Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managerial Cultural Intelligence and Small Business in Canada

This study of 122 executives in Canadian small businesses examined the extent to which managerial cultural intelligence was a contributing factor to the organizational effectiveness of small businesses. We found that the cultural intelligence of small business managers engaged in international business was higher than that of small business managers in domestic-only firms. After controlling for firm entrepreneurial orientation, we found that managerial cultural intelligence was positively related to corporate reputation and employee commitment, but not to the financial performance of small businesses. Further, these relationships were similar for small businesses that conducted international business and those that were domestic-only. For internationalized small businesses, managerial cultural intelligence was not influenced by the international scope of business activities. One implication is that cultural intelligence is a managerial competency that is not restricted to international business contexts. Directions for future research on cultural intelligence are identified.
Cognition and corporate governance: Understanding boards of directors as strategic decision making groups

Recent research developments underscore the need for research on the processes that link board demography with firm performance. In this article we develop a model of board processes by integrating the literature on boards of directors with the literature on group dynamics and workgroup effectiveness. The resulting model illuminates the complexity of board dynamics and paves the way for future empirical research that expands and refines our understanding of what makes boards effective.
Security Against Impersonation Attacks in Distributed Systems

In a multiagent system, transitioning from a centralized to a distributed decision-making strategy can introduce vulnerability to adversarial manipulation. We study the potential for adversarial manipulation in a class of graphical coordination games where the adversary can pose as a friendly agent in the game, thereby influencing the decision-making rules of a subset of agents. The adversary's influence can cascade throughout the system, indirectly influencing other agents’ behavior and significantly impacting the emergent collective behavior. The main results in this paper focus on characterizing conditions under which the adversary's local influence can dramatically impact the emergent global behavior, e.g., destabilize efficient Nash equilibria.
Oocyte growth‐dependent progression of maternal imprinting in mice

In mammals, some genes categorized as imprinted genes are exclusively expressed either from maternal or paternal allele. This parental‐origin‐specific gene expression is regulated by epigenetic modification of DNA methylation in differentially methylated region (DMR), which is independently imposed during oogenesis and spermatogenesis. It is known that methylation of DMR in the female germ line is established during oocyte growth phase. However, the cause of the progression of methylation on DMR, due to either aging of mice or growth‐size of oocyte was unclear up to now. Here, we analyzed the methylation of DMR for each eight imprinted genes (Igf2r, Lit1, Zac1, Snrpn, Peg1/Mest, Impact, Meg1/Grb10, and H19) by bisulfite sequencing methylation assay, using oocytes from 10 dpp (days post partum), 15 dpp, 20 dpp, and adult mice. To find whether the size of oocytes is the cause of methylation, above oocytes were classified into seven groups (each oocyte diameter ranging from 40 to 75 µm with intervals of 5 µm). The results from juvenile mice oocytes showed that DMR methylation progressed according to oocyte growth each imprinted gene. More than 85% of DMR methylation was achieved for both Igf2r, Zac1 & Lit1 with oocyte size of reaching 55 µm and Snrpn, Peg1/Mest, Impact, and Meg1/Grb10 with oocyte size of reaching 60 µm. Preferential methylation of maternal allele was observed in Zac1 and Peg1/Mest of juvenile oocytes and in Snrpn of juvenile and adult oocytes. The oocyte size‐dependent‐methylation progressed equally for all three different‐age juvenile mice. The size‐dependent‐methylation was also recognized in the growing oocytes collected from adult mice, although the progress is slightly slower than that of juvenile mice. From these results, we concluded that DNA methylation is established with oocyte size dependent manner, not with aging of mice.
The Moderating Effects of Operations Efficiency on the Links between Environmental Performance and Financial Performance

Drawing upon stakeholder theory and the resource-based-view of a firm, we investigate the moderating role of operations efficiency of firms on the link between environmental and financial performance. Extant literature has highlighted that operations efficiency is closely associated with the environmental/financial performance of firms, but there is no empirical study that has investigated how operations efficiency affects the links between environmental and financial performances. We draw on the stakeholder theory to argue that environmental performance could be related to financial performance, and use the resource-based-view to argue that operations efficiency could act as a moderator of this relationship. Using data on the environmental/financial performance of Britain‘s most admired companies, we have found evidence for the moderating impact of operations efficiency. Our results are useful to managers in that they show that improvements in operations efficiency in a company can also help improve environmental/ financial performance and vice versa.
Hot Gas In and Around Elliptical Galaxies

