Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is strategy strategic? impact of total quality management on strategy

Executive Overview As total quality management (TQM) reshapes business practices, it tends to nudge every firm toward a few common strategic planning objectives, namely: continuous improvement in quality of goods and services, responsiveness and flexibility of internal and supplier processes, and waste and cost elimination. A slightly longer set of TQM principles provides guidance helpful in connecting daily activities and decisions with TQM's strategic objectives. While the TQM principles do not fully deal with some complex competitive issues, they do appear to greatly simplify and stabilize much of strategic management. As TQM basics become more influential, senior executives may be drawn away from formulating unique strategies, setting high-level numerical goals, and monitoring performance against the goals. As can be inferred from behaviors of some senior executives of companies winning quality awards, the executive role shifts toward facilitating changes necessary to make TQM everybody's business.
Bragg peak proton beam therapy for arteriovenous malformation of the brain.

Abstract Patients with arteriovenous malformations of the brain, who are subject to disabling or fatal recurrent hemorrhage, seizures, severe headache, and progressive neurologic deficits, may be considered unsuitable for conventional therapies (craniotomy with excision or embolization), usually because of the location, size, or operative risk of the lesion. We have treated such patients with stereotactic Bragg-peak proton-beam therapy and report the follow-up of 74 of the first 75, 2 to 16 years after treatment. Proton-beam therapy is intended to induce subendothelial deposition of collagen and hyaline substance, which narrows the lumens of small vessels and thickens the walls of the malformation during the first 12 to 24 months after the procedure. Two deaths from hemorrhage occurred in the first 12 months after treatment, but no lethal or disabling hemorrhages occurred after this interval. Seizures, headaches, and progressive neurologic deficits were in most cases arrested or improved. Bragg-peak proto.
The Theory of Stochastic Preferences: Further Comments and Clarifications

The theory of stochastic preference and brand switching uses market share data and a parameter ρ for generating switching matrices. In particular, ρ facilitates the generation of different matrices for different product categories having similar market shares. The parameter ρ has been termed a measure of product class brand loyalty. Because of the numerous conceptual definitions of brand loyalty, the author provides some additional insights into the meaningful interpretation of ρ. Furthermore, he emphasizes that at a general level a nonhomogeneous multinomial model can be used to represent most of the brand switching models.
Supply chain partnerships and supply chain integration: the mediating role of information quality and sharing

Supply chain integration is a key strategic priority for firms striving to achieve efficiency and responsiveness in their supply chain. This paper discusses how the supply chain integration is affected by supply chain partnerships, information quality and information sharing. This paper presents and tests a research model using a sample of 60 Korean firms that are involved in the supply chain activities. The results suggest that the supply chain partnership directly affects the quality of information being shared but not necessarily the scope and frequency of it. Rather, supply chain partnership indirectly affects information sharing, via information quality. Management implications of this research and future research issues are presented, as well.
Intentionally developed business network for mobile marketing: a case study from Finland

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate an intentionally developed business network (IDBN) for mobile marketing (m‐marketing). Design/methodology/approach – The IDBN for m‐marketing is studied in the light of a literature review of m‐marketing and IDBNs. In addition to this, a case study has been conducted.Findings – It was found that in m‐marketing there are several phases that need to be completed successfully. Resources and capabilities are different in each phase, and thereby the coordination of these is central to the success of the network. Additionally, the creator of the IDBN has a critical role in creating a common goal for the network. In a new technology context, the external technology advisor, such as the consulting agency, has a paramount position as facilitator of knowledge on the new technology in the initiation phase of the network.Research limitations/implications – More empirical research efforts need to be focused on studying IDBNs as a way to organize exchanges between var.
ChOrDa: a methodology for the modeling of business processes with BPMN

In this paper we present a modeling methodology for BPMN, the standard notation for the representation of business processes. Our methodology simplifies the development of collaborative BPMN diagrams, enabling the automated creation of skeleton process diagrams representing complex choreographies. To evaluate and tune the methodology, we have developed a tool supporting it, that we apply to the modeling of an international patenting process as a working example.
Comparative analysis on value of information sharing in supply chains

Purpose – Information sharing is an important component of cooperation in supply chain management. However, it has long been debated whether there is value in information sharing, how large the value is, if any, and what factors affect it. The purpose of the paper lies in investigating these three issues by comparing and analyzing 12 information models in supply chains.Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the above purpose, the paper first presents a general information‐sharing model in supply chains and characterizes three major factors in the model (objective, supply chain partnership constraint, information sharing constraint). Based on the general model, 12 representative models are selected from the literature and their relationship and distinctions are compared and analyzed.Findings – By insights from comparative analysis of these representative models, the paper concludes that information sharing in supply chains is valuable. However, the value and affecting factors are dependent on analytical .
"Top Down" characterization is a complementary technique to peptide sequencing for identifying protein species in complex mixtures.

