Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Community Enterprises – Aliens under Attack

Management research has long focused on for-profit organizations that produce privately owned resources based on central authority and within well-defined boundaries. In recent times, a new kind of enterprise has emerged that we call Community Enterprises. They are private sector not for profit organizations that produce innovation resources and make them freely available to follow-on creators. Starting in the software industry, Community Enterprises have become leading providers of fundamental building blocks for innovation. They create enormous economic value by producing generative technologies that everyone can use and improve. However, this value is hardly measurable. Most importantly, Community Enterprises collide with the appropriation strategies of firms, which aim at acquiring exclusive control of useful resources. They are a major competitive force to for-profit firms and therefore are under attack. We analyze Community Enterprises as aliens in the market economy to which they provide essential resources. We find that market regulation cannot ensure their activities. Instead, we argue that the easiest way to do so is to support Community Enterprises through terms and conditions on government procurement and funding.
Elimination of Bioweapons Agents from Forensic Samples During Extraction of Human DNA

Collection of DNA for genetic profiling is a powerful means for the identification of individuals responsible for crimes and terrorist acts. Biologic hazards, such as bacteria, endospores, toxins, and viruses, could contaminate sites of terrorist activities and thus could be present in samples collected for profiling. The fate of these hazards during DNA isolation has not been thoroughly examined. Our goals were to determine whether the DNA extraction process used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police eliminates or neutralizes these agents and if not, to establish methods that render samples safe without compromising the human DNA. Our results show that bacteria, viruses, and toxins were reduced to undetectable levels during DNA extraction, but endospores remained viable. Filtration of samples after DNA isolation eliminated viable spores from the samples but left DNA intact. We also demonstrated that contamination of samples with some bacteria, endospores, and toxins for longer than 1 h compromised the ability to complete genetic profiling.
Parameter identification of canalyzing Boolean functions with ternary vectors for gene networks

In gene dynamics modeling, parameters of Boolean networks are identified from continuous data under various assumptions expressed by logical constraints. These constraints may restrict the dynamics of the network to the subclass of canalyzing functions, which are known to be appropriate for genetic networks. This paper introduces a high performance algorithm, which solves the parameter identification problem by so called Zhegalkin identification and exploits the restriction to canalyzing functions resulting in reduced calculation time. The canalyzing constraint is formulated in terms of orthogonal ternary vector lists — which are intrinsically used in a Branch-and-Cut algorithm obeying this constraint. The algorithm is applied to mRNA micro array data from mice under different contaminant conditions and good correspondence to a known apoptotic pathway can be shown.
Performance improvements for sector antennas using feature extraction and spatial interference cancellation

Effective utilization of the spatial domain enhances the capacity of a mobile radio network. A common technique is to use sector antennas, where the sectors are formed by weighting the outputs from the antenna elements. This results in spatial domain selectivity, which significantly improves the signal-to-(noise and interference) ratio in the received signals. However, the operation of the sector antenna will be limited by the sidelobes of the corresponding beam patterns. By introducing a blind spatial interference canceler that combines the fix beamformers in the sector antenna with blind signal separation, a significant improvement in the multiuser interference suppression can be achieved. Thus, it will be able to efficiently handle the near-far problem, where the users are received with different power. The blind signal separation is performed by an independent component analysis algorithm. The convergence rate of the algorithm is significantly improved compared to the standard formulation by taking into account the modulation format. The algorithm is further improved by introducing a forgetting factor on the weight update. The blind spatial interference canceler is evaluated by simulations using the mean square error and the bit error rate as quality measures. The results show that the mean square error obtained from the blind spatial interference canceler is within 0.5 dB from the optimum Wiener solution for signal-to-noise ratios greater than 0 dB.
Analysis of a partially shaded PV array considering different module connection schemes and effects of bypass diodes

This paper aims to analyze a mismatched PV array using a simplified model of PV module and to compare its electrical characteristics including I-V, P-V, maximum power and loss, for series-and-parallel (SP) and total-cross-tied (TCT) configurations of PV module connection. The influences of bypass diodes that are in parallel with each PV module, are also considered. Two methods have been used in this study: the analytical method and the PLPB (piecewise linear parallel branches) model. The former lies in writing the KCL and KVL equations of the PV array electric network and solving them using the Newton-Raphson method. The later involves a piecewise linear model that allows the PV array network to be simulated using the EMTP circuit simulation program.
Managerial Turnover and the Behavior of Mutual Fund Investors

