Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate social reporting in Thailand: The news is all good and increasing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent and nature of the corporate social reporting (CSR) practices of the 40 largest Thai companies over the years 1997, 1999 and 2001. Design/methodology/approach – The extent and nature of CSR in annual reports was measured according to the number of words disclosed and trends were analyzed over this five-year period. CSR disclosure was classified according to five key themes, the nature of the evidence, and the type of news disclosed. Findings – The research showed, in aggregate, a trend of increasing amounts of corporate social disclosure, although the five-year trends varied within different industries. CSR among Thai companies was found to be primarily focused on human resources, providing “declarative” good news disclosures. Legitimacy theory, political economy theory and economic conditions were used to present explanations for the trends. The study concluded that while no single perspective can explain the disclosure of CSR, the empirical findings demonstrate that the key areas of company social exposure are reflected by CSR. Originality/value – This paper makes an important contribution to the knowledge of CSR in Asia and demonstrates similar issues in CSR reporting to those found in other countries.
A Sealed-Bid Auction Mechanism for Siting Noxious Facilities

This paper proposes a sealed-bid mechanism for facilitating the siting process of noxious facilities such as prisons, trash disposal plants, and incinerators for hazardous waste. These facilities have created such opposition by communities that the acronyms NIMBY (not-in my backyard) or LULU (local undesirable land use) are now in common usage to describe the public's reaction to them. The noxious facility siting problem arises because there are economies of scale associated with having only one plant to serve the needs of a wide region. The community that hosts the plant absorbs all of the environmental costs, while the rest of the region enjoys the benefits of the facility. One reason that these facilities have been so strongly opposed by communities is that they generate relatively little new employment and provide limited additional taxes in relation to their perceived negative impact (D. Morell and C. Magorian, 1982). Some compensation arrangement is thus needed to share the gains from the winners to the potential loser. This paper discusses a sealed-bid auction mechanism for selecting a location for the facility so that all communities feel they are better off than under the status quo.
Determination of antituberculosis drug concentration in human plasma by MALDI‐TOF/TOF

Therapeutic drug monitoring allows to determine the best dosage regimen adapted to each patient optimizing the therapeutic benefits, while minimizing the risk for side effects. Here, the first methodological approach based on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization source equipped with tandem time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry for the determination of the antituberculosis (anti‐TB) drugs ethambutol, pyrazinamide, rifampicin, and streptomycin concentration in the plasma of tuberculosis‐infected patients is reported. The volume of the plasma sample was 200 μL. Plasma samples were cleaned‐up by protein precipitation and evaporated in a water bath under a nitrogen stream. The extracted samples were reconstituted with 200 μL of 50% methanol‐0.03% formic acid solution (v/v), spiked with known amounts of anti‐TB drugs, mixed (1:1) with a saturated matrix solution (4‐hydroxybenzoic acid in 50% acetonitrile‐0.1% trifluoracetic acid solution; v/v), and spotted onto the MALDI‐TOF/TOF sample target plate. The anti‐TB drug concentration was determined by standard additions analysis. Regression of standard additions was linear over the whole anti‐TB drug concentration range explored (the final anti‐TB drug concentration ranged from 0.20 to 200 pmol/μL). The absolute recovery of the anti‐TB drugs ranged between 87 and 110%. The minimal ethambutol, pyrazinamide, rifampicin, and streptomycin concentration detectable by MALDI‐TOF/TOF is 0.08, 0.20, 0.12, and 0.15 pmol/μL, respectively. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(5): 387–393, 2010
The publications of Italian economists in ECONLIT. Quantitative assessment and implications for research evaluation

We analyse the publications in ECONLIT database of 2,160 Italian economists for the period 1969- 2004. We present and discuss non quality-weighted indicators for per capita publications of university professors by academic position, disciplinary group, gender, geographical location, propensity for internationalisation and co-authorship, and preferred international and Italian journals. We develop similar indicators for the publications of economists from four non-academic research institutions (CNR, ISAE, ISTAT, Banca d'Italia). Our analysis highlights a relatively low average number of ECONLIT publications per capita for the whole sample. However, across academic positions, disciplinary groups, and other profiles publication performance varies greatly. A high and increasing propensity to publish multi-authored articles in international journals also emerges. The analysis of universities/institutions highlights a wide variability in the performance of their individual researchers, with a few researchers ("prolific authors") being responsible for a large share of all of an institution's ECONLIT publications. We hypothesise that possibly sub-optimal mechanisms of labour division and externality inside multiple-mission research institutions could partly explain the variability in individual performance, which would have implications for the meaning and the use of bibliometric indicators. We suggest that bibliometric indicators can be an incentive for specialization within institutions. Within a homogenous evaluation system that assigns a significant weight to bibliometric indicators, institutions might be unable to specialize in a specific preferred "mission". As a consequence, the variability in individual researchers' performance, or the gap between "prolific authors" and other researchers, will increase.
The evolution of production models: is a new paradigm emerging?

