Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Experts' and Entrepreneurs' Opinions on International Business Activity

Small and medium-sized enterprises often need external help in the process of internationalisation. This is usually an explicit pressure arising from their size and not a shortcoming. The objective of the present study is to learn the opinion of experts working in the fields of regional development and enterprise development who provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises in this field. Besides gaining insight into the opinions of professionals having first-hand information on the circumstances – barriers and motivations – of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter international markets, we will also discuss the views of managers on the issue based on a survey conducted in 2007. Based on the results of this survey, the majority of managers in international markets are satisfied with their own competencies, and tend to see the reasons for less successful international activities in external circumstances (strong competition, the lack of supportive system, etc.). The main objective of the second survey, conducted among experts is to provide objective insight into the circumstances of internationalisation and the prospects of small and medium sized enterprises.
Correction of frequency and phase variations induced by eddy currents in localized spectroscopy with multiple echo times

As a consequence of the time‐varying magnetic field induced by eddy currents, frequency drifting occurs when the sampling window of localized spectroscopy continuously shifts. The frequency drifting and the concomitant phase variations can severely affect spectroscopy results when data are acquired with multiple echo times (TEs), such as in the measurement of glutamate (Glu) concentration using the TE‐averaged method. Specifically, the averaged spectra are further broadened and distorted in the presence of residual eddy currents, and editing of the coupled spins of Glu C4 protons is affected, resulting in errors in the measured relative intensity ratio. Postacquisition correction using unsuppressed water as reference can effectively minimize this detrimental effect, as manifested by the significantly enhanced signal intensity. Also, it is demonstrated that the methyl signals of creatine (Cr) at 3.0 ppm and choline (Cho) at 3.2 ppm can be used as internal references in finding frequency and phase disparities between different TEs. Magn Reson Med 58:174–178, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IIIT-H at IJCNLP-2017 Task 3: A Bidirectional-LSTM Approach for Review Opinion Diversification

The Review Opinion Diversification (Revopid-2017) shared task focuses on selecting top-k reviews from a set of reviews for a particular product based on a specific criteria. In this paper, we describe our approaches and results for modeling the ranking of reviews based on their usefulness score, this being the first of the three subtasks under this shared task. Instead of posing this as a regression problem, we modeled this as a classification task where we want to identify whether a review is useful or not. We employed a bi-directional LSTM to represent each review and is used with a softmax layer to predict the usefulness score. We chose the review with highest usefulness score, then find its cosine similarity score with rest of the reviews. This is done in order to ensure diversity in the selection of top-k reviews. On the top-5 list prediction, we finished 3rd while in top-10 list one, we are placed 2nd in the shared task. We have discussed the model and the results in detail in the paper.
The Mediating Role of Organizational Innovation on the Relationship between Knowledge Management Processes and Organizational Performancein the Public Sector

The main objective of this study is to survey relationships among some of critical success factors of knowledge management (KM) include; KM processes (KMP), organizational innovation (INO), and organizational performance (PER). So in this research about the role INO as mediator will be investigated. The research proposes that KM in the public sector is still in its infancy and has a long way to go in the KM journey. However, the study has identified a certain number of factors that are essential to the success of the KM initiative and program in the public sector. The result of this investigation could have significant implications for KM programs in public sector organizations in Iran.
Consequences of Integration Heterogeneity in Mergers and Acquisitions

In this paper, we analyze the heterogeneity of acquisition integration processes. Starting with the integration types laid down by Haspeslagh and Jemison (1991), we describe integration processes in terms of their integration level and their integration style. We analyze the postacquisition consequences of integration choice in terms of organizational management analysis, employee turnover, and communication and socialization problems. In a sample of 74 Spanish acquisitions, we demonstrate that management choices about integration level and integration style explain the more relevant consequences of the integration process. They have different consequences in terms of organizational management analysis, employee retention, and communication and socialization.
Pulsed laser angioplasty: Wavelength power and energy dependencies relevant to clinical application

Despite the theoretical advantages of submicrosecond pulsing for clinical laser angioplasty systems, the optimal laser parameters for clinical application are undefined. Further, the enormous peak powers achieved by submicrosecond pulses destroy available fiberoptics. We irradiated 797 segments of cadaver atherosclerotic aorta with nanosecond pulses at 266, 308, 355, 532, and 1064 nanometers. Effective cutting occurred at lower energy fluences in the ultraviolet than in the visible or infrared. For 308 nanometers, at any energy density, number of pulses to perforation was relatively independent of power density. Therefore, long‐pulse ultraviolet wavelengths which could be transmitted through fiberoptics were identified as well suited for a clinical, submicrosecond pulsed laser angioplasty system.
Fabrication of Articulated Microarm for Endoscopy by Stacked Microassembly Process (STAMP)

