Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Taxonomy of Operations Strategies of High Performing Small and Medium Enterprises in Singapore

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are recognized as playing a pivotal role in the economic growth and technological progress of many countries, yet there is a dearth of research that examines the operational performance and strategies of these smaller enterprises, especially in the Asian context. Of particular interest is the operational posture in terms of the key operations priorities adopted by successful SMEs in carving out their own competitive niches. This study is the first to develop a taxonomy of operations strategies based on the operational performance of high performing SMEs in Singapore. As Singapore is one of the most competitive countries in the world and a highly successful newly industrializing nation in Asia, the use of Singapore data provides benchmarking and best practice information for international business communities and newly industrializing countries. Three strategic clusters were identified. Analysis showed significant differences in the operational posture, financial performance and the kinds of improvement programs undertaken by the three strategic clusters. The strategic role of operations in terms of its contribution to corporate strategic formulation and financial profitability was also investigated. Managerial implications of our findings are presented.
Determinants and Effectiveness of Foreign Exchange Market Intervention in Georgia

This paper uses unique daily data to study the determinants and the effectiveness of partially sterilized intervention by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) during the period 1996-2007. Detected structural breaks in the exchange rate and the intervention series are important for NBG intervention motives and effectiveness. The central bank reaction functions indicate that the NBG leans against the wind while smoothing the exchange rate. The intended effect on the level of the exchange rate is observed the day after intervention is conducted. However, the conditional volatility increases with intervention.
The Cyclical and Secular Behavior of the Labor Input: Comparing Eciency Units and Hours Worked

A monthly labor input series designed to correct for the fact that all hours worked are not of the same quality is constructed and its properties compared with unadjusted hours worked. This efficiency unites series is constructed from BLS data on hours worked and earnings by age and sex. The cyclical fluctuations displayed by the efficiency units series are smaller on average than those displayed by hours worked, although the difference is not large. However, the secular behavior of the series is quite different: hours worked per capita displays a significant positive trend while efficiency units per capita does not. Copyright 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible state transfer between superconducting qubits and atomic ensembles

We examine the possibility of coherent, reversible information transfer between solid-state superconducting qubits and ensembles of ultra-cold atoms. Strong coupling between these systems is mediated by a microwave transmission line resonator that interacts near-resonantly with the atoms via their optically excited Rydberg states. The solid-state qubits can then be used to implement rapid quantum logic gates, while collective metastable states of the atoms can be employed for long-term storage and optical read-out of quantum information.
External Economies and Trade: An Empirical Analysis

In recent international trade literature, external economies are taking center stage as a determinant of comparative advantage in manufacturing industries. Several recent trade models have focused on learning or human capital development as the primary source of external economies. A. Young develops a model of dynamic comparative advantage with external economies at the industry level based on learning curves. ' R. E. Lucas and N. L. Stokey both focus on external effects of human capital accumulation at the societal level as an engine of growth and examine the trade and development implications.2 Conducting empirical studies on models involving external effects of human capital poses the challenge of how to quantify such effects. Lucas suggests that the solution to this problem may be found by examining the urbanization economies inherent in cities.3 Lucas is not alone in drawing a parallel between urban-rural trade and international trade. P. R. Krugman exhorts trade economists to study local and regional trade as a guide to international specialization.4 Like Lucas, Krugman points to the possibilities of solving data problems: "If we want to understand international specialization, a good place to start is with local specialization. The data will be better and pose fewer problems of compatibility, and the underlying economic forces will be less distorted by government policies. "5 This study tests the ability of urban production data to explain international trade between the United States and developing countries. A factor proportions model with external economies is used to explain trade patterns. I use U.S. urban production data to measure the effect of differences in endowments of the factors generating external economies. The model performs well. The interesting result is the strength of the external factors, as measured by the urban production variable, in explaining international trade. This result supports Lucas's
Tortoises and Hares: The Race to Shared Services Across Australian State and Territory Jurisdictions

All tiers of government in Australia have recently aimed at enhancing service provision, with shared service platforms a recent innovation. To date there has been no scholarly inquiry into comparative shared service performance at the Australian state level. This article evaluates the experience of different state jurisdictions in adopting shared service platforms within “Whole of Government” approaches to public sector reform. It demonstrates that those jurisdictions most eager to embrace shared services have created organizations susceptible to particular adverse outcomes and that, far from implementing shared services programs, they may have installed monopoly-provider conditions for a range of back-office functions.
Testing Commitment Models of Monetary Policy: Evidence from OECD Economies

