Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The dynamic threshold model of bandwagon innovations: Role of organizational attention and legitimacy

Innovations are not always adopted due to their expected economic impact but often due to bandwagon pressure. Fueled by economic uncertainty, these “bandwagon innovations” are adopted once the bandwagon pressure reaches a certain threshold. Existing literature, however, has not examined this threshold’s sources nor considered the effect of a bandwagon adoption decision on threshold. Therefore, building on current knowledge about the bandwagon effect, organizational attention, and legitimacy, this paper develops a theoretical model to help understand the factors affecting threshold and making organizations more or less likely to adopt bandwagon innovations. The novel dynamic threshold model proposed here explains how attention to social or economic factors can affect an organization’s threshold. The model shows that the threshold may change such that an organization may be more likely to adopt a bandwagon innovation after prior resistance or resist one after prior adoption. Implications for organizational decision-makers and future research avenues are also discussed. Plain Language Summary The paper proposes a dynamic threshold model of bandwagon innovations, which illuminates the outcomes of the decision involving bandwagon innovations. If the bandwagon pressure does not exceed the threshold level (or the propensity to adopt a bandwagon innovation), then the organization resists the bandwagon, which increases legitimacy concerns. On the other hand, if the bandwagon pressure exceeds the threshold level, the organization adopts the bandwagon innovation. The primary determinant of this threshold is attention. Attention can be of two types; attention to social factors, which decreases the threshold level, and attention to economic factors, which increases the threshold level. The allocation of attention to the two factors varies based on the outcomes of the bandwagon innovation decision. The increased legitimacy concerns (in case of resisting a bandwagon innovation) lead the organization to allocate more attention to the social factors, thereby reducing the threshold level for the subsequent bandwagon innovation. In case of adopting a bandwagon innovation, the legitimacy concerns are reduced, and the organization's attention is redirected to assimilating the innovation and justifying the adoption costs, which makes the economic factors of any subsequent bandwagon innovation more salient and increases the threshold level until the current innovation is assimilated.
Seismic methods for verifying nuclear test bans

Seismological research of the past 25 years related to verification of a Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TIBT) indicates that a treaty banning nuclear weapons tests in all environments, including underground explosions, can be monitored with high reliablility down to explosions of very small size (about one kiloton). There would be high probability of successful identification of explosions of that size even if elaborate measures were taken to evade detection. Seismology provides the principal means of detecting, locating and identifying underground explosions and of determining their yields. We discuss a number of methods for identifying detected seismic events as being either explosions or earthquakes including the event’s location, depth and spectral character. The seismic waves generated by these two types of sources differ in a number of fundamental ways that can be utilized for identification or discrimination. All of the long‐standing issues related to a comprehensive treaty were resolved in principle (.
Network Horizon and the Dynamics of Network Positions: A Multi-Method Multi-Level Longitudinal Study of Interfirm Networks

Why does the network position of a firm change? Which firm, partner firm, and network factors accelerate or slow down this change process? This is the central theme of this dissertation. The causal mechanisms behind the benefits of network positions have received considerable attention in academic research on interfirm networks. However, in most cases this research assumes a more or less static network. In today’s world of advanced communications, interfirm networks are not static but highly dynamic where firms pursue beneficial network positions. A particular beneficial position is the bridging position that puts the bridging firm in-between its partner firms. Taking the bridging position as point of departure, this study investigates the strengthening, weakening and longevity of this position. A rigorous triangulation method has been used combining network experiments, simulation, and field data analysis with formal tools that have been specifically designed – as part of this study – to study interfirm networks (the Business Network Engine and LINKS). The concept of network horizon is being introduced to define the degree of information which a firm holds on the structure of its interfirm network at a given point in time. The size of a firm's network horizon is shown to be a critical determinant of the firm's ability to strengthen and keep its bridging position. This does not mean that a firm should always try to expand its network horizon as the study indicates a passing point: expanding the network horizon beyond this point gives rapidly diminishing returns. Interfirm differences in their network horizons, i.e. network horizon heterogeneity, is found to be an important predictor of the intensity of competition for network positions. Resource similarity between partner firms weakens the bridging position; and resource dependence strengthens the bridging position. In summary, it is being proposed that the most valuable network positions are ones that will not last long. This study has provided important tools and methods for rigorous future research that will be highly relevant for managers to develop successful network strategies to win the best position in a networked world.
Analysis and synthesis of spatial filters that have Chebyshev characteristics

