Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formal knowledge sharing in medium-to-large organizations : constraints, enablers and alignment

This research considers one of the most important of resources - knowledge. There is a widespread view that knowledge is important to organizations and this has led to the study of knowledge management. There are a plethora of definitions of knowledge and knowledge management, but knowledge sharing is recognised as being of fundamental importance. The literature shows the success of knowledge sharing is not only affected by factors including culture, management, technology, processes and structure but, more importantly, it is affected by how these factors interact and fit together. However there is little literature on alignment or strategic fit in knowledge sharing. This research adds to the literature by investigating the enablers and constraints of knowledge sharing and the possible effects of alignment. An interpretive approach using case studies triangulated with a survey is adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with 23 people across five organizations. The findings suggest that significant top management support and a strategy for knowledge sharing are necessary precursors of effective knowledge sharing. In the organizations which lacked this, there is little to encourage people to share and almost none of these organizations measured well on any aspect of knowledge sharing. There are widely varying uses of technology, but many are aimed at sharing data or information. Fewer uses of technology are geared to enabling or encouraging the communication necessary for knowledge sharing. The lack of senior management support may prevent any significant internal or external alignment so a possible approach to strategic fit for knowledge sharing is that strategy has to come first (and the management support that goes with it) and that this should lead to the embedding of the necessary behaviours for knowledge sharing. Only after this are processes and technology able to support knowledge sharing.
Covariation of Synaptonemal Complex Length and Mammalian Meiotic Exchange Rates

Analysis of recombination between loci (linkage analysis) has been a cornerstone of human genetic research, enabling investigators to localize and, ultimately, identify genetic loci. However, despite these efforts little is known about patterns of meiotic exchange in human germ cells or the mechanisms that control these patterns. Using recently developed immunofluorescence methodology to examine exchanges in human spermatocytes, we have identified remarkable variation in the rate of recombination within and among individuals. Subsequent analyses indicate that, in humans and mice, this variation is linked to differences in the length of the synaptonemal complex. Thus, at least in mammals, a physical structure, the synaptonemal complex, reflects genetic rather than physical distance.
The Influence of Direct Payments on US Cropland Values

Direct payments were a key fixture of US farm policy and America’s farm financial safety net from 1996 to 2013. Unlike prior price support programs, direct payments were considered “decoupled” because they were not tied to current production practices or current market prices. Instead, direct payments were determined by historical cropping patterns (called base acres). The program was originally introduced to ensure World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance, but the nature of the payments drew political scrutiny. The program was phased out through the 2014 Farm Bill (Agricultural Act of 2014). The prominence of the direct payments program coincided with one of the largest increases in U.S. agricultural land values, and as a result, many questioned the role direct payments played in the recent farm real estate price boom. A recent study, reviewed in this article, suggests that an additional dollar of direct payments is associated with an $18 per acre increase in cropland values.
Evidence for inflammatory responses of the lungs during coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE The occurrence of a systemic inflammatory reaction during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been well established, and the heart itself has been shown to release inflammatory mediators after ischemia. The hypothesis of the present study was that the lungs are also a site of inflammatory responses during early reperfusion. METHODS In 20 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, blood was simultaneously drawn from the right atrium (RA) and the pulmonary vein (PV) before CPB and at 1 min, 10 min, and 20 min of reperfusion. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were determined, as well as the adhesion molecules CD41 and CD62 on platelets and CD11b and CD41 on leukocytes. As a measure of the pulmonary release, ratios of PV and RA levels were calculated. RESULTS Before CPB, the concentrations of cytokines tended to be lower in the PV compared with the RA. At 1 min of reperfusion, no significant concentration increases were found in the PV. At 10 min of reperfusion, the PV/RA ratio (mean +/- SEM) for IL-6 was 2.06 +/- 0.37 and 1.24 +/- 0.15 for IL-8 (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively, compared with the pre-CPB ratios of 0.89 +/- 0.4 and 0.99 +/- 0.2). At 20 min of reperfusion, PV/RA ratios for IL-6 (1.95 +/- 0.37) and IL-10 (0.99 +/- 0.4) were higher than before CPB (0.89 +/- 0.04, p = 0.05 and 0.85 +/- 0.06, p = 0.03, respectively). Adhesion molecule counts on platelets and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) tended to be higher in the PV than in the RA before CPB. At 1 min of reperfusion, the PV/RA ratio of CD41 on monocytes (0.89 +/- 0.04) and of CD41 on PMNs (1.05 +/- 0.05) was less than before CPB (1.24 +/- 0.08, p = 0.0002 and 1.55 +/- 0.14, p = 0.0002). At 10 min and 20 min of reperfusion, similar changes were found. CONCLUSIONS The observed changes indicate an inflammatory response of the lungs. Proinflammatory cytokines are increased in pulmonary venous blood. At the same time, activated blood cells are retained in the pulmonary circulation. This may contribute to pulmonary dysfunction almost routinely observed after CPB.
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: An exciting new era

