Japan External Trade Organization

While exploration and exploitation represent two fundamentally different approaches to organizational learning, recent literature has increasingly indicated the need for firms to achieve a balance between the two. This balanced view is embedded in the concept of ambidextrous organizations. However, there is little direct evidence of the positive effect of ambidexterity on firm performance. This paper seeks to test the ambidexterity hypothesis by examining how exploration and exploitation can jointly influence firm performance in the context of firms' approach to technological innovation. Based on a sample of 206 manufacturing firms, we find evidence consistent with the ambidexterity hypothesis by showing that (1) the interaction between explorative and exploitative innovation strategies is positively related to sales growth rate, and (2) the relative imbalance between explorative and exploitative innovation strategies is negatively related to sales growth rate.

This article introduces a large new cross-country database, the Database of Political Institutions. It covers 177 countries over 21 years, 1975-95

This handbook reviews the key palaeoecological methods applied to primarily organic lake and mire deposits. Particular attention is paid to Holocene environmental changes in the temperate zone, but most methods can be applied to older Quaternary deposits and to areas outside the temperate zone. The need for uniform methods of correlating stratigraphical data on a continental scale is emphasized. The first part of the book concentrates upon the theoretical background to environmental change, examining relationships between physical and biological environments and how they are affected by changes in climate, hydrology and human impact. The research strategy applied to palaeoecological studies of lakes and mires is then considered, introducing the concept of 'reference sites' for stratigraphical correlations. Recommended methods for dealing with these sites are described in subsequent sections. These include sampling and mapping techniques, stratigraphical methods, dating methods, and physical, chemical and biological methods. The numerical treatment of biostratigraphical data is discussed in the final section. The content is based upon the work of the International Geological Correlation Programme Project 158B.

People have a tendency to marry within their social group or to marry a person who is close to them in status. Although many characteristics play a role in the choice of a spouse, sociologists have most often examined endogamy and homogamy with respect to race/ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status. I first give an overview of hypotheses on the causes of endogamy and homogamy. The various hypotheses that have been suggested in the literature can be distinguished as arguments about three more general factors: (a) the preferences of marriage candidates for certain characteristics in a spouse, (b) the interference of “third parties” in the selection process, and (c) the constraints of the marriage market in which candidates are searching for a spouse. Second, I summarize empirical research by answering four questions: (a) To what extent are groups endogamous and how do groups differ in this respect? (b) How has endogamy changed over time? (c) Which factors are related to endogamy? (d) How do various dimensions of partner choice coincide? Third, I discuss strengths and weaknesses of past research. Strengths include the mass of descriptive work that has been done and the development of a multifaceted theoretical perspective which gives sociological theorizing an edge over psychological and economic theories of partner choice. Weaknesses include the lack of standardization of methods in describing patterns and trends and the relatively weak integration of empirical and theoretical work.

The most up-to-date yeast identification and reference manual ever published. Includes descriptions of the 678 currently recognised species and over 1300 high quality photomicrographs. Readily usable keys and tables allow identification of all of the species described.

D. J. Hickson, C. R. Hinings, C. A. Lee, R. E. Schneck, J. M. Pennings, A Strategic Contingencies' Theory of Intraorganizational Power, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 16, No. 2 (Jun., 1971), pp. 216-229

Magnetic Weyl semimetals with broken time-reversal symmetry are expected to generate strong intrinsic anomalous Hall effects, due to their large Berry curvature. Here, we report a magnetic Weyl semimetal candidate, Co3Sn2S2, with a quasi-two-dimensional crystal structure consisting of stacked kagome lattices. This lattice provides an excellent platform for hosting exotic topological quantum states. We observe a negative magnetoresistance that is consistent with the chiral anomaly expected from the presence of Weyl fermions close to the Fermi level. The anomalous Hall conductivity is robust against both increased temperature and charge conductivity, which corroborates the intrinsic Berry-curvature mechanism in momentum space. Owing to the low carrier density in this material and the considerably enhanced Berry curvature from its band structure, the anomalous Hall conductivity and the anomalous Hall angle simultaneously reach 1,130 Ω−1 cm−1 and 20%, respectively, an order of magnitude larger than typical magnetic systems. Combining the kagome-lattice structure and the long-range out-of-plane ferromagnetic order of Co3Sn2S2, we expect that this material is an excellent candidate for observation of the quantum anomalous Hall state in the two-dimensional limit.

Nan Dirk De Graaf, Paul M. De Graaf, Gerbert Kraaykamp, Parental Cultural Capital and Educational Attainment in the Netherlands: A Refinement of the Cultural Capital Perspective, Sociology of Education, Vol. 73, No. 2 (Apr., 2000), pp. 92-111

This text presents analyses of historically-situated discursive events during which ideas about language are formed, articulated and authoritatively entextualized.

