Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New venture technology sourcing: Exploring the effect of absorptive capacity, learning attitude and past performance

Summary Based on the literature on learning and technological alliances, this paper explores the relationship between the learning attitude, performance and absorptive capacity with companies’ ways of sourcing for technologies. Using a sample of 110 high-tech ventures, the statistical results show a clear link between the span of technology access modes and the learning attitude and absorptive capacity. This behaviour in our sample leads also to a better performance, especially in term of foreign expansion, product innovation and speed of new products commercialization. Suggestions for managers on how to improve their technology access processes are given at the end of the text.
Virtues and problems of the high C-field Cs beam frequency standard

The high C-field Cs beam frequency standard is presently a working machine that is undergoing first evaluations. The projected 10/sup -14/ accuracy goal is as yet unattained, mainly because of inadequate C-field uniformity and stability. An analysis of the projected possible C-field improvements and the consequent uncertainty is here reported.
Koh Phi Phi: Moving Towards or Away from Sustainability?

This article examines tourism development and sustainability and whether this idea can truly exist in practice. Using the Theory of the Commons and Stakeholder Theory as a starting point, it is examined whether sustainable tourism is a true concept that can exist among stakeholders. The purpose of this research was to investigate stakeholders and their influence on achieving sustainability practices within an island tourism destination – Koh Phi Phi, Thailand. This topic was chosen owing to the importance of tourism to island economies and the idea that varying stakeholders (government, industry, non-governmental organizations, local community) can contribute collectively to moving towards sustainability. This paper reviews stakeholders' perceptions on the island of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, after the tsunami of 2004 and examines whether a more sustainable tourism destination has been achieved in practice.
On the torque accuracy of stator flux observer based induction machine control

Due to the nonlinear nature of the induction machine model parameters, accurate torque control of induction machine drives that targets a deviation below five percent becomes a challenging task. In field oriented or direct torque control algorithms, the use of a voltage model stator flux observer may be considered as a very promising approach to achieve superior torque accuracy, because the voltage model is basically only sensitive to stator resistance deviation. In this paper, the torque accuracy of a direct field oriented control algorithm, based on a Gopinath-style stator flux observer, is analyzed. The sensitivity to parameter deviation, model accuracy and inverter related inaccuracies is separated. Measurements show, that torque accuracy is limited. Possible causes for the remaining torque deviation and the limits of the control algorithm are discussed.
Visualization of biomedical processes: local quantitative physiological functions in living human body

Functional imaging with dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) has been playing a crucial and expanding role in biomedical research and clinical diagnosis, providing image-wide quantitative and qualitative physiological functions in the human body, and supporting visualization of the distribution of these functions corresponding to anatomical structures. A number of parametric imaging algorithms have been developed. We give a brief study on some existing and our recently, developed techniques for generating parametric images. An integrated system for functional image data processing and visualization, and a Web-based application are presented.
Applying Bivariate Normal Distribution to Flood Frequency Analysis

This article provides a procedure for using the bivariate normal distribution to describe the joint distributions of correlated flood peaks and volumes as well as correlated flood volumes and durations. The Box-Cox transformation (power-transformation) method is used to normalize original marginal distributions of flood peaks, volumes, and durations regardless of the original forms of these distributions. The power-transformation parameter is estimated using the maximum likelihood method. The joint cumulative distribution function, the conditional cumulative distribution function, and the associated return periods can be readily obtained based on the bivariate normal distribution. The method is tested and validated using observed flood data from the Batiscan River basin in the province of Quebec, Canada. The resulting theoretical distributions show a good fit to observed ones.
De Facto Currency Baskets of China and East Asian Economies: The Rising Weights

We employ Bayesian method to estimate a time-varying coefficient version of the de facto currency basket model of Frankel and Wei (2007) for the RMB of China, using daily data from February 2005 to July 2011. We estimate jointly the implicit time-varying weights of all 11 currencies in the reference basket announced by the Chinese government. We find the dollar weight has been reduced and sometimes significantly smaller than one, but there is no evidence of systematic operation of a currency basket with discernable pattern of significant weights on other currencies. During specific periods, the reduced dollar weight has not been switched to other major international currencies, but to some East Asian currencies, which is hard to explain by trade importance to or trade competition with China. We examine currency baskets of these East Asian Economies, including major international currencies and the RMB in their baskets. We find an evident tendency of Malaysia and Singapore to increase the weights of RMB in their own currency baskets, and a steadily and significantly positive weight of RMB in the basket of Thailand. These evidences suggest that, the positive weights of some East Asian currencies in RMB currency basket during specific periods largely reflect the fact that these East Asia economies have been systematically placing greater weights on RMB under the new regime of RMB exchange rate.
The Consequences of Obesity for the External Costs of Public Health Insurance in the United States