As cancer becomes the No.1 cause of the death in Japan, endoscopic surgery is gaining attentions. In this paper, endoscopical tool to grip and lift the targeted tumor in ESD (endoscopic submucosal dissection) surgery is proposed. This articulated microarm is part of new ESD surgery concept in which two wire-driven microarms (1times1times25 mm) from the tip of endoscope help lift the tumor to cut. This research needs to emphasize a new fabrication method of arm which is fabricated by photolithography and electroplating. The microarm is composed of five layers. Individual layers are fabricated separately and assembled together in the end. The microarm uses the elastic deformation of metal to bend (Cu or phosphor bronze). It is feedback controlled with PID using a strain gauge attached to the articulated joint. This technique enabled the further miniaturization of the microarm, but it also comes with a downside. It is difficult to build a 3-dimensional structure. We overcome this problem by proposing an assembly method (STAMP: stacking microassembly process). Electroplated layers are assembled by stacking up on top of each other. This assembly process is feasible to produce multiple microarms at one assembly, thus mass-production with low cost is possible. A strain gauge is attached to the elastic joint as an angle sensor.
Benefits and Costs of Asset Reallocation in Mergers and Acquisitions

The Q-theory of mergers and acquisitions proposes that takeovers of low-Q targets by high-Q acquirers should be value creating as acquirers redeploy the targets’ assets. Recent evidence on the direct relationship between Q and value creation is mixed. We present a simple model which suggests three modifications to the standard empirical approach. First, we allow for both benefits and costs of integration that are likely to accompany asset reallocation in M&As. Second, we use a modified proxy for the Q ratio in our empirical tests after decomposing the market-to-book ratio – the conventional proxy for Q – into its long-run and short-run components. Third, our model suggests that the correct regression specification requires the weighting of proxies for the benefits and costs of asset reallocation by the relative size of the resources being reallocated. After the modifications, we find evidence consistent with Q-theory using announcement returns and operating performance as alternative measures of value creation. The relation between value creation and Q-difference is inverse U-shaped, indicating a tradeoff between benefits and costs of asset reallocation. We also find that the long- and short-run components of Q relate significantly differently to value creation in M&As.
Trust Propagation Policy for Secure Interoperability in Multi-domain Environments

Access control is one of the most important issues of secure interoperability between domains. Role-based access control (RBAC) is a technology that has been proposed as an alternative approach to traditional access control mechanisms both to simplify the task of access control administration and to directly support function-based access control. This model maps users to roles and roles to permissions, making policy authorization simplified since the amount of roles are much fewer than users. Role hierarchies are the RBAC relevant extensions and they also are instrumental in reducing the complexity of role and authorization specification. In this paper, a framework for a multi-domain environment where RBAC policies have been employed is provided. Then, the theory of Hierarchical RBAC and modeling Hierarchical RBAC using role graphs are discussed in detail. Finally, role hierarchy governing read and write access to objects are studied via an example.
Facilitators and Barriers in Co-Creation of Value through other Customers - Evidence in Sports

FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS IN CO-CREATION OF VALUE THROUGH OTHER CUSTOMERS – EVIDENCE IN SPORTS As value is fundamentally derived and determined in use, the context influences value experience which is uniquely and phenomenologically determined by the beneficiary (Vargo, Maglio & Akaka, 2008; Vargo & Lusch, 2004). The context could be clustered by using the service setting approach. The service setting approach describes the context in which services took place as well as the effects of presence of other customers (Thakor et al., 2008). This is why co-creation of value depends on service settings. By taking Service-Dominant logic (S-D logic) and the service setting approach as a basis we analyze the value in context. We use cases of sport events with the objective to detect facilitators and barriers in co-creation of value through other customers referring to literature about reference groups (White & Dahl, 2006). Services are often delivered in settings where many consumers are present at the same time (e.g. sport events or music concerts). The importance of customers being comfortable with other customers who are present in the service setting has also been recognized (White, 2001). Based on S-D logic and its co-creation of value the influence of the specific context will be discussed. The context is described by service setting characteristics and reference groups. By using the example of sport events we analyze the effect of a personal expressive service setting on co-creation of value through other customers. As a consequence the concept of cocreation of value is extended to a triangular relationship (service providers – customer – other customers). As a conceptual framework we used case studies and videographic analysis to examine personal expressive service settings. Personal expressive service settings are mainly influenced by the physical presence of other customers. We present own case studies and videographic analyses of sport events of the first German Soccer league and the World Championship 2006 in Germany. In addition we report of some empirical evidence of another own study during the European Championship 2008 in Austria/Switzerland confirming the findings of our previous case studies.
Determinants of civil litigation in Portugal

