Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Competitive Advantage of Thai Traditional Medicine and Herbal Products

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to derive competitive advantage of Thai Traditional Medicine and herbal products industry by analyzing from SWOT and Porter’s Diamond model and finding out the relevancy of government policies in this industry. Design/Methodology and Approach: Qualitative approaches have been used in this research by depth interview business owners. Research result: Strengths and opportunities in this industry are derived from internal and external factors of their companies which indicated the competitive advantage over potential competitors. The result showed that strengths are the accessibility to raw materials, wide acceptance among overseas consumers, and the accreditation by international organizations. The opportunities of TTM and herbal products composed of the increasing demand in both domestic and international market and the integration of ASEAN Economic Corporation. Weaknesses are explained as high cost of production, quality of raw materials, and strong dependency on overseas distributors. Threats in this industry related to the intense competition from both local and international markets. With regard to Porter model, Thai traditional medicine manufacturers have benefitted from favorable demand conditions particularly the size of home market. Nonetheless, this industry has also gained substantial market shares in Asia, EU and U.S.A as well. However, in terms of structure and rivalry, this industry faces high competition. Adding to this, government policies, such as marketing and financial support, regulate/deregulate are most relevant to this industry. Originality/Values: For TTM and herbal products, most research concentrate on consumer point-of-view and there is a lack of studies on the views of company owners and government policies.
Improvement in the operating room efficiency using Tabu search in simulation

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce the efficiency improvement in the operating room (OR) of a local hospital using the integration of simulation and optimization. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the simulation model, a Tabu search (TS) algorithm is developed as an optimizer for the meta-heuristic optimization method to find the optimum configuration of resources for the OR operation. Findings – The computational efficiency is improved for the optimum search. Results show that 21 percent more patients can be processed compared to the existing operation. The average time stay of patients in the OR is reduced by 17 percent. Research limitations/implications – Limited resources considered in the model may limit the capacity of the proposed method, more resources including nurses, beds in post-operative units, and beds in inpatient wards will be included in the decision variables. Practical implications – Long waiting lists in the OR lead to the low performance of healthcare systems. It is crucial t.
The Evolution of Scholarly Research on Sponsorship: Expectations About the Future of This Research Domain

This study examines how scholarly research on sponsorship has evolved from 2001–2011 and envisages the shape of this domain from 2012–2014. From the 6,240 words counted in 573 articles, we identified prominent themes around “sponsorship,” “sponsor,” “sport,” “brand,” and “marketing” from 19 key concepts. We assessed sets of concepts that best reflect the sponsorship theme by conducting a series of multiple linear regression analyses. Trend analyses from 2012–2014 indicated prospects for a dramatic increase in research activity around six topics. We anticipate the rate of sponsorship research will continue briskly in line with the continued escalation of global sponsorship expenditure.
Mutual Re‐excitation with Post‐Inhibitory Rebound: A Simulation Study on the Mechanisms for Locomotor Rhythm Generation in the Spinal Cord of Xenopus Embryos

We have used computer simulations as one way to test the hypothesis that locomotor rhythm production for swimming in frog embryo spinal cord depends on rebound from inhibition and is sustained by mutual re‐excitation among spinal excitatory interneurons. All simulations were based on physiological and anatomical data on the neurons and circuitry of Xenopus embryo spinal cord.
Distinguishing costs of cooperation and control in alliances

Firms simultaneously face the need to cooperate with and control an alliance partner. To complement the transaction cost perspective's emphasis on the need to control and limit opportunistic behavior, we examine the sources and impact of the cooperation costs incurred in order to work with a partner. We propose that these costs increase with greater joint task complexity and interpartner diversity, and perceptions of equitable behavior affect the perceptions of these costs. Hypotheses derived from the framework are tested in a sample of 231 contractual alliances between architects and general contractors in the Hong Kong construction industry. We find that both cooperation costs and transaction costs affect the level of time and effort a manager expends on an alliance, supporting our fundamental proposition that the costs of cooperation and control are conceptually and empirically distinct. We argue that cooperation costs should be incorporated into studies that compare the choice of alternative partners and alliance structures, as well as among the broader categories of market, hierarchy, and hybrid governance forms. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ventrally located commissural neurons express the GABAergic phenotype in developing rat spinal cord

