Individual Creativity and the Influence of Mindful Leaders on Enterprise

Creativity and innovation drive competitiveness in the 21st century enterprises. Dynamic hyper-intensive competitive markets demand widespread innovations from all employees in most global enterprises. Leaders influence and set the contextual environments under which their employees express creativity. This paper will examine how different lea- dership models relate with individual creativity. It is noted that the mindful consciousness of individuals, including their leaders, play significant roles in the individuals’ creativity. This exploratory research study first defines creativity and individual creativity, and then examines the five different orientations of leaders’ influences on the individuals’ creativity. In conclusion, selected managerial and educational implications are suggested

Technology Roadmapping for Commercializing Strategic Innovations

In the increasingly globalized world economies, a variety of drivers define the market and regulatory contexts for commercializing the strategic innovations that provide significant competitive advantage in the near-term and long-term future. In this study we examine how technological roadmapping integrates these strategic contextual factors with the organizational capabilities and resources of the firm to commercialize strategic innovations. This is done by first examining four roadmapping case-studies: (1) at Motorola, (2) at Sandia National laboratories, (3) the National and International Roadmaps for Semiconductors, and (3) nanotechnologies. A five stage process is proposed for commercializing strategic innovations. Finally, managerial implications and potential future research are discussed.En las crecientes economías del mundo globalizado, una variedad de factores definen al mercado y el contexto regulatorio para la comercialización de innovaciones estratégicas que proveen ventajas competitivas significantes a corto y largo plazo. En éste estudio se examinan como la generación de mapas tecnológicos integran estos factores contextuales con las capacidades organizacionales y los recursos de la compañía para comercializar las innovaciones estratégicas. El estudio se realizó examinando 4 casos de mapas tecnológicos: (1) Motorota, (2) Laboratorios Nacionales Sandia, (3) Los mapas Internacionales para Semiconductores y (4) Nanotecnologías. Un procedimiento consistente en 5 etapas es propuesto para la comercialización de innovaciones estratégicas. Finalmente se discuten, las implicaciones de gestión y el desarrollo de un futuro tema de investigación.In the increasingly globalized world economies, a variety of drivers define the market and regulatory contexts for commercializing the strategic innovations that provide significant competitive advantage in the near-term and long-term future. In this study we examine how technological roadmapping integrates these strategic contextual factors with the organizational capabilities and resources of the firm to commercialize strategic innovations. This is done by first examining four roadmapping case-studies: (1) at Motorola, (2) at Sandia National laboratories, (3) the National and International Roadmaps for Semiconductors, and (3) nanotechnologies. A five stage process is proposed for commercializing strategic innovations. Finally, managerial implications and potential future research are discussed

Innovative Strategic Leader Transforming From a Low-Cost Strategy to Product Differentiation Strategy

After the 2008 economic slowdown, and with increasing assault from enterprises from emerging economies, many innovative strategic leaders of multinational enterprises are forced to radically transform their enterprises. They often choose to change from low-cost strategy to innovation-driven product differentiation strategy. In this study, we use a multi-level Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM) and agency theory to empirically illustrate such a strategic transformation at a large composite fabric and accessories enterprise. Lessons are drawn from the impact of strategic transformation at multiple levels: strategic leader level, tactical-team manager level, operational follower level, and stakeholder level. Implications for practitioners and researchers are provided by way of mindful leader orientation and value-based innovation

Corporate Brand Value Shifting from Identity to Innovation Capability: from Coca-Cola to Apple

Corporate brand value, a key corporate asset, has traditionally relied on stakeholder interactions, heritage, and corporate identity. In dynamic fast clock-speed industries (information technology and consumer electronics), we note that brand values change dramatically within a few years based on their innovativeness. Using grounded theory approach and multi-case study method we examine how Apple, Samsung, Toyota, and Coca-Cola sustained their most valuable global brands while Kodak and General Motors eroded the same. Certain key dynamic innovative capabilities are identified as best practices. We conclude with implications for managers and future researchers, along with some limitations

Influence of seed pretreated in sodium chloride on the salt tolerance of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.).