Over the past five decades in the United States, total medical expenditures and the proportion of medical expenditures financed with public funds have both increased significantly. A substantial increase in the prevalence of obesity has contributed to this growth. In this study we measure the external cost of obesity in the form of publicly funded health-care expenditures, and how this cost changes when the distribution of obesity in the population changes. We use a continuous measure of obesity, Body Mass Index (BMI), rather than discrete BMI categories to represent the distribution of obesity and changes in it. We predict that a one-unit increase in BMI for every adult in the United States would increase annual public medical expenditures by $6.0 billion. This estimated public cost equates to an average marginal cost of $27 per year, per adult for a one-unit increase in BMI for each adult in the U.S. population—or $4.35 per pound. Separately, we estimate that if every U.S. adult who is now obese (BMI ≥30) had a BMI of 25 instead, annual public medical expenditures would decline by $166.2 billion (in constant 2009 dollars), or 15.2% of annual public medical expenditures in 2009. Assuming a socially optimal BMI of no more than 25, we estimate that the prevalence of obesity in 2009 resulted in a deadweight loss of $148.2 billion in 2009.
Scanning for profitable (international) growth

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a new method that allows corporate strategists to scan for profitable growth opportunities by extending the firm's product offering to new (foreign) markets.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology consists of developing and applying a new conceptual framework – MATCH – which assesses the potential value creation in relation to the business model adaptations that need to be made to enter a new market.Findings – The paper shows that traditional methods of calculating the attractiveness of new markets may be misleading if not all elements of the business model are aligned with the contextual conditions (institutional, economic, social.) prevailing in the new market.Research limitations/implications – The method is illustrated for entering new foreign markets but lends itself to wider applications in the area of product diversification.Practical implications – Without asking for extensive data collection, the method yields practical insights about the at.
TEM1 beta-lactamase structure solved by molecular replacement and refined structure of the S235A mutant.

beta-Lactamases are bacterial enzymes which catalyse the hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring of penicillins, cephalosporins and related compounds, thus inactivating these antibiotics. The crystal structure of the TEM1 beta-lactamase has been determined at 1.9 A resolution by the molecular-replacement method, using the atomic coordinates of two homologous beta-lactamase refined structures which show about 36% strict identity in their amino-acid sequences and 1.96 A r.m.s. deviation between equivalent Calpha atoms. The TEM1 enzyme crystallizes in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and there is one molecule per asymmetric unit. The structure was refined by simulated annealing to an R-factor of 15.6% for 15 086 reflections with I >/= 2sigma(I) in the resolution range 5.0-1.9 A. The final crystallographic structure contains 263 amino-acid residues, one sulfate anion in the catalytic cleft and 135 water molecules per asymmetric unit. The folding is very similar to that of the other known class A beta-lactamases. It consists of two domains, the first is formed by a five-stranded beta-sheet covered by three alpha-helices on one face and one alpha-helix on the other, the second domain contains mainly alpha-helices. The catalytic cleft is located at the interface between the two domains. We also report the crystallographic study of the TEM S235A mutant. This mutation of an active-site residue specifically decreases the acylation rate of cephalosporins. This TEM S235A mutant crystallizes under the same conditions as the wild-type protein and its structure was refined at 2.0 A resolution with an R value of 17.6%. The major modification is the appearance of a water molecule near the mutated residue, which is incompatible with the OG 235 present in the wild-type enzyme, and causes very small perturbations in the interaction network in the active site.
A low-power ASK demodulator for inductively coupled implantable electronics

An amplitude shift keying (ASK) demodulator is presented which is suitable for implantable electronic devices that are powered through an inductive link. The demodulator has been tested with carrier frequencies in the range 1-15 MHz, covering most commonly used frequencies. Data rates up to several 100kbit/s are supported, suitable for complex implants such as stimulating electrode arrays or visual implants. The circuit is compatible with modulation depths in the range 10-100%. The low end of the range permits data transmission without significant reduction in power transfer, or the use of transmitter designs with limited modulation capability. The power consumption is 60 μW from a 3 V supply. The circuit has been implemented in a standard CMOS process.
The Strategic Bequest Motive