Triacylglycerol (TAG) is known to be synthesized in a reaction that uses acyl-CoA as acyl donor and diacylglycerol (DAG) as acceptor, and which is catalyzed by the enzyme acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase. We have found that some plants and yeast also have an acyl-CoA-independent mechanism for TAG synthesis, which uses phospholipids as acyl donors and DAG as acceptor. This reaction is catalyzed by an enzyme that we call phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase, or PDAT. PDAT was characterized in microsomal preparations from three different oil seeds: sunflower, castor bean, and Crepis palaestina. We found that the specificity of the enzyme for the acyl group in the phospholipid varies between these species. Thus, C. palaestina PDAT preferentially incorporates vernoloyl groups into TAG, whereas PDAT from castor bean incorporates both ricinoleoyl and vernoloyl groups. We further found that PDAT activity also is present in yeast microsomes. The substrate specificity of this PDAT depends on the head group of the acyl donor, the acyl group transferred, and the acyl chains of the acceptor DAG. The gene encoding the enzyme was identified. The encoded PDAT protein is related to lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, which catalyzes the acyl-CoA-independent synthesis of cholesterol esters. However, budding yeast PDAT and its relatives in fission yeast and Arabidopsis form a distinct branch within this protein superfamily, indicating that a separate PDAT enzyme arose at an early point in evolution.

This paper reports on a unique study of a large, random sample of business start-ups that were identified prior to the actual, commercial launch of the ventures. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, to present frequencies on the involvement of the Swedish population in the small business sector (particularly in start-ups of firms) and to compare these with estimates from Norway and the USA, which are based on studies using a similar research design. The authors also discuss the possible reasons for the differences that emerge between countries. Second, the characteristics of nascent entrepreneurs (i.e. individuals trying to start an independent business) are analysed and compared for sub-groups within the sample and with characteristics of business founders as they appear in theoretical accounts or retrospective empirical studies of surviving all firms. In order to get a representative sample from the working age population, respondents ( n = 30, 427) were randomly selected and interviewed by telephone. It was found that 2.0% of the Swedish population at the time of the interview were trying to start an independent business. Sweden had a significantly lower prevalence rate of nascent entrepreneurs compared to Norway and the USA. Nascent entrepreneurs were then compared to a control group of people not trying to start a business. The results confirmed findings from previous studies of business founders pointing to the importance of role models and the impression of self-employment obtained through these, employment status, age, education and experience. Marital status, the number of children in the household, and length of employment experience were unrelated to the probability of becoming a nascent entrepreneur. The gender of the respondent was the strongest distinguishing factor. Importantly, the results suggest that while one has a reasonably good understanding of the characteristics associated with men going into business for themselves, the type of variables investigated here have very limited ability to predict nascent entrepreneur status for women.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is widely regarded as a successful and innovative method for engineering education. Since the development of the PBL model at McMaster University in Canada in the late 1960s, many different varieties have emerged. This paper highlights the Dutch approach of directing the learning process through problem analysis and the Danish model of project-organised learning. Various definitions of the concept PBL identify characteristics at the levels of theoretical learning principles, educational models and educational practices. The McMaster–Maastricht PBL model and the Aalborg model of project work share characteristic features such as the theoretical principle of the problem analysis at the basis of the learning process, integration of knowledge and practice, collaboration and group work. Notable differences were found with respect to the type of assignments, assessment methods and organisation of the group work. In comparison to traditional engineering curricula, the PBL models appear to inspire a higher degree of involvement in study activities and, consequently, a higher level of complex comprehension. A possible drawback is the risk of gaps in specific knowledge areas. Therefore, it is crucial that the students in a PBL curriculum become lifelong learners who have learned to take responsibility for their own learning process.

Floquet engineering, the control of quantum systems using periodic driving, is an old concept in condensed matter physics dating back to ideas such as the inverse Faraday effect. However, there is a renewed interest in this concept owing to (a) the rapid developments in laser and ultrafast spectroscopy techniques, (b) discovery and understanding of various "quantum materials" hosting interesting exotic quantum properties, and (c) communication with different areas of physics such as artificial matter and nonequilibrium quantum statistical physics. Here, starting from a nontechnical introduction with emphasis on the Floquet picture and effective Hamiltonians, we review the recent applications of Floquet engineering in ultrafast, nonlinear phenomena in the solid state. In particular, Floquet topological states and their application to ultrafast spintronics and strongly correlated electron systems are overviewed.