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) seed soaking on seed germination and plant growth of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under saline conditions. Seeds were pretreated by soaking in NaCl solutions at concentrations of 0, 1500, 3000 and 4500 ppm. The pretreated seeds were divided into two groups: the first group was germinated in Petri dishes, and the second group was sown in pots. Both groups were irrigated with different concentrations of salinity (tap water, 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm NaCl). The results indicated that the salinity of the irrigation water decreased the seed germination percentage and leaf chlorophyll content under a salinity level of 3000 ppm. On the other hand, pretreatment of seeds with NaCl solution led to a gradual increase in germination percentage and total chlorophyll content of leaves. Pretreatment with 4500 ppm NaCl gave comparable values to the effect of control treatment under irrigation conditions with 1000 and 2000 ppm salinity. However, pretreatment of seeds with NaCl led to a gradual decrease in germination percentage, reaching 60% under a salinity level of 3000 ppm, and no obvious effect was seen on the leaf chlorophyll contents. Pretreatment of seeds by NaCl solutions increased the root and shoot fresh and dry weights, while shoot and root weight gradually decreased with the increasing salinity of irrigation water and regardless of the effects attributed to seed pretreatment. The increase in irrigation water salinity also led to a decrease in leaf area, and root length and root diameter, as well as root water contents. In contrast, the salinity led to a gradual increase in leaf specific weight, while the value of leaf number and leaf water contents were not affected. Therefore, the increased specific leaf weight as a result of the salinity of the irrigation water gave an indication that soaking the seeds in saline solutions increased the plant tolerance to salinity that lead to better plant growth

The Prevalence of Inflammatory and Developmental Odontogenic Cysts in a Libyan Population

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of odontogenic jaw cysts in a Libyan population and to compare the data with previously published reports from other countries. Materials and methods- We retrieved and analyzed 2190 case notes and biopsy records of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Al Arab Medical Sciences University, Benghazi, Libya, dating from January 1990 to December 2005. There were 326 cases (14.8%) of diagnosed odontogenic cysts among the 2190 biopsies performed during this period. The cases were analyzed for age and sex distribution, site of presentation, association with impacted teeth, and the method of treatment.Results: The male to female ratio of patients was 1.3:1 Radicular cysts accounted for 222 cases (68.1%), followed by dentigerous cysts (n=49, 15%) and odontogenic keratocysts (n=43, 14.1%). Mean ages of the patients were, respectively, 31.7, 22.7 and 36.1 years. . The maxilla was more commonly involved than the mandible (1.3:1). The anterior maxilla was the commonest site (n=132, 37.4%) followed by the posterior mandible (n=96, 29.4%). Fifty three cases were associated with impacted teeth, and the highest frequency was for dentigerous cysts (n=37). Enucleation and curettage was performed on 300 patients, marsupialization on 14, and marginal/segmental resection on 12.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first such study on a Libyan population. Our results are comparable to studies from other countries. Knowledge of the relative frequencies and sites of presentation of odontogenic cysts in different ethno-geographic backgrounds is essential for the early diagnosis and management of these benign yet potentially destructive lesions. Keywords: Odontogenic cysts, Prevalence, Radicular cyst, Dentigerous cyst, Odontogenic keratocys