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a highly malignant inheritable cardiac channelopathy. The past decade and a half has provided exciting new discoveries elucidating the genetic etiology and pathophysiology of CPVT. This review of the current literature on CPVT aims to summarize the state of the art in our understanding of the genetic etiology and the molecular pathogenesis of CPVT, and how these relate to our current approach to diagnosis and management. We will also shed light on groundbreaking new work that will continue to refine the management of CPVT in the future. As our knowledge of CPVT continues to grow, further studies will yield a better understanding of the efficacy and pitfalls of established diagnostic approaches and therapies as well as help shape newer diagnostic and treatment strategies. Two separate searches were run on the National Center for Biotechnology Information's (NCBI) website. The first used the medical subject headings (MeSH) database using the term “catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia” that was run on the PubMed database using the age filter (birth to 18 years), and it yielded 58 results. The second search using the MeSH database with the search term “catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia,” applying no filters yielded 178 results. The abstracts of all these articles were studied and the articles were categorized and organized. Articles of relevance were read in full. As and where applicable, relevant references and citations from the primary articles were further explored and read in full.
Diesel Exhaust Particulate Matter Dispersed in a Phospholipid Surfactant Induces Chromosomal Aberrations and Micronuclei but not 6-Thioguanine-Resistant Gene Mutation in V79 Cells

Diesel exhaust particulate material (DPM) was assayed for induction of chromosomal aberrations (CA), micronucleus (MN) formation, and 6-thioguanine-resistant (TGr) gene mutation in V79 cells as a dispersion in dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in physiological saline, a simulated pulmonary surfactant. Filter-collected automobile DPM provided for the study was not organic solvent extracted, but was directly mixed into DPPC in saline dispersion as a model of pulmonary surfactant conditioning of a soot particle depositing in a lung alveolus. A statistically significant difference was found between treated and control groups at all concentrations tested in a CA assay. Assay for MN induction also gave a positive response: Above 50 μg/ml, the frequencies of micronucleated cells (MNC) were about 2 times higher than those in the control group. The forward gene mutation assay did not show a positive response when cells were treated with up to 136 μg DPM/ml for 24 h, as dispersion in DPPC in saline. Some comparison assays were run on direct dispersions of the DPM into dimethyl sulfoxide, with results equivalent to those seen with a DPPC–saline preparation: DPM in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was positive for MN induction but was negative for forward gene mutation in V79 cells. The positive clastogenicity results are consistent with other studies of DPM dispersed into DPPC–saline surfactant that have shown activity in mammalian cells for sister chromatid exchange, unscheduled DNA synthesis, and MN induction. The forward gene mutation negative results are consistent with studies of that assay applied to V79 cells challenged with DPM solvent extract. This study was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, and by the U.S. Department of Energy, FreedomCar and Vechicle Technologies Program. The DPM sample and information on its generation were graciously provided by the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, from studies sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy under contract DE-AC04-76EV01013. We also thank Michael Kashon of NIOSH for valuable assistance. Z. -W. Gu is a visiting scientist from Shanghai Institute of Labour Hygiene and Occupational Diseases, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.
The impact of inaccurate cost information on managerial decision-making in purchasing

In this thesis, we describe the impact of financial information on decision-making in the context of organizational purchasing decisions. Purchasing decisions are examples of multi-attribute decisions, and these decisions are complicated for human decision makers. Total cost of ownership (TCO) numbers may simplify the decision complexity; by calculating TCO numbers the decision maker can compare purchasing alternatives by the total cost number. Some attributes, however, may not be included accurately in the overall TCO numbers. Cost information, however, is important and tempting to use in organizational decision-making. We conducted experiments with more than 2,000 participants to study the weight decision makers attach to these attributes. To do this, participants (students and practitioners) were asked to evaluate information for purchasing alternatives and select the alternative they preferred. Our results indicate that professional experience is an important variable to understand the weight decision makers attach to costs numbers; more experienced decision makers attach more weight to inaccurate cost numbers, compared to less experienced decision makers and students. Furthermore, reflective thinking is important to make decision makers aware of inaccuracy in cost numbers. We recommend decision makers to reflect on cost information provided to them; make decision makers aware of the information (not) included in cost numbers; and managers to explain the intention of providing cost numbers for decision-making.
Feeding value of pastures for horses