Part 1: The Analysis of Uncertainties in Dealing with Complex Problems in Networks 1. Uncertainties in Dealing with Complex Problems in the Network Society 2. Uncertainty about Content: Knowledge Conflicts and Asymmetrical Debates 3. Uncertainty and Process: Problem Solving as Strategic Game 4. Uncertainty and Institutions: Patterns, Rules and Trust 5. Uncertainties and Governments: Old and New Responses 6. Summing Up: Dealing with Uncertainties in Networks Part 2: The Management of Uncertainties in Dealing with Complex Problems in Networks 7. Mapping Uncertainties in Games and Networks 8. Managing Content: Furthering Cross-Frame Reflection and the Creation of Negotiated Knowledge 9. Managing the Game 10. Managing the Network: Strategies for Institutional Design 11. Managing Uncertainties in Networks

Robots are becoming an integral component of our society and have great potential in being utilized as an educational technology. To promote a deeper understanding of the area, we present a review of the field of robots in education. Several prior ventures in the area are discussed (post-2000) with the help of classification criteria. The dissecting criteria include domain of the learning activity, location of the activity, the role of the robot, types of robots and types of robotic behaviour. Our overview shows that robots are primarily used to provide language, science or technology education and that a robot can take on the role of a tutor, tool or peer in the learning activity. We also present open questions and challenges in the field that emerged from the overview. The results from our overview are of interest to not only researchers in the field of human-robot interaction but also administration in educational institutes who wish to understand the wider implications of adopting robots in education.

Firms face two strategic decisions when engaging in a new purchase transaction: the decision whether to draft a detailed contract and the decision whether to select a partner with which they share a close tie. The authors study how organizational culture affects these decisions and the effectiveness of these decisions in curtailing the partner's opportunistic behavior. The results suggest that organizational culture exerts an important but different influence on both decisions. Selecting a close partner shows a marked ability to hedge against partner opportunism, but beyond a certain point, it encourages the opportunism it is designed to discourage. Contracting becomes effective only when a nonclose partner is selected and when the focal relationship is embedded in a network of close mutual contacts.

Potted poplar ramets showed increased concentrations and rates of synthesis of phenolic compounds within 52 hours of having 7 percent of their leaf area removed by tearing, as did undamaged plants sharing the same enclosure. Damaged sugar maple seedlings responded in a manner similar to that of the damaged poplars. Nearby undamaged maples had increased levels of phenolics and hydrolyzable and condensed tannin within 36 hours, but exhibited no change in rates of synthesis. An airborne cue originating in damaged tissues may stimulate biochemical changes in neighboring plants that could influence the feeding and growth of phytophagous insects.

We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of five alternative innovation indicators: R&D, patent applications, total innovation expenditure and shares in sales taken by imitative and by innovative products as they were measured in the 1992 Community Innovation Survey (CIS) in the Netherlands. We conclude that the two most commonly used indicators (R&D and patent applications) have more (and more severe) weaknesses than is often assumed. Moreover, our factor analysis suggests that there is little correlation between the various indicators. This underlines the empirical relevance of various sources of bias of innovation indicators as discussed in this paper.

In this paper, results of ab initio band structure calculations for A(2)BC Heusler compounds that have A and B sites occupied by transition metals and C by a main group element are presented. This class of materials includes some interesting half-metallic and ferromagnetic properties. The calculations have been performed in order to understand the properties of the minority band gap, the peculiar transport properties and magnetic behaviour found in these materials. Among the interesting aspects of the electronic structure of the materials are the contributions from both A and B atoms to the total magnetic moment. The magnitude of the total magnetic moment shows a trend consistent with the Slater - Pauling type behaviour in several classes of these compounds. The total magnetic moment also depends on the kind of C atoms although they do not directly contribute to it. In Co-2 compounds, a change of the C element changes the contribution of the t(2g) states to the moment at the Co sites. The localized moment in these magnetic compounds resides at the B site. Other than in the classical Cu-2-based Heusler compounds, the A atoms in Co-2, Fe-2 and Mn-2-based compounds may contribute significantly to the total magnetic moment. It is shown that the inclusion of electron - electron correlation in the form of LDA + U calculations helps to understand the magnetic properties of those compounds that already exhibit a minority gap in calculations where it is neglected. Besides the large group of Co-2 compounds, half-metallic ferromagnetism was here found only in such compounds that contain Mn.

Constraints from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were used to identify the sources of the visual P300 event-related potential (ERP). Healthy subjects performed a visual three-stimulus oddball paradigm with a difficult discrimination task while fMRI and high-density ERP data were acquired in separate sessions. This paradigm allowed us to differentiate the P3b component of the P300, which has been implicated in the detection of rare events in general (target and distractor), from the P3a component, which is mainly evoked by distractor events. The fMRI-constrained source model explained >99% of the variance of the scalp ERP for both components. The P3b was mainly produced by parietal and inferior temporal areas, whereas frontal areas and the insula contributed mainly to the P3a. This source model reveals that both higher visual and supramodal association areas contribute to the visual P3b and that the P3a has a strong frontal contribution, which is compatible with its more anterior distribution on the scalp. The results point to the involvement of distinct attentional subsystems in target and distractor processing.