Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Walking the Talk in Risk Management: A Complementarity Perspective on How Tone from the Top Influences Risk Awareness

Prompted by the weaknesses of standardized risk management approaches in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, scholars, regulators, and practitioners alike emphasize the importance of creating a risk-aware culture in organizations. Recent insights highlight the special role of tone from the top as crucial driver of risk awareness. In this study, we take a systems-perspective on control system design to investigate the role of tone from the top in creating risk awareness. In particular, we argue that interactive control and risk-based diagnostic control complement tone from the top in increasing risk awareness. We further investigate whether the predicted interdependencies are sensitive to the level of perceived environmental uncertainty. Based on survey data from 198 small and medium-sized companies, we show that interactive control strengthens the effect of tone from the top on risk awareness, and that firms also tend to adopt these two choices in combination. These results indicate that indeed the two control practices complement each other in increasing risk awareness, and that firms, on average, take this complementarity into account in the design of the control system. Contrary to our expectations, we find that tone from the top and risk-based diagnostic control are substitutes with regard to creating risk awareness. We still find that firms, on average, treat tone from the top and risk-based diagnostic control as complements in their control system design choices. This implies that firms’ control system design choices with regard to these practices are not consistent with their effectiveness in managing risk awareness.
A Wideband Millimeter-Wave Substrate Integrated Coaxial Line Array for High-Speed Data Transmission

Substrate integrated coaxial line (SICL) is a kind of planar transmission line, which can guarantee the propagation of transverse electromagnetic mode wave within a wide band. In this paper, a multichannel SICL array with coaxial lines placed in both vertical and horizontal directions is proposed for high-speed parallel data transmission. The adjacent channels of the SICL array share outer conductors for high-density integration. Moreover, the outer conductor is enhanced by metal fence to suppress the crosstalk between adjacent channels of the SICL array. In addition, a quasi-coaxial transition is designed for the proposed SICL array. A systematical design procedure is given to determine the physical dimensions of SICL array with transitions. The SICL array has flat group delay so that data can be transmitted without significant phase distortion. It is suitable for high-density integration and high-speed data transmission due to the low crosstalk and high bandwidth. To verify the advantage of the proposed SICL array, a $15 \times 3$ channel prototype is designed and fabricated in low temperature co-fired ceramic. The measured S-parameters agree well with the simulated results. The maximum bandwidth of a single channel of the SICL array is up to 56 GHz and the coupling of adjacent channels in the SICL array is less than −30 dB. Data rate of 30 Gb/s is measured for each channel with good eye diagram and low bit error rate, and hence, a total 1.35-Tb/s data rate can be achieved with the proposed $15 \times 3$ channel SICL array.
Development of a Novel System To Study Hepatitis Delta Virus Genome Replication

ABSTRACT Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) genome replication requires the virus-encoded small delta protein (δAg). During replication, nucleotide sequence changes accumulate on the HDV RNA, leading to the translation of δAg species that are nonfunctional or even inhibitory. A replication system was devised where all δAg was conditionally provided from a separate and unchanging source. A line of human embryonic kidney cells was stably transfected with a single copy of cDNA encoding small δAg, with expression under tetracycline (TET) control. Next, HDV genome replication was initiated in these cells by transfection with a mutated RNA unable to express δAg. Thus, replication of this RNA was under control of the TET-inducible δAg. In the absence of TET, there was sufficient δAg to allow a low level of HDV replication that could be maintained for at least 1 year. When TET was added, both δAg and genomic RNA increased dramatically within 2 days. With clones of such cells, designated 293-HDV, the burst of HDV RNA replication interfered with cell cycling. Within 2 days, there was a fivefold enhancement of G1/G0 cells relative to both S and G2/M cells, and by 6 days, there was extensive cell detachment and death. These findings and those of other studies that are under way demonstrate the potential applications of this experimental system.
An Empirical Investigation on Retail Service Quality and Its Impact on Customer Loyalty in the Supermarkets in Jaffna District, Sri Lanka

Over the past year there were no unique model to measure Retail Service Quality (RSQ) with related to Customer loyalty (CL). Therefore, This Study presents a new model of RSQ & CL and examines the impact of retail service quality on customer loyalty. Causal research approach under the conclusive research design was used in this study by the quantitative way to find out the influence of Retail service quality on customer loyalty. This empirical study indicated that, Retail service quality contributes significantly to Customer loyalty (F= 68.194; P
Design Science in Decision Support Systems Research: An Assessment using the Hevner, March, Park, and Ram Guidelines

