates recovered were Opa+ (early phase). A subsequent decline in the percentage of Opa+ isolates occurred in a majority of mice (middle phase) and was followed by a reemergence of Opa+ variants in mice that were infected for longer than 8 days (late phase). We showed the early phase was due to selection for preexisting Opa+ variants in the inoculum by constructing a chloramphenicol-resistant (Cmr) strain and following Cmr Opa+ populations mixed with a higher percentage of Opa− variants of the wild-type (Cms) strain. Reciprocal experiments (Opa− Cmr gonococci spiked with Opa+ Cms bacteria) were consistent with selection of Opa+ variants. Based on the absence in mice of human carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecules, the major class of Opa protein adherence receptors, we conclude the observed selection for Opa+ variants early in infection is not likely due to a specific adherence advantage and may be due to Opa-mediated evasion of innate defenses.
Facial approximation: an evaluation of mouth-width determination.

Facial approximation techniques rely on the prediction of soft tissues from the skull, yet few prediction methods have been scientifically evaluated, despite being frequently used in the past. This study tests several published and commonly used methods for determining mouth width from the skull. The methods tested are: 1) that mouth width is equal to the distance between the pupils; 2) that mouth width is equal to the distance between the medial borders of the iris; and 3) that mouth width is equal to the distance between the most lateral junctions of the canines and the first premolars. The study primarily examines living Australian European and Central/South East Asian participants (of both sexes) using photogrammetric methods. The results of this study indicate that methods 1 and 3 are highly inaccurate. Method 1 overestimated mouth width, on average, by approximately 11 mm (SD, 4 mm), while method 3 underestimated mouth width by approximately 13 mm (SD, 3 mm). Method 2 was the most accurate of the methods evaluated, but on average underrepresented mouth width by approximately 2 mm (SD, 4 mm). All three methods produced mouth-width predictions that, in general, were statistically different from actual mouth widths (P < 0.05). A new guideline, describing mouth width as canine width plus 57% of the cumulative distance between the lateral canine borders and the pupil centers on each side was found not to differ at statistically significant levels from actual mouth widths (P > 0.05). On average, this guideline did not under/overestimate actual mouth width, with the difference between them being 0 mm (SD, 3 mm). The increased accuracy of this new guideline in comparison to others suggests that it is the most appropriate for facial approximation. However, it should be further tested using independent samples. The finding that commonly used mouth-width prediction guidelines are not accurate suggests that many facial approximations previously made have incorrect mouth widths. This could reduce the recognition of these facial approximations and may, especially if other guidelines are inaccurate, render the facial approximations unrecognizable as their respective target individual (individual to whom the skull belongs).
A survey of the methods used by farmers to castrate calves in New Zealand

Abstract Aims. To identify the methods used to castrate calves and the age at which castration is carried out on farms in New Zealand. Methods. A survey was carried out by questionnaire sent to the 14,000 recipients of “Meat Matters” produced by Meat New Zealand. The questionnaires on return were analysed on a national and regional basis. Results. Of the 3,788 respondents, 74% (2,825) castrated calves on their farms. Of these 2,825 respondents 85% (2,403) used a rubber ring, 18% (512) carried out surgical castration and only a few respondents, 25, used a clamp.The ring was used on calves with an average age of 2.2 months and 93% of calves castrated by ring were castrated during the first 3 months of life. Surgical castration was carried out on calves with an average age of 4.3 months, 54% of them were castrated in the first 3 months of life and 39% during the following 3 months. Respondents from the West Coast (40%), Otago (38%) and Southland (50%) were more likely to use surgical castration than respondents from elsewhere (<17%). Local anaesthetic was used by only 3% (94) of respondents and a similar percentage employed a veterinarian to do the castration. Conclusions. There are marked regional differences in methodology used for castration of calves. The survey gives a sound basis for future research into humane and cost effective methods.
Phase II study of the histone deacetylase inhibitor MGCD0103 in patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

MGCD0103, an orally available class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, was examined for pre‐clinical activity in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). A phase II clinical trial was performed, starting at a dose of 85 mg/d, three times per week. Dose escalation to 110 mg or the addition of rituximab was permitted in patients without a response after two or more cycles. MGCD0103 demonstrated pre‐clinical activity against CLL cells with a LC50 (concentration lethal to 50%) of 0·23 μmol/l and increased acetylation of the HDAC class I specific target histone H3. Twenty‐one patients received a median of two cycles of MGCD0103 (range, 0–12). All patients had previously received fludarabine, 33% were fludarabine refractory, and 71% had del(11q22·3) or del(17p13·1). No responses according to the National Cancer Institutes 1996 criteria were observed. Three patients received 110 mg and four patients received concomitant rituximab, with no improvement in response. Grade 3–4 toxicity consisted of infections, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, diarrhoea, and fatigue. HDAC inhibition was observed in six out of nine patients on day 8. Limited activity was observed with single agent MGCD0103 in high risk patients with CLL. Future investigations in CLL should focus on broad HDAC inhibition, combination strategies, and approaches to diminish constitutional symptoms associated with this class of drugs.
Effect of location and season on body and testicular growth in Brahman and Hereford bulls.

