Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Neglected King: The Customer in the New Knowledge Ecology of Innovation

Abstract Despite the universal mantra that “the customer is king,” the role of the customer has so far seemed to have been confined to a passive recipient of products. Recently, however, this traditional perception has been challenged. On the one hand, users are increasingly appreciated as reflexive actors who are actively involved in the evaluation, modif ication, and configuration of products. On the other hand, beyond the established repertoire to access external knowledge through interorganizational networks, firms increasingly attempt to harness user knowledge. These two concurrent shifts do not result in a smooth convergence. Rather, they open up a highly contested terrain in which habitual distinctions between the producer and user are blurred. In this article, we map the evolving terrain of user-producer interaction in innovation processes. Specifically, we contrast more traditional approaches to incorporate customer knowledge with an emerging class of innovative user-producer relationships, provisionally dubbed “co-development. ” We then propose a typology of different modes of codevelopment that is organized along two dimensions: the degree of user involvement and the prevailing locus of knowledge production. This typology seeks to capture the heterogeneity of co-development approaches and to provide a conceptual template for further empirical research on user involvement in innovation.
Trade, Technology and the Labour Market: The Case of South Africa

This study advances previous work on the effects of trade and technological change on labour markets within the framework of Heckscher–Ohlin trade theory. We provide evidence for an unskilled labour abundant developing country by employing dynamic heterogeneous panel estimation techniques. For South African manufacturing, trade-mandated increases in earnings are positive for labour and negative for capital whilst technology-mandated increases are negative for both factors. We also find it important to take account of endogeneity issues in analysing the impact of technology and price changes on factor returns and in isolating factor- and sector-bias of technological changes.
Circadian System Controlling Release of Sperm in the Insect Testes

Release of mature sperm from the testis into seminal ducts of the gypsy moth exhibits a circadian rhythm. The rhythm of sperm release was shown to persist in vitro, in isolated complexes of testis and seminal ducts cultured in light-dark cycles or in constant darkness. The phase of the rhythm was also reset in vitro by exposure to shifted light-dark cycles. Therefore, the testis—seminal ducts complex from the gypsy moth is photosensitive and contains a circadian pacemaker, which controls the rhythm of sperm movement. This finding extends the range of structures in multicellular organisms that are known to contain circadian oscillators and provides a new model system in which circadian mechanisms may be studied.
A novel and simple design scheme to fault detector for linear systems using compensator

In this paper, a novel approach is presented to design the fault detector (FD) for linear time-invariant systems with measured disturbance. Although many papers have studied the observer-based robust fault detection filter (RFDF) to detect fault, most are studied as the integrated design issue, that the selected observer gain matrix H and residual weight matrix V, which make the FDF robust to the disturbance or the uncertain system, maximizing fault sensitivity and minimizing the effect of disturbance to the residual signal are considered, simultaneously. The basic idea of our study is that design the fault detector, which is consist of observer and compensator between the disturbance input and residual output. The FD system can completely eliminate the effect of disturbance to residual signal by the compensator and also improves the degree of freedom of selected observer gain matrix H (i.e., the poles of observer can be placed arbitrarily). In this paper, the observer and compensator are designed by the result we present.
Small Donors: Incentives, Economies of Scale, and Effects

Abstract This article examines what scholars know and need to know to assess the role and impact of small donors, engaging with participation theory to gauge the potential effects of technology and of public financing on the economics of mobilizing donors. As a prelude, the article reviews the evidence showing that small donors are more representative economically than those whose large contributions now dominate political finance. Second, it considers and rejects claims that they are more likely to polarize politics. Third, it reviews the role of bundling organizations, in light of the economics of contemporary communications technology. Fourth, it reviews the impact of those forms of public financing that are specifically aimed at changing the incentives for candidates to reach out to small donors, by way of tax credits and public matching funds. Finally, as a speculative conclusion, it raises important questions about which current research so far has little to say: whether activating small donors stimulates their giving of time as well as money and, if so, whether the political skills thus learned have a noticeable effect on citizen engagement over the long haul.
Climates of the Arabian Peninsula – past, present, future

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look into climate and climate change in a wider setting ranging from geological time through historical to instrumental records.Design/methodology/approach – The authors give an overview of the past, present, and future climates and the status of water resources of the Arabian Peninsula, and describe climatic forcings that shape the current climate, and the variables that are most prone to the change of existing atmospheric conditions.Findings – Present weather patterns of the Peninsula are governed by Hadley circulation, and modulated by El Nino – southeastern oscillation, PDO, NAO, and IOO. The process of aridification is proceeding.Originality/value – The global assessment of the imminent climate change is streamlined into predictions that are relevant for the Arabian Peninsula. Conclusions are drawn on the need for extended research effort based in countries of the Arabian Peninsula for the optimal preparation of management actions to tackle both climate chang.
Europeans outside the EU: Telecommunications and Electricity Reform in Norway and Switzerland