▪ Abstract We review the origin, evolution, and physical nature of hot gas in elliptical galaxies and associated galaxy groups. Unanticipated recent X-ray observations with Chandra and XMM indicate much less cooling than previously expected. Consequently, many long-held assumptions must be reexamined or discarded and new approaches must be explored. Chief among these are the role of heating by active galactic nuclei, the influence of radio lobes on the hot gas, details of the cooling process, possible relation between the hot and colder gas in elliptical galaxies, and the complexities of stellar enrichment of the hot gas.
T lymphocytes in the synovial fluid of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis display CD134-OX40 surface antigen.

OBJECTIVE To assess the percentage of T lymphocytes, bearing CD134, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, primarily found on autoreactive CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS The surface expression of CD134 on SF and PB mononuclear cells was performed by flow cytometry in 25 RA patients and correlated to the disease activity. RESULTS CD134 expression on CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD25+ cells was higher in SF than in PB of RA patients (P < 0.001). No differences were observed in the percentage of CD134+/CD4+ T lymphocytes in the PB of RA patients and controls. Patients with active RA had significantly higher percentage of CD3+/CD134+, CD4+/CD 134+, CD8+/CD134+ and CD25+/CD 134+ than those with inactive disease. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that CD134+ T cells are involved in the immunopathological process of RA synovitis, maybe mirroring some other autoimmune disease in which autoreactive T cell infiltrating the target tissues largely coexpress CD134.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

We have found that a methanol soluble extract of this emulsion, which was subsequently shown by starch gel electrophoresis to contain lysophospholipids, will stimulate histamine release from suspensions of rat peritoneal mast cells (unpublished observations). Such histamine release, if it occurred in vivo, could account for the progressive hypotension seen in rats after near total blood replacement with Fluosol.3 As yet there have been no detailed studies to establish whether FluosolDA or its components can interfere with normal functioning of other cellular elements of the immune system. Secondly, to use the term "artificial blood" when referring to emulsified perfluorochemicals is slightly misleading since it implies that these preparations are capable of completely replacing and fulfilling all the functions of blood itself. While it may be true that perfluorocarbons can carry oxygen and carbon dioxide they lack blood proteins, immunological and clotting factors, and other elements and therefore do not provide a complete substitute for what may be regarded as the largest single organ in the body. KENNETH C LOWE
Coupling between changes in human brain temperature and oxidative metabolism during prolonged visual stimulation

NEUROBIOLOGY. For the article ‘‘Coupling between changes in human brain temperature and oxidative metabolism during prolonged visual stimulation’’ by Dmitriy A. Yablonskiy, Joseph J. H. Ackerman, and Marcus E. Raichle, which appeared in number 13, June 20, 2000, of Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (97, 7603–7608), the authors note a correction in the second to last paragraph on page 7604. The sentence ‘‘It is well known from positron-emission tomography (PET) data (17, 18) that rCMRO2 maps in the normal human brain are largely flat despite considerable regional differences in rCBF and rCMRO2 maps’’ should read: ‘‘It is well known from positron-emission tomography (PET) data (17, 18) that rOEF maps in the normal human brain are largely flat despite considerable regional differences in rCBF and rCMRO2 maps. ’’
Interaction of Par-6 and Crumbs complexes is essential for photoreceptor morphogenesis in Drosophila

Apicobasal cell polarity is crucial for morphogenesis of photoreceptor rhabdomeres and adherens junctions (AJs) in the Drosophila eye. Crumbs (Crb) is specifically localized to the apical membrane of photoreceptors, providing a positional cue for the organization of rhabdomeres and AJs. We show that the Crb complex consisting of Crb, Stardust (Sdt) and Discs-lost (Dlt) colocalizes with another protein complex containing Par-6 and atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) in the rhabdomere stalk of photoreceptors. Loss of each component of the Crb complex causes age-dependent mislocalization of Par-6 complex proteins, and ectopic expression of Crb intracellular domain is sufficient to recruit the Par-6 complex. We also show that the absence of Par-6 complex proteins results in severe mislocalization and loss of Crb complex. We further demonstrate that Dlt directly binds to Par-6, providing a molecular basis for the mutual dependence of the two complexes. These results suggest that the interaction of Crb and Par-6 complexes is required for the organization and maintenance of apical membranes and AJs of photoreceptors.
A self-encryption authentication protocol with identity anonymity for teleconference services