The evolution of production models raises a number of questions on the changes which are taking place, on the continuity of or break with consolidated models, and on whether new production paradigms are emerging. Traces back this broad and multi‐faceted debate to five theses which summarise the principal interpretative approaches: the emergence of lean production as the dominant model; the indeterminacy of production models and the unpredictability of their evolution; the existence of a number of different models which are strongly dependent on context; the asymptotic convergence over time of different models on a single point of reference which is not lean production, while the latter will decline or be revised; and the emergence of a new unifying paradigm which leaves room for and even requires specific variations and adaptations. Reassesses these positions in the light of the life‐cycle of management models and in support of the fifth thesis, i.e. the emergence of a new paradigm. Among the different possible formulations of the new paradigm, that termed “strategically flexible production” is presented.
Effect of feeding frequency on forage fiber and nitrogen utilization in sheep.

Four crossbred wether lambs (38 kg) with permanent ruminal and abomasal cannulae were used in a 4 X 4 Latin square arrangement of treatments to determine the effect of feeding frequency (FF) on forage fiber and N utilization. Lambs were offered 900 g of good quality (vegetative) Kentucky-31 tall fescue hay in equal portions either 2, 4, 8 or 16 times daily. Water consumption increased (P less than .05; linear) with increased FF. Apparent total tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter and cell wall constituents were not affected (P greater than .05) by FF, but apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein decreased (P less than .05; linear) with increased FF. Ruminal and post-ruminal digestion of acid detergent fiber (percent of total tract digestion) differed (P less than .05; cubic) among FF treatments. Although N retention was not affected (P greater than .05) by FF, increased FF decreased (P less than .05; linear) mean ruminal ammonia-N concentrations. Both the quantity of total N reaching the abomasum and the efficiency of microbial crude protein synthesis tended to increase (P greater than .05) with increased FF. In addition, the daily quantity of microbial N reaching the abomasum was affected (P less than .05; cubic) by FF. Ruminal pH was not affected (P greater than .05) by FF, whereas total volatile fatty acid concentrations (VFA) decreased (P less than .05; linear) with increased FF. Responses in molar proportions of individual VFA to FF were variable, and suggest that increasing FF elicits significant changes in the distribution of fermentation end-products. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Determinants of TANF Participation: A Multilevel Analysis

This work uses multilevel models to estimate the effects of individual characteristics, local economies, and state policies on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) participation among unmarried mothers with 1‐year‐old children. It also assesses the contributions of the different sets of factors to city variation in rates of TANF participation. Results suggest that the many predictive individual‐level factors account for one‐quarter of the between‐city variance in TANF participation. Most local economic and state policy measures are not associated with TANF participation, but those that are, together, explain another quarter of the between‐city variance. The results will help to inform policy decisions at the state level, to design programs and policies in urban areas, and to understand the factors that promote economic self‐sufficiency.
Italy and the Great Depression: An Analysis of the Italian Economy, 1929–1936

Abstract We study the performance of the Italian economy during the period 1929–1936 using monthly data. The main contention of the paper is that the Italian depression, comparable to that of other major industrialized countries, was the combined result of a contraction in world demand and of the restrictive monetary policies imposed by the rules of the Gold Standard. The results obtained through the estimation of a series of structural VAR models are consistent with this view and indicate also that deflation affected output mainly by increasing real wages. We do not find evidence, however, of the role of financial factors as a major independent determinant of the depression.
A Course in Game Theory

A Course in Game Theory presents the main ideas of game theory at a level suitable for graduate students and advanced undergraduates, emphasizing the theory's foundations and interpretations of its basic concepts. The authors provide precise definitions and full proofs of results, sacrificing generalities and limiting the scope of the material in order to do so. The text is organized in four parts: strategic games, extensive games with perfect information, extensive games with imperfect information, and coalitional games. It includes over 100 exercises.
Respiratory Diseases in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice II. Decreased Virulence of PR8 Influenza Virus