Inflation in many Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries was low in the 1960s, rose for a time before peaking in the 1970s or early 1980s, and then fell back to initial levels. This paper shows that a simple time inconsistency model of monetary policy does not explain OECD inflation outcomes, except in the United States. The hypothesis that time inconsistency mattered only in earlier decades fits the data no better than the baseline model. We find some, albeit limited support for a model in which inflation spills over from the United States into other countries as a result of exchange rate targeting. Copyright (c)2008 The Ohio State University.
ONE FOR ALL OR ALL FOR ONE

Price Waterhouse partners put the case in a recent MEASURING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE for ‘shareholder value’ as “the overarching imperative for management to deliver”. It is a view seemingly at odds with the more ‘inclusive’ stakeholder approach endorsed by many of the UK's prominent business leaders. But the two sides of the ‘shareholder‐stakeholder’ debate can be reconciled.
A Simple Description of Age-Related Changes in Crystalline Lens Thickness

Purpose An increase in lens thickness is often described as a linear function of age. However, contradictory opinions exist about whether the lens thickness continues to increase after 50 years of age. Differences in slope exist between this increase in younger and older people, but these findings are in-consistent with the linear behavior of an increase in the lens thickness throughout life. We investigated among different functions, including slope variation, which would be the best to show the relation between lens thickness and age. An available model portraying lens growth could be advantageous in many practical applications. The possibility of differences between sexes in lens thickness growth is also analyzed. Methods We evaluated 102 eyes of patients aged between 15 and 84 years: 41 men, 61 women. The biometric measurements were performed with the aid of the OcuScan® (Alcon, USA). Results Both logarithmic and potential functions provide a good fit for the data (R2=0.905 and 0.906, respectively). The results do not show significant differences between men and women in any age range, nor when the data of the whole sample are considered (p=0.29). Conclusions The best fits for the data are both logarithmic and double logarithmic functions. According to this model, lens growth continues throughout life, but after 50 years, age-related thickness variations are lower than statistical variability. No differences were found between the sexes.
Characterization of pBFTM10, a clindamycin-erythromycin resistance transfer factor from Bacteroides fragilis

Bacteroides fragilis TMP10, which is clindamycin-erythromycin resistant (Clnr) and tetracycline resistant (Tetr), contains several plasmids and is capable of transferring drug resistance markers to suitable recipients. We were able to separate a 14.6-kilobase self-transmissible Clnr plasmid, pBFTM10, from the other plasmids of TMP10 in a tetracycline-sensitive recipient strain, B. fragilis TM4000. All Clnr transconjugants acquired an unaltered pBFTM10 and became plasmid donor strains. Transfer is proposed to occur by conjugation since it required to cell-to-cell contact of filter matings and was insensitive to DNase, but sensitive to chloroform treatment of donor cells. The efficiency of transfer of pBFTM10 in a Tets background (TM4003) was not affected by pretreatment of donor cells with clindamycin. A spontaneously occurring Clns derivative, pBFTM10 delta 1, suffered a deletion of DNA, which included a 4.4-kilobase EcoRI fragment. A complex interaction between the autonomous plasmid pBFTM10 and a tetracycline transfer element also present in strain TMP10 was observed since pretreatment of this donor with tetracycline or clindamycin resulted in a marked increase in transfer of both tetracycline and clindamycin resistance.
Some Aspects of An Analytical Framework for Studying the Diffusion of Organizational Innovations

The objective of this paper is to explore the extent to which the more recent literature on innovation and diffusion, with a prime focus on technical innovations, can contribute to a useful analytical framework for studying the diffusion of organizational innovations. We review that literature, compare the intrinsic features of technical and organizational innovations, and explore what these differences may mean for an eventual analytical framework specifically developed for studying organizational innovations. We conclude that the received 'innovation' literature has a great deal to offer but that some modifications are required. In particular, we suggest that the role of factors 'inside' the firm and of non-market mechanisms for transfer of organizational innovations needs special emphasis.
Programmed assembly of 3-dimensional microtissues with defined cellular connectivity

Multicellular organs comprise differentiated cell types with discrete yet interdependent functions. The cells' spatial arrangements and interconnectivities, both critical elements of higher-order function, derive from complex developmental programs in vivo and are often difficult or impossible to emulate in vitro. Here, we report the bottom-up synthesis of microtissues composed of multiple cell types with programmed connectivity. We functionalized cells with short oligonucleotides to impart specific adhesive properties. Hybridization of complementary DNA sequences enabled the assembly of multicellular structures with defined cell–cell contacts. We demonstrated that the kinetic parameters of the assembly process depend on DNA sequence complexity, density, and total cell concentration. Thus, cell assembly can be highly controlled, enabling the design of microtissues with defined cell composition and stoichiometry. We used this strategy to construct a paracrine signaling network in isolated 3-dimensional microtissues.
The Effect of Value-Added Management on Calf Prices at Superior Livestock Auction Video Markets