Norway and Switzerland are two western Europe states that are not members of the European Union (EU), and they are among a number of small and economically open states in which reform of economic sectors is seen to be incremental and reactive. This article poses two questions about the reform of telecommunications and electricity in the two countries. First, what impact has nonmembership of the EU had on the reforms? Second, have their small and open economies and policymaking systems—conceptualized as “social corporatism” in Norway and “liberal corporatism” in Switzerland—had a decisive impact? Some influence from the EU is evident, particularly in telecommunications, but parallels with EU states indicate that nonmembership of the EU, though influential, is not decisive. Although national characteristics matter, social and liberal forms of corporatism are shown to have limited utility. The “actor-centered institutionalism” approach, which allows a more nuanced analysis of actors and national institutions, is better at explaining the reforms.
The changing nature of agricultural information and the conflictive global developments shaping extension

Agricultural information is changing in terms of its content, the means by which it is transferred, and its marketability as a 'commodity'. Its content has been changing since the chemical industry's entrance into the agricultural domain in the mid-1800s, and more radically since the Green Revolution of the 1960s. The means of transfer have been advanced, chiefly in highincome countries by the modernization of telecommunications and the popularization of computers, providing immediate access ~ for instance, to information on farm commodity prices worldwide and localized weather conditions. As Zijp (1994) notes, information technology is making both public and private sector agricultural information systems more accessible and more rapid in transmission. The commodification of agricultural information, that is to say, the transforming of knowledge into a product for sale, has begun to revolutionize both public sector extension and the business of private sector technology transfer.
Designing service processes: a design factor based process model

The challenge of increased service quality and productivity in the service industry cannot be met by simply adapting the present product-oriented operations management techniques to a people-oriented endeavour. We must develop a new perspective, one that encompasses the uniqueness of service organisations while capturing the knowledge gained from manufacturing over the last hundred years. This paper explores how service processes can be designed from this new perspective. It identifies six major design factors that are to be used when designing service processes and discusses how they are related. It also describes a process model that uses these design factors for designing service processes.
Shift contagion with endogenously detected volatility breaks: the case of CEE stock markets

Using data from three Central and Eastern European (CEE-3) and two developed stock markets, we present a methodology for validating the existence of shift contagion between these markets. The use of endogenously detected changes in the volatility of stock market returns allows us to define relatively high- and low-volatility regimes for particular stock markets. We verify whether volatility regimes are significantly associated with dynamic conditional correlations (DCCs), thus providing evidence for contagion between stock markets.
Transmission of 20×440-Gb/s super-nyquist-filtered signals over 3600 km based on single-carrier 110-GBaud PDM QPSK with 100-GHz grid

We successfully transmitted 100GHz-grid, 20 channels single-carrier 440-Gb/s super-Nyquist signal over 3600km. Record all-ETDM-based 110-GBaud PDM-QPSK is coherently detected by a real-time oscilloscope at 160 GSa/s with 65-GHz bandwidth, achieving a net SE of 4b/s/Hz.
Spatial Cluster Analysis by the Bin-Packing Problem and DNA Computing Technique

Spatial cluster analysis is an important data mining task. Typical techniques include CLARANS, density- and gravity-based clustering, and other algorithms based on traditional von Neumann's computing architecture. The purpose of this paper is to propose a technique for spatial cluster analysis based on sticker systems of DNA computing. We will adopt the Bin-Packing Problem idea and then design algorithms of sticker programming. The proposed technique has a better time complexity. In the case when only the intracluster dissimilarity is taken into account, this time complexity is polynomial in the amount of data points, which reduces the NP-completeness nature of spatial cluster analysis. The new technique provides an alternative method for traditional cluster analysis.
Financial Crisis, SWF Investing, and Implications for Financial Stability

The recent global financial crisis has significantly affected sovereign wealth funds’ (SWFs’) financial performance and their investment activities. The crisis shed a new light on SWFs’ objectives and priorities. SWFs need to review critically their strategic asset allocation (SAA) within a sovereign asset and liability management (ALM) framework, and their assets should be analyzed over complete economic cycles including market turbulences. The crisis raises also the question of whether some of the underlying objectives of the Santiago Principles—maintaining a stable global financial system and maximizing financial returns—are perhaps conflicting. We argue that any conflict was from a wrong interpretation of the principles, not from the principles themselves. Ultimately, stable financial markets are in each SWF’s self interest, also from a narrow financial perspective. In this respect, financial stability and financial risk/return can be mutually reinforcing objectives rather than conflicting.
Dynamic Intraday Relations between Order Imbalance, Volatility and Return of Jump Losers