Mice infected intranasally with the PR8 strain of influenza virus were treated with cyclophosphamide, a potent immunologic suppressor. During the first week of infection, mortality in the unmodified influenza infection averaged 65%, whereas in those animals also treated with cyclophosphamide it averaged 22.5%. After the first week, the mortality rate in the infected cyclophosphamide-treated animals rose to that seen during the first week in the animals only infected. This decreased mortality in the first week was found despite the fact that the cyclophosphamide-treated and infected animals had higher virus titers which persisted longer, decreased circulating antibody, and a decreased interferon response. This delayed mortality appeared to be related to the finding of decreased cellular infiltration in the lungs of infected cyclophosphamide-treated animals.
The Arms Race between Greece and Turkey: Commenting on a Major Unresolved Issue

This paper focuses on the controversy that prevails concerning the extent to which an arms race is going on between Greece and Turkey. An examination of the recent contributions on this major issue beginning the year 2000 onwards suggests that the pronounced discrepancies among the conclusions drawn in these papers may be attributed to two major reasons among others: the effectiveness of the techniques employed, as well as the inadequacy of certain policy recipes to treat actual defense incidents.
A novel mutation in the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase E3 subunit gene (DLD) resulting in an atypical form of α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase deficiency

The α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDC) catalyses the decarboxylation of α‐ketoglutarate into succinyl‐coenzyme A in the Krebs cycle. This enzymatic complex is made up of three subunits (E1, encoded by PDHA1; E2, encoded by DLST; and E3, encoded by DLD). The E3 subunit is common to two other enzymatic complexes, namely pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and branched‐chain ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC). KGDC deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, most often presenting with severe encephalopathy and hyperlactatemia with neonatal onset. We found a KGDC deficiency in cultured skin fibroblasts from three siblings born to consanguinous parents. E3 subunit activity was shown to be deficient (20% of control values), despite the absence of usual clinical clues to E3 deficiency, i.e. accumulation of pyruvate and branched‐chain amino acids in plasma and branched‐chain α‐ketoacids in urine. RT‐PCR of E3 mRNA from the three patients, followed by sequencing, revealed an homozygous c.1444A>G substitution located in E3 exon 13, predictive of a p.R482G (or R447G in the processed gene product) substitution in a highly conserved domain of the protein. Only eleven E3 mutations have been reported so far. The only other case of E3 deficiency without clinical or biochemical evidences of PDC and BCKDC deficiencies has been ascribed to a c.1436A>T (p.D479V; or D444V in the processed gene product) mutation, very close to the mutation reported herein. Since c.1444A>G (p.R482G; or R447G in the processed gene product) and c.1436A>T (p.D479V; or D444V in the processed gene product) lie within the interface domain of E3 with E2 (KGDC and BCKDC) or the E3‐binding protein (PDC), our data suggest that interaction of E3 with these other subunits differs in some extent among KGDC, PDC, and BCKDC. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancing the Entrepreneurship Education in Nigeria

The impact of globalization on the education system is overwhelming as it has greatlyaffected not only the curriculum but also the instructional process including the entire system.This paper examines how to optimize the teaching of entrepreneurship education in tertiaryinstitutions in Nigeria within the context of the globalised competitiveness. Such challengesand expectations go with certain responsibilities. The youths of today must brace up for thechallenges of adult life. To function effectively and productively in workplaces requires theacquisition of certain basic skills and capacities. This paper emphasizes the need forstrengthening of entrepreneurship teaching so that the society at large can benefit.
Manganese Neurotoxicity

Abstract: Manganese is an essential trace element and it is required for many ubiquitous enzymatic reactions. While manganese deficiency rarely occurs in humans, manganese toxicity is known to occur in certain occupational settings through inhalation of manganese‐containing dust. The brain is particularly susceptible to this excess manganese, and accumulation there can cause a neurodegenerative disorder known as manganism. Characteristics of this disease are described as Parkinson‐like symptoms. The similarities between the two disorders can be partially explained by the fact that the basal ganglia accumulate most of the excess manganese compared with other brain regions in manganism, and dysfunction in the basal ganglia is also the etiology of Parkinson's disease. It has been proposed that populations already at heightened risk for neurodegeneration may also be more susceptible to manganese neurotoxicity, which highlights the importance of investigating the human health effects of using the controversial compound, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT), in gasoline to increase octane. The mechanisms by which increased manganese levels can cause neuronal dysfunction and death are yet to be elucidated. However, oxidative stress generated through mitochondrial perturbation may be a key event in the demise of the affected central nervous system cells. Our studies with primary astrocyte cultures have revealed that they are a critical component in the battery of defenses against manganese‐induced neurotoxicity. Additionally, evidence for the role of oxidative stress in the progression of manganism is reviewed here.
Australian Anaesthetists’ Practice of Sedation for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Adult Patients