Abstract : Stratified dielectric filters in the spatial domain are being synthesized by a new Chebyshev technique recently developed at AFCRL. Used as radomes at the face of an array, these filters can control the residual grating lobes that plague limited sector-scanning and multiple-beam arrays in airport precision-approach radar (PAR) systems and synchronous satellite communications antennas. Formulas and charts are given for designing two-, three-, and four- layer filters. The characteristics of several four-layer filters are compared and discussed.
Integration of Multiple UAVs for Collaborative ISR Missions in an Urban Environment

Abstract : Military conflicts are shifting from jungles and deserts to cities. This is because terrorists, insurgents, and guerrillas find that these areas provide a rich target environment and good hideouts. With the use of UAVs, urban threats can be effectively tracked and targeted. However, in urban environments where there is little or no GPS signal and many obstacles, navigation of UAVs is a major challenge. Multiple UAVs can be employed to share sensor information to counter these challenges and to perform Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions with greater ground coverage and better success rates. This thesis explores the various types of UAVs deployed for urban operations, and investigates trends in the design of such UAVs in terms of their weight, altitude, speed, and sensor suite. The thesis discusses the challenges and requirements for interoperability of multi-UAVs in urban environments, and proposes a direct-method-based control system for multiple UAV collaboration and obstacle collision avoidance. A dynamic model was developed for the simulation testing of the control system algorithm, which was followed by a physical experiment in an indoor environment using Quanser QBall-X4 UAVs to evaluate the results. Results show that the UAVs were able to share and integrate their sensors' information for joint cooperation.
Gas6 Ameliorates Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Bleomycin-Induced Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by alveolar damage, lung edema, and exacerbated inflammatory response. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) mediates many different functions, including cell survival, proliferation, inflammatory signaling, and apoptotic cell clearance (efferocytosis). The role of Gas6 in bleomycin (BLM)-induced ALI is unknown. We investigated whether exogenous administration of mouse recombinant Gas6 (rGas6) has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on BLM-induced ALI. Compared to mice treated with only BLM, the administration of rGas6 reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and increased the secretion of hepatocyte growth factor in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. rGas6 administration also reduced BLM-induced inflammation and apoptosis as evidenced by reduced neutrophil recruitment into the lungs, total protein levels in BAL fluid, caspase-3 activity, and TUNEL-positive lung cells in lung tissue. Apoptotic cell clearance by alveolar macrophages was also enhanced in mice treated with both BLM and rGas6 compared with mice treated with only BLM. rGas6 also had pro-resolving and anti-apoptotic effects in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and alveolar epithelial cell lines stimulated with BLM in vitro. These findings indicate that rGas6 may play a protective role in BLM-induced ALI.
Longitudinal bidirectional relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency in early adolescence

Background: Previous studies have revealed an association between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics. However, the longitudinal relationships between these symptoms remain unclear. We examined the longitudinal relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency in early adolescence with a population-based sample.Methods: The participants consisted of 3,171 children and their mothers from the Tokyo Teen Cohort (TTC) study, a population-representative longitudinal study that was launched in Tokyo in 2012. Maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tics were examined using self-report questionnaires at the ages of 10 (time 1, T1) and 12 (time 2, T2). A cross-lagged model was used to explore the relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency.Results: Higher levels of maternal depressive/anxious symptoms at T1 were related to an increased children’s tic frequency at T2 (β = .06, p < .001). Furthermore, more frequent children’s tics at T1 were positively related to maternal depressive/anxious symptoms at T2 (β = .06, p < .001). Conclusions: These findings suggest a longitudinal bidirectional relationship between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency in early adolescence that may exacerbate each other over time and possibly create a vicious cycle. When an early adolescent has tics, it might be important to identify and treat related maternal depressive/anxious symptoms.
Topics in the structural dynamics and control of an articulated micro air vehicle

of Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy TOPICS IN THE STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS AND CONTROL OF AN ARTICULATED MICRO AIR VEHICLE By Sean James Sidney Regisford May 2008 Chair: Richard Lind, Jr. Cochair: Andrew Kurdila Major: Aerospace Engineering This work presents a methodology to determine of accurate computer models of articulated micro air vehicles. Prior to this work, much of the innovation in design of a micro air vehicle was based on empirical data. This emphasis on empirical data necessitates a time intensive iterative process where a design is built and tested, then modifications are made and the process starts anew. This work looks to alleviate some of the load of this iteration by producing accurate models that can be inserted into the process at greatly reduced cost in terms of time. The modeling is accomplished by the application of Lagrange’s equations to create a set of equations that incorporate both the rigid and flexible degrees of freedom associated with the materials that Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) employ. These equations of motion also include the generalized forces that result from the body forces due to gravity and external forces acting as a result of the interaction between the structure and the air through which it passes. These equations are formulated in a manner that accomplishes the above while allowing for the reconfiguration of the system. The equations of motion are then transformed into a form amenable for use in the solution of an optimal control problem.
An Examination of Alternative Forms of Fit in Contingency Theory.

Abstract : Contingency theories dominate scholarly studies of organization behavior, performance, planning, and management strategy. While varying widely in subject matter, they have at their core the common preposition that organizational performance results from the fit of context with design. 'Fit' is the key concept in any contingency theory. This paper presents three concepts of fit: selection, interaction and systems approaches. These approaches are empirically compared using a contingency theory of work unit design. Implications for using multiple types of fit in contingency studies in general and for work level studies in particular are presented. Keywords include: Contingency theory, Organization structure, Organization performance, Work unit design.
Trans-Activator Binding Site Context in RCNMV Modulates Subgenomic mRNA Transcription

Many positive-sense RNA viruses transcribe subgenomic (sg) mRNAs during infections that template the translation of a subset of viral proteins. Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) expresses its capsid protein through the transcription of a sg mRNA from RNA1 genome segment. This transcription event is activated by an RNA structure formed by base pairing between a trans-activator (TA) in RNA2 and a trans-activator binding site (TABS) in RNA1. In this study, the impact of the structural context of the TABS in RNA1 on the TA–TABS interaction and sg mRNA transcription was investigated using in vitro and in vivo approaches. The results (i) generated RNA secondary structure models for the TA and TABS, (ii) revealed that the TABS is partially base paired with proximal upstream sequences, which limits TA access, (iii) demonstrated that the aforementioned intra-RNA1 base pairing involving the TABS modulates the TA–TABS interaction in vitro and sg mRNA levels during infections, and (iv) revealed that the TABS in RNA1 can be modified to mediate sg mRNA transcription in a TA-independent manner. These findings advance our understanding of transcriptional regulation in RCNMV and provide novel insights into the origin of the TA–TABS interaction.
Visualization of Graph Models: An Approach to Construction of Representation Metaphors

The paper presents development of the authors’ approach to visualization of gra ph models of various types based on the use of visualization metaphors and aimed at increasing cognitive clarity of these models. One of the key problems of this approach is investigated – namely, formalization of the process of constructing representation metaphors for graph models. Features of graph models that allow formalizing the process of their visualization are considered, the necessary terminology is introduced. A number of principles have been formulated that must be considered when forming metaphors for representing graph models. On the basis of the introduced principles, a general approach to the construction of representation metaphors for visualization of arbitrary graph models is proposed. The main ideas for applying the proposed approach are demonstrated by examples of constructing representation metaphors for two types of graph models: fuzzy cognitive maps and Bayesian networks. In order to discuss the results, a contradiction between the volume of a representation metaphor and its cognitive clarity is formulated, and a hypothesis is proposed about the relationship of this contradiction with Hick's law. The feasibility of experimental study of this relationship and the refinement of its parameters, including with the aim of developing recommendations for the construction of efficient representation metaphors of graph models, is noted. In the future, the presented approach can become an important component of an integrated approach to building a visualization mechanism for an arbitrary graph model, which provides support for efficient visual analysis throughout all stages of modeling.
A dual-channel Ku-band DBS downconverter

A dual-channel downconverter has been developed targeted for the Direct Broadcast Satellite Television market. In the established European and the developing North American DBS markets, the system design utilizes dual-polarized signals for program transmission. To reduce the receiver complexity it is desirable to have a monolithic dual-channel downconverter that minimizes parts count and reduces assembly/manufacturing costs while maintaining, and perhaps improving total system performance. This was the motivation for developing a GaAs MMIC dual-channel downconverter. <<ETX>>
Kinetic Changes of Peripheral Blood Monocyte Subsets and Expression of Co-Stimulatory Molecules during Acute Dengue Virus Infection

