Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probing the inner jet of M87; from the jet base to HST-1

The giant radio galaxy M87 accompanies one of the nearest Active-Galactic-Nuclei jets showing the intense radiation through radio to TeV gamma-ray. Its proximity and the large mass of the central black hole provide an excellent advantage to probe the sites of jet formation and gamma-ray production. Here we review some of our recent studies for the inner jet of M87 based on the multi-frequency and multi-epoch VLBI observations, especially focusing on the two remarkable regions i.e., the jet base near the black hole and the peculiar feature HST-1. Our multi-frequency observations with the phase-referencing technique revealed the detailed structure of the jet base region regarding the location of the central engine and the collimation profile. In terms of HST-1, the intense multi-epoch VLBI monitoring constrained the accurate kinematic properties and the structural variations in this complicated feature, together with a possible connection to the gamma-ray activities. At the end of this contribution, we briefly describe our new monitoring project for M87 with VERA, which permits a detailed study on the structural evolution in the jet base region.
ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY AND COMPLEX ENTERPRISE SYSTEM INNOVATIONS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS ON ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY

xvii Chapter 1 – Introduction . 1 Research Problem . 1 Importance of Topic . 4 Literature Review . 7 Enterprise Systems . 8 Evolution of Enterprise Systems . 8 Functionality . 9 Technology . 10 Enterprise Systems as Complex System Innovations . 11 Organizational Agility – Definitions and Dimensions. 13 Antecedents to Organizational Agility . 16 Organizational Agility and Complex Enterprise System Innovations . 19 Resource Based View (RBV) . 21 Capabilities Based View (CBV) . 24 Knowledge Based View (KBV) . 26 Prior Research . 29 Research Scope . 34
Personality and Job Satisfaction among Nurses : The Mediating Effect of Contextual Performance

Background: Employees who work beyond their definition of duty and show performance above expectations are a necessity for successful institutions. If the employee does his/her job well and adds something onto this, that employee needs to be rewarded. But how do pers onal (e.g. character) or institutional (e.g. job sa tisf ction) factors change this performance? Purpose: This study was performed in order to determine the eff cts of personality characteristics and job satisfaction on contextual performance in nurses wh o ork at hospitals. Methods: This study was planned as a descriptive study. Nea rly 500 nurses were reached in two hospitals, one public and the other private. The scale for context ual performance, which was developed by the researc h r, was used as well as the 50 item short form of the 5 fac tor personality test for personality measurements a d the Minnesota job satisfaction scale for job satisfacti on. Results: When the socio demographic characteristics, person ality characteristics, and job satisfactions of the participants were examined, some employment charact eristics, the agreeableness subdimension and job satisfaction were found to have effects on contextu al performance. Conclusions: Contextual performance is a desired result in nurs es and hospitals need to pay attention to this parameter in both job applications and reward distr ibution. Contextual performance can be increased du ring job applications by checking personality characteristic s and it can be increased during employment by achi eving job satisfaction. This study will help hospitals improv e and support their human resources departments.
Past Purchase and Intention to Purchase in E-Commerce: the Mediation of Social Presence and Trust

Purpose – Purchasing on the internet has unique features that make it different from the traditional shopping process, particularly with regard to its social context. This study seeks to investigate the relationship between past online purchases and purchasing intentions, representing the social context by the notions of social presence and trust.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 115 working MBA students purchased an item online (but were stopped at the stage of paying), and then completed a questionnaire on social presence and trust.Findings – The results show that past purchasing predicts intentions to purchase and that trust and social presence act as partial mediators.Practical implications – Social context is important for understanding how past behavior affects future purchasing. Designs should therefore enhance social presence and trust. Moreover, it may be beneficial to monitor these mediators to detect potential problems.Originality/value – The study demonstrates the important role of soc.
Reasons for Retirement Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Among Major League Baseball Pitchers

