Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of leadership in knowledge management: a study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship as well as the impact of leadership styles on knowledge management practices in a software firm in India. Design/methodology/approach – The research involved collection of quantitative data on leadership styles and knowledge management practices by using two psychometric instruments, namely organizational leadership questionnaire and knowledge management assessment tool. The survey consisted of 331 knowledge workers working for a software firm in India who had a minimum of one year of working experience in the organization. The data which were collected underwent statistical treatment to obtain the results for the stated objectives of the study. Findings – The research findings indicate directive as well as supportive styles of leadership to be significantly and negatively associated with the art of knowledge management practices. It also depicts that consulting and delegating styles of leadership are positively and significantly related with managing knowledge in a software organization. Finally, only the delegating mode of leadership behaviors was found to be significantl in predicting creation as well as management of knowledge for competitive advantage in software firms in India. Research limitations/implications – There are a few limitations which may affect the scope of the study. First, the study was conducted in only one software firm situated in the national capital territory of India. Hence, blanket generalization of the findings of the study to each and every software firm in India should be done with caution. Second, it was leadership styles alone more than any other variable which was taken to study its impact on knowledge management processes and practices. Therefore, it is suggested that future research, if any, in the area of knowledge management should take note of these two important limitations for the benefits of the industry as a whole. Practical implications – The research investigation offers several recommendations/suggestions for helping knowledge workers as well as top management to design and implement knowledge management architecture for organizational excellence. Originality/value – The paper offers unique empirical directions to manage knowledge in a software company in India. As there is a dearth of empirical research in the area of knowledge management in India, the empirical evidence obtained in this paper will be of use to organizations wanting to become knowledge management companies.
Market orientation: relation to structure and performance

Purpose – Organizational structure dimensions have been theorized as antecedents to and organizational performance as a consequence of market orientation. Multiple studies have investigated the theorized relationships and returned inconsistent results. The purpose of this study is to identify and resolve the inconsistencies.Design/methodology/approach – Results from prior studies were summarized and a structural equation modeling approach was used to analyze new data collected from 173 manufacturing organizations.Findings – Of the structure dimensions (formalization, specialization, decentralization, integration) tested, only formalization was found to be a positive predictor of market orientation. Market orientation was found to be a positive predictor of both financial and marketing performance.Research limitations/implications – The body of evidence assembled does not support the proposition that organizational structure impacts market orientation. It does, however, support the proposition that a marke.
Convergence Rates in Distributed Consensus and Averaging

We propose three new algorithms for the distributed averaging and consensus problems: two for the fixed-graph case, and one for the dynamic-topology case. The convergence rates of our fixed-graph algorithms compare favorably with other known methods, while our algorithm for the dynamic-topology case is the first to be accompanied by a polynomial-time bound on the convergence time
Constructing isosurfaces from CT data

An algorithm that automatically produces polygonal representations of 3-D structures within a volume from a set of cross-sectional images is presented. The method incorporates the requirements necessary for structure analysis to go beyond plain rendering. The algorithm is fully automatic, using local voxel values to determine the connectivity of the surface. The resulting polygons are coherently ordered and connected, and no polygon occurs more than once. Each surface is complete, that is, no holes occur (except as an option, on the boundaries of the volume). The algorithm can be used to describe and visualize normal as well as pathological anatomy. <<ETX>>
Poverty and Chronic Illness in Early Childhood: A Comparison Between the United Kingdom and Quebec

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to examine the association between poverty, in the first and fourth years of life and cumulatively in the first and fourth years of life, and the health of children in the fourth year of life in the UK Millennium Cohort Study and in the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD). METHODS: Data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study of 14 556 children and from the QLSCD of 1950 children were analyzed. Comparable measures of poverty were households in receipt of the safety-net benefit: income support in the United Kingdom and social welfare in Quebec. Three parent-reported health indicators were examined: asthma attack, long-standing illness, and limiting long-standing illness by the fourth year of life. Associations were explored with logistic regression modeling controlling for child characteristics and maternal education. RESULTS: Poverty only in the first year of life significantly increased the risk of asthma attacks and limiting long-standing illness in the fourth year of life among UK children; trends were in the expected direction in the QLSCD but did not reach statistical significance. Poverty in the fourth year of life only significantly increased the risk of all 3 outcomes for UK children but not for Quebec children. For children experiencing poverty in both the first and fourth years of life, the risks for all 3 outcomes also increased in the United Kingdom, whereas only the risk of limiting long-standing illness increased in Quebec. Adjustment for confounding had little effect on the increased risks associated with poverty. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that experience of poverty at various times in early childhood increases the risk of asthma attacks and chronic illness in the fourth year of life; however, they also indicate that poverty at different stages of the early childhood life course may have different effects on chronic illness in different country settings.
Managing product returns for reverse logistics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a framework to manage product returns for reverse logistics by focusing on estimation of returns for select categories of products in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops a conceptual model and thereafter an integrated modeling framework borrowing from existing literature and industry practices. It utilizes product ownership data, average life cycle of products, past sales, forecasted demand and likely impact of environmental policy measures for estimating return flows. Informal interviews with 84 stakeholders are carried out to estimate significant parameters. Software packages, decomposition methods and heuristics are utilized for solution.Findings – The integrated framework helps in estimating returns for select categories of products and thereafter taking simultaneous decisions on their disposition, location and capacity of facilities and flows of returned products for a given time horizon under various strategic, operati.
The Bioavailability of the Novel Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor GW420867X Is Unaffected by Food in Healthy Male Volunteers

