The Nature of IT Firms: A Systemic Literature Review and Analysis

IT firms have grown in economic importance in the last few decades. It is the interest of both practitioners and researchers across a range of business management and information system disciplines. Having conducted a systemic literature review, we proposed a new conceptual definition and conceptual frameworks which together provides a deeper understanding of the essence of “IT firms”. The definition we proposed of IT firm offers a way forward for identification of IT firms with increased understanding and a clear boundary. The conceptual framework synthesized the characteristic dimensions of IT firms. It not only improves current understanding of IT firms but also provides a solid foundation for further studies of IT firms. The types of IT firms developed in this paper offers a means of classifying different IT firms. The IT firm development framework in relation to innovation focus and improvisational capabilities not only advances understanding about IT firms, but also provides further research opportunities towards empirical testing and knowledge building. The insights discovered in the paper are also useful for business practitioners in strategy and consulting. The frameworks provide useful knowledge and advice for IT firms within the industry

In vivo and in vitro immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of total flavonoids of astragalus

Background: Astragali Radix has long been used to improve immune function in traditional Chinese medicine. However, its main active components and potential immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory activities have not been elucidated. In the present study, the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA) isolated from Astragali Radix were evaluated by using in vivo animal models and in vitro cell models.Materials and Methods: The in vivo Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of TFA were assessed by measuring macrophage phagocytic index, delayed type hypersensitivity, serum hemolysin level and immune organ index in mice, ear edema test in mice, paw edema test in rats, vascular permeability test in mice and granuloma test in rats. The in vitro Immunomodulatory and  anti-inflammatory activities of TFA were assessed by examining its effect on cytokine and mediator production in un-stimulated and LPS-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages.Results: The results of in vivo experiments showed that TFA enhanced macrophage phagocytic index, delayed type hypersensitivity, serum hemolysin level and immune organ index in mice, and attenuated mouse ear edema, rat paw edema, mouse vascular permeability and rat granuloma formation. The results of in vitro  experiments showed that TFA stimulated the production of NO and cytokine TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ in un-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and inhibited the overproduction of these inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner without exerting cytotoxicity.Conclusion: These results of this study indicate that TFA have potential immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.Key words: Total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA), Immunomodulation,  Anti-inflammation, In vivo, In vitr

Exploring of teaching effect of course “vehicle chassis structure” based on the teaching mode of divided class

University is an important transit station for students to enter social life, undertaking the important mission of personnel training. Nowadays, a series of challenges exists in university education. It is very important to strengthen the teaching effect of cases in the classroom. The course “Vehicle chassis structure” is a compulsory professional course for undergraduate students majoring in automotive engineering. This work has proposed a teaching mode of divided class for the course of “Vehicle chassis structure”. And it can be concluded that the teaching effect can be improved largely via the teaching mode of divided class. The main purpose of this method is to improve students\u27 initiative learning ability and mutual help and cooperation ability