Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What’s holding back empirical research into organizational capabilities? Remedies for common problems

Recent commentary on state of research in strategic management points to excessive attention to theory development and deficiencies in the empirical testing of these theories (Bettis, 2012; Miller and Tsang, 2010; Oxley et al., 2010). This criticism is especially pertinent to research into organizational capabilities, where empirical verification of constructs and relationships has lagged far behind conceptual and theoretical developments (Arend and Bromiley, 2009; Leiblein, 2011; Newbert, 2007). Despite a growing methodological sophistication in using statistical tests to ensure some dimensions of validity, fundamental impediments to reliability and validity in identifying and measuring organizational capabilities remain unrecognized and unresolved. In this article, we use a survey of the empirical literature on organizational capability to identify the principal problems that have impeded empirical research, and, for each problem, we offer recommendations for either resolving the problem or ameliorating its negative impact. Separate problems arise in each of the two main categories of empirical research into capabilities. In quantitative studies (both cross-sectional and panel sampling), the problems relate mainly to measurement; in qualitative, case study research, the problems relate mainly to identification. The Appendix describes our methodology in identifying and coding published articles on organizational capabilities.
The Relationship Between the Secondary School Students' Depression States and Their Feelings of Guilt and Shame

Abstract Adolescence is believed to be a highly problematic period when depression is prevalent. This study aims to investigate the relationship between adolescents' depression states and their feelings of guilt and shame in respect to gender, age, school performance and parental education levels. The participants consisted of 187 teenagers; 88 (47.1%) girls and 99 (52.9%) boys. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), the Guilt and Shame Scale (GES, Şahin), and a personal information form developed by the researcher were used as instruments. The study found a relationship between guilt and shame, that levels of depression were higher in 17-year-olds, and also that levels of depression, guilt and shame were found to be higher in girls than in boys. There was also a negative relationship seen between increased guilt and shame, and a decrease in mothers' education level.
The I&kgr;B Kinase β/Nuclear Factor &kgr;B Signaling Pathway Protects the Heart From Hemodynamic Stress Mediated by the Regulation of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Expression

Cardiomyocyte death plays an important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The nuclear factor (NF)-&kgr;B signaling pathway regulates cell death, however, the effect of NF-&kgr;B pathway on cell death can vary in different cells or stimuli. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the in vivo role of the NF-&kgr;B pathway in response to pressure overload. First, we subjected C57Bl6/J mice to pressure overload by means of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and examined the activity of the NF-&kgr;B pathway in response to pressure overload. I&kgr;B kinase (IKK) and NF-&kgr;B were activated after TAC. Then, we investigated the role of the activation using cardiac-specific IKKβ-deficient mice (CKO). CKO displayed normal global cardiac structure and function compared with control littermates. We subjected CKO and control mice to pressure overload. One week after TAC, CKO showed cardiac dilation, dysfunction, and lung congestion, which are characteristics of heart failure. The number of apoptotic cells in the hearts of CKO mice increased significantly after TAC. The levels of manganese superoxide dismutase mRNA and protein expression in CKO after TAC were significantly attenuated compared with control mice. The levels of oxidative stress and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in CKO after TAC were significantly greater than those in control mice. Isoproterenol-induced cell death of isolated adult CKO cardiomyocytes was inhibited by treatment with either a manganese superoxide dismutase mimetic or a JNK inhibitor. Thus, the IKKβ/NF-&kgr;B signaling pathway plays a protective role in cardiomyocytes because of the attenuation of oxidative stress and JNK activation in a setting of acute pressure overload.
Healthscaping a medieval city: Lucca's Curia viarum and the future of public health history

ABSTRACT: In early fourteenth-century Lucca, one government organ began expanding its activities beyond the maintenance of public works to promoting public hygiene and safety, and in ways that suggest both a concern for and an appreciation of population-level preventative healthcare. Evidence for this shift (which is traceable in and beyond the Italian peninsula) is mostly found in documents of practice such as court and financial records, which augment and complicate the traditional view afforded by urban statutes and medical treatises. The revised if still nebulous picture emerging from this preliminary study challenges a lingering tendency among urban and public health historians to see pre-modern European cities as ignorant and apathetic demographic black holes.
Rapid and Strong Induction of Apoptosis in Human Eosinophils by Anti-CD30 mAb-Coated Microspheres and Phagocytosis by Macrophages