The effect of food on the bioavailability of GW420867X, a novel nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, was investigated in 15 young, healthy, male volunteers. A single oral dose of GW420867×100 mg was administered in the fasted state, after a high‐fat meal, and after a meal of normal fat composition. Tolerability and pharmacokinetic sampling were assessed at baseline and up to 600 hours. The median concentration‐time plots for each treatment group were essentially superimposable. Neither the rate nor the extent of absorption of GW420867X was significantly affected by food. The median time to peak plasma concentration was 3 to 4 hours, irrespective of treatment. Pairwise comparisons using the fasted treatment as the comparator showed no impact of food on GW420867X pharmacokinetics. GW420867X was well tolerated. There were no serious or treatment‐limiting adverse events; all episodes reported were rated as mild to moderate. The bioavailability of GW420867X was unaffected by food. GW420867X may be administered independently of food and fat intake.
ON AN "ENERGY ONLY" ELECTRICITY MARKET DESIGN FOR RESOURCE ADEQUACY

An “energy only” market design could avoid the need for increasingly prescriptive regulations targeted at ensuring resource adequacy. Transparent scarcity pricing would create better incentives for both operations and investment. An improved electricity market design would not eliminate all need for regulatory prescriptions. However, it would change the nature of the remaining problems and allow for market-based approaches that would not overturn the market.
Speech to Infants as Hyperspeech: Knowledge-Driven Processes in Early Word Recognition

Abstract The intelligibility of a word in continuous speech depends on the clarity of the word and on linguistic and nonlinguistic contextual information available to the listener. Despite limited knowledge of language and the world, infants in the first 2 years are already beginning to make use of contextual information in processing speech. Adults interacting with infants tend to modify their speech in ways that serve to maximize predictability for the immature listener by highlighting focussed words and using frequent repetition and formulaic utterances. Infant-directed speech is viewed as a form of ‘hyperspeech’ which facilities comprehension, not by modifying phonetic properties of individual words but rather by providing contextual support on perceptual levels accessible to infants even in the earliest stages of language learning.
A Business Model Framework for the Design and Evaluation of Business Models in the Internet of Services

Business development comprises of various activities to determine future opportunities for a company like the identification of target markets, new products and services, a better pricing model or internal process innovation potentials. One of the significant aspects of a successful business development is therefore the consistent further development of business model alternatives for evaluation purpose. This paper introduces a detailed concept for the design of business model variants with the focus on service-based offerings in the internet. Based on current business model research and empirical findings, this work introduces a business model ontology and a corresponding software-approach to support the design of business model alternatives. The contribution of this work is the methodological support of the decision making process at the business development level.
Genetic Analysis of a Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain Isolated in Iran

In their recent paper, Kobayashi et al. evaluated the emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) by genomic analysis (1). Based on whole-genome sequencing data for all U.S. VRSA strains isolated to date (2), they proposed that the development of resistance to vancomycin is an independent event in VRSA strains. It was our pleasure to read their article. We found that our results are in concordance with their conclusions. Our VRSA isolate belongs to ST1283, CC8, Spa t037, SCCmec III, and agrI (3). These …
A systematic review and meta-analyses on C-reactive protein in relation to periodontitis.