This article studies the evolution of the resort to civil justice in Portugal in the last two decades, particularly seeking to identify the main determinants of the litigation rate observed in the different regions, benefiting from a dataset with information by comarca. We conclude that the length of proceedings tends to reduce litigation and, therefore, there is evidence of rationing by waiting list in the access to justice. At the same time there is some evidence of demand inducement by lawyers. Socioeconomic characteristics as the illiteracy rate, purchasing power and the location of enterprises influence the level of litigation in the different regions of the country. Moreover there are significant spatial spillovers in the generation of litigation not only the characteristics of the comarca itself, but also those of the neighbouring ones, play a relevant role. (JEL: K41, R10)
Juvenile Fasciola hepatica are resistant to killing in vitro by free radicals compared with larvae of Schistosoma mansoni

Free radicals have previously been shown to kill the immature stages of the trematode, Schistosoma mansoni but their effect on newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) flukes of Fasciola hepatica has not been established. Using acetaldehyde and xanthine oxidase to chemically generate reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), up to 61% of NEJ were killed but only when exposed to high levels of ROI. At low concentrations of acetaldehyde and xanthine oxidase as sources of reactive oxygen intermediates, only 6–29% of NEJ were killed compared with 70–92% of schistosomula. Incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated rat peritoneal lavage cells (PLCs) killed only 7–15% of NEJ whereas 78–87% of schistosomula were killed under the same conditions by a mechanism dependent on the production of reactive nitrogen intermediates. Relative to immature and adult parasites, NEJ expressed 2.5–20‐fold lower levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione S‐transferase but no catalase activity was detected. Incubation of NEJ with inhibitors of peroxidases and glutathione metabolism increased the mean killing of NEJ by LPS‐stimulated rat PLCs to 40–75%. These results demonstrate that, in comparison to schistosomula of S. mansoni, NEJ of F. hepatica are relatively resistant to killing by free radicals and this resistance could, in part, be due to the activity of oxidant scavenger enzymes of NEJ.
Accounting Discretion, Corporate Governance and Firm Performance

We investigate whether accounting discretion is (i) abused by opportunistic managers who exploit lax governance structures, or (ii) used by managers in a manner consistent with efficient contracting and shareholder value-maximization. Prior research documents an association between accounting discretion and poor governance quality and concludes that such evidence is consistent with abuse of the latitude allowed by accounting rules. We argue that this interpretation may be premature because, if such association is indeed evidence of opportunism, we ought to observe subsequent poor performance, ceteris paribus. Following Core et al. (1999) we conduct our analysis in two stages. In the first stage, we extend the prior literature and again find a link between poor governance and managers' accounting discretion. However, in the second stage we fail to detect a negative association between accounting discretion attributable to poor governance and subsequent firm performance. This suggests that, on average, managers do not abuse accounting discretion at the expense of firms' shareholders. Rather, we find some evidence that discretion due to poor governance is positively associated with future operating cash flows, which suggests that shareholders may benefit from earnings management, perhaps because it signals future performance.
The definition and clinical features of the mutilans type of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract The mutilans type of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is refractory to several treatments and involves many types of surgical application. It is difficult to prevent its progress, and it has a poor functional prognosis. However, the definition is not always distinct. In this report, I attempt to clarify the clinical features of the mutilans type of RA and establish an accurate definition of the disease. Previous definitions have been divided into three groups: (1) the mutilans group (Mu-G), which has more than three joints showing severe resorptive bone destruction and joint instability; (2) the suspected mutilans group (sMu-G) which has one to two joints with joint instability or showing no instability but with highly resorptive bone destruction; (3) the Larsen V group (LV-G), which has radiological findings indicating Larsen grade V disease. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for over 10 years and who do not fall into any of the above groups are referred to as the control group. Among 337 patients who suffered from RA for more than 10 years, 58 were classified as being in the mutilans group, 59 in the suspected Mu-G, 47 in the LV-G, and 173 in the control group. The mutilans group had distinctive features which were different from those of the other groups, which had a radiological finding of Larsen grade V disease or severe resorptive bone destruction without instability. From these data, the definition of the mutilans type of RA should be specified as the Mu-G. Thus, the Mu-G shows a distinctive clinical picture which is unlike that in the other groups. It is important to define the mutilans type of RA clearly because it has a poor prognosis. Early identification will help in the establishment of a treatment plan.
Cycle Time Reduction and Strategic Inventory Placement Across a Multistage Process