Although recent research suggests that intergenerational transfers play an important role in aggregate capital accumulation, our understanding of bequest motives remains incomplete. We develop a simple model of strategic bequests in which a testator influences the decisions of his beneficiaries by holding wealth in bequeathal forms and by conditioning the division of bequests on the beneficiaries' actions. The model generates falsifiable empirical predictions that are inconsistent with other theories of intergenerational transfer. We present econometric and other evidence that strongly suggests that bequests are often used as compensation for services rendered by beneficiaries.
An Implantable Synthetic SPECT Lesion: A Bridge from Phantom to Reality

Small-animal imaging systems are often characterized using phantoms, which may not predict performance in clinical applications. An implantable synthetic SPECT lesion would facilitate characterization of lesion detectability in a living animal. Methods: Anion-exchange columns with bed volumes of 100–300 nL were constructed from medical-grade polyvinyl chloride tubing and resin. The columns were tested in an excised mouse femur and implanted in the femur of a living mouse. Imaging was performed using a prototype dual-modality SPECT/CT system. Results: Activity of 7.4–22.2 MBq (0.2–0.6 mCi) localized within the synthetic lesion. The synthetic lesions were reused multiple times. Mice tolerated the implanted columns without complications for up to 8 wk. Conclusion: A reusable, synthetic SPECT lesion was constructed and implanted in the femur of a living mouse. The synthetic lesion is useful for the development of imaging schemes and for more realistically evaluating imaging-system performance in the context of a living animal.
Client Perceptions of MAS Quality as Measured by a Marketing-Based Service Quality Model

Management Advisory Services (MAS) are an increasingly important part of the service mix for CPA firms. The growth of MAS relative to audit has been phenomenal over the past two decades. However, little research has been conducted on MAS provided by CPA firms. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of MAS quality from the client's perspective. To achieve this objective, 305 controllers of U.S. companies responded to a questionnaire regarding MAS provided by CPA firms. The questionnaire was designed using determinants from marketing and audit literature. Using these client perception dimensions, two types of MAS engagements were compared: those with an increase in cost during the engagement, and those with no increase in cost. Descriptive and statistical results indicate that a 13‐item service quality scale significantly differentiates client perceptions of MAS quality. The results also reflect dimensions of service quality that are similar to existing marketing and auditing stud.
Chemically defined projections linking the mediobasal hypothalamus and the lateral hypothalamic area

Recent studies have identified several neuropeptide systems in the hypothalamus that are critical in the regulation of body weight. The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) has long been considered essential in regulating food intake and body weight. Two neuropeptides, melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) and the orexins (ORX), are localized in the LHA and provide diffuse innervation of the neuraxis, including monosynaptic projections to the cerebral cortex and autonomic preganglionic neurons. Therefore, MCH and ORX neurons may regulate both cognitive and autonomic aspects of food intake and body weight regulation. The arcuate nucleus also is critical in the regulation of body weight, because it contains neurons that express leptin receptors, neuropeptide Y (NPY), α‐melanin‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), and agouti‐related peptide (AgRP). In this study, we examined the relationships of these peptidergic systems by using dual‐label immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization in rat, mouse, and human brains. In the normal rat, mouse, and human brain, ORX and MCH neurons make up segregated populations. In addition, we found that AgRP‐ and NPY‐immunoreactive neurons are present in the medial division of the human arcuate nucleus, whereas α‐MSH‐immunoreactive neurons are found in the lateral arcuate nucleus. In humans, AgRP projections were widespread in the hypothalamus, but they were especially dense in the paraventricular nucleus and the perifornical area. Moreover, in both rat and human, MCH and ORX neurons receive innervation from NPY‐, AgRP‐, and α‐MSH‐immunoreactive fibers. Projections from populations of leptin‐responsive neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus to MCH and ORX cells in the LHA may link peripheral metabolic cues with the cortical mantle and may play a critical role in the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight. J. Comp. Neurol. 402:442–459, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Switching Costs in the Swedish Morning Paper Market

The initial part of this paper presents an overview of research conducted on switching costs and their implications. Different types of switching costs are identified and categorised according to available research and examples are given. Further, switching costs are with the help of previous research put in relation to various business actions we may encounter on an everyday basis and how they affect our behaviour and the decisions we make as consumers. Examples include the effects of switching costs on return policies, competition and price matching guarantees. After a theoretical overview, the switching costs in the Swedish morning newspaper market are identified and categorised according to the reviewed research. The different types of switching costs are individually analysed and quantified for comparison and their correlation to the newspapers’ annual subscription prices is evaluated. Finally, the individual switching costs are summed up for each newspaper in order to provide a complete picture of the market faced by their customers and the switching cost distribution of the market is illustrated both in the form of a table and graphically, allowing for the providers with the highest and lowest switching costs to be identified. These providers are then briefly discussed along with the market’s most and least dominant switching costs and the possible reasons for their strengths and weaknesses.
Psychological stress and the progression of carotid artery disease

