Platforms and Protocols for the Multidimensional Microchip Electrophoretic Analysis of Complex Proteomes

The need for rapid, portable and high-throughput systems in proteomics is now prevalent because of demands for generating new protein-based disease biomarkers. However, 2-D protein profile patterns are lending themselves as potential diagnostic tools for biomarker discovery. It is difficult to identify protein biomarkers which are low abundant in the presence of highly abundant proteins, especially in complex biological samples like serum. Protein profiles from 2-D separation of the protein content of cells or body fluids, which are unique to certain physiological or pathological states, are currently available on internet databases. In this work, we demonstrate the ability to separate a complex biological sample using low cost, disposable, polymer-based microchips suitable for a multidimensional techniques that employed sodium dodecyl sulfate micro-capillary gel electrophoresis (SDS µ-CGE) in the 1st dimension and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) or microemulsion electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEEKC) in the 2nd dimension. The peak capacity generated by this microchip technique was about 3-fold greater compared to conventional 2-D separation methods and the complete separation time was 60X faster. To minimize electroosmotic flow effects, we dynamically coated the channels with methylhydroxyethyl cellulose. Proteins were detected by laser-induced fluorescence following their labeling with dyes. To mitigate challenges posed by labeling the proteins, we investigated the use of a label-free technique that relied upon conductivity measurements. Preliminary data are presented on the fabrication of on-chip electrodes using a conductive SU-8 polymer via lithography

Urban Forms and Civic Space in Nineteenth to Early Twentieth Century Bangkok and Rangoon

Buddhist spaces in Bangkok and Rangoon both had long common traditions prior to nineteenth and early twentieth-century colonial incursions. Top–down central city planning with European designs transformed both cities. While Siamese kings personally initiated civic change that began to widen economic and social interaction of different classes, British models segregated European, Burmese, Indian, and Chinese populations to exacerbate social differences. In addition, the Siamese rulers maintained and enhanced civic spaces of religious compounds while the British occupied the Shwedagon pagoda for military purposes and created spacious gardens for their own use. The article underlines the disparity in the provision of urban forms in central city planning between the royal vision of nation-building developed by King Chulalongkorn and his successor King Vajiravudh and the new capital of Rangoon laid out by colonial engineers where the traditional ritual spaces became the staging ground for nationalist movements. In both cities, urban forms and civic spaces were essential in legitimizing political authority. The article demonstrates the manner in which spatial and visual systems colored the production of civic space to initiate social integration in Bangkok and preamble disintegration in colonial Rangoon

Social Media Usage and Shopping Preferences: an Empirical Investigation

We empirically explore the associations between social media usage at home and shopping preferences using survey data. We focus on popular retail firms including brick-and-mortar firms such as Walmart, Target, Nordstrom, and Best Buy, and online retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Social media usage of popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Skype are analyzed. We draw on Media Richness Theory (MRT) and Strength of Weak Ties from Social Network Analysis (SNA) and related theories to explain our results. Our results have important implications for social marketing campaigns and social media policies for consumer retail firms

Social Media Usage and Cultural Dimensions: an Empirical Investigation

Cultural attributes of employees affect organizations in several different ways through their impact on organizational goals and decision-making processes. Social media create ample opportunities for organizations to improve competitiveness and efficiency of marketing and communications. We empirically investigate the impact of employee cultural dimensions on social media usage at work and at home. Such a study has not been undertaken before to the best of our knowledge and this would be the first study to connect cultural dimension characteristics of individuals with social media usage. Specifically, we investigate the effect of Power Distance (PD), Uncertainty Avoidance (UA), and Individualism-Collectivism (IC) on the use of popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Skype, and LinkedIn. Our results show that certain cultural dimensions predict higher or lower levels of use of specific social media platforms. We provide implications of our results on research and practice

The Impact of the United States on Politics in Thailand

This thesis examines modern politics in Thailand, its policy, and its search for national security, by showing the impact of the United States on Thai politics. The thesis maintains that politics in Thailand are results that come from attempts of the Thai government to adapt to American involvement in Thailand. The thesis describes the Thai government scene from 1945 to 1972. It analyzes the elements of American involvement and factors in Thai society that are pressured by this involvement. The attempts of the Thai government and its politicians to bring their policy more into line with the changing situations are shown in their reactions to problems of Southeast Asia--the focus of which is on the problems of Vietnam, the problems of China, and the withdrawal of the U.S. to a profile of low visibility

Linking Workplace Diversity To Organizational Performance: A Conceptual Framework

This article investigates the previous research of the influence of workplace diversity on organizational performance. It provides a conceptual framework of the influence of diversity on performance, integrating the literature on the potential performance benefits of diversity and potential problems of diversity. The goal of the article is to provide practitioners and scholars alike with a framework that will allow them to design diversity initiatives based on a needs assessment and empirical researc

DECOLONIZING MANAGEMENT AND LEADING CHANGE THROUGH AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY

open access journalAfrica currently operates and manages her affairs with and from a colonial perspective, in business, politics, and education. Living everyday life through a colonial lens has stunted growth and innovation because instead of using her strengths, which is leading with African management philosophy, Africa continues to operate with a Western framework, that is a system where the toxic influence and effects of coloniality continues to permeate African political institutions, the education system and culture. The authors advocate for a return to indigenous management philosophy, to ensure success and long-term sustainability. This paper sheds light on a historical background of African societies prior to the destruction of her cultures and institutions by slavery and colonialism. The authors offer key differences between African and Western approaches to show why the Western system has failed Africa. Lastly, the authors offer a framework for policy formulation in the form of propositions