Early‐forming commissural neurons are studied intensively as a model of axonal outgrowth and pathfinding, yet the neurotransmitter phenotype of the majority of these neurons is not known. The present study has determined that a substantial number of commissural neurons express the 65‐kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) as early as embryonic day 12 (E12). Patterns of GAD65 localization were compared with those of TAG‐1, the Transiently expressed Axonal Glycoprotein that is the best known marker of commissural axons. On E13, both GAD65‐ and TAG‐1‐labeled commissural axons emanate from similar lateral and ventromedial regions. However, dorsally located TAG‐1–positive commissural axons were GAD65‐negative. These results suggest that commissural neurons have both γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and non‐GABAergic phenotypes. The intensity of GAD65 staining within commissural somata and axons decreased between E14–15 and continued to decline during embryonic development, whereas terminal‐like structures in surrounding neuropil increased dramatically. This sudden loss of somatic and axonal GAD65 staining was unexpected and could be interpreted as commissural neurons only transiently expressing the GABAergic phenotype. Further experiments were undertaken to identify commissural neurons with other established GABAergic markers, GAD67 and GABA. When antibody labeling of the two GAD isoforms was compared, GAD67 was detected 1 day later than GAD65, and in a different subcellular distribution. In contrast to GAD65, GAD67 intensely stained somata but labeled few commissural axons. GABA immunoreactivity also was detected in commissural axons 1 day after GAD65, and the labeling pattern between E13 and E16 resembled that of GAD67 rather than GAD65. When GAD and GABA results were compared, it was clear that a number of ventrally located commissural neurons expressed and maintained the GABAergic phenotype during embryonic development. However, the early expression and subcellular redistribution of GAD65 suggests that the GAD isoforms are differentially regulated. The function of the transient GAD65 expression in commissural somata and axons is unknown, but its temporal expression pattern parallels the transient expression of TAG‐1, as both are expressed during the early stages of commissural axon outgrowth and pathfinding. J. Comp. Neurol. 409:285–298, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring azathioprine therapy in myasthenia gravis

Azathioprine (AZA) is used increasingly in the treatment of selected patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). The “usual” dose is 2 to 3 mg/kg/d, but guidelines do not exist to determine a specific dose for an individual patient. We reviewed our previously reported MG patients to determine what laboratory studies correlated with therapeutic efficacy. Among the studies examined, red cell mean corpuscular volume (RBC MCV) was the most useful: in 10 patients who responded to AZA, MCV increased by 15 ± 2 fl (mean ± SD), while in 6 nonresponders, MCV increased by only 4.5 ± 6 fl (p ≤ 0.01). RBC MCV may be helpful in monitoring AZA therapy in patients with MG.
Work-related spirometric restriction in flavoring manufacturing workers.

BACKGROUND Flavoring-exposed workers are at risk for occupational lung disease. METHODS We examined serial spirometries from corporate medical surveillance of flavoring production workers to assess abnormality compared to the U.S. population; mean decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC); and excessive declines in FEV1. RESULTS Of 106 workers, 30 had spirometric restriction, 3 had obstruction, 1 had both, and 13 (of 70, 19%) had excessive declines in FEV1. The adjusted prevalence of restriction was 3.7 times expected. Employees with higher potential for flavorings exposure had 3.0 times and 2.4 times greater average annual declines in FEV1 and FVC respectively, and had 5.8 times higher odds of having excessive FEV1 declines than employees with lower potential for exposure. CONCLUSION Exposure-related spirometric abnormalities consistent with a restrictive process evolved during employment, suggesting that exposures in flavoring production are associated with a range of pathophysiology.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: A CASE STUDY OF PETROLEUM COMPANIES OF PAKISTAN

Dissertation Title: The Relationship of Organizational Learning and Competitive Advantage: A Case Study of Petroleum Companies of Pakistan The concept of organizational learning has been the area of attention for academicians, practitioners, and researchers for decades. Organizational developments as a subject realized the significance of cognitive learning and behavioral development; and embraced the idea of ‘learning organization’ because of its potential to create and sustain competitive advantage in an organization. The purpose of the study is to explore the characteristics of a learning organization and examine the relationship of organizational learning and competitive advantage. Knowledge acquired is disseminated through learning in organization. It is noted that the petroleum companies are knowledge intensive and learning oriented, equipped with latest technologies and facing intense competition. In Pakistan, no empirical research work has been done to explore the concept of learning organization to date. Literature review revealed systems thinking, mental models/culture, shared vision/mission, leadership, knowledge/information flow, personal mastery and team learning as antecedents of a learning organization. Survey questionnaire was distributed in all four strata of petroleum companies and in response of 225 questionnaires 170 were received back, out of which 165 were valid. Multiple regression analytic technique was applied to test the hypotheses. Statistical analysis revealed that all chosen characteristics of a learning organization significantly contribute towards achievement of competitive advantage. Shared vision and systems thinking emerged as most significant contributors. This study signifies the impact of learning to achieve competitive advantage and requires the attention of executives and practitioners
Strong constraint on large extra dimensions from cosmology