AIM Elevated plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) is regarded as a risk predictor for cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review explored the robustness of observations that CRP is elevated in periodontitis. Similarly, the effect of periodontal therapy on CRP levels was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Selection of publications was based on: (1) cross-sectional (case-control) studies; (2) longitudinal (treatment) studies; (3) high-sensitivity CRP measurement; (4) median and/or mean (+/-SD) values presented; and (5) subjects with no systemic disorders. RESULTS Screening of the initially 448 identified studies and reference checking resulted in 18 suitable papers. The majority of the studies showed that CRP levels are higher in patients than in controls. Often, studies showed that patients had CRP levels >2.1 mg/l. A meta-analysis of 10 cross-sectional studies showed that the weighted mean difference (WMD) of CRP between patients and controls was 1.56 mg/l (p<0.00001). Evidence from available treatment studies (n=6) showed lower levels of CRP after periodontal therapy. Eligible treatment studies in a meta-analysis demonstrated a WMD of reductions of CRP after therapy of 0.50 mg/L (95% CI 0.08-0.93) (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS There is strong evidence from cross-sectional studies that plasma CRP in periodontitis is elevated compared with controls. There is modest evidence on the effect of periodontal therapy in lowering the levels of CRP.
New product development: North American ingredient supplier′s role

In North America, food processing is one of the largest industries. Expenditures for food and beverage consumption in the USA alone, total approximately $500 billion, 70 per cent of which is estimated to account for products consumed in the home. Total food sales to North American consumers accounts for about 8 per cent of the gross domestic product, even when omitting the value of services and products derived from ingredient suppliers and equipment manufacturers.
The Influence of Strategic Flexibility on the Achievement of Strategic Objectives: an Empirical Study on the Jordanian Manufacturing Companies

This study aimed at investigating the influence of strategic flexibility dimensions (market flexibility, new product flexibility, and expansion flexibility) on the achievement of strategic objectives. To address this objective, a cross-sectional survey employing a questionnaire method of data collection was adopted. General Directors, Human Resource Managers, Operations or Production Managers, Finance Managers, and Marketing Managers in the Jordanian Manufacturing Companies classified in Amman Stock Exchange Market were targeted by this study. A total of 225 usable responses were received representing a response rate of 62.5%. For the purpose of data analysis, the research utilized descriptive and advanced statistics using multiple regression analysis. The results of data analysis indicated significant impact of strategic flexibility dimensions (market flexibility, new product flexibility, and expansion flexibility) on the achievement of strategic objectives. The study raises some implications for managers and consultants such as encouraging them to use the several dimensions of strategic flexibility in planning, setting, and achieving the strategic objectives. The study also proposes several directions for future research such as conducting more empirical studies about: the role of the intervening variables – i.e. company size, organizational level, industry type – on the relationship between strategic flexibility and strategic objectives.
Lung endothelial HO‐1 targeting in vivo using lentiviral miRNA regulates apoptosis and autophagy during oxidant injury

The lung endothelium is a major target for inflammatory and oxidative stress. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) induction is a crucial defense mechanism during oxidant challenges, such as hyperoxia. The role of lung endothelial HO‐1during hyperoxia in vivo is not well defined. We engineered lentiviral vectors with microRNA (miRNA) sequences controlled by vascular endothelium cadherin (VE‐cad) to study the specific role of lung endothelial HO‐1. Wild‐type (WT) murine lung endothelial cells (MLECs) or WT mice were treated with lentivirus and exposed to hyperoxia (95% oxygen). We detected HO‐1 knockdown (~55%) specifically in the lung endothelium. MLECs and lungs showed approximately a 2‐fold increase in apoptosis and ROS generation after HO‐1 silencing. We also demonstrate for the first time that silencing endothelial HO‐1 has the same effect on lung injury and survival as silencing HO‐1 in multiple lung cell types and that HO‐1 regulates caspase 3 activation and autophagy in endothelium during hyperoxia. These studies demonstrate the utility of endothelial‐targeted gene silencing in vivo using lentiviral miRNA constructs to assess gene function and that endothelial HO‐1 is an important determinant of survival during hyperoxia. —Zhang, Y. , Jiang, G. , Sauler, M. , Lee, P. J., Lung endothelial HO‐1 targeting in vivo using lentiviral miRNA regulates apoptosis and autophagy during oxidant injury. FASEB J. 27, 4041–4058 (2013). www.fasebj. org
Pitting the Mall Against the Internet In Advertising-Research Completion

ABSTRACT Internet surveys—particularly those utilizing panels of consumers—have supplanted the mall intercept as the method of choice for many advertising researchers. Internet surveys are estimated to be growing at a rate of almost 14 percent per year, with as much as 35 percent of all advertising research conducted using Internet panels. One question remains: How do the data utilizing Internet panels compare with mall-intercept data? This empirical study seeks to answer this question by replicating four mall-intercept studies using an Internet panel. Print, broadcast, and Internet ads were tested using the same products/brands, test and control ads, screening criteria, and survey questions. The results showed some differences, particularly with responses to open-end questions. The results also demonstrated that much of that difference appeared to be due to the influence of the researcher in the mall-intercept environment, a factor not present with Internet-panel surveys.
Brain response to traumatic brain injury in wild‐type and interleukin‐6 knockout mice: a microarray analysis