Monocytes, one of the main target cells for dengue virus (DENV) infection, contribute to the resolution of viremia and to pathogenesis. We performed a longitudinal study by a detailed phenotypic comparison of classical (CD14++CD16−, non-classical (CD14+CD16++) and intermediate (CD14++CD16+) monocyte subsets in blood samples from dengue fever (DF) to the severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and healthy individuals. Various costimulatory molecules of CD40, CD80, CD86 and inducible costimulatory ligand (ICOSL) expressed on these three monocyte subsets were also analyzed. DENV-infected patients showed an increase in the frequency of intermediate monocytes and a decrease in the classical monocytes when compared to healthy individuals. Although these differences did not correlate with disease severity, changes during the early phase of infection gradually returned to normal in the defervescence phase. Moreover, decreased frequency of classical monocytes was associated with a significant up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD86 and ICOSL. Kinetics of these co-stimulatory molecule-expressing classical monocytes showed different patterns throughout the sampling times of acute DENV infection. Different distribution of monocyte subsets and their co-stimulatory molecules in the peripheral blood during acute infection might exacerbate immune responses like cytokine storms and ADE, and future studies on intracellular molecular pathways utilized by these monocyte linages are warranted.
Effects of Vitamin D in Post-Exercise Muscle Recovery. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vitamin D is a key micronutrient modulating function and health in skeletal muscle. Therefore, we sought to systematically review the role of vitamin D in muscle recovery. A search in different databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, WOS, Google Scholar, and Scopus) was carried out following PRISMA® and PICOS. The search period was from inception to April 2020. Changes in post-exercise muscle damage were quantified comparing experimental group vs. placebo in each study by using number of participants, standardized mean difference (SMD), and standard error of the SMD. Hedges’s g was used to calculate the SMDs for each study group and biased by the inverse of variance that allows calculating an overall effect and the 95% confidence interval (CI). The net vitamin D supplementation effect was calculated by subtracting the placebo SMD from SMD of the experimental group. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used as a random effect model, taking into account that the effect of vitamin D on muscular damage may vary according to the dose administered and additional moderators. Six studies were selected. In conclusion, regarding circulating levels of muscle biomarkers and additional limitations of the studies, it cannot be concluded that vitamin D supplementation exerts an effect in post-exercise muscle recovery. Likely, the anti-inflammatory action of vitamin D is quicker than the recovery of tissue structure and function. This aspect is pending verification in future research.
Development of a Full-body OpenSim Musculoskeletal Model Incorporating Head-mounted Virtual Reality Headset

In this study, we developed and validated a full-body musculoskeletal model in OpenSim to estimate muscle and joint forces while performing various motor tasks using a virtual reality (VR) system. We compared the results from our developed full-body musculoskeletal model to those from previous studies by simulating kinematic and kinetic data of participants performing pick-and-place lifting tasks using with and without a physically interactive VR system. Results showed that scaling errors between the two environments are comparable, while the overall errors were consistent with previous studies. Overall, the results from the inverse dynamic simulations showed the promise of our developed OpenSim models in determining potential intervention or prevention strategies to reduce the musculoskeletal injury incidences while simulating human-device interaction tasks.
The critical evaluation of educators' struggles in the context of Covid-19: Some theological analysis

Most countries have realized that education is one of the important keys to transforming their countries, and this responsibility rests hugely on the shoulders of teachers. It is concerning that the plight of teachers who are carriers of both our children’s future and the future of this country seems not to be receiving the attention it deserves. Although teacher unions are many, it is questionable whether the teaching profession is receiving the protection and the encouragement it deserves in this country. The teaching profession faced many challenges in recent years. Just as we thought that the massive resignation trend that started in 2014 was coming to an end and that a period of stability was dawning, Covid-19 and the hard lockdown of 2020 happened and many of the teaching profession’s serious concerns were once again thrust into the limelight. This article is concerned with the struggles of teachers during the corona period; the researcher looked at, for example, the paradox of the reopening of schools while the pandemic was raging towards its peak and how it affected teachers. Teachers were promised that they could work from home till retirement if they had comorbidities and are sixty and above of age, but they were recalled to work.