Using a sample of domestic U.S. equity mutual funds, we find strong evidence that investors respond to managerial replacements. We find that the top performing funds that have a change in management subsequently have lower flows compared to funds of which the manager is retained. On top of that, we find that funds replacing their bad performing manager subsequently have lower flows compared to bad performing funds with a continuing manager. This latter finding is inconsistent with a world of rational expectations. The finding is, however, in line with a signaling hypothesis, even though we find evidence that the signals mutual fund investors perceive from managerial turnover is not justified as fund performance increases following the replacement of bad performing managers. Interestingly, the results are very similar for institutional funds and retail funds. Our finding cannot be explained by differences in fund characteristics such as the age of a fund, size, or expenses, or by differences in portfolio risks.
Shopping centers and other retail properties : investment, development, financing, and management

Partial table of contents: Retailing in the Twenty-First Century (R. Blackwell). The Investment Structure and Investors in Retail Real Estate (H. Mautner). Analyzing Market Demand for Shopping Centers (R. Kateley). Analyzing the Specifics of Retail Markets (C. Ray). The Formats Employed in New Retail Strategies (H. Gelbtuch). Planning, Designing, and Renovating Retail Properties (L. Josal & J. Scalabrin). Developing and Investing in Regional and Super-Regional Malls (M. Bucksbaum & M. Bucksbaum). Space Marketing and Lease Terms in Shopping Centers (M. Munaretto). Operating and Managing Retail Centers (H. Carlson). Various Means of Debt Financing for Shopping Centers (R. Jennings). Sales Agency Marketing of Shopping Centers (G. Whitmore). Appraising Retail Properties (P. Korpacz). Accounting Aspects of Retail Properties (R. Lowe). Epilogue. Index.
Contacts for organic switches with carbon-nanotube leads

We focus on two classes of organic switches operating due to the photo- or field-induced proton transfer (PT) process. By means of first-principles simulations, we search for the atomic contacts that strengthen diversity of the two swapped current–voltage (I–V) characteristics between two tautomers. We emphasize that the low-resistive contacts do not necessarily possess good switching properties. Very often, the higher-current flow makes it more difficult to distinguish between the logic states. Instead, the more resistive contacts multiply a current gear to a larger extent. The low- and high-bias work regimes set additional conditions, which are fulfilled by different contacts: (i) in the very low-voltage regime, the direct connections to the nanotubes perform better than the popular sulfur contacts, and (ii) in the higher-voltage regime, the best are the peroxide (-O-O-) contacts. Additionally, we find that the switching-bias value is not an inherent property of the conducting molecule, but it strongly depends on the chosen contacts.
A Markov model of a freerider in a BitTorrent P2P network

BitTorrent is today one of the largest P2P systems which allows file sharing for Internet users. Very little effort has been dedicated to this target up to now. The goal of this paper is to develop an analytical model of a free-rider in a BitTorrent network. Unlike previous analytical models which capture the behavior of the network as a whole, the proposed model is able to analyze the performance from the user perspective. The model is applied to a case study to evaluate performance in a real case, and to obtain some insights into the influence of BitTorrent parameters on system performance.
A Consumer Acceptance Study of An Electronic Dinar Payment System

The aim of this study is find solutions to a few limitations naturally associated with physical dinar coins. Specifically this research proposes the use of a dinar based electronic payment system. But before actual system can be implemented, this research is intended to find out whether the public would be ready to adopt the proposed electronic dinar payment system. The research framework for this study will be based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) (Venkatesh et al., 2003). It will measure user acceptance based on these constructs i.e. the Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Behavioral Intention to Use, and with two new variables added: Anxiety, and Perceived Credibility. Data collection is based on questionnaire surveys. This preliminary study discovered that most of the respondents participated in this survey generally agree with the idea of using the proposed electronic dinar payment system
Family and Community Networks in Mexico-U.S. Migration

A household's decision to send migrants is based on information it has on the entry costs, expected returns, and risks of migration. Information and assistance flow from both family migrant networks and community migrant networks. Using data from a national survey of rural Mexican households, we show the importance of networks in both the decision to migrate and the level of migration. We find that community and family networks are substitutes in assisting migration, suggesting that, once migration is well established in a community, family networks become less important. In addition, the development of strong community networks erases the role of household characteristics in migration, allowing those initially least favored to also participate in migration. Finally, we show that network density at points of destination in the United States strongly affects where individuals choose to migrate.
Recent Progress on Piezotronic and Piezo‐Phototronic Effects in III‐Group Nitride Devices and Applications