This thesis project examines cycle time and inventory reduction, which are central thrusts of Eastman Kodak's corporate strategy. The project shows that these reduction efforts cannot be addressed in isolation. Instead, they represent the outcome that results from improving the fundamental manufacturing processes across the supply chain. Through a series of three case studies, the project applies academic models to real situations at the Eastman Kodak Company. The models quantify the relationships between cycle time and inventory reduction and the following manufacturing process issues: q setup time Q product sequencing q supply and demand variability q supply chain structure q customer service The case studies build in scope from a detailed examination of one product in one manufacturing stage to a high level view across the entire film supply chain. The first case study develops a specific lot size and inventory strategy at the product level. It quantifies and prioritizes setup time improvements and process variability reductions. The second case study extends the analysis to the machine level for multiple products. It incorporates capacity constraints and product sequencing issues critical to Kodak's manufacturing processes. The third case study covers the entire film supply chain. It determines where the minimum safety stocks can be placed at each stage to attain a desired level of customer service. It also addresses supply chain issues of information flow and asset utilization. The thesis project ultimately develops a strategy and quantifies the benefits for cycle time and inventory reduction at three levels of detail. It demonstrates the value of broadening the scope of analysis to cover the entire supply chain. Together, the three case studies provide an annual savings potential up to $7 MM.
Inflation, Liquidity Risk and Long-run TFP - Growth

This paper demonstrates a negative relation between inflation and long-run productivity growth. Inflation generates long-run real effects due to a link from the short-run nominal and financial frictions to a firm's qualitative investment portfolio. We develop an endogenous growth model whose key ingredients are (i) a nominal short-run portfolio choice for households, (ii) an agency problem which gives rise to financial market incompleteness, (iii) a firm-level technology choice between a return-dominated but secure and a more productive but risky project. In this framework, inflation increases the costs of corporate insurance against productive but risky projects and hence a firm's choice of technology. It follows that each level of inflation is associated with a different long-run balanced growth path for the economy as long as financial markets are incomplete. Finally, we apply U.S. industry and firm level data to examine the relevance of our specific microeconomic mechanism. We find that (i) firms insure systematically against risky R&D investments by means of corporate liquidity holdings, (ii) periods of higher inflation restrain firm-level R&D investments by reducing corporate liquidity holdings.
Structure–function studies of glutamate synthases: A class of self‐regulated iron‐sulfur flavoenzymes essential for nitrogen assimilation

Glutamate synthases play with glutamine synthetase an essential role in nitrogen assimilation processes in microorganisms, plants, and lower animals by catalyzing the net synthesis of one molecule of L‐glutamate from L‐glutamine and 2‐oxoglutarate. They exhibit a modular architecture with a common subunit or region, which is responsible for the L‐glutamine‐dependent glutamate synthesis from 2‐oxoglutarate. Here, a PurF‐ (Type II‐ or Ntn‐) type amidotransferase domain is coupled to the synthase domain, a (β/α)8 barrel containing FMN and one [3Fe‐4S]0,+1 cluster, through a ∼30 Å‐long intramolecular tunnel for the transfer of ammonia between the sites. In bacterial and eukaryotic GltS, reducing equivalents are provided by reduced pyridine nucleotides thanks to the stable association with a second subunit or region, which acts as a FAD‐dependent NAD(P)H oxidoreductase and is responsible for the formation of the two low potential [4Fe‐4S]+1,+2 clusters of the enzyme. In photosynthetic cells, reduced ferredoxin is the physiological reductant. This review focus on the mechanism of cross‐activation of the synthase and glutaminase reactions in response to the bound substrates and the redox state of the enzyme cofactors, as well as on recent information on the structure of the αβ protomer of the NADPH‐dependent enzyme, which sheds light on the intramolecular electron transfer pathway between the flavin cofactors. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(5): 287–300, 2008
High-speed circuit designs for transmitters in broadband data links

Various high-speed techniques including internal peaking, differentially stacked inductor, and dual-loop PLL for wireline communications are proposed,analyzed, and verified by means of three independent circuits. A multiplexer incorporates multiple peaking techniques and gate control switching to achieve an operation speed of 20 Gb/s while consuming 22 mW from a 1.8-V supply. A voltage-controlled oscillator employing differentially stacked inductor accomplishes a phase noise of -90dBc/Hzat 1-MHz offset with a minimum power of 1 mW. A clock multiplication unit utilizes dual-loop architecture as well as a third-order loop filter, arriving at an output jitter of 0.2 ps, rms (0.87 ps, rms de-embedding 0.84 ps, rms from the instruments) and 4.5 ps, pp while consuming 40 mW from a 1.8-V supply.