Research Perspective David Arnott Monash University david.arnott@monash.edu Graham Pervan Curtin University graham.pervan@cbs.curtin. edu.au Design science has been an important strategy in decision support systems (DSS) research since the field’s inception in the early 1970s. Recent reviews of DSS research have indicated a need to improve its quality and relevance. DSS design-science research has an important role in this improvement because design-science research can engage industry and the profession in intellectually important projects. The Hevner, March, Park, and Ram’s (HMPR) guidelines for the conduct and assessment of information systems design-science research, published in MIS Quarterly in 2004, provides a vehicle for assessing DSS design-science research. This paper presents research that used bibliometric content analysis to apply the HMPR guidelines to a representative sample of 362 DSS design-science research papers in 14 journals. The analysis highlights major issues in DSS research that need attention: research design, evaluation, relevance, strategic focus, and theorizing.
A genome-wide linkage scan identifies multiple quantitative trait loci for HDL-cholesterol levels in families with premature CAD and MI

Plasma HDL cholesterol levels (HDL-C) are an independent predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). We have completed a genome-wide linkage scan for HDL-C in a US cohort consisting of 388 multiplex families with premature CAD (GeneQuest). The heritability of HDL-C in GeneQuest was 0.37 with gender and age as covariates (P = 5.1 × 10−4). Two major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for log-transformed HDL-C adjusted for age and gender were identified onto chromosomes 7p22 and 15q25 with maximum multipoint logarithm of odds (LOD) scores of 3.76 and 6.69, respectively. Fine mapping decreased the 7p22 LOD score to a nonsignificant level of 3.09 and split the 15q25 QTL into two loci, one minor QTL on 15q22 (LOD = 2.73) that spanned the LIPC gene, and the other at 15q25 (LOD = 5.63). A family-based quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT) revealed significant association between variant rs1800588 in LIPC and HDL-C in the GeneQuest population (P = 0.0067), which may account for the minor QTL on 15q22. The 15q25 QTL is the most significant locus identified for HDL-C to date, and these results provide a framework for the ultimate identification of the underlying HDL-C variant and gene on chromosomes 15q25, which will provide insights into novel regulatory mechanisms of HDL-C metabolism.
Inside Out: HIV, the Gut Microbiome, and the Mucosal Immune System

The components of the human gut microbiome have been found to influence a broad array of pathologic conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes and even to cancer. HIV infection upsets the delicate balance in the normal host-microbe interaction both through alterations in the taxonomic composition of gut microbial communities as well as through disruption of the normal host response mechanisms. In this article we review the current methods of gut microbiome analysis and the resulting data regarding how HIV infection might change the balance of commensal bacteria in the gut. Additionally, we cover the various effects gut microbes have on host immune homeostasis and the preliminary but intriguing data on how HIV disrupts those mechanisms. Finally, we briefly describe some of the important biomolecules produced by gut microbiota and the role that they may play in maintaining host immune homeostasis with and without HIV infection.
Small‐molecule screen identifies modulators of EWS/FLI1 target gene expression and cell survival in Ewing's sarcoma

Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (EFT) is characterized by the presence of chromosomal translocations leading to the expression of oncogenic transcription factors such as, in the majority of cases, EWS/FLI1. Because of its key role in Ewing's sarcoma development and maintenance, EWS/FLI1 represents an attractive therapeutic target. Here, we characterize PHLDA1 as a novel direct target gene whose expression is repressed by EWS/FLI1. Using this gene and additional specific well‐characterized target genes such as NROB1, NKX2.2 and CAV1, all activated by EWS/FLI1, as a read‐out system, we screened a small‐molecule compound library enriched for FDA‐approved drugs that modulated the expression of EWS/FLI1 target genes. Among a hit‐list of nine well‐known drugs such as camptothecin, fenretinide, etoposide and doxorubicin, we also identified the kinase inhibitor midostaurin (PKC412). Subsequent experiments demonstrated that midostaurin is able to induce apoptosis in a panel of six Ewing's sarcoma cell lines in vitro and can significantly suppress xenograft tumor growth in vivo. These results suggest that midostaurin might be a novel drug that is active against Ewing's cells, which might act by modulating the expression of EWS/FLI1 target genes.
Modeling of collection efficiency in lidar spectroscopy

We performed a calibration experiment on a Spectralon Target using a wavelength of 0.532 μm and a 60 cm lidar system coupled to a photon counter via a Triax 190 monochrometer. The complete system optics, including the telescope and monchromator, were modeled using a commercial ray-tracing program. Energy efficiency was calculated by generating large numbers of equal-area rays on the telescope input pupil from points in the plane of the target. The number of these rays received by the PMT cathode was then used to estimate the optical efficiency. Comparison of the calculated and observed signals gave agreement to within 30%. We discuss the possible sources of disagreement between the calculated and observed signals.
Context Is Everything: Harmonization of Critical Food Microbiology Descriptors and Metadata for Improved Food Safety and Surveillance