Wurtzite‐structured III‐group nitrides, like GaN, InN, AlN, and their alloys, present both piezoelectric and semiconducting properties under straining owing to the polarization of ions in a crystal with non‐central symmetry. The piezoelectric polarization charges are created at the interface when a strain is applied. As a result, a piezoelectric potential (piezopotential) is produced, which is used as a “gate” to tune/control the charge transport behavior across a metal/semiconductor interface or a p‐n junction. This is called as piezotronic effect. A series of piezotronic devices and applications have been developed, such as piezotronic nanogenerators (NGs), piezotronic transistors, piezotronic logic devices, piezotronic electromechanical memories, piezotronic enhanced biochemical, and gas sensors and so on. With the flourished development of piezotronic effect, the piezo‐phototronic effect, as the three‐way coupling of piezoelectric polarization, semiconductor properties, and optical excitation, utilizes the piezopotential to modulate the energy band profile and control the carrier generation, transportation, separation, and/or recombination for improving performances of optoelectronic devices. This paper intends to provide an overview of the rapid progress in the emerging fields of piezotronics and piezo‐phototronics, covering from the fundamental principles to devices and applications. This study will provide important insight into the potential applications of GaN based electronic/optoelectronic devices in sensing, active flexible/stretchable electronics/optoelectronics, energy harvesting, human‐machine interfacing, biomedical diagnosis/therapy, and prosthetics.
Tetrakis(4-cyanopyridine)palladium(II) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)

The title salt, [Pd(C6H4N2)4](CF3SO3)2, comprises Pd(4-cyanopyridine)4 dications balanced by two trifluoromethanesulfonate anions. The PdII atom lies in a square-planar geometry defined by four N atoms which form equivalent Pd—N interactions. The 4-cyanopyridine ligands are twisted out of the N4 plane, forming dihedral angles ranging from 66.5 (2) to 89.9 (2)°. In the crystal packing, columns of edge-to-edge dications define channels in which reside the anions. A range of C—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding interactions stabilizes the crystal packing.
Earnings Management in Not-for-Profit Institutions: Evidence from Hospitals

This paper examines the incentives of CEOs in not-for-profit institutions to engage in earnings management. We predict and find that, with one exception, this different setting induces CEOs to engage in patterns of earnings management that are similar to those of their for-profit counterparts. This is noteworthy given that the structure of compensation and the objectives of not-for-profit organizations differ from for-profit firms. We examine the earnings management patterns of 744 not-for-profit hospitals (3,977 hospital-year observations) over an eight-year period from 1989-1996. The results suggest that similar to for-profit firms hospital CEOs 1) smooth earnings, 2) take a "big bath" with respect to discretionary accruals in the year of a CEO change, and 3) avoid small losses. Further, while not-for-profit CEOs avoid small losses, we find no evidence that CEOs manage earnings to avoid negative earnings changes, which is contrary to findings in the for-profit setting [Burgstahler and Dichev (1997)]. This is consistent with tax-exempt status restrictions implicitly limiting hospitals from reporting sustained patterns of profit growth. Overall, our results suggest that CEOs' reputation concerns, tax-exempt status restrictions, and debt costs drive earnings management decisions. Reputation appears to be a primary concern for CEOs in this industry because turnover is high and the frequency of earnings-based performance incentives is relatively small during the time period of our study.
MMP‐3 provokes CTGF/CCN2 production independently of protease activity and dependently on dynamin‐related endocytosis, which contributes to human dental pulp cell migration

Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) expression is promoted after pulpotomy, and application of MMP‐3 to dental pulp after pulpotomy accelerates angiogenesis and hard tissue formation. However, the mechanism by which MMP‐3 promotes dental pulp wound healing is still unclear. Connective tissue growth factor/CCN family 2 (CTGF/CCN2), a protein belonging to the CCN family, is considered to participate in wound healing, angiogenesis, and cell migration. In this study, we examined the involvement of CTGF/CCN2 in MMP‐3‐induced cell migration in human dental pulp (fibroblast‐like) cells. In human dental pulp cells, MMP‐3 promoted cell migration, but this effect was clearly blocked in the presence of anti‐CTGF/CCN2 antibody. MMP‐3 provoked mRNA and protein expression and secretion of CTGF/CCN2 in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. The MMP‐3 inhibitor NNGH failed to suppress MMP‐3‐induced CTGF/CCN2 protein expression. The potent dynamin inhibitor dynasore clearly inhibited MMP‐3‐induced CTGF/CCN2 expression. These results strongly suggest that MMP‐3 induces CTGF/CCN2 production independently of the protease activity of MMP‐3 and dependently on dynamin‐related endocytosis, which is involved in cell migration in human dental pulp cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1348–1358, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategic Orientation of Outsourcing Firms: Demystifying Key Differentiators