To determine the effects of location and season on growth of bulls, Hereford bulls from Montana (MH; n = 15) and Nebraska (NH; n = 15) and Brahman bulls from Texas and Louisiana (BB; n = 18) were moved to three locations: Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE) or Texas (TX). Each location received 5 NH, 5 MH and 6 BB. Control bulls (not relocated) were maintained at each location. All bulls were pubertal at the time of relocation in May 1984. At 28-d intervals, body weight, hip height, testis length and scrotal circumference were recorded for each bull for 22 mo after relocation. Paired testes volume (PTV) was calculated. Among Hereford bulls, body weights were similar (P greater than .10) in all control and relocated bulls by the end of the study, except that MH bulls moved to TX had lower body weights (P less than .01). Brahman bulls moved to northern locations had dramatically reduced body weights, compared to control Brahmans kept in TX; body weight of Brahman bulls in MT remained lower (P less than .01) at the end of the study. Brahman bulls in NE and MT had smaller scrotal circumference and PTV (P less than .01) than did control Brahmans in TX during the 1st yr after relocation. Relocated BB exhibited marked seasonal fluctuations in testis size, with increases during the summer and decreases during the winter (P less than .01); seasonal changes were not apparent in control Brahmans in TX. These results indicate that moving Brahman bulls to northern environments reduced body weight gain and caused dramatic seasonal changes in testis size; these effects were more pronounced in Brahman bulls moved to the most northern location.
Human B-1 and B-2 B Cells Develop from Lin−CD34+CD38lo Stem Cells

The B-1 B cell population is an important bridge between innate and adaptive immunity primarily because B-1 cells produce natural Ab. Murine B-1 and B-2 cells arise from distinct progenitors; however, in humans, in part because it has been difficult to discriminate between them phenotypically, efforts to pinpoint the developmental origins of human B-1 and B-2 cells have lagged. To characterize progenitors of human B-1 and B-2 cells, we separated cord blood and bone marrow Lin−CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells into Lin−CD34+CD38lo and Lin−CD34+CD38hi populations. We found that transplanted Lin−CD34+CD38lo cells, but not Lin−CD34+CD38hi cells, generated a CD19+ B cell population after transfer into immunodeficient NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1wjl/SxJ neonates. The emergent CD19+ B cell population was found in spleen, bone marrow, and peritoneal cavity of humanized mice and included distinct populations displaying the B-1 or the B-2 cell phenotype. Engrafted splenic B-1 cells exhibited a mature phenotype, as evidenced by low-to-intermediate expression levels of CD24 and CD38. The engrafted B-1 cell population expressed a VH-DH-JH composition similar to cord blood B-1 cells, including frequent use of VH4-34 (8 versus 10%, respectively). Among patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, B-1 cells were found in the circulation as early as 8 wk posttransplantation. Altogether, our data demonstrate that human B-1 and B-2 cells develop from a Lin−CD34+CD38lo stem cell population, and engrafted B-1 cells in humanized mice exhibit an Ig-usage pattern comparable to B-1 cells in cord blood.
High risk of subsequent neoplasms continues with extended follow-up of childhood Hodgkin's disease: report from the Late Effects Study Group.

PURPOSE We present an update of a previously reported Late Effects Study Group cohort of 1,380 children with Hodgkin's disease (HD) diagnosed between 1955 and 1986 in patients aged 16 years or younger. We describe the pattern and incidence of subsequent neoplasms (SNs) occurring with extended follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS Median age at diagnosis of HD was 11.7 years (range, 0.3 to 16.9 years) and at last follow-up was 27.8 years. Median length of follow-up was 17.0 years. RESULTS An additional 103 SNs were ascertained (total SNs = 212). The cohort was at an 18.5-fold increased risk of developing SNs compared with the general population (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 18.5, 95% CI, 15.6 to 21.7). The cumulative incidence of any second malignancy was 10.6% at 20 years, increasing to 26.3% at 30 years; and of solid malignancies was 7.3% at 20 years, increasing to 23.5% at 30 years. Breast cancer was the most common solid malignancy (SIR, 56.7). Other commonly occurring solid malignancies included thyroid cancer (SIR, 36.4), bone tumors (SIR, 37.1), and colorectal (SIR, 36.4), lung (SIR, 27.3), and gastric cancers (SIR, 63.9). Risk factors for solid tumors included young age at HD and radiation-based therapy. Thirty-two patients developed third neoplasms, with the cumulative incidence approaching 21% at 10 years from diagnosis of second malignancy. CONCLUSION Additional follow-up of this large cohort of HD survivors documents an increasing occurrence of known radiation-associated solid tumors, (breast and thyroid cancers), as well as emergence of epithelial neoplasms common in adults, (colon and lung cancers) at a younger age than expected in the general population, necessitating ongoing surveillance of this high risk population.
Retail Clusters in Developing Economies