Abstract The feeding value of fresh pasture grazed in situ is determined by animal performance or productivity and could be relatively easily established for growing and lactating horses. Despite this, there is a lack of published information on the relative feeding value of different pastures and forages grazed by horses in New Zealand and the world. In addition, for adult breeding or non-breeding and young or adult sport or performance horses, the definition of feeding value and its determination remain problematic. Limited information suggests that the feeding value of perennial ryegrass-based pasture in New Zealand for young growing horses is high, and growth rates for Thoroughbred horses fed solely on pasture in New Zealand are similar to those reported from the Northern Hemisphere where grain-based supplements are fed in addition to pasture or other forages. Attempts to assess the ability of fresh pastures to meet the nutrient requirements of horses are hampered by problems associated with determination of feed intake by grazing horses and lack of knowledge of the digestibility and utilisation of digested nutrients, including the relative bio availability of macro- and micro-minerals in pasture. A further challenge for future research is to determine the effect of herbage allowance and grazing behaviour, including pasture species preferences, on voluntary feed intake by grazing horses. Grazing pasture has benefits for equine health and well-being including reduced risk of some nutrition-related disorders and reduced prevalence of stereotypic behaviour. Pastured horses have greater freedom for expression of natural behaviours including social interaction and exercise. However, grazing pasture is also associated with animal health problems, particularly parasitism and diseases related to pasture-associated toxins.
The training of China's managers : an analysis and evaluation of using overseas training for management development

Despite of the rapid globalisation and international business there has been a growing consensus that the quality of an organisation’s human resource is a critical factor in order to manage the change. Economic reform in China has led to rapid business expansion within the region. Chinese policy makers are aware that the development of its managers is crucial to creating competitive advantage in its post-WTO period. Training and education is therefore an important means of management development improving the competencies of managerial personnel with a global view. As a consequence large numbers of Chinese managers have been sent on training and education in the Western countries in order to bring new ideas and approaches to their organisations. This thesis questions whether the training has successfully achieved its objectives and how the effectiveness of such a training intervention can be addressed. It has been widely accepted in the training community that evaluation of training effectiveness is an essential step in designing a training program. However evaluation is often problematic, particularly when the training seeks to achieve outcomes which are not readily measurable, as is the case in management training and development. Moreover, the involvement of various stakeholders from West and East adds complexity. This research presents a survey study covering 526 stakeholders who are involved in China’s overseas management training and development. The approaches to evaluation are explored from a holistic perspective and an evaluation framework which uses stakeholder-based approach is developed for management training and development in a cross-cultural context. Moreover this study addresses the empirical and methodological deficiencies of research on Chinese managers’ development activities in Western countries. This research therefore contributes not only to theory on evaluation, but also on management training and development in cross-cultural settings. A mixed methods approach by triangulation of quantitative and qualitative information is employed to study training effectiveness from the perspectives of different stakeholders. The findings show important variables affecting Chinese managers’ learning in Western countries and factors influencing the transfer of Western management to Chinese organisations. The specific characteristics of China’s overseas management training are also examined
Experimental and early investigational drugs for angina pectoris

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of death and disability among Western countries and angina pectoris is the most prevalent symptomatic manifestation. Strategies to improve management of chronic stable angina are a priority. Areas covered: A comprehensive review was conducted using the Medline and Cochrane databases as well as the clinical trial databases in the United States and Europe. Traditional therapies for angina will be discussed. This review particularly emphasizes investigational therapies for angina (including pharmacological agents, cell and gene based therapies, and herbal medications). Expert opinion: There has been renewed interest in older anti-angina agents (e.g., perhexiline, amiodarone, and phosphodiestrase-5 inhibitors). Other anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., allopurinol and febuxostat) are currently undergoing evaluation for angina therapy. Therapeutic angiogenesis continues to face some challenges. Future trials should evaluate the optimum patient population that would benefit from this form of therapy.
Multiple receptors mediate apoJ-dependent clearance of cellular debris into nonprofessional phagocytes.