Globalization of food networks increases opportunities for the spread of foodborne pathogens beyond borders and jurisdictions. High resolution whole-genome sequencing (WGS) subtyping of pathogens promises to vastly improve our ability to track and control foodborne disease, but to do so it must be combined with epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and other health care data (called “contextual data”) to be meaningfully interpreted for regulatory and health interventions, outbreak investigation, and risk assessment. However, current multi-jurisdictional pathogen surveillance and investigation efforts are complicated by time-consuming data re-entry, curation and integration of contextual information owing to a lack of interoperable standards and inconsistent reporting. A solution to these challenges is the use of ‘ontologies’ - hierarchies of well-defined and standardized vocabularies interconnected by logical relationships. Terms are specified by universal IDs enabling integration into highly regulated areas and multi-sector sharing (e.g., food and water microbiology with the veterinary sector). Institution-specific terms can be mapped to a given standard at different levels of granularity, maximizing comparability of contextual information according to jurisdictional policies. Fit-for-purpose ontologies provide contextual information with the auditability required for food safety laboratory accreditation. Our research efforts include the development of a Genomic Epidemiology Ontology (GenEpiO), and Food Ontology (FoodOn) that harmonize important laboratory, clinical and epidemiological data fields, as well as existing food resources. These efforts are supported by a global consortium of researchers and stakeholders worldwide. Since foodborne diseases do not respect international borders, uptake of such vocabularies will be crucial for multi-jurisdictional interpretation of WGS results and data sharing.
Evaluation of factors affecting productivity in the UAE construction industry

Productivity rates of construction trades is the basis for accurately estimating time and costs required to complete a project. This research aims at developing regression models for predicting changes in productivity, when the underlying factors affecting productivity are varied. These factors were broadly categorized as general work environment, organizational work policies, group dynamics and interpersonal relationships and personal competence of the employees as applicable to the construction industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The most significant factors amongst these were determined through three surveys using the Severity Index and Chi Square computations for significance. The factors were regrouped into factors that afforded practical variation at site and productivity data was collected using different combination of the most significant factors of Timings, Supervision, Group Dynamics, Control by Procedures, Climate and Material Availability. Construction activities such as Excavation, Formwork, Reinforcement, Concreting, Blockwork, Plaster and Tiling were studied and the increase or decrease in productivity obtained was compared to the actual site average productivity; then analyzed statistically using the MINITAB 15 software, and linear regression models established. Validation was undertaken at four sites and it was observed that the regression models arrived at were capable of predicting productivity changes within ±15%.
The role of collaboration for resilience of the sugarcane-energy supply
 chain

The drought in the sugarcane-energy supply chain of Sao Paulo occurred between 2014 and 2015 was the phenomenon observed in this case study whose starting point was the following question: how can collaboration bring on resilience in supply chains experiencing a disaster? Deductive qualitative approach has empirically contributed to the knowledge of possible disruptions focused on the agribusiness. For those purposes, aspects involving vertical (suppliers, focal company and buyers) and horizontal (NGOs, government, research centers, focal company and their competitors) collaboration was analyzed among the links of the chain (triad: farmers, processers and buyers). Vertical collaboration between buyers and focal company, if compared to that of focal company and suppliers (the weakest link) is more significant. The findings in this study, however, should be considered solely within the context of the supply chain analyzed once new researches in different cultures of the agribusiness, regions and types of disasters have yet to be done.
A 50 GHz VCO in 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS

Integrated VCOs with fundamental frequencies in the millimeter-wave (MM-wave) bands have thus far been realized mainly in III-V technologies and the designs are mostly waveguide or transmission-line based. As CMOS technology progresses to deep submicron, however, the possibilities of integrating next-generation broadband communication transceivers of high bit-rate on a single chip using this low-cost technology are investigated. In so doing, one of the first questions is that whether a quality signal source or, more preferably, a VCO can be designed in such a technology. This work demonstrates the feasibility of an LC-resonator based VCO in 0.25 μm CMOS for operation at 50 GHz consuming less power than its counterparts in other technologies while providing comparable phase noise and tuning performance. The technology used for the design is a 0.25 μm (minimum L/sub eff/=0.24 μm) 1-poly-5-metal digital CMOS with a modified substrate, which consists of a l0 Ωcm bulk topped with a p/sup +/ buried layer for latch-up suppression and an epi, and a thickened top metal.
Sexually dimorphic response to feeding mode in the growth of infants.