We develop a game-theoretic model to explore why retail clusters are so popular in developing economies and when governments should facilitate the formation of retail clusters to improve social welfare. First, we find two determinants of retailer clusters: the valuation-cost ratio (consumers’ maximum valuation over retailers’ production cost) and retailer density (the number of retailers over unit transportation cost). The valuation-cost ratio and retailer density indicate retailers’ profit potential and competition intensity, respectively. Second, the equilibrium cluster size increases in the valuation-cost ratio. This finding explains the phenomenon that clusters are usually larger in developing economies (where numerous retailers sell unrecognized brands with low profit potential) than in developed economies. Third, when the retailer density of a product market exceeds a certain threshold, the market coverages of clusters overlap with each other (i.e., the overlapping case). Furthermore, when compared .
Marker Codes on BPMR Write Channel With Data-Dependent Written-in Errors

The performance of bit-patterned media recording is limited, in part, by written-in errors in the write channel, which has recently been modeled by a channel introducing data-dependent insertion, deletion, and substitution (DIDS) errors. The Davey-MacKay (DM) construction has shown promising error performance on the DIDS channel, where synchronization errors are sparse and burst error lengths before and after each synchronization error are short. In this paper, we consider marker codes with a nonbinary low-density parity-check code as the outer code for the DIDS channel. Our contributions are twofold. First, we propose two computationally efficient inner decoding schemes for the DM and marker code constructions. One is suitable when the burst errors in the DIDS channel are short, and the other when the burst errors are long. Second, our computer simulations show that marker codes can increasingly outperform DM codes as the burst error length increases, and thus provide greater robustness against burst errors on the DIDS channel.
A novel technique for endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage.

AIM To describe a successful endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage technique with high success and low complication rates. METHODS The recorded data of consecutive patients who presented to Siriraj Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center, Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand for treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice but failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and underwent subsequent EUS-guided biliary drainage were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' baseline characteristics, clinical manifestations, procedure details, and post-procedure follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. Clinical outcomes were assessed by physical exam and standard laboratory tests. Technical success of the procedure was defined as completion of the stent insertion. Clinical success was defined as improvement of the patient's overall clinical manifestations, in terms of general well-being evidenced by physical examination, restoration of normal appetite, and adequate biliary drainage. Overall median survival time was calculated as the time from the procedure until the time of death, and survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The Student's t-test and the χ(2) test were used to assess the significance of inter-group differences. RESULTS A total of 21 cases were enrolled, a single endoscopist performed all the procedures. The mean age was 62.8 years (range: 46-84 years). The sex distribution was almost equal, including 11 women and 10 men. Patients with failed papillary cannulation (33.3%), duodenal obstruction (42.9%), failed selective cannulation (19.0%), and surgical altered anatomy (4.8%) were considered candidates for EUS-guided biliary drainage. Six patients underwent EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy and 15 underwent EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy. The technique using non-cauterization and no balloon dilation was performed for all cases, employing the in-house manufactured tapered tip Teflon catheter to achieve the dilation. The technical success and clinical success rates of this technique were 95.2% and 90.5%, respectively. Complications included bile leakage and pneumoperitoneum, occurred at a rate of 9.5%. None of the patients died from the procedure. One patient presented with a biloma, a major complication that was successfully treated by another endoscopic procedure. CONCLUSION We present a highly effective EUS-guided biliary drainage technique that does not require cauterization or balloon dilation.
Intrauterine growth retardation promotes fetal intestinal autophagy in rats via the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) impairs fetal intestinal development, and is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanism underlying this intestinal injury is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate this mechanism through analysis of intestinal autophagy and related signaling pathways in a rat model of IUGR. Normal weight (NW) and IUGR fetuses were obtained from primiparous rats via ad libitum food intake and 50% food restriction, respectively. Maternal serum parameters, fetal body weight, organ weights, and fetal blood glucose were determined. Intestinal apoptosis, autophagy, and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway were analyzed. The results indicated that maternal 50% food restriction reduced maternal serum glucose, bilirubin, and total cholesterol and produced IUGR fetuses, which had decreased body weight; blood glucose; and weights of the small intestine, stomach, spleen, pancreas, and kidney. Decreased Bcl-2 and increased Casp9 mRNA expression was observed in IUGR fetal intestines. Analysis of intestinal autophagy showed that the mRNA expression of WIPI1, MAP1LC3B, Atg5, and Atg14 was also increased, while the protein levels of p62 were decreased in IUGR fetuses. Compared to NW fetuses, IUGR fetuses showed decreased mTOR protein levels and enhanced mRNA expression of ULK1 and Beclin1 in the small intestine. In summary, the results indicated that maternal 50% food restriction on gestational days 10–21 reduced maternal serum glucose, bilirubin, and total cholesterol contents, and produced IUGR fetuses that had low blood glucose and reduced small intestine weight. Intestinal injury of IUGR fetuses caused by maternal food restriction might be due to enhanced apoptosis and autophagy via the mTOR signaling pathway.