A wide spectrum of practice in sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy in adult patients is documented overseas, but a current profile of the practice of Australian anaesthetists is unavailable. We therefore surveyed 200 Fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists on the choice of drugs and monitoring, use of analgesic throat spray and prophylactic intravenous fluids and the depth of sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy. Our response rate was 57% and endoscopy formed a significant part of most respondents’ practices. Propofol was used for almost all procedures, in combination with midazolam alone (14%), fentanyl alone (6%), midazolam and fentanyl (61%), another drug (15%) or no adjuvant(4%). The majority of patients received prophylactic intravenous fluids for endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (83%) and colonoscopy (64%), but not for gastroscopy (20%). All patients received supplemental oxygen and monitoring with pulse oximetry. However, over 20% of patients having gastroscopy or colonoscopy did not have noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. A maximum depth of sedation during which the patient was unresponsive to painful stimulation (commensurate with general anaesthesia) was targeted by 54% of respondents. Significant variations exist in the practice of sedation and monitoring for endoscopy in adult patients by anaesthetists in Australia.
Distributed Power and Scheduling Management for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks with Delay Constraints

In this paper, we propose a cross-layer distributed power control and scheduling protocol for delay-constrained applications over mobile CDMA-based ad hoc wireless networks. Herein, we propose a novel scheme where power control is employed to combat delay occurring on multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks via cross-layer information exchange. Based on that, a distributed power control and scheduling protocol is proposed to control the incurred delay, as well as the multiple access interference (MAI). Unlike many previous works on power control and scheduling, we also investigate the impacts of Doppler spread and noisy channel estimates upon the system performance, and provide a robust system which employs a combination of power control and coding/interleaving to combat the effects of Doppler spread by exploiting the time diversity when the Doppler spread gets large. Hence, our proposed approach can function appropriately over a wide range of channel conditions
Communication, Coherence, and Collective Action

Communications infrastructure is critical to managing the complex, dynamic operations that evolve in disaster environments. The impact of Hurricane Katrina destroyed the communications infrastructure within the New Orleans metropolitan region, leaving emergency response personnel and the public with little capacity to exchange information vital for coordinating response actions. The loss of communications proved especially damaging, given the size of the geographic region and the number of people affected. The authors used content analysis of news reports to identify the network of organizations that emerged in response to Hurricane Katrina, and network analysis to examine patterns of interaction among the organizations. The patterns reveal significant asymmetry in information among organizations at different levels of authority and responsibility in the disaster response system, a condition that contributed to the collapse of coordination in disaster operations. Conversely, well-designed communications and information infrastructure can contribute significantly to the resilience of communities exposed to recurring risk.
Urban Annoyances and Mental Health in the City of Lahore, Pakistan

ABSTRACT: Lahore has undergone rapid urbanization in recent decades. Population growth has far exceeded carrying capacity of municipal infrastructure, causing stress. We conducted a survey to assess citizens’ responses to urban annoyances and prevalence of depression, loss of self-esteem, and loss of resilience. An 84-item questionnaire was used to interview a sample of 370 respondents. Statistical analyses included correlations, ANOVA, factor analysis, and Multiple Regression Analysis. Results showed that respondents were disturbed by urban annoyances. Those disturbed were also depressed, had low self-esteem, low resilience, and an external locus of control. Depression was strongly affected by education, population density, and household congestion. We concluded that a degraded urban environment has caused psychological stress among citizens as reflected in the prevalence of depression, loss of self-esteem, and low resilience. There is an urgent need for strategic planning aimed at checking unbridled urban growth, improving civic services, and ensuring better mental health of citizens.
Financial Conflict‐of‐Interest Policies in Clinical Research: Issues for Clinical Investigators

As industry sponsorship of clinical research grows, investigators' personal financial relationships with those sponsors are under increasing scrutiny. The federal government, some states, and many universities have enacted conflict-of-interest policies to monitor and regulate investigators' financial relationships. Little is known, however, about investigators' awareness of or support for these policies or their attitudes toward regulatory efforts. To explore the possible implications of conflict-of-interest policies for clinical researchers, the authors interviewed active clinical investigators at two institutions where the conflict-of-interest policies differ. The most striking feature of the interviews was the range of perceptions and attitudes expressed by clinical investigators and their implications for administrators, professional societies, and policymakers concerned with conflicts of interest. Fewer than half of the interviewed investigators could accurately describe their campus' conflict-of-interest policy. Many investigators felt that professional societies, the public, and individual investigators were appropriate monitors of conflicts of interest. Many investigators recognized the general risks associated with conflicts of interest, but felt that they personally were not at risk. A fundamental challenge facing administrators and policymakers is to demonstrate to all investigators, both clinical and nonclinical, that the potential for bias, pressure and conflict is relevant to all investigators with industry relationships.