At present, mass spectrometry provides a rapid and sensitive means for making conclusive protein identifications from complex mixtures. Sequencing tryptic peptides derived from proteolyzed protein samples, also known as the "Bottom Up" approach, is the mass spectrometric gold standard for identifying unknowns. An alternative technology, "Top Down" characterization, is emerging as a viable option for protein identifications, which involves analyzing the intact unknowns for accurate mass and amino acid sequence tags. In this paper, both characterization methods were employed to more comprehensively differentiate two early-eluting peaks in a process-scale size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) step for a recombinant, immunoglobulin gamma-1 (IgG-1) fusion protein. The contents of each SEC peak were enzymatically digested, and the resulting peptides were mapped using reversed-phase (RP) HPLC-ion trap MS. Many low-level UV signals were observed among the fusion protein-related peptide peaks. These unknowns were collected, concentrated, and analyzed using nanoelectrospray (nanoES) collision-induced dissociation (CID) tandem (MS/MS) mass spectrometry for identification. The peptide sequencing experiments resulted in the identification of twenty host cell-related proteins. Following peptide mapping, the contents of the two SEC peaks were protein mass profiled using on-line RP HPLC coupled to a high-resolution, quadrupole time-of-flight (Qq/TOF) MS. Unknown proteins were also collected, concentrated, and dissociated using nanoES CID MS/MS. Intact protein CID experiments and accurate molecular weight information allowed for the identification of three full length host cell-derived proteins and numerous clips from these and additional proteins. The accurate molecular weight values allowed for the assignment of N- and C-terminal processing, which is difficult to conclusively access from peptide mapping data. The peptide-mapping experiments proved to be far more effective for making protein identifications from complex mixtures, whereas the protein mass profiling was useful for assessing modifications and distinguishing protein clips from full length species.
Reliable GaN HEMTS for high frequency applications

This paper describes our team's efforts to develop a manufacturable 0.2 um T-gate process for GaN HEMTs that enables high performance and enhanced reliability at high frequencies. Our team has demonstrated highly repeatable and uniform HEMT performance measured at 40 GHz with 3.6 W/mm median output power densities, 36.6 % median PAE, and 8.4 dB associated gain. RF-driven, temperature-accelerated life tests show a mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) > 6 × 107 hours at 150°C junction temperature. Using this GaN HEMT process our team has demonstrated V-band circuits with output power of 1.13 W (2.83 W/mm) with 23.3 % power-added-efficiency measured under CW operation. Furthermore, by increasing the drain bias to 38 V, the circuit demonstrated state-of-the-art power density of 3.96 W/mm (1.58 W total power).
The use of soft tissue diode laser in the treatment of oral hyper pigmentation.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and patients' acceptance of soft tissue diode laser, for the elimination of hyper pigmented areas of the gingivae and buccal mucosa. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twenty patients complaining of dark localized areas in their gingivae of upper and lower jaws, or in cheek mucosa were included in this study. All are females ages ranged from 18-37 with average of 27.5 years. The patients were all not pregnant, and free from any systemic diseases, and had no other areas of hyperpigmentation. RESULTS Most of the patients (18 Pts.) required two treatment sessions to remove the melanotic lesions satisfactorily. The patients were seen after one, two, and three weeks respectively. Eight patients (40%) had a good response after one week, Ten patients (50%) had a very good response after two weeks, while only two patients (10%) had a bad result and required a third treatment session after two weeks. At the third week postoperatively in the successful cases, restoration of the normal gingival and mucosal texture and color was achieved with optimal esthetic results. Most of the patients had no postoperative discomfort including: pain, edema and disfigurement. CONCLUSION The soft tissue diode laser can be considered as a reliable mean for elimination of melanotic lesions of the gingivae or buccal mucosa, and is well tolerated by the patients.
An analysis of role adoptions and scripts during customer‐to‐customer encounters

Focuses on customer‐to‐customer interaction between strangers. It begins by reviewing the literature in the field and establishing a number of roles that customers may play while participating in this type of interaction. The study then goes on to measure the frequency of interaction and the propensity of 467 garden centre customers to adopt the roles identified by the literature (namely helpseeker and help providers). From analysis of their responses the authors are able to produce typical role scripts associated with each of the roles identified. These will help those interested in managing and facilitating these potentially valuable interactions and give some structure for future research in the area.
Noradrenaline‐mediated facilitation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord involves interlaminar communications