Background: Eosinophils represent a potential therapeutic target in allergic diseases. We previously reported that two clones of anti-CD30 mAbs (HRS-4 and Ber-H8) induced extremely rapid and intense apoptosis in human eosinophils in vitro, but only when the mAbs were immobilized on plates [Matsumoto K, J Immunol 2004;172:2186]. As the initial step towards clinical application of these anti-CD30 mAbs in the treatment of allergic diseases, we made an attempt to clarify two issues; first, whether or not anti-CD30 mAb-coated microspheres can efficiently induce apoptosis in human eosinophils, and second, whether or not these apoptotic eosinophils can be phagocytosed by macrophages without the release of granular proteins. Methods: Purified human eosinophils were treated with anti-CD30 mAb-coated polystyrene microspheres (diameter, 1.44 µm). Apoptosis was determined by annexin V-binding. For the phagocytosis assay, eosinophils were co-cultured with monocyte-derived human macrophages or PMA-pretreated U-937 cells. Phagocytosis was determined by light microscopy and by the eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) concentration in the supernatant. Results: Anti-CD30 mAb-coated, but not control IgG1-coated microspheres significantly reduced eosinophil survival in a dose-dependent manner. Marked phagocytosis of the apoptotic eosinophils by macrophages was also observed when the eosinophils were treated with anti-CD30 mAb-coated microspheres. The apoptotic eosinophils released large amounts of EDN in the absence of macrophages; however, the EDN levels were significantly decreased when the eosinophils were co-cultured with macrophages. Conclusions: Anti-CD30 mAb-coated microspheres are capable of inducing rapid and strong apoptosis in human eosinophils. Furthermore, the apoptotic eosinophils were also phagocytosed by macrophages with minimal release of the granular proteins.
WD40-repeat protein 62 is a JNK-phosphorylated spindle pole protein required for spindle maintenance and timely mitotic progression

Summary The impact of aberrant centrosomes and/or spindles on asymmetric cell division in embryonic development indicates the tight regulation of bipolar spindle formation and positioning that is required for mitotic progression and cell fate determination. WD40-repeat protein 62 (WDR62) was recently identified as a spindle pole protein linked to the neurodevelopmental defect of microcephaly but its roles in mitosis have not been defined. We report here that the in utero electroporation of neuroprogenitor cells with WDR62 siRNAs induced their cell cycle exit and reduced their proliferative capacity. In cultured cells, we demonstrated cell-cycle-dependent accumulation of WDR62 at the spindle pole during mitotic entry that persisted until metaphase–anaphase transition. Utilizing siRNA depletion, we revealed WDR62 function in stabilizing the mitotic spindle specifically during metaphase. WDR62 loss resulted in spindle orientation defects, decreased the integrity of centrosomes displaced from the spindle pole and delayed mitotic progression. Additionally, we revealed JNK phosphorylation of WDR62 is required for maintaining metaphase spindle organization during mitosis. Our study provides the first functional characterization of WDR62 and has revealed requirements for JNK/WDR62 signaling in mitotic spindle regulation that may be involved in coordinating neurogenesis.
Responding To An Income Shock Through Increasing Forest Extraction: Survey Evidence From Ethiopian Coffee Farmers

The worldwide turndown in coffee revenue to the majority of resource poor primary producers has become a serious threat to sustainable development. There is however inadequate knowledge with respect to mechanisms used by resource poor coffee farmers to stave off situations of economic hardship. Using cross-sectional household survey data from southwest Ethiopia, the present study investigates whether or not farmers use forests to even out variability associated with risky coffee income. A zero-inflated negative binomial model was used to explain farmer frequency of firewood collection trips as a response to income shock and risk in coffee farming. The empirical results indicate that a rise in household forest extraction effort for firewood is strongly associated with shortfalls in current coffee income and with income uncertainties prevailing in the coffee sector. The study draws policy implication from the perspectives of development and environment.
TRPM2 channel properties, functions and therapeutic potentials

Importance of the field: Oxidative stress, through production of reactive oxygen species, triggers disturbance in intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i homeostasis, which has been identified as an important causative factor in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Areas covered in this review: Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) protein forms a Ca2+-permeable cationic channel that is activated in response to oxidative stress and therefore acts as a cellular redox sensor. Research over the years has substantially advanced the knowledge of expression and functional properties of the TRPM2 channel, and particularly has accumulated compelling evidence for an important role for TRPM2 channel-mediated extracellular Ca2+ influx in several physiological and pathophysiological functions exemplified by insulin release from pancreatic β-cells, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from immune cells, increased endothelial permeability, microglia activation and cell death. These findings suggest therapeutic potential of the TRPM2 channel as a drug target for combating oxidative-stress-related diseases. What the reader will gain: The current state of knowledge with respect to the TRPM2 channel properties and the roles in oxidant stress signalling and functions. Take home message: TRPM2 may be a novel therapeutic target for oxidative stress-related diseases.
A link between mothers' disciplinary strategies and children's relational aggression