Phagocytosis of apoptotic, senescent, and dying cells by macrophages is a well characterized process. More recently it has been shown that in addition to macrophages vital neighboring cells in the affected tissue participate in the cellular clearance. While scavenger receptors have been shown to mediate uptake into macrophages, it is poorly understood how cellular debris is internalized by nonprofessional phagocytes. We here analyze the endocytic activity of vital fibroblasts and epithelial cells exposed to cellular debris and membrane remnants. We show a mutual stimulation in the endocytosis of debris and apolipoproteinJ (clusterin) in these cells. Experiments using RAP (receptor-associated protein) to block ligand binding to LRP and megalin as well as studies in LRP- and megalin-deficient cells suggest that the uptake of apoJ and cellular debris is mediated by megalin, LRP, and yet unidentified internalization mechanisms.
Barometr konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstw : wyniki badań empirycznych

Wprowadzenie T ematyka konkurencyjności zajmuje ważne miejsce w nurcie zarządzania strategicznego, jednak samo pojęcie wciąż nie doczekało się jednoznacznego zdefiniowania, co między innymi pociąga za sobą problemy z pomiarem i oceną tej cechy przedsiębiorstwa. Dodatkowym utrudnieniem jest fakt, iż wokół pojęcia konkurencyjności pojawiło się wiele pojęć pokrewnych lub pochodnych. Można do nich zaliczyć: przewagę konkurencyjną, pozycję konkurencyjną, potencjał konkurencyjny, postawę konkurencyjną i inne. Powoduje to zagubienie badaczy i przedstawicieli praktyki gospodarczej, którzy szukają jednoznacznej odpowiedzi na takie pytania, jak: czy przedsiębiorstwo jest konkurencyjne lub czy cechuje go duża konkurencyjność; jak ocenić konkurencyjność przedsiębiorstwa; w jaki sposób konkurencyjność przedsiębiorstwa podtrzymywać i umacniać w przyszłości. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zaprezentowanie autorskiego podejścia do badania konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstwa oraz jego empirycznej weryfikacji na podstawie badań przeprowadzonych w roku 2013 za pomocą narzędzia badawczego – Barometru Konkurencyjności Przedsiębiorstw, zamieszczonego na witrynie www.konkurencyjniprzetrwaja. pl i opracowanego na podstawie zintegrowanego modelu konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstw przedstawionego w dalszej części artykułu. Na etapie przygotowania weryfikowania zintegrowanego modelu konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstw autorzy postawili następujące hipotezy: • H1: Potencjał konkurencyjny przedsiębiorstwa istotnie wpływa na rodzaj stosowanej strategii konkurencji. • H2: Stosowana strategia konkurencji istotnie wpływa na rodzaj przewagi konkurencyjnej przedsiębiorstwa. Artykuł zawiera krótki opis zintegrowanego modelu konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstw oraz wyniki badań empirycznych, na podstawie których zweryfikowano postawione wyżej hipotezy badawcze.
Capacitance-Enhanced Through-Silicon Via for Power Distribution Networks in 3D ICs

The through-silicon via (TSV) structure with enhanced capacitance is proposed for the power distribution network in 3D ICs, where an n+ contact on the top surface surrounding the oxide-silicon interface of the power TSV is used, instead of a p-substrate. The n+ contact supplies the majority carrier to the channel, so the inversion layer can be formed at high frequencies. Since power TSVs are always biased to a voltage higher than the threshold voltage, changing the depletion layer to an inversion layer enables the larger capacitance in the proposed TSV. The voltage and frequency characteristics of the proposed TSV structure are simulated and compared with the conventional structure. In addition, a model based on RC transmission line is proposed to estimate the capacitance degeneration at high frequencies. The model showed a good match with simulated results over a wide frequency range.
Emerging Market Dynamics in the Mobile Services Industry

Legal Notices The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The Members of the MobiCom Consortium make no warranty of any kind with regard to this document, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The Members of the MobiCom Consortium shall not be held liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. Executive Summary This paper provides essential insight for all those who deal with the uncertainties of the mobile business environment and whose survival depends on wise decisions that are likely to capitalise on the opportunities lying ahead while mitigating against the imminent risks. Our task here is to map the implications of the four MobiCom scenarios for market competition and business strategy. Towards this aim, we have investigated market dynamics in the mobile market. Our analysis is based on the scenario value chain models. The scenario value chain models consider the broader market dynamics by taking into consideration all the actors in the mobile services value chain. We have made an analysis of four scenarios for the future mobile market. The analysis is made with the purpose of identifying the dynamics of the four alternative mobile futures. Our purpose here is not to draw potential business models or specific business plans, although the reader can draw various useful conclusions in this direction as well. The viewpoints addressed for each scenario are regulation, Technology and Market structure. The last part of this white paper includes opportunities, risks a nd strategic recommendations for the key Finally, the paper provides an illustration of how this scenario analysis can be used for strategic decision-making in this industry, under different assumptions about the future.