Despite the importance of outsourcing firms and the highly competitive nature of the outsourcing industry, there has been minimal examination of outsourcing firm strategy. This paper investigates the strategic focus of 60 outsourcing firms using empirical data collected through survey and semi-structured interviews from 226 top management team respondents. Factor and cluster analysis reveal three outsourcing firm archetypes based on their strategic orientation, namely, superachievers, quality advocates and defenders. The dominance of these archetypes also varies across business activities offered by sample firms. By delineating dimensions underlying outsourcing form strategy and by identifying archetypes of strategic orientation, the paper provides an understanding of key differentiators of outsourcing firm performance.
DECISION MAKING IN OUTSOURCING SUPPORT SERVICES IN UK PUBLIC HEALTHCARE

In order to strive in the competitive market, organisations outsource not merely to reduce costs but also to achieve efficiency and focus on their core business. Outsourcing exists in different sector of the economy such as in manufacturing, transportation, construction, banking and healthcare. The practice of outsourcing is not only applied in the private sectors, the public sectors also practice outsourcing in order to enhance their performance. For example, NHS has been outsourcing their support services for more than two decades. Despite of the perceived benefits of outsourcing, there are circumstances whereby outsourcing contracts being terminated even before the end of the agreement. Most of the studies in outsourcing decision-making in the UK concentrate on the private sector especially in manufacturing. Therefore the study is based on the premise that there is paucity in the research concerning outsourcing decision making in the UK healthcare sector. A qualitative approach is proposed with a case study will be adopted as the research strategy. A semi-structured interview will be used as the main technique to collect the data.
Improving Risk Governance - A Proposal on Board Decision-Making

Official inquiries around the world into the events that precipitated the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) have identified, among other causes, failures in Corporate and Risk Governance as being critical. One of the critical issues identified by inquiries is how effectively Boards of directors of Systemically Important Banks (SIBs) provide oversight of management. Having found deficiencies of oversight across the industry, politicians, banking regulators and the industry have proposed radical changes to the banking industry and its regulation. Some of the problems of corporate governance revealed the role of 'cognitive illusions' or biases that resulted in 'irrational decision-making', by Boards of some of the most important banks in the world. To address such issues, regulators have called for Boards to be more transparent about their decision-making processes and have also called for formal, regular evaluation of Board performance. Critical to improving transparency and evaluating the performance of directors is the creation of more detailed Board Minutes, in particular, recording the level of challenge to managements' proposals. At present, Board Minutes are secretive documents that official inquiries have found to be insufficient to evaluate critical decisions. As an aid to improving Board performance, this paper proposes the development of what are called here 'Rich Board Minutes'. In essence, such minutes would be electronic transcripts of Board, and other important, meetings, which would be subject to expert analysis to evaluate the process of decision making, in particular looking for good governance and risk management practices and the absence of destructive biases, such as Groupthink. The paper shows that the technology to implement such Rich Board Minutes already exists and is not expensive. It is a matter of collecting and organizing the information so that experts can analyze it. What is needed is first for Boards to take evaluation of their decision making capabilities seriously and secondly the training of experts in diverse topics such as organizational behaviour, behavioural finance and risk management to analyze Board deliberations and create analyzable Rich Board Minutes. The paper concludes by developing proposals for implementation of the proposed concepts in Systemically Important Banks.
Effects on logistics when fluctuations in production occur A case study on forklift operations at Autoliv Vårgårda

Through concepts like lean production and supply chain management, material flows and waste reduction, for and in between activities and organizations, has become of increasing concern for managers. Production and logistics is closely related to each other with logistics traditionally supportive and subordinate, however this is changing when inter organizational aspects are more and more addressed. To identify how production affects logistics is essential in order to understand why and how internal logistics workload fluctuates and causes problems when dimensioning and planning. The purpose is therefore to: “. to analyze how the internal logistics function is affected by fluctuations from the leveled production schedule through a case study at Autoliv Vårgårda. In what way these fluctuations affect the internal logistics function is simulated in an excel model. Through relating a normative fully leveled state to different scenarios reflecting fluctuations in production. ” At the case company, aspects and contemporary conditions are identified and summarized in an Excel model. The model is used to evaluate and analyze representative scenarios in order to match the purpose. The scenarios are a representation of how production affects logistics at Autoliv. An analysis from Autoliv’s perspective, the scenarios and the theoretical view are used for the analysis. The logistics function at the case company is affected by fluctuations from the planned production schedule in several ways. The product characteristics, mismatch between takt and production gears, managerial decisions and work queuing all shown to have significant impact and yielded unpredictable and erratic demand for logistics workload. In academic terms, the fluctuations in production are found to impose unevenness in workload and at times overburdening the forklifts operators. Consequently, proper constraints how production is allowed to deviate from the leveled production schedule and lack of information transfer between production and logistics is introducing mura and muri for the internal logistics function.