This study adopted intraday return instead of daily return used by previous researches to examine the effect of order imbalance not only on the individual stock return but also volatility among jump losers. The study also built up order imbalance-based trading strategies to earn abnormal return. A contemporaneous order imbalance-return relation was examined by GARCH (1,1) model and time-series regression model. The data presented significantly positive relation in both models as previous studies on daily return. The study focused on the lagged effect of imbalance on return and found that such relation was negatively significant, while contemporaneous imbalance had positive significant impact on return. The study examined the volatility-order imbalance relationship by a time-varying GARCH (1,1) model. The positive relation of volatility and order imbalance was consistent with the ex-ante expectation that larger imbalance made return more volatile. The study developed two order imbalance-based trading strategies based on different definitions of price: trading price and bid-ask. Due to the characteristics of our jump losers, we used short selling strategy. The results showed the huge profitability of order imbalance strategies when we traded on extreme volume. Key words: Order imbalance, information asymmetry, volatility, causal relationship
Performance Evaluation of AODV, DSR, DYMO & ZRP in Cost 231 Walfisch-Ikegami Path Loss Propagation Model

A Mobile Ad hoc NETwork is a kind of wireless ad-hoc network, and is a self configuring network of mobile routers connected by wireless links. Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) is a wireless network without infrastructure. Self configurability and easy deployment feature of the MANET resulted in numerous applications in this modern era. Efficient routing protocols will make MANETs reliable. Various research communities are working in field of MANET and trying to adopt the protocols and technology in other applications as well. In this work, we present investigations on the behavior of various routing protocol of MANET with a Cost 231 Walfisch-Ikegami Propagation Model. We evaluate the performance of four different ad-hoc routing protocols on four performance metrics such as Average Jitter, Average End-to-End Delay, Throughput, and Packet Delivery Fraction with varying Pause Time. From the simulation results it is concluded that DSR is better in transmission of packets per unit time and maximum number of packets reached their destination successfully with some delays, i.e. PDF & Throughput is more and Average jitter & end-to-end delay is less. Whereas AODV & ZRP having almost same values in all of the performance metrics, they transmit packets with very less delay but transmits less packets to their destination as compare to DSR.
ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS AND STRATEGIES IN THE HOUSING MARKET IN OSLO

The objectives of the present study are to expand our knowledge on how different ethnic groups are coping with the housing market in Oslo, seen from the ethnic minorities' own perspectives. To provide data on this subject, in-depth interviews have been conducted with informants of Pakistani, Tamil and Somali origin. The findings indicate that there are substantial differences regarding perceived possibilities and hindrances in the housing market. The identified strategies include a combination of work and house, living together, buying instead of renting, savings and economical consumerism and networks playing a substantial role. Explanations include time of arrival regarding immigrant and housing policy, discrimination, possibilities in the labour market, lack of knowledge of the functioning of the housing market, family composition and personal economical obligations due to the role of 'the immigrant'. The outcome, when it comes, of success in housing, varied in and between groups. For those who are dependent on public assistance, the findings show how households consisting of single women with children and without connection to the labour market, often do not get sufficient help. To improve the housing prospects for ethnic minorities facing severe difficulties to secure a home, there is a need for a policy and street-level bureaucracy based on an understanding of the reality and needs of a diverse population.
Devolution, discretion, and variation in local TANF sanctioning

devolution. Relying on administrative records provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families, we conducted a series of analyses which examined the relationship between individual sanction outcomes and (1) individual client traits, (2) local social and economic conditions, and (3) the local political environment. Our results suggest that a significant amount of local variation exists in sanctioning outcomes across the state of Florida, even after taking into account the characteristics of TANF clients. Moreover, local patterns are not random but are systematically related to selected characteristics of the local community, including ideological tendencies.
Generic business strategies of Greek exporting firms

The primary aim of this study is to explore the strategy-export performance link by adapting Porter’s (1980) classification scheme to an export context. Using a sample of 79 exporting firms established in Greece, this study employs a multiple linear regression model to examine the direct effect of generic business strategies on export sales intensity. The findings reveal that a differentiation strategy is an important contributor to export sales intensity for Greek manufacturing firms competing in the international arena. Given the negative effect of this strategic choice, recommendations for adapting the characteristics of differentiation have to be qualified. Obviously, when competing abroad, such an adaptation may require a thorough and systematic examination of the products or related services that are perceived to be sufficiently unique or valuable for customers to justify paying premium prices.
Injected Current and Quantum Transmission Coefficient in Low Schottky Barriers: WKB and Airy Approaches