Background We examined the relation between cardiovascular reactivity (the response of the cardiovascular system to psychological stress) and the severity and progression of carotid atherosclerosis. Methods Using duplex ultrasonography, we measured the change in the area of all detectable plaques in the extracranial carotid arteries during 2 years. Cardiovascular reactivity was assessed by measuring changes in hemodynamics during a frustrating cognitive task (the Stroop Color Word Interference Task). Established risk factors for atherosclerosis were measured by interviewing patients, a physical examination, and blood assays for 351 subjects with a wide range of types of atherosclerotic disease. Results Atherosclerotic plaques were present in the carotid arteries of 273 (78%) subjects. In a forward stepwise multiple regression analysis, it was found that greater age (β = 0.46), a history of hypertension (β = 0.20), use of lipid level-lowering agents (β = 0.18), a longer history of smoking (β = 0.13), a larger cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein ratio (β = 0.13), a smaller change in heart rate during the task (β = −0.12), and a higher resting systolic blood pressure (SBP; β = 0.11) were associated significantly with a greater plaque area (R2 = 0.35). In 136 untreated subjects who were followed up for 2 years, a greater change in SBP during the task (b = 0.28), a higher total cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein ratio (β = 0.23), a shorter resting preejection period (β = −0.19), and a lower body mass index (β = −0.17) were significant predictors of the change in atherosclerosis, after controlling for age and initial plaque area in a stepwise multiple regression analysis (R2 = 0.24). Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that hemodynamic responses under conditions of mental stress may influence the progression of atherosclerosis.
Executive functions and social skills in survivors of pediatric brain tumor

Medical advances have resulted in increased survival rates for children with brain tumors. Consequently, issues related to survivorship have become more critical. The use of multimodal treatment, in particular cranial radiation therapy, has been associated with subsequent cognitive decline. Specifically, deficits in executive functions have been reported in survivors of various types of pediatric brain tumor. Survivors are left with difficulties, particularly in self-monitoring, initiation, inhibition, and planning, to name a few. Another domain in which survivors of pediatric brain tumor have been reported to show difficulty is that of social skills. Parents, teachers, and survivors themselves have reported decreased social functioning following treatment. Deficits in executive functions and social skills are likely interrelated in this population, as executive skills are needed to navigate various aspects of social interaction; however, this has yet to be studied empirically. Twenty-four survivors of pediatric brain tumor were assessed using a computerized task of executive functions, as well as paper-and-pencil measures of social skills and real-world executive skills. Social functioning was related to a specific aspect of executive functions, that is, the survivors' variability in response time, such that inconsistent responding was associated with better parent-reported and survivor-reported social skills, independent of intellectual abilities. Additionally, parent-reported real-world global executive abilities predicted parent-reported social skills. The implications of these findings for social skills interventions and future research are discussed.
A Systematic Review of Strategies for Implementing Empirically Supported Mental Health Interventions

Objective: This systematic review examines experimental studies that test the effectiveness of strategies intended to integrate empirically supported mental health interventions into routine care settings. Our goal was to characterize the state of the literature and to provide direction for future implementation studies. Method: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases and a manual search. Results: Eleven studies were identified that tested implementation strategies with a randomized (n = 10) or controlled clinical trial design (n = 1). The wide range of clinical interventions, implementation strategies, and outcomes evaluated precluded meta-analysis. However, the majority of studies (n = 7; 64%) found a statistically significant effect in the hypothesized direction for at least one implementation or clinical outcome. Conclusion: There is a clear need for more rigorous research on the effectiveness of implementation strategies, and we provide several suggestions that could improve this research area.
Innovation and Growth with Rich and Poor Consumers

This work studies the impact of income inequality on the level of innovative activities in a model where innovations result in quality improvements. In contrast to the standard model of innovations and growth, the equilibrium outcome may be characterized by a situation where not only the quality leader but also producers of worse qualities are on the market. In that case the quality leader sells to the rich, whereas the producer of the second-best quality sells to the poor. In general, we find that a more equal distribution of income is favourable for innovation incentives. This is consistent with empirical evidence suggesting that countries with a more equal distribution of income have grown faster.