A novel authentication protocol for teleconference service is proposed. The main features of the proposed protocol include identity anonymity, one-time PID (pseudonym identity) renewal and location intractability. Identity anonymity is achieved by concealing the real identity of a mobile conferee in a prearranged pseudonym identity. One-time PID renewal mechanism, in which the mobile conferee's PID is frequently updated communicating with the network centre, is introduced to offer location intractability. It is shown that the security has been significantly enhanced, while the computation complexity is similar to the existing one appeared in the literature.
Trapped in Your Own Net? Network Cohesion, Structural Holes, and the Adaptation of Social Capital

This paper explores the tension between two opposite views on how networks create social capital. Network closure (Coleman 1988) stresses the role of cohesive ties in fostering a normative environment that facilitates cooperation. Structural hole theory (Burt 1992) sees cohesive ties as a source of rigidity that hinders the coordination of complex organizational tasks. The two theories lead to opposite predictions on how the structure of an actor's network may affect his ability to adapt that network to a significant change in task environment. Using data from a newly created special unit within the Italian subsidiary of a multinational computer manufacturer, we show that managers with cohesive communication networks were less likely to adapt these networks to the change in coordination requirements prompted by their new assignments, which in turn jeopardized their role as facilitators of horizontal cooperation within a newly created business unit structure. We conclude with a discussion of the trade-off between thesafety of cooperation within cohesive networks and theflexibility provided by networks rich in structural holes.
Impact of Positioning Strategies on Corporate Performance

ABSTRACT In spite of the importance of positioning in advertising research and practices and the documented assertion that positioning positively affects profitability and long-term success of the firm, to date, extant research has largely overlooked empirical research aimed at examining the impact of positioning strategies on firm performance such as sales, profits, ROI, market share, consumers' perceptions, etc. Overall, the findings of this study reveal positive association between positioning strategy and firm performance although individual predictive variables (subpositioning strategies) have partial effects. Specifically, five subpositioning strategies (top of the range, services, value for money, reliability and the brand name) emerge as impacting firm performance. However, “Attractiveness,” “Country of origin,” and “Selectivity” subpositioning strategies do not have positive relationship with any of the firm performance measures. The findings reveal that while “overall firm objectives” do not relate with any of the subpositioning strategies, “sales,” “profits,” “ROI,” “market share,” “company image,” and “consumer perceptions” are the six most impacted by positioning strategies. Conclusions, theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Why some small businesses ignore austere working capital management routines

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors explaining take-up rate of working capital management routines in small-scale businesses. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey research was employed using a sample of 450 small-scale businesses in the central business district of Kampala, Uganda. Common working capital management routines and activity rates were analyzed using descriptive statistics. While binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to discriminate between businesses that engage in working capital management frequently and those that do so less frequently. Findings – The results show that on average, the most frequently performed routines relate to safeguarding cash and inventory, and credit risk assessment. Payment management routines are least performed. Second, business size, perceived usefulness and attitude explain high take-up rate of working capital management routines in small-scale businesses. Business age, level of education and financial manag.
3PL factories or lernstatts? Value‐creation models for 3PL service providers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and systematically discuss generic forms of contract logistics services and their distinct underlying approaches for fulfilling their respective value propositions. A general frame of reference is developed that addresses the value proposition, as well as the value creation architecture that leads to generic business model configurations for contract logistics services. The framework is built upon the basic notions of service theory, competence research and the resource based view.Design/methodology/approach – The paper combines service theory with work of organizational theory and develops an analytical framework based on conceptual considerations. First empirical results are additionally used to support and illustrate the key outcomes.Findings – Combining the dimensions of integration power and intangible knowledge creation, the authors are able to specify generic types of contract logistics services. Thereby the authors deducted for every type the dist.
Bipartite consensus strategies for coopetition networks