In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DH), noradrenaline (NA) is released by axons originating from the locus coeruleus and induces spinal analgesia, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Here, the effects of NA on synaptic transmission in the deep laminae (III–V) of the DH were characterized. It was shown that exogenously applied, as well as endogenously released, NA facilitated inhibitory [γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glycinergic] synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV of the DH by activating α1‐, α2‐ and β‐adrenoceptors (ARs). In contrast, NA had no effect on excitatory (glutamatergic) synaptic transmission. Physical interruption of communications between deep and more superficial laminae (by a mechanical transection between laminae IV and V) totally blocked the effects of α2‐AR agonists and strongly reduced the effects of α1‐AR agonists on inhibitory synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV without directly impairing synaptic release of GABA or glycine from neurons. Short‐term pretreatment of intact spinal cord slices with the glial cell metabolism inhibitor fluorocitrate or pharmacological blockade of ionotropic glutamate and ATP receptors mimicked the consequences of a mechanical transection between laminae IV and V. Taken together, the current results indicate that the facilitation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV of the DH by NA requires functional interlaminar connections between deep and more superficial laminae, and might strongly depend on glia to neuron interactions. These interlaminar connections and glia to neuron interactions could represent interesting targets for analgesic strategies.
Impact of the time window on plasma volume measurement with indocyanine green

Recent reports have questioned the accuracy of the indocyanine green dilution technique for measuring plasma volume. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of different time windows for monoexponential extrapolation. We retrospectively analysed 31 indocyanine green decay curves to investigate the problem in principle (group 1) and prospectively performed another 21 plasma volume measurements to estimate its practical impact (group 2). To monoexponentially extrapolate back to the specific extinction at the time of dye injection, two different time windows were applied to each decay curve, comparing the plasma volumes resulting from sampling within a short (⩽5 min) versus a longer (>5 min) period of time. Extrapolating back from the longer period led to a higher apparent plasma volume relative to the shorter period in both groups, the difference being 348 ± 171 ml (group 1) and 384 ± 131 ml (group 2; mean ± SD; p < 0.05 each). This result was due to a reliable monoexponentiality of decay only up to the 5th min after dye injection. Thus, to estimate the initial distribution space of indocyanine green via monoexponential extrapolation, the first linear kinetic of indocyanine green decay should be taken.
Heated, Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy: Yet Another Way to Deliver Continuous Positive Airway Pressure?

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to estimate the level of delivered continuous positive airway pressure by measuring oral cavity pressure with the mouth closed in infants of various weights and ages treated with heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula at flow rates of 1–5 L/minute. We hypothesized that clinically relevant levels of continuous positive airway pressure would not be achieved if a nasal leak is maintained. METHODS. After performing bench measurements and demonstrating that oral cavity pressure closely approximated levels of traditionally applied nasal continuous positive airway pressure, we successfully measured oral cavity pressure during heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula treatment in 27 infants. Small (outer diameter: 0.2 cm) cannulae were used for all infants, and flow rates were left as ordered by providers. RESULTS. Bench measurements showed that, for any given leak size, there was a nearly linear relationship between flow rate and pressure. The highest pressure achieved was 4.5 cmH2O (flow rate: 8 L/minute; leak: 3 mm). In our study infants (postmenstrual age: 29.1–44.7 weeks; weight: 835–3735 g; flow rate: 1–5 L/minute), no pressure was generated with the mouth open at any flow rate. With the mouth closed, the oral cavity pressure was related to both flow rate and weight. For infants of ≤1500 g, there was a linear relationship between flow rate and oral cavity pressure. CONCLUSIONS. Oral cavity pressure can estimate the level of continuous positive airway pressure. Continuous positive airway pressure generated with heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula treatment depends on the flow rate and weight. Only in the smallest infants with the highest flow rates, with the mouth fully closed, can clinically significant but unpredictable levels of continuous positive airway pressure be achieved. We conclude that heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula should not be used as a replacement for delivering continuous positive airway pressure.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE HOTEL MANAGERS : VIEW OF IZMIR HOTELS' MANAGERS