An exact solution of the quantum transmission coefficient has been obtained by using an Airy-transfer-matrix formalism to solve Schroumldinger equation. The procedure is applied to the calculation of the transmission coefficient in reverse-biased low Schottky diodes. The barrier profiles are given by Monte Carlo device simulations. As compared to the exact calculation, results indicate that injected current is much exacerbated when considering Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approach or when neglecting quantum mechanical reflections for energies over the potential barrier. However, WKB could reasonably predict the total current if properly modifying the model parameters. Influence of barrier lowering is also discussed
Politics, Government Size, and Fiscal Adjustment in Industrial Countries

It is now well established that political and institutional factors matter for fiscal outcomes. Following a review of the literature, this paper examines the relationship between a variety of political-institutional variables and fiscal aggregatesencompassing the overall balance as well as expenditure and revenue and their various componentsacross 19 industrial countries over the past two decades. It finds strong effects on fiscal policy from such factors as type of electoral system, degree of legislative or government fragmentation, and stability of government. Some of the strongest results emerge for certain components of expenditure, such as transfers, and for the balance between labor and consumption taxation. There are clear relationships between the type of political system and choice of tax and expenditure system. The paper also examines fiscal adjustment since the late 1980s in light of these political factors, finding some evidence of a reversal in trend, but only when growth has been high or when debt has become problematic.
Associations between CYP2C8 rs10509681 and rs11572080 gene polymorphisms and age-related macular degeneration

Background. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible visual loss in industrialized countries. Early symptoms of AMD include drusen and changes in retinal pigment epithelium. However, the etiology of AMD and drusen formation is not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that CYP2C8-related metabolic processes might play an important role in the development of AMD. The aim of our study is to investigate CYP2C8 rs10509681 and CYP2C8 rs11572080 genotype frequencies in patients with early AMD and to compare them with healthy controls. Materials and Methods. The study enrolled 305 patients with early AMD and 300 healthy controls. The genotyping of CYP2C8 rs10509681 and CYP2C8 rs11572080 was carried out using the real-time PCR method. Results. The analysis of studied CYP2C8 polymorphisms did not reveal any statistically significant differences between the AMD and the control groups. For the CYP2C8 rs10509681 gene polymorphism the distribution of T/T, T/C, and C/C genotypes was 83.3%, 16.7%, and 0% vs. 83.7%, 15.7%, and 0.7%, p = 0.343. For the CYP2C8 rs11572080 gene polymorphism the distribution of C/C, T/C and T/T and genotypes was 84.9%, 15.1%, and 0% vs. 82.3%, 17.3%, and 0.3%, p = 0.447. Conclusion. The study revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of CYP2C8 rs10509681 and CYP2C8 rs11572080 genotypes in patients with early AMD and in healthy controls.
The usage of digital marketing channels in SMEs

– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the utilization and goals of digital marketing, and examines factors that influence the adoption and use of digital marketing channels in SMEs. , – The data comprises semi-structured theme interviews in SMEs among 16 managers and 421 survey respondents in Central Finland. , – The results of this study reveal that SMEs seem not use the full potential of the new digital tools, and so are not deriving benefit from the opportunities they provide. Furthermore, the results also raise the question of whether SMEs have understood the fundamental change in the nature of communication brought about by digitization. , – The data comes from one region and thus the research context limits the generalizability of the results. , – SMEs seem not to be keeping pace with digital developments, mostly due to the lack of knowledge of digital marketing. Most of the studied SMEs do not apply the full potential of the new digital tools and hence are not benefitting fully from them. , – Discussions on the future regional development of SMEs have called for training programmes to help SMEs exploit digitization. This is something that the government should take note of. , – Whereas the adoption process of new technologies such as IT in general and the internet in particular have been examined in the SME literature, this is among the first studies examining adoption and usage of digital tools from the marketing perspective.
Environmental Sustainability and Tourism in European Policy-making

The paper analyses decision-making in the field of European environmental regulation and examines the implications for tourist policy. It is argued that European Union (EU) environmental policy is influenced by three factors: (1) the EU bureaucracy is interested in expanding its influence and power vis-à-vis national bureaucracies and polities; (2) Northern European countries have selectively recruited regulators with environmentally sympathetic ideologies; and (3) a pro-environmental attitude contributes to the societal legitimation of business. These considerations give a unique character to environmental policy-making, which over time has tended to spill over to thematically connected areas, including to tourism policy.