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) has become an increasingly common procedure among Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers. The long-term effects of this procedure on the career of an MLB pitcher are largely unknown. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine why and when MLB pitchers who underwent UCLR during their careers retired from baseball as compared with controls. We hypothesized that pitchers who underwent UCLR are no more likely than control pitchers to retire from elbow or shoulder problems. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All MLB pitchers who underwent UCLR were identified through publicly available data. A cohort of pitchers who did not undergo UCLR were matched to pitchers with a history of UCLR, based on sex, age, draft year, and draft round. Of those who were no longer pitching in the MLB, the reason for retirement was determined. Reason for retirement and length of career following UCLR (surgical group) and index year (control group) were determined and compared through prior studies via the MLB HITS database, MLB team websites, and publicly available internet-based injury reports. Results: Overall, 153 MLB pitchers who underwent UCLR between 1974 and 2015 are currently retired. Mean ± SD time to retirement was 4.4 ± 4.7 years (range, 0-26 years) after the index year in the control group and 4.4 ± 3.5 years (range, 0-15 years) after surgery in the UCLR group (P = .388). Patients who were status post-UCLR were significantly more likely to be released during the season (34 of 144, 23.6%) than were players who were not status post-UCLR (14 of 144, 9.7%) (P = .002). Shoulder injury as a reason for retirement was more common in the control group than the UCLR group (P = .011). Elbow injury as a reason for retirement was not more common in either group (P = .379). Leg injury as a reason for retirement was more common in the control group (P = .013). Performance as a reason for retirement was more common in the UCLR group than the control group (P < .001). Conclusion: MLB pitchers who have undergone UCLR are no more likely to retire from shoulder or elbow injuries than are those who have not undergone UCLR. MLB career length was similar between pitchers with and without a history of UCLR.
Design and Fabrication of Si-Diaphragm, ZnO Piezoelectric Film-Based MEMS Acoustic Sensor Using SOI Wafers

This paper reports a simpler technique for fabricating an microelectromechanical system acoustic sensor based on a piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, utilizing silicon-on-insulator wafers. A highly c-axis-oriented ZnO film of thickness 2.4 μm, which is covered with 0.2-μm-thick PECVD SiO2, is sandwiched between two aluminum electrodes on a 25- μm-thick silicon diaphragm. This diaphragm thickness has been optimized to withstand sound pressure level range of 120-160 dB. Stress distribution studies using ANSYS have been performed to determine the locations for placement of capacitor electrodes. This paper also reports a technique for the creation of a positive slope of the ZnO step to ensure proper coverage during Al metallization. In order to maximize yield, process steps have been developed to avoid the microtunnel blockage by silicon/glass particles. The packaged sensor is found to exhibit a sensitivity of 382 μV/Pa (RMS) in the frequency range from 30 to 8000 Hz, under varying acoustic pressure.
Does Local Religiosity Impact Corporate Social Responsibility?

Recent research indicates the social norms of geographic areas where firms are headquartered have an impact on corporate decision-making. Drawing on instrumental stakeholder theory and social norm theory, we extend this line of research by examining the influence of local religiosity on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study shows that firms headquartered in areas with a strong religious presence receive lower ratings for CSR, and the market rewards these firms for their choices. Our findings contribute to understanding factors that impact individual firm choices regarding CSR as well as demonstrating the role of religious attitudes in corporate behavior.
The impact of stocks and flows of organizational knowledge on firm performance: an empirical investigation of the biotechnology industry

The knowledge‐based view of the firm is a recent approach to understanding the relationship between firm capabilities and firm performance. Specifically, this approach suggests that knowledge generation, accumulation and application may be the source of superior performance. Other research has conceptualized organizational knowledge in terms of stocks of accumulated knowledge in the firm and flows of knowledge into the firm. This paper tests the relationship between stocks and flows of organizational knowledge and firm performance in the biotechnology industry. We suggest that a firm’s geographic location, alliances with other institutions and organizations and R&D expenditures are representative of knowledge flows, while products in the pipeline, firm citations and patents are indicative of knowledge stocks. Through factor analysis, we develop an aggregated measure of location from several variables. A regression model suggests that location is a significant predictor of firm performance as are products in the pipeline and firm citations. A major contribution of this investigation is the operationalization of geographic location and its statistically significant link to firm performance. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilinear transformation and generalized singular perturbation model reduction

A new general bilinear relationship is found between continuous and discrete generalized singular perturbation reduced-order models. This result is applied to the problem of deriving discrete analogs of continuous singular perturbation and direct truncation model reduction and leads to a new definition of discrete "Nyquist" model reduction. Also, "unit circle" bilinear transformations are used to relate several known facts about continuous and discrete balanced model reduction and incorporate them into a symmetrical, unified framework.
Conceptualization and Measurement of Multidimensionality of Integrated Marketing Communications

ABSTRACT This study presents a four-dimensional conceptualization of integrated marketing communications (IMC) and empirically develops its measurement instrument. The four dimensions not only encompass important IMC activities identified in previous studies, but also include a newly identified dimension, relationship-fostering communications with existing customers. A comprehensive yet parsimonious 18-item scale, measuring important activities of each of the four dimensions, was empirically developed. Rigorous methodological guidelines were followed, including systematic steps of field interviews, refinement, purification, and an empirical validation with a large-scale survey with IMC practitioners and researchers in South Korea. The measurement instrument exhibits stable reliabilities and robust validity.
Internal and External Factors Impacting on E-Government Maturity: A Local Government Case Study