Traumatic injury to the brain is one of the leading causes of injury‐related death or disability. Brain response to injury is orchestrated by cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐6, but the full repertoire of responses involved is not well known. We here report the results obtained with microarrays in wild‐type and IL‐6 knockout mice subjected to a cryolesion of the somatosensorial cortex and killed at 0, 1, 4, 8 and 16 days post‐lesion. Overall gene expression was analyzed by using Affymetrix genechips/oligonucleotide arrays with ∼12 400 probe sets corresponding to ∼10 000 different murine genes (MG_U74Av2). A robust, conventional statistical method (two‐way anova) was employed to select the genes significantly affected. An orderly pattern of gene responses was clearly detected, with genes being up‐ or down‐regulated at specific timings consistent with the processes involved in the initial tissue injury and later regeneration of the parenchyma. IL‐6 deficiency showed a dramatic effect in the expression of many genes, especially in the 1 day post‐lesion timing, which presumably underlies the poor capacity of IL‐6 knockout mice to cope with brain damage. The results highlight the importance of IL‐6 controlling the response of the brain to injury as well as the suitability of microarrays for identifying specific targets worthy of further study.
Role of Postoperative Radiotherapy in Nonlocalized Thymoma: Propensity-Matched Analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database

Introduction: Because of a lack of randomized trials, the role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in thymomas has not been established. This study evaluated the prognostic impact of the adjuvant treatment in surgically resected nonlocalized thymomas. Methods: Patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1973–2011 registry). Cases with localized or organ-confined tumors were not included. Propensity-matched analysis was conducted considering baseline characteristics. Results: A total of 529 patients were identified. The median age was 57 years (range, 18–86), and 345 (65%) patients received PORT. Before and after propensity score matching, overall survival (OS; p = 0.018 and 0.008, respectively) and disease-specific survival (DSS; p = 0.007 and 0.008, respectively) were better in the PORT group. In multivariate analyses of the matched population, no receipt of PORT induced poorer OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–3.09) and DSS (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.32–5.29). Primary tumor extensions of adjacent organs or structures and further contiguous extensions also resulted in worse outcomes (p < 0.001 and equal to 0.039 for OS; p = 0.006 and 0.009 for DSS, respectively). In the subgroup analyses, PORT was associated with favorable OS in stages III and IV (p = 0.049 and 0.012, respectively) and DSS in stage III (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Regarding the independent prognostic significance of PORT, this population-based analysis demonstrates the survival benefits of PORT in relation to nonlocalized thymomas. We recommend consideration of PORT in the poor prognostic subset of stages III to IV in the contemporary era.
‘The street smarts of a cartoon princess’. New roles for women in games

The role of women in games is changing, although the media and sometimes games designers have been slow to catch up with this. This paper argues that games are adopting a more gender-neutral approach and that in cases where this does not happen, players are taking matters into their own hands. Fan texts reappropriate the female in games to present a more playful aspect and the growing sociality of games, especially online games, means that designers are taking note where players find difficulty with gendered representations. At the same time the female gamer is becoming less of a trope as players accept more freely that men and women play a diverse selection of games that cannot be categorised by sex.
Study on the VaR Model Based on the Simulation of Support Vector Machine

Three computational methods are applied to traditional VaR model at present, including delta positive, Monte Carlo simulation and history simulation, however, some defects exist in the traditional methods such as fat tail, nonlinearity, big estimated error, complexity of the calculations, etc. In this paper, SVM theory is applied to VaR model by choosing Gaussian normal distribution function as kernel function. The new VaR model overcomes the defects, and is effective in approximating and generalizing compared with traditional ones; therefore, it is a significant complement to VaR system.
Efficient c-kit Receptor-Targeted Gene Transfer to Primary Human CD34-Selected Hematopoietic Stem Cells

ABSTRACT We have previously reported effective gene transfer with a targeted molecular conjugate adenovirus vector through the c-kit receptor in hematopoietic progenitor cell lines. However, a c-kit-targeted recombinant retroviral vector failed to transduce cells, indicating the existence of significant differences for c-kit target gene transfer between these two viruses. Here we demonstrate that conjugation of an adenovirus to a c-kit-retargeted retrovirus vector enables retroviral transduction. This finding suggests the requirement of endosomalysis for successful c-kit-targeted gene transfer. Furthermore, we show efficient gene transfer to, and high transgene expression (66%) in, CD34-selected, c-kit+ human peripheral blood stem cells using a c-kit-targeted adenovirus vector. These findings may have important implications for future vector development in c-kit-targeted stem cell gene transfer.