This study aims to extend transaction cost economics (TCE) to explain the effects of the strategies of internal and external R&D on innovation performance under two types of environmental uncertainty, namely dynamism and complexity. As a departure from conventional TCE wisdom that internally focused R&D strategy is more efficient under environmental uncertainty, this study proposes that such a strategy can be less efficient under environmental dynamism, which is another important type of uncertainty. The results from a sample of manufacturing firms in China from 2002 to 2007 show that externally focused R&D strategy leads to better innovation performance under environmental dynamism, whereas internally focused R&D strategy results in better innovation performance under environmental complexity.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is an infectious dermatosis with high incidence worldwide. Age is a key risk factor for HZ, and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the main sequelae. Until now, no index has been available to predict the pathogenesis of PHN, and rare reports have focused on the immune response during aging and PHN. In this study, we selected immunoglobulin and complement proteins as markers for humoral immunity, while T lymphocyte subsets and natural killer (NK) cells were selected as markers for cell immunity, to systematically study the characteristics of immune responses in the peripheral blood of HZ patients. Our data showed that the absolute number of CD3 + T cells and CD8 + T cells decreased during aging and PHN. This implies that more attention should be paid to prevent the occurrence of PHN, especially in the aged population.

Succession is a challenge to family businesses for a number of reasons, including the excessive influence of the family subsystem on the business. Recent theoretical developments suggest that the effects of family adaptability and family cohesion on the effectiveness of succession and the satisfaction with succession process are determined by the family's commitment to the business and acceptance of individual roles. This article also highlights the importance of considering mediating factors in conducting family business research.

Succession is vital for the survival of family businesses. Recent research reveals that while the incumbent often avoids preparation for succession, he generally assumes and desires his son or daughter will join and take over the firm one day. However, the offspring intentions are unknown. This study explored the intentions of 18-28 year-old university students in seeking employment and the reasons for which they would join the firm in Zhejiang Province, China. The data from 103 participants showed that only 36 percent of the participants intended to join their parents' businesses. The empirical results demonstrated the important relationship between firm size and offspring intentions, and found no such relationship between offspring birth-order or gender and offspring intentions. Self-actualization needs and business development expectation were the most two important factors that influenced the participants' intentions. Based on these findings recommendations for successful succession were offered.

Family businesses represent a dominant form of economic organization throughout the world in terms of contributions, and especially numbers. Because of the incidence of family business failure and the importance of family business within national and local economies, a large percent of family business literature is devoted to the issue of succession. This research is undertaken to explore the factors that influence the offspring's intention to take over their parents' businesses in China, using a sample of 103 participants. A survey questionnaire is used as the research instrument. The results demonstrate that psychosocial needs are more often associated with the potential successors' intentions to take over family businesses than other factors.

Family businesses represent a dominant form of economic organization throughout the world in terms of contributions, and especially numbers. Because of the incidence of family business failure and the importance of family business within national and local economies, a large percent of family business literature is devoted to the issue of succession. This research is undertaken to explore the factors that influence the offspring's intention to take over their parents' businesses in China, using a sample of 103 participants. A survey questionnaire is used as the research instrument. The results demonstrate that psychosocial needs are more often associated with the potential successors' intentions to take over family businesses than other factors. ©2009 IEEE.

Succession is vital for family businesses.Nowadays the position of women in family business is be improved.This paper reviews the relevant research from the perspective of succession process.The succession process in family businesses is divided into the following three phases:preparation,joint management and departure,in which there are different topics.Finally,commends and suggestions for future research are given.