Abstract Changes in Australian government policy, demands for cost cutting and funding initiatives, and promoting the use of the Internet have resulted in Australian local governments considering electronic service provision. Funding to support local e-Government developments however has been modest with only limited uptake of e-Commerce amongst local government agencies. Unlike higher levels of government framing an e-Government strategy, local government has other pressures that impact on the direction it takes with electronic service delivery. Research is needed to better understand the factors impacting on the move by local councils to electronic service delivery. This paper presents the findings from an ethnographic case study describing the decision making and development process of one local council’s move to e-Government, particularly electronic service delivery, and highlights the factors that have influenced the decisions made to implement e-Government initiatives.
Long‐Term Treatment With Nebivolol Improves Arterial Reactivity and Reduces Ventricular Hypertrophy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

&NA; The aim of this study was to assess the effects of long‐term nebivolol therapy on high blood pressure, impaired endothelial function in aorta, and damage observed in heart and conductance arteries in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). For this purpose, SHR were treated for 9 weeks with nebivolol (8 mg/kg per day). Untreated SHR and Wistar Kyoto rats were used as hypertensive and normotensive controls, respectively. The left ventricle/body weight ratio was used as an index of cardiac hypertrophy, and to evaluate vascular function, responses induced by potassium chloride, noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside were tested on aortic rings. Aortic morphometry and fibrosis were determined in parallel by a quantitative technique. Systolic blood pressure, measured by the tail‐cuff method, was lower in treated SHR than in the untreated group (194 ± 3 versus 150 ± 4 mm Hg). The cardiac hypertrophy index was significantly reduced by the treatment. In aortic rings, treatment with nebivolol significantly reduced the maximal response to both KCl and NA in SHR. In vessels precontracted with phenylephrine relaxant, activity due to acetylcholine was higher in normotensive rats than in SHR and the treatment significantly improved this response. The effect of sodium nitroprusside on aortic rings was similar in all groups. Medial thickness and collagen content were significantly reduced in comparison with SHR. In conclusion, the chronic antihypertensive effect of nebivolol in SHR was accompanied by an improvement in vascular structure and function and in the cardiac hypertrophy index.
The Last Straw? Cigarette Advertising and Realized Market Shares among Youths and Adults, 1979–1993

The authors test the hypotheses that parameters of advertising sensitivity for adolescents are significant and perhaps larger than those for adults. Cigarette brand shares of advertising voice are found to be significantly related to realized market shares, with advertising sensitivity being about three times larger among teenagers than among adults. This result is robust to various analytic assumptions and converges with strategic analysis, consumer behavior theory and research, econometric metanalyses, historical research, and corporate documents. The authors argue that cigarette competition between firms is predominated by the battle of brands for market share among the young, and assertions to the contrary, without supporting evidence, should be treated with scholarly skepticism.
Senior Management's Influence on the Contextual Components of an Organisation that Affect Creativity: A Case Study of a New Zealand Manufacturing Company

ii TABLE OR CONTENTS iv LIST OF TABLES x LIST OF FIGURES xi CHAPTER ONE INTRODUTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Synopsis of the Thesis 2 1.2.1 Literature Review 2 1.2.2 Development of Research Model 3 1.2.2.1 Research Methodology 3 1.2.2. 2 Overview of Results and Discussion 4 1.2.2.3 Conclusions 4 1.3 Summary 4 CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW 6 2.
Strategic Value of IT in Private Sector Organizations in a Developing Country: Oman

Information Technology (IT) as a strategic asset is as important for developing countries as it is for the developed countries. Literature in this area suggests that a number of factors contribute to the strategic value of IT. Based on the literature review, we developed a framework of IT assets and capabilities that contribute to the strategic value of IT in organizations. We tested this framework with IT managers in Oman and asked their opinion on the relevance and importance of those factors in their organizations. The results of the survey show that most of the factors that contribute to the strategic value of IT in developed countries are also valid for a developing country‐Oman. However, the importance level of some of the factors is different than those of developed countries. The paper provides some interesting results and insights on the IT practices in a developing country Oman. There is very little research about the IT practices in emerging economies such as Oman. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the knowledge.
A Case Study of the Development of an E-service for the Swedish Mining Industry