Value-added management practices for cow-calf producers have become prevalent as feeders have recognized the value of calves raised with certified health and weaning programs. Export markets requiring age and source verification or non-hormone treated cattle and advancement of markets for naturally raised cattle have also presented profit opportunities for cow-calf producers. This study estimates the value of value-added calf production and marketing programs. Weaned steer calves sold with certified health programs realized $7 to $10 per cwt premiums. Age- and sourceverified steers received $1 to $2 per cwt premiums exceeding added costs of about $0.67 per cwt in 2010 despite rapidly expanding supply.
Synchronizing SCADA and Smart Meters operation for advanced smart distribution grid applications

This paper described the coordination of using medium voltage distribution substation SCADA, Smart Meters serving as synchro-sensors and coupled with AMI communication and GIS system for optimizing distribution network operation. Network losses management by improving the system load factor, balancing the system voltage and at the same time combining capacitor bank control and demand response type applications and asset management are topics discussed in this manuscript. This paper also discusses the synergism amongst the different applications and how advantage can be taken to optimize the whole energy delivery system.
Statistical Analysis of Microstructures in Materials Science

If you really want to be smarter, reading can be one of the lots ways to evoke and realize. Many people who like reading will have more knowledge and experiences. Reading can be a way to gain information from economics, politics, science, fiction, literature, religion, and many others. As one of the part of book categories, statistical analysis of microstructures in materials science always becomes the most wanted book. Many people are absolutely searching for this book. It means that many love to read this kind of book.
Civil Service Reform in Ethiopia: Issues, Lessons, and Future Directions

This article provides an in-depth review of the successes and challenges of public sector reform efforts in Ethiopia with a view to help other developing countries, particularly African countries, learn from Ethiopia's experiences in this regard so that they can improve the content of and approach to their public sector reforms. It also identifies the gaps in the existing literature and puts forward implications for further research in the area. The public sector reform program of Ethiopia has shown successes particularly in the areas of service delivery to citizens. However, the reform program is entangled with challenges such as lack of accountability and transparency on the part of implementing institutions, inadequate material and moral incentive to employees thus crippling the capacity to manage the implementation process, and participation from the side of different stakeholders.
Multicolour spectral karyotyping for complex chromosomal rearrangements in repeated abortion or congenital anomalies

Advances in molecular cytogenetics, especially the technique of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), have allowed more precise definition of chromosomal structures, which are difficult to identify using conventional G‐banding. Recently, a novel approach based on hybridization of 24 fluorescent‐labelled chromosome painting probes was developed, termed spectral karyotyping (SKY), which allows the simultaneous and differential colour display of all human chromosomes. We have used SKY to identify not only five parental complex translocation carriers but also minute chromosome rearrangements in the fetus. Here, we concentrate attention on the clinical application of SKY for prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The profitability of investment in education : concepts and methods

This paper reviews the basic concept of the profitability of investment in education and enumerates the various techniques that have been used in the literature to estimate the rate of return to investment in education. This various estimating techniques are illustrated by using household survey data from Venezuela and Guatemala. The paper also reviews the controversies that have appeared in the literature regarding the use of rates of return to investment in education for designing educational policy.
Nitric Oxide Regulates DELLA Content and PIF Expression to Promote Photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis1[W]

The transition from etiolated to green seedlings involves a shift from hypocotyl growth-promoting conditions to growth restraint. These changes occur through a complex light-driven process involving multiple and tightly coordinated hormonal signaling pathways. Nitric oxide (NO) has been lately characterized as a regulator of plant development interacting with hormone signaling. Here, we show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) NO-deficient mutant hypocotyls are longer than those from wild-type seedlings under red light but not under blue or far-red light. Accordingly, exogenous treatment with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside and mutant plants with increased endogenous NO levels resulted in reduced hypocotyl length. In addition to increased hypocotyl elongation, NO deficiency led to increased anthocyanin levels and reduced PHYB content under red light, all processes governed by phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs). NO-deficient plants accordingly showed an enhanced expression of PIF3, PIF1, and PIF4. Moreover, exogenous NO increased the levels of the gibberellin (GA)-regulated DELLA proteins and shortened hypocotyls, likely through the negative regulation of the GA Insensitive Dwarf1 (GID1)-Sleepy1 (SLY1) module. Consequently, NO-deficient seedlings displayed up-regulation of SLY1, defective DELLA accumulation, and altered GA sensitivity, thus resulting in defective deetiolation under red light. Accumulation of NO in wild-type seedlings undergoing red light-triggered deetiolation and elevated levels of NO in the GA-deficient ga1-3 mutant in darkness suggest a mutual NO-GA antagonism in controlling photomorphogenesis. PHYB-dependent NO production promotes photomorphogenesis by a GID1-GA-SLY1-mediated mechanism based on the coordinated repression of growth-promoting PIF genes and the increase in the content of DELLA proteins.
Enhancing Online Community Activity: Development and validation of the CA framework