Hospitality industry is one of the most profitable industries with a high potential for increase, thus being a hospitality manager is one of the most trendy and prestigious jobs of today. It is also a challenging job since, being an effective one is quite complex due to recorded industrial higher heart burn effects, rapid industrial changes in demand, constant trends and severe industrial competition. Due to its’ specific, yet, challenging and ever changing characteristics of this job title, it is important to realize and accomplish the necessities of being an effective and successful hotel manager. Due to this fact, the study emphasizes on necessities of effective hotel management from the perspective of strategic hotel managers applications and point of views on the topic, trying to further improve the topic with their suggestions. The study consists of two parts; a theoretical background to support the practical research conducted by a qualitative research method with the scope consisting of 4 and 5 star hotel managers of Izmir destination.
Value-creation space: The role of events in a service-dominant marketing paradigm

Abstract This paper provides a new conceptual contribution to our understanding of the value of events, examining their potential through the lens of service dominant logic. Through a conceptual analysis and discussion, augmented by a small-scale and exploratory empirical study using semi-structured interviews, it evaluates the growing resonance of events in modern-day marketing. The paper advances the conception of ‘value-creation space’ as an overarching term to coalesce the otherwise disparate range of organisational events that have marketing imperative and/or impact. The underpinning virtues of events are recognised and used to build a discussion that can provide a coherent basis for further conceptual development. The findings depict considerable synergy between the collaborative nature of events and the service dominant logic notions of co-creation (or co-destruction), and co-production. However, an intuitive and well-executed event marketing approach is critical to events' continued success as value-creation spaces.
CRAFT: A Crowd-Annotated Feedback Technique

The ever increasing accessibility of the web for the crowd offered by various electronic devices such as smartphones has facilitated the communication of the needs, ideas, and wishes of millions of stakeholders. To cater for the scale of this input and reduce the overhead of manual elicitation methods, data mining and text mining techniques have been utilised to automatically capture and categorise this stream of feedback, which is also used, amongst other things, by stakeholders to communicate their requirements to software developers. Such techniques, however, fall short of identifying some of the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of the natural language that people use colloquially. This paper proposes CRAFT, a technique that utilises the power of the crowd to support richer, more powerful text mining by enabling the crowd to categorise and annotate feedback through a context menu. This, in turn, helps requirements engineers to better identify user requirements within such feedback. This paper presents the theoretical foundations as well as the initial evaluation of this crowd-based feedback annotation technique for requirements identification.
Insights into in vitro spermatogenesis in mammals: Past, present, future

Considering the self‐renewal and differentiation ability of pluripotent stem cells, some studies have pointed out the possibility of stem cell‐derived sperm production. Most studies that test this hypothesis have been conducted on rodents, with some promising results; however, studies on humans are progressing slowly, and have encountered technical and ethical hurdles. Established methods to differentiate stem cells—including embryoid bodies, co‐culturing, and various feeder cells—may provide a niche that is similar to in vivo conditions and resolve epigenetic abnormalities, but a gonadal‐like three‐dimensional structure is still required to produce germ cells with the correct imprinting. In the last few years, sperm‐like cells with fertilizing capacity were produced from mouse embryonic stem cells, and the resulting embryos from these cells yielded live offspring. Future research should move towards the use of adult stem cells, however, owing to the unavailability of embryonic cells in adults. More intensive research and techniques are required since in vitro spermatogenesis provides hope to individuals without mature sperm who cannot be treated, and may be a useful system to study the precise mechanism of spermatogenesis. In this review, we describe recent studies of in vitro spermatogenesis mechanisms and related techniques in mammals. We also discuss the possible cell surface markers and culture conditions that might improve in vitro spermatogenesis.
Online Persuasion: How the Written Word Drives WOM

ABSTRACT Consumer-generated product reviews are important sources of information for producers and consumers. This research includes two studies designed to investigate how language style, organizational structure, and other content features affect the perceived helpfulness of online product reviews. In study 1, researchers analyzed a data set of online product reviews regarding a consumer electronic device and identified content characteristics shared by helpful reviews. Study 2 used an experimental approach to probe the boundary conditions under which specific content features may or may not influence review helpfulness.
Staff Training and Development Interventions and Teaching Performance: Application of Structural Equation Modeling

Staff training and development is an essential programme necessary for improving staff performance. The study sought to assess staff training and development programmes and performance of teaching staff at the various departments of the University of Cape Coast. A cross-sectional survey of 193 Faculty members, selected through a simple sampling technique, was conducted to assess whether the trained faculty of UCC were performing their task up to expectation. The study revealed that although the training programmes are not perceived as fair enough, it has positively affected staff professional knowledge, intellectual planning, class attendance and assessment. The respondents also believe that there has been improvement in their instructional delivery due to the training programmes of UCC. It is therefore recommended for management of the University to provide equal opportunity for staff in terms of training through a quota system. The study further recommends for wide communication of the modalities for selection of faculty for further studies.