This paper highlights the current e-government trend, which has the potential to transform the way that authorities communicate with citizens, organizations and businesses. A case study methodology was chosen to explore the stakeholders' needs and expectations with respect to a new e-service for the Swedish mining industry. The analytical discussion is based upon viewpoints of the software developer, two mining companies, and a local authority. A conclusion drawn is that the e-service fit the needs of newly established companies and incoming foreign firms whose initial informational needs can be addressed through this communicational channel. Also a conclusion is that the co-ordination and communication within and between the authorities will affect future e-service provisions.
Valuing Investment Management Fees, Active Portfolio Management, and Closed-End Fund Discounts

Risk-neutral valuation is used to value a portfolio and decompose it into the components accruing to its stakeholders. The analysis incorporates managers’ expected performance and contract renewal issues. A managed portfolio’s economic value is shown to differ from its net asset value. A better foundation for computing fair closed-end fund discounts and a partial explanation of equilibrium in the markets for open and closed-end mutual funds are provided. Tests on the behavior of net redemptions following closed-end fund open-endings and the relation between premiums and investment performance around IPOs strongly support the paper’s theory.
Testing Differences in Estimation of River Recreation Benefits for International and Domestic Tourists as a Function of Single- Versus Multiple-Destination Day Trips

Past comparisons of willingness-to-pay (WTP) tended to focus on differences between international tourists and domestic tourists. However, this simple distinction does not account for whether visitors from each of the two groups are on multiple-destination trips or not. Our study of visitors to Puerto Rico's rainforest found that whether tourists were on multiple-destination trips or not was an equally important determinant of WTP. Specifically, while WTP of international tourists on multiple-destination trips was the highest at nearly $200 per trip, the second highest was domestic tourists on multiple-destination trips at $163 per trip. International tourists on single-destination trips had a value of $134, while domestic tourists on single-destination trips was the lowest at $110. Prior studies finding that international tourists had higher WTP may, in part, be due to the fact that the majority of domestic tourists take single-destination trips.
Service Quality and the Consumer's Experience: Towards an Interpretive Approach

As marketers and researchers we understand quality from the consumer's perspective, and throughout contemporary service quality literature there is an emphasis on what the consumer is looking for, or at least that is the intention. Through examining the underlying assumptions of dominant service quality theories, an implicit dualistic ontology is highlighted (where subject and object are considered independent) and argued to effectively negate the said necessary consumer orientation. This fundamental assumption is discussed, as are the implications, following a critical review of dominant service quality models. Consequently, we propose an alternative approach to service quality research that aims towards a more genuine understanding of the consumer's perspective on quality experienced within a service context. Essentially, contemporary service quality research is suggested to be limited in its inherent third-person perspective and the interpretive, specifically phenomenographic, approach put forward here is suggested as a means of achieving a first-person perspective on service quality.
Non-Interest Income and Total Income Stability

Banks can differ markedly in their sources of income. Some focus on business lending, some on household lending, and some on fee-earning activities. Increasingly, however, most banks are diversifying into fee-earning activities. Such diversification is either justified (by the bank) or welcomed (by commentators), or both, as reducing the bank's exposure to risk. Diversification across various sources of earnings is welcomed for, it is claimed, diversification reduces risk. Whether it does of course depends on how independent of each other the various earnings sources are. Traditionally fee income has been very stable; but, also traditionally, it has been a small part of the earnings stream of most banks. Has non-interest income remained stable, or at least uncorrelated with interest income, as banks have increased its importance in their earnings? This paper examines the variability of interest and non-interest income, and their correlation, for the banking systems of EU countries for the years 1994-98. It is found that the increased importance of non-interest income did, for most but not all categories of bank, stabilise profits in the European banking industry in those years. It is not, however, invariably more stable than interest income.
A Refined Computer Harassment Paradigm: Validation, and Test of Hypotheses About Target Characteristics

A refined computer paradigm for assessing sexual harassment is presented, validated, and used for testing substantive hypotheses. Male participants were given an opportunity to send sexist jokes to a computer-simulated female chat partner. In Study 1 (N = 44), the harassment measure (number of sexist jokes sent) correlated positively with self-reported harassment proclivity. Study 2 (N = 77) included a more elaborate cover story, variations of the female target's attitude (feminist vs. traditional) and physical attractiveness (low vs. high), and additional measures for construct validation. Results showed that harassment correlated positively with self-reported harassment proclivity, hostile sexism, and male identity. Feminist targets were harassed more than traditional targets, whereas target attractiveness had no effect. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.