We study cosmological constraints on the number and radii of possible large extra dimensions. If such dimensions exist, Kaluza-Klein (KK) modes are copiously produced at high temperatures in the early universe, and can potentially lead to unacceptable cosmological effects. We show that during reheating, large numbers of KK modes are produced. These modes are not diluted completely by the entropy production during reheating because they are produced nonrelativistically. This means that the modes produced during reheating can easily be the dominant component. For instance, for two extra dimensions the bound on their radii from considering only the thermally produced KK modes is $Rl~1.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4} \mathrm{mm}. $ If the modes produced during reheating are also accounted for, the bound is strengthened to $Rl~2.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5} \mathrm{mm}. $ This bound is stronger than all other known astrophysical or laboratory limits.
Impaired S-Nitrosylation of the Ryanodine Receptor Caused by Xanthine Oxidase Activity Contributes to Calcium Leak in Heart Failure*

S-Nitrosylation is a ubiquitous post-translational modification that regulates diverse biologic processes. In skeletal muscle, hypernitrosylation of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) causes sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium leak, but whether abnormalities of cardiac RyR nitrosylation contribute to dysfunction of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling remains controversial. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that cardiac RyR2 is hyponitrosylated in heart failure, because of nitroso-redox imbalance. We evaluated excitation-contraction coupling and nitroso-redox balance in spontaneously hypertensive heart failure rats with dilated cardiomyopathy and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats. Spontaneously hypertensive heart failure myocytes were characterized by depressed contractility, increased diastolic Ca2+ leak, hyponitrosylation of RyR2, and enhanced xanthine oxidase derived superoxide. Global S-nitrosylation was decreased in failing hearts compared with nonfailing. Xanthine oxidase inhibition restored global and RyR2 nitrosylation and reversed the diastolic SR Ca2+ leak, improving Ca2+ handling and contractility. Together these findings demonstrate that nitroso-redox imbalance causes RyR2 oxidation, hyponitrosylation, and SR Ca2+ leak, a hallmark of cardiac dysfunction. The reversal of this phenotype by inhibition of xanthine oxidase has important pathophysiologic and therapeutic implications.
Say on Pay and the Outrage Constraint

Say on pay is an important regulatory innovation in the area of executive remuneration, traditionally dominated by disclosure based approaches. In this paper I present a model of the regulatory framework for say on pay as it operates in Australia and the UK. Based on the concept of regulatory space, I present the regulated remuneration cycle as an annual cycle of four activities (remuneration practice, disclosure, engagement and voting), each of which is subject to regulation in multiple forms by a variety of regulators. This illustrates how institutional investors make rules in relation to all four activities. However, it is their activities in the sphere of remuneration practice that form the basis for their activities in engagement and voting. I then examine the empirical evidence of its operation in the first three years in the UK (2003-2005) and Australia (2005/06 - 2007/08) using content analysis. While there is evidence of the vote 'having an effect', this paper shows that the effect was very different over the first three years of its operation in the UK as opposed to Australia. This paper updates the paper 'Is the Outrage Constraint an Effective Constraint on Executive Remuneration? Evidence from the UK and Preliminary Results from Australia (March 18, 2007). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=974965' by providing results for the first three years of a disclosure and vote regime in Australia, as well as the UK.
A novel reduced size microstrip antenna for RFID reader in UHF band applications

In this article, we present a novel printed microstrip antenna design for the RFID reader in UHF band applications. This antenna consists of a printed microstrip, surrounded ground and strip-line metal reflector, making it easy to combine directional, high gain, low cross-polarization and wide bandwidth. Reduction in patch size of up to 37% with respect to a traditional rectangular patch operating at the same frequency is obtained. The experimental results of the constructed prototype are presented.
Strategic Mis-Selling and Pre-Purchase Deliberation

This paper examines the interaction between an informed seller and an uninformed buyer, facing the possibly inappropriate status quo product. The buyer can invest cognitive resources before the purchasing decision. In the one-shot interaction, it is impossible for the seller to always sell the appropriate product. If the extent of mis-selling (the probability that the status quo product is not appropriate) is low, the seller announces that nothing of the status quo product will go wrong. Otherwise, he randomizes between truth-telling and mis-selling when the status quo product is not appropriate. The transaction cost of the buyer's pre-purchase deliberation increases with the extent of mis-selling as the extent of mis-selling is small and decreases thereafter. Finally, reputation with a "tip" mechanism or competition between sellers may restore the efficient outcome where this transaction cost vanishes.
Dynamic pricing based on a cloud computing framework to support the integration of renewable energy sources