Factors contributing to development of active communities are identified and combined into the Community Activity framework, which is useful in setting up new, or revitalizing inactive, communities. Found factors include: notifying members of new messages by e-mail, having a news section, and ability to add pictures to member profiles. During application of the framework to an inactivecommunity,changeshavebeenmadetoprivacyoptions,polls,activitynotifications,andother areas. Significant positive effects have been found in the number of visits, volume of posted messages, and number of topics. Interest of community members in both user profiles and the message board increased significantly. We conclude that the Community Activity framework is able to contribute in developing active online communities.
Design of Innovative Six Sigma Quality Management Systems

ISO has brought out TS 16949 for the automotive sector by including additional process improvement requirements to the ISO 9000 standard. Despite this, TS 16949 fails to exploit successful strategies such as Six Sigma and innovation within its framework. To fill this gap, a new model – "Innovative Six Sigma Quality Management System" has been developed. This integration can result in synergistic benefits and help organisations in achieving consistency in operations and results, thereby facilitating a smooth transition from a quality assured company into a world class company. A hypothetical case study outlines the steps required for the implementation of ISSQMS.
Morphological Embeddings for Named Entity Recognition in Morphologically Rich Languages

In this work, we present new state-of-the-art results of 93.59,% and 79.59,% for Turkish and Czech named entity recognition based on the model of (Lample et al., 2016). We contribute by proposing several schemes for representing the morphological analysis of a word in the context of named entity recognition. We show that a concatenation of this representation with the word and character embeddings improves the performance. The effect of these representation schemes on the tagging performance is also investigated.
Design of the laboratory illumination and practical measurement by integrating optimization of power usage

In this paper, the research is mainly focused on the optimization of average intensity of illumination and power usage the author studied previously to make comparisons via simulation and actual measurement [1]. In proposed method, the concept of average intensity of illumination is utilized. Then, a set of calculation formula for lighting is derived and the optimization model is used to determine the suitable number of lamps by taking the saving of electric energy into account. The limitations for optimization include the intensity of illumination needs to meet the standards, average intensity of illumination, requirements for distances between lamps, etc. Besides, to simplify the tasks for data input and representation of analysis results, a users' interface implemented with MATLAB and GUIDE is developed for the optimization of average intensity of illumination and power usage. In such way, users could obtain the optimization results in a short time, and easily verify the performance of energy saving and related requirements of illumination design. In this study, the laboratory of electrical machine at the department of electrical engineering in Chienkuo Technology University is used as a simulation and test field. From the actual measured results, the performance of proposed optimization procedure for the design of illumination can be verified, which proves that the total power usage for the design of illumination in the same area would be lower than that designed with the general method.
An Improved Version of the Quandt-Ramsey MGE Estimator for Mixtures of Normal Distributions and Switching Regressions

Quandt and Ramsey have suggested an estimator for normal mixtures and switching regressions, which minimizes a sum of squared differences between empirical and theoretical values of the moment generating function. This paper demonstrates how their estimator can be improved by minimizing a generalized sum of squares rather than an ordinary sum of squares. When this is done, more points of evaluation (moments) are unambiguously better than less. Most of the results presented are also applicable to method of moments estimators in general.
Nonparametric Estimates of the Labor-Supply Effects of Negative Income Tax Programs

This article reports nonparametric estimates of the effect of labor-supply behavior on the payments to families enrolled in the Seattle/Denver Income Maintenance Experiment. The randomized assignment of families to the treatment groups in this experiment was designed to permit the calculation of these nonparametric estimates. However, the nonparametric estimates have never been reported, even though they are easy to construct using a simple weighting procedure. Unfortunately, responses to the data collection instrument (which depended on costly surveys) were not random, and this opens up some ambiguity in the results.