A Pseudo DNA Cryptography Method

The DNA cryptography is a new and very promising direction in cryptography research. DNA can be used in cryptography for storing and transmitting the information, as well as for computation. Although in its primitive stage, DNA cryptography is shown to be very effective. Currently, several DNA computing algorithms are proposed for quite some cryptography, cryptanalysis and steganography problems, and they are very powerful in these areas. However, the use of the DNA as a means of cryptography has high tech lab requirements and computational limitations, as well as the labor intensive extrapolation means so far. These make the efficient use of DNA cryptography difficult in the security world now. Therefore, more theoretical analysis should be performed before its real applications. In this project, We do not intended to utilize real DNA to perform the cryptography process; rather, We will introduce a new cryptography method based on central dogma of molecular biology. Since this method simulates some critical processes in central dogma, it is a pseudo DNA cryptography method. The theoretical analysis and experiments show this method to be efficient in computation, storage and transmission; and it is very powerful against certain attacks. Thus, this method can be of many uses in cryptography, such as an enhancement insecurity and speed to the other cryptography methods. There are also extensions and variations to this method, which have enhanced security, effectiveness and applicability.Comment: A small work that quite some people asked abou

Connexin Expression and Gap Junctional Coupling in Human Cumulus Cells: Contribution to Embryo Quality

Gap junctional coupling among cumulus cells is important for oogenesis since its deficiency in mice leads to impaired folliculogenesis. Multiple connexins (Cx), the subunits of gap junction channels, have been found within ovarian follicles in several species but little is known about the connexins in human follicles. The aim of this study was to determine which connexins contribute to gap junctions in human cumulus cells and to explore the possible relationship between connexin expression and pregnancy outcome from in vitro fertilization (IVF). Cumulus cells were obtained from IVF patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Connexin expression was examined by RT-PCR and confocal microscopy. Cx43 was quantified by immunoblotting and gap junctional coupling was measured by patch-clamp electrophysiology. All but five of 20 connexin mRNAs were detected. Of the connexin proteins detected, Cx43 forms numerous gap junction-like plaques but Cx26, Cx30, Cx30.3, Cx32, and Cx40 appeared to be restricted to the cytoplasm. The strength of gap junctional conductance varied between patients and was significantly and positively correlated with Cx43 level, but neither was correlated with patient age. Interestingly, Cx43 level and intercellular conductance were positively correlated with embryo quality as judged by cleavage rate and morphology, and were significantly higher in patients who became pregnant than in those who did not. Thus, despite the presence of multiple connexins, Cx43 is a major contributor to gap junctions in human cumulus cells and its expression level may influence pregnancy outcome after ICSI

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome components, individually and in combination, in male patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome, without previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus

Background: Mortality from cardiovascular disease in the Middle East is projected to increase substantially in the coming decades. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) continues to raise interest, but data from the Middle East is limited, especially in non-diabetic patients. This study was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of MS and frequency of its components, individually and in combination, in a male population presenting with ACS, but without a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods: This is a prospective study of 467 consecutive male patients hospitalized for ACS. They were categorized according to the specific criteria stated in the latest joint statement for the global definition of MS.Results: The mean age was (49.7910.7 years). Of the 467 patients, 324 (69.4%) fulfilled the criteria for MS. ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) was identified in 178 patients (54.9%), and non-ST elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) in 146 patients (45.1%). These proportions were not significantly different from those without MS (STEMI 51.7% vs. NSTE-ACS 48.3%, respectively). However, patients with MS were older (50.6910 vs. 47.9911 years; p0.012), and more than half of those with MS were above 50 years. The most common abnormal metabolic components were reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c; 94.1%), elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG; 89.8%), and elevated triglycerides (81.8%), followed by increased waist circumference (61.7%) and raised blood pressure (40.4%). The majority of patients with MS had three or more metabolic components (326 patients, 69.4%), and 102 (21.8%) had two components, but only 37 (8.4%) had a single component.Conclusions: In ACS patients, without previous history of DM, MS is highly prevalent. Reduced HDL, elevated FBG and triglycerides were the most frequent metabolic components. The majority had multiple components. These findings raise alarm and show that drug therapy alone may not be fully effective, unless the underlying risk factors causing MS, such as weight and exercise, are also tackled.Keywords: male; metabolic syndrome; acute coronary syndrome; diabetes mellitu