BACKGROUND The relation between infant feeding and growth has been extensively evaluated, but studies examining sex differences in the influence of infant milk feeding on growth are limited. OBJECTIVE We examined the interaction of infant feeding and sex in relation to infant growth and compared growth trajectories in breastfed and formula-fed boys and girls. DESIGN In 932 infants in a Singapore mother-offspring cohort, feeding practices in the first 6 mo were classified into the breastfeeding group (BF), mixed feeding group (MF), and formula feeding group (FF). Infant weight and length were measured and converted to WHO standards for weight-for-age z scores (WAZs) and length-for-age z scores (LAZs). Differences in WAZ and LAZ from birth to 6 mo, 6 to 12 mo, and 12 to 24 mo of age were calculated. Three-way interactions were examined between feeding mode, sex, and age intervals for WAZ and LAZ changes, with adjustment for confounders. RESULTS The interaction between feeding mode, sex, and age intervals was significant for LAZ changes (P = 0.003) but not WAZ changes (P = 0.103) after adjustment for potential confounders. Compared with BF girls, BF boys showed similar LAZ gain (+0.28 compared with +0.39, P = 0.544) from 0 to 6 mo of age but greater LAZ gain from 6 to 12 mo of age (+0.39 compared with -0.10, P = 0.008). From 0 to 6 mo of age, FF boys and girls showed greater LAZ gains than their BF counterparts; from 6 to 12 mo of age, FF girls showed higher LAZ gain (+0.25 compared with -0.10, P = 0.031) than BF girls, which was not seen in boys. CONCLUSIONS During infancy, there is a sexually dimorphic growth response to the mode of infant milk feeding, raising questions about whether formula feeding ought to remain sex neutral. However, further investigations on sex-specific feeding and infant growth are warranted before a conclusive message can be drawn based on our current findings. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as NCT01174875.
Response enhancement of olfactory sensory neurons-based biosensors for odorant detection

This paper presents a novel strategy for the response enhancement of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs)-based biosensors by monitoring the enhancive responses of OSNs to odorants. An OSNs-based biosensor was developed on the basis of the light addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS), in which rat OSNs were cultured on the surface of LAPS chip and served as sensing elements. LY294002, the specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), was used to enhance the responses of OSNs to odorants. The responses of OSNs to odorants with and without the treatment of LY294002 were recorded by LAPS. The results show that the enhancive effect of LY294002 was recorded efficiently by LAPS and the responses of this OSNs-LAPS hybrid biosensor were enhanced by LY294002 by about 1.5-fold. We conclude that this method can enhance the responses of OSNs-LAPS hybrid biosensors, which may provide a novel strategy for the bioelectrical signal monitor of OSNs in biosensors. It is also suggested that this strategy may be applicable to other kinds of OSNs-based biosensors for cellular activity detection, such as microelectrode array (MEA) and field effect transistor (FET).
Improving organisational process input factors and company performance

Enterprise environmental factors (EEF) and organisational process assets (OPAs) are important inputs for most of the processes in all project management knowledge areas. This study assesses the effect of three important EEF and OPA input factors, project organisational support, project control and contingency planning, and project management processes, on project baseline and planning management. In addition, this study also investigates how much of an influence that effective project baseline and planning management has on company performance. Data were collected from 93 certified project management professionals (PMPs) registered with the Project Management Institute (PMI) in China. Our findings showed that firms that develop company-wide organisational support systems and company-wide procedures and processes for managing projects within an operations organisation do better in their overall performance.
Guerilla Marketing Approach on Consumer’s Purchase Intention with Presence of Mediator Variable of Satisfaction

Knowing consumer attitudes in the field of consumer behavior is a strategic capability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of non-traditional promotional tools with guerrilla marketing approach on consumer purchase intention with the mediator variable of customer satisfaction in Hooshmand Khorshid Bahrevar Company in Bushehr Province. For this purpose, a questionnaire was distributed among 175 individuals from the statistical population of the study which included all the users (owner, electrician, observer, etc.) of smart TIS buildings in Bushehr province from October 2013 to July 2016. The research method was descriptive correlational. In order to answer the questions and to investigate the research hypotheses with Smart-PLS software, structural equation analysis and path analysis using partial least squares (PLS) were used. The results showed that experiential marketing, service guarantee, and company reputation have positive and significant effects on customer satisfaction. The results showed that word of mouth marketing has no significant effect on customer satisfaction. The results also confirm the positive and significant effect of experiential marketing on word of mouth marketing. Finally, the results of the research showed that customer satisfaction increases customer’s purchase intention.