This study examines the association between maternal disciplinary strategies and children's level of relational aggression, and then compares these associations with those found with overt aggression. Eighty-two 4th graders (aged 9-1 I years) completed peer nomination measures of relational and overt aggression, and their mothers completed a questionnaire designed to assess their use of disciplinary strategies (e.g. authoritarian, authoritative, permissive). Consistent with prior research, parental reliance on authoritarian strategies was positively associated with children's level of overt aggression, especially among boys. There was also a trend towards a positive association between authoritarianism and relational aggression among both boys and girls. In addition, this study is the first to show a positive association between maternal permissiveness and relational aggression. This association appears to be specific to relational, and not overt aggression, and emerge more strongly for girls than boys. The implications of these results for understanding the developmental underpinnings of relational aggression are discussed.
Psychosocial Correlates of Alienation

The major purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship between several measures of psychosocial adjustment and social alienation in a sample of Indochinese refugees residing in the United States. Based on interviews with 460 Indochinese heads of households, the results indicated that alienation was negatively related to socioeconomic status, English proficiency, the number of American acquaintances and friends, and refugees' self-perception. Moreover, alienation was positively correlated with the degree of perceived difference between refugees and Americans. Laotian and Vietnamese refugees showed evidence of a more favorable adjustment than Hmong and Cambodian refugees on several measures.
Adenocarcinomas metastatic to the liver

Metastatic adenocarcinoma in the liver with an unidentified primary tumor site is a common clinical problem. Pathologists often are asked to identify the primary tumor site. The histologic picture itself usually is not helpful, because the histology may be similar in the metastases of tumors with different primary localizations. Immunohistochemistry can be helpful, but the previously recommended antibody panels are too complicated for everyday use.
When quantity is not enough: Disentangling the roles of practice time, self-regulation and deliberate practice in musical achievement

Past research has referred to either the concepts of self-regulation or deliberate practice to explain the relationships between learning strategies and musical achievement and performance. In addition, even though most scholars agree that formal practice time plays an important role in musical achievement, empirical investigations have failed to show consistent associations between practice time and achievement. The aim of this article is to suggest an integrative framework in which self-regulation, deliberate practice strategies and practice time are simultaneously taken into account in the prediction of musical achievement. In this framework, we propose that formal practice should be defined as a goal-directed and focused period of practice that includes both self-regulation and deliberate practice strategies. We further posit that practice time will predict musical achievement only if associated with formal practice. This integrative framework was tested in a 4-month prospective study using structural equation modelling. Results revealed that this integrative model was a better predictor of musical achievement than traditional methods of measurement. The suggested integration of self-regulation and deliberate practice within a single framework provides a more complete picture of the associations between learning strategies, practice time and musical achievement.
Evaluation der deutschen Version des Autismus-Spektrum-Quotienten (AQ) - die Kurzversion AQ-k

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Autistische Storungen zeichnen sich durch Einschrankungen in den Bereichen Soziale Interaktion, Kommunikation und stereotypes, restriktives Verhalten aus. Bisher existiert noch kein deutschsprachiges Selbstbeurteilungsinstrument, das zum Screening bei Verdacht auf autistische Storung eingesetzt werden kann. Fragestellung: Testtheoretische Analyse des Screening-Fragebogens Autismus-Spektrum-Quotient (AQ). Methode: Die psychometrischen Kennwerte des AQ wurden in zwei nicht-klinischen, einer klinisch-forensischen und einer Stichprobe mit High-functioning Autismus/Asperger Syndrom ermittelt. Ergebnisse: Auf Grund einer teilweise sehr niedriger Trennscharfe der Einzelitems wurde eine Kurzversion des Fragebogens (AQ-k) gebildet, bestehend aus Items mit ausreichender Trennscharfe. Die Hauptkomponentenanalyse des AQ-k resultierte in drei Faktoren (Soziale Interaktion und Spontaneitat, Fantasie und Vorstellungsvermogen, Kommunikation und Reziprozitat), deren innere Konsi.
Jagged edges: when is filtering needed?

Depiction of oblique edges by discrete pixels usually results in visible stair steps, often called jaggies. A variety of filtering approaches exists to minimize this visual artifact, but none has been applied selectively only to those edges that would otherwise appear jagged. A recent series of experiments has led to a model of the visibility of jagged edges. Here, we demonstrate how these data can be used efficiently to determine when filtering of edges is needed to eliminate the jaggies and when it is unnecessary. This work also provides a template for how the results of psychophysical experiments can be applied in computer graphics to address image-quality questions.
Architectural Requirements & Implications of Consciousness, Self, and "Free Will"