Integration of renewable energy sources into the electric grid in the domestic sector results in bidirectional energy flow from the supply side of the consumer to the grid. Traditional pricing methods are difficult to implement in such a situation of bidirectional energy flow and they face operational challenges on the application of price-based demand side management programme because of the intermittent characteristics of renewable energy sources. In this study, a dynamic pricing method using real-time data based on a cloud computing framework is proposed to address the aforementioned issues. The case study indicates that the dynamic pricing captures the variation of energy flow in the household. The dynamic renewable factor introduced in the model supports consumer oriented pricing. A new method is presented in this study to determine the appropriate level of photovoltaic (PV) penetration in the distribution system based on voltage stability aspect. The load flow study result for the electric grid in Kerala, India, indicates that the overvoltage caused by various PV penetration levels up to 33% is within the voltage limits defined for distribution feeders. The result justifies the selected level of penetration.
Interorganizational network and innovation: a bibliometric study and proposed research agenda

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the latent structure of the literature on interorganizational network and innovation as well as to map the main themes and empirical advances in this research stream. Design/methodology/approach – Using bibliometric coupling, the authors analyze the citation patterns in 67 management studies regarding innovation networks, published in ISI-journals from January 1996 to October 2012. Findings – The authors identify the conceptual orientations that studies share. Bibliometric analysis allows us to draw an overview of how this field of research has developed, recognizing in essence six main clustered research themes: networks as a framework that sustains firm innovativeness in specific contexts; network dimensions and knowledge processes; networks as a means to access and share resources/knowledge; the interplay between firm and network characteristics and its effects on innovative processes; empirical research on networks in highly dynamic industries; and the influence of.
HOW CONFLICTS MAY IMPACT INTENTIONS TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE IN A VIRTUAL TEAM

Knowledge Sharing is very important to achieve productive teamwork, and virtual teams become more and more common in organizations. Although the research of knowledge sharing has been discussed a lot and the relationship between conflicts and performance are explored in previous studies, there has been little research on the impacts of conflicts on intentions to share knowledge. We construct a theoretical model to examine the relationships between the attitude toward knowledge sharing and conflicts, and to finally investigate the intentions of knowledge sharing in a virtual team. A survey was conducted to collect data to show that the team conflicts decrease when the attitude toward knowledge sharing increases.
An antimicrobial origin of transit peptides accounts for early endosymbiotic events

Primary endosymbiosis, which gave rise to mitochondria or chloroplasts, required successful targeting of a number of proteins from the host cytosol to the endosymbiotic organelles. A survey of studies published in separate fields of biological research over the past 40 years argues for an antimicrobial origin of targeting peptides. It is proposed that mitochondria and chloroplast derive from microbes that developed a resistance strategy to antimicrobial peptides that consisted in their rapid internalization and proteolytic disposal by microbial peptidases.
Interactive vulnerability in buyer‐seller relationships: a dyadic approach

The topic is the construct of interactive vulnerability in buyer‐seller relationships based upon mutual time‐ and relationship‐dependencies. The research is based upon a selection of focal dyads between a vehicle manufacturer and its most important suppliers. The principal contribution is a framework of operationalization and analysis of the construct of interactive vulnerability and an empirical illustration of interactive vulnerability in the automotive industry. A methodological contribution of the study is its dyadic approach of vulnerability in buyer‐seller relationships. Theoretical and managerial implications, as well as suggestions for further research, are provided.
Determining and Evaluating the Benefits of KM Tool Support for SME

Though knowledge management (KM) and knowledge management systems (KMS) have been well established in organizations the question on how to evaluate the benefits to be gained from the use of such systems is still not finally resolved. Based on a complete case study showing how a KMS was introduced in a knowledge-intensive small enterprise in Germany this paper illustrates the operationalization of the KMS success model of (Jennex, Olfman, 2006) for its use in a SME. It shows the difficulties arising from the use of the model as well as the shortcomings during the implementation process which further was directed at determining a suitable KMS by addressing the knowledge services as introduced in the KMS architecture by Maier (Maier, 2007). Therewith two complex models generated in the field of KMS are transferred into practical application and discussed in the context of a SME which is part of our framework for the value-oriented decision support on KMS support for SME.