Cooperation and competition are two typical interactional relationships in natural and engineering networked systems. Some interesting collective behaviors can emerge through local interactions within the networked systems. This paper focuses on the coexistence of competition and cooperation (i.e., coopetition) at the network level and, simultaneously, the collective dynamics on such coopetition networks. The coopetition network is represented by a directed signed graph. The interaction relationship between the agents on the coopetition network is described by a multi-agent system. We investigate two bipartite consensus strategies for the agents such that all the agents converge to a final state characterized by identical modulus but opposite sign. Under a weak connectivity assumption that the signed network has a spanning tree, some sufficient conditions are derived for bipartite consensus of multi-agent systems with the help of a structural balance theory. Finally, simulation results are provided to demonstrate the bipartite consensus formation.
How does firm innovativeness enable supply chain resilience? The moderating role of supply uncertainty and interdependence

Despite its potential benefits in a wide range of circumstances, firm innovativeness received scant attention in relation to managing the various risks and uncertainties in the global business environment. Likewise, there is still a limited understanding of firms’ supply chain resilience (SCR) and its related antecedents in the strategic management literature. This research focuses on exploring the relationship between firm innovativeness and SCR in an attempt to facilitate bridging the gap between two important research streams and shed some light on the contingent value of firm innovativeness against disruptions and adversities. The moderating role of supply uncertainty and interdependence in the focal relationship was also hypothesised and tested. Findings suggest that firm innovativeness is positively associated with firm SCR, and supply uncertainty negatively moderates this relationship but interdependence does not. We argue that this could be due to the dual nature of interdependence in supply networks.
Left hemianomia of musical symbols caused by callosal infarction

Musical scores consist of two components, musical symbols and pitch notations. Musical symbols are elements of notation that do not denote pitch. Examples include time symbols (for example, “4/4”, “rit.”) and dynamic marks (“ f ”, “ cresc. ”) as indicated by roman letters.1 Pitch may be defined as the quality of a sound that fixes its position on a scale, indicated by “notes” written on, between, above, or below the five lines comprising the musical stave.1 Case studies suggest that the left hemisphere is dominant in reading pitch notations,2,3 but opinions are divided on the left hemisphere’s superiority for naming musical symbols. In order to investigate this problem, we assessed hemispheric function in a patient with a callosal lesion. In November 1997, a 69 year old, right handed businessman who suffered from hypertension and diabetes mellitus suddenly developed impairment of the movement of his left hand. When opening a desk drawer with his right hand, his left hand involuntarily caught in the drawer as the result of a cerebrovascular event. He was an amateur violinist and had been active in concerts as a soloist, or as a member in an ensemble. For example, at the opening ceremony of the concert hall of our city, he performed Beethoven’s Romance in F major accompanied by the piano. He had been a member of a semiprofessional orchestra for 30 years. He met criteria for Grison’s sixth level of musical culture.4 After this cerebrovascular event, he was unable to play the violin …
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED KENYAN INSTITUTIONS.

A Strategic Alliance is a significant long/term partnership and collaborative agreement entered into by two or more companies to pursue a set of agreed upon critical goals while remaining (legally) independent organizations. These collaborations can come in many shapes and sizes, including contractual and equity forms. It normally is a synergistic arrangement whereby the participating organizations each bring different strengths and capabilities to the alliance. Main motives for the formation of strategic alliances can be organizational, economic, strategic and political. Companies may form Strategic Alliances with a wide variety of players: customers, suppliers, competitors, universities or divisions of government. Through Strategic Alliances, companies can improve competitive positioning, gain entry to new markets, supplement critical skills and share the risk or cost of major development projects. The twentieth century way forward for organizational management and development might encompass strategic alliances and coalitions or partnerships in order to synergize for exploitation of the future opportunities. This could be a forward looking marketing concept that may bail out a lot of organizations that might be on the verge of brink due to excessive competition and external threats that are coupled with modern technology. Survival for the fittest might be the name of the game.
Broadband Internet's Value for Rural America

As broadband—or high-speed—Internet use has spread, Internet applications requiring high transmission speeds have become an integral part of the “Information Economy,” raising concerns about those who lack broadband access. This report analyzes (1) rural broadband use by consumers, the community-at-large, and businesses; (2) rural broadband availability; and (3) broadband’s social and economic effects on rural areas. It also summarizes results from an ERS-sponsored workshop on rural broadband use, and other ERS-commissioned studies. In general, rural communities have less broadband Internet use than metro communities, with differing degrees of broadband availability across rural communities. Rural communities that had greater broadband Internet access had greater economic growth, which conforms to supplemental research on the benefits that rural businesses, consumers, and communities ascribe to broadband Internet use.