While adaptive systems are currently generally judged by their degree of intelligence (in terms of their ability to discover how to achieve goals), the critical measurement for the future will be where they fall on the spectrum of self. Once machines and software are able to strongly modify and improve themselves, the concepts of the self and agency will be far more important, determining not only what a particular system will eventually be capable of but how it will actually act. Unfortunately, so little attention has been paid to this fact that most people still expect that the basic cognitive architecture of a passive “Oracle” in terms of consciousness, self, and “free will” will be little different from that of an active explorer/experimenter with assigned goals to accomplish. We will outline the various assumptions and trade-offs inherent in each of these concepts and the expected characteristics of each – which not only apply to machine intelligence but humans and collective entities like governments and corporations as well.
An Evidence-Based Model of Power Development in Youth Soccer

Power is thought as an essential physical characteristic in soccer, but no systematic and evidence-based model exists to develop this attribute in youth. Both the player's pathway and natural power development were discussed and integrated as conditioning factors to the model, where the player's pathway influenced training integration, block duration, and session length and frequency, while the natural power development dictated training emphasis, mode, intensity and volume. Furthermore, a systematic analysis of training studies that investigated the training of power in youth soccer players was conducted to determine current best practice and limitations. An initial phase concentrating on movement competency and velocity was recommended prior to puberty, before an emphasis on force production during mid-puberty (13–15 y). Once the players enter late puberty (>16 y), maximal strength and power training should be implemented. The number of power training sessions in a block, exercise progression and loading parameters should be viewed as key factors of the training design to enhance movement competency and optimise training adaptations. The implementation of a model will ensure optimal integration of power training and its constituent parts (force and velocity) with clear training emphases throughout the developmental stages of a player.
Variability in the lymph node retrieval after resection of colon cancer

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate variations in the number of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) over time and to determine the factors that influence the retrieval of <12 LNs during colon cancer resection. Patients with colon cancer who were surgically treated between 1997 and 2013 were identified from our institutional tumor registry. Patient, tumor, and pathologic variables were evaluated. Factors that influenced the retrieval of <12 LNs were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression modeling, including time effects. In total, 6967 patients were identified. The median patient age was 61 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 45–79 years) and 58.4% of these patients were male. The median number of LNs retrieved was 21 (IQR = 14–29), which increased from 14 (IQR = 11–27) in 1997 to 26 (IQR = 19–34) in 2013. The proportion of patients with ≥12 retrieved LNs increased from 72% in 1997 to 98.8% in 2013 (P < 0.00001). This corresponded to the more recent emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to adequate LN evaluation. The number of retrieved LNs was also found to be associated with age, sex, tumor location, T stage, and operative year. Tumor location and T stage influenced the number of retrieved LNs, irrespective of the operative year (P < 0.05). Factors including a tumor location in the sigmoid/left colon, old age, open resection, earlier operative year, and early T stage were more likely to be associated with <12 recovered LNs (P < 0.5; chi-squared test) (P < 0.001). The total number of retrieved LNs may be influenced by tumor location and T stage of a colon cancer, irrespective of the year of surgery. LN retrieval after colon cancer resection has increased in recent years due to a better awareness of its importance and the use of multidisciplinary approaches.
A novel laser-based system: Fully online detection of abnormal activity via an unsupervised method

Abnormal activity detection plays a crucial role in surveillance applications, and such system has become an urgent need for public security. In this paper, we propose a novel laser-based system, which can perform the online detection of abnormal activity with an unsupervised way. The proposed system has the following key features that make it advantageous over previous ones: (1) It can cover quite a large and crowded area, such as subway station, public square, intersection and etc. (2) The overall system can vary with time period, incrementally learn the behavior pattern of pedestrians and perform the fully online detection of abnormal activity. This feature makes our system be quite suitable for the real-time applications. (3) The abnormal activity detection is carried out with a fully unsupervised way, there is no need for manual labelling and constructing the huge training datasets. We successfully applied the proposed system into the JR subway station of Tokyo, which can cover a 60×35m area, track more 150 targets at the same time and simultaneously perform the robust detection of abnormal activity with no human intervention.
Know thyself: Coaching for leadership using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory

This article discusses the role of professional coaches who apply Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory as a means of enhancing their client’s leadership capabilities. The authors posit that Kolb’s four learning modes and styles provide a guiding structure for professional coaches to individualise their approach to coaching leaders to overcome the leader’s overreliance on their dominant learning style and appropriately access more effective behaviours in handling the myriad of responsibilities they face. It is equally important for coaches to know their own learning styles to be more effective in their coaching role. A coach’s ability to access all four modes and learning styles in themselves can foster more effective coaching practices so that they may more effectively coach others whose learning styles are different from their own. The authors conclude that Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory provides a sound theoretical framework to help professional coaches in the development of the organisation’s leadership capacity.