Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Re-engineering for service quality: The case of Leicester Royal Infirmary

Abstract Innovation and the quest for improved service quality have featured strongly in UK health care over the past decade. The creation of the internal market, the Patients Charter, the R&D strategy for a knowledge-based health service, and the Calman reforms to medical training and education, are the driving forces behind improved patient care and service delivery which will preoccupy health care at least until the millennium. In the UK, innovating trusts have adopted quality improvement programmes ranging in scope and scale from total quality management to business process re-engineering and patient-focused care as well as culture change programmes. This paper presents a micro case study of a 'near patient' routine diagnostic testing centre, servicing outpatient clinics and illustrating the integration of business process redesign with consequent significant improvements in cost, quality, service and speed.
INNOVATION STRATEGY AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

An innovation strategy for the manufacturing function covers four areas: a firm's desired innovation leadership orientation (i.e., being a leader versus being a follower), its level of emphasis on process and product innovation, its use of internal and external sources of innovations, and its intensity of investment in innovation. We examine two models of the association between manufacturing companies' innovation strategy and their financial performance. The first examines the variations in company financial performance as a function of the simultaneous effect of the dimensions of innovation strategy. The second is a sequential model that suggests a causal sequence among the dimensions of innovation strategy that may lead to higher performance. We used data from a sample of 149 manufacturing companies to test the models. The results (1) support the importance of innovation strategy as a determinant of company financial performance, (2) suggest that both models are appropriate for examining the associations between the dimensions of innovation strategy and company performance, and (3) show that the sequential model provides additional insights into the indirect contribution of the individual dimensions of innovation strategy to company performance. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for managers.
The IMF's role in mobilizing private capital flows: are there grounds for catalytic conversion?

Recent theoretical and empirical research suggests that under certain conditions IMF agreements induce additional inflows of finance from private international capital markets. This article provides new empirical evidence on this catalytic effect using a treatment effects model to correct for selectivity. It concludes that catalysis remains weak or negative overall, with nuances that support recent theory.
High temperature ballistic transport observed in AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs small four-terminal structures

Four‐terminal structures are fabricated by focused‐ion‐beam (FIB) scanning on an AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs modulation doped structure. The large carrier density of this system results in small depletion spreading and a 260‐nm‐square four‐terminal structure is successfully formed. The bend resistance of this structure indicates that ballistic coupling between two facing terminals remains up to room temperature. Thermal broadening of electron energy enhances the ballistic nature of the system at high temperature.
Impact of iterative reconstruction vs. filtered back projection on image quality in 320-slice CT coronary angiography

Abstract Iterative reconstruction has been shown to reduce image noise compared with traditional filtered back projection with quantum denoising software (FBP/QDS+) in CT imaging but few comparisons have been made in the same patients without the influence of interindividual factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of adaptive iterative dose reduction in 3-dimensional (AIDR 3D) and FBP/QDS+-based image reconstruction on image quality in the same patients. We randomly selected 100 patients enrolled in the coronary evaluation using 320-slice CT study who underwent CT coronary angiography using prospectively electrocardiogram triggered image acquisition with a 320-detector scanner. Both FBP/QDS+ and AIDR 3D reconstructions were performed using original data. Studies were blindly analyzed for image quality by measuring the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Image quality was assessed qualitatively using a 4-point scale. Median age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 56–71) and 72% were men, median body mass index 27 (IQR: 24–30) and median calcium score 222 (IQR: 11–644). For all regions of interest, mean image noise was lower for AIDR 3D vs. FBP/QDS+ (31.69 vs. 34.37, P ⩽ .001). SNR and CNR were significantly higher for AIDR 3D vs. FBP/QDS+ (16.28 vs. 14.64, P < .001 and 19.21 vs. 17.06, P < .001, respectively). Subjective (qualitative) image quality scores were better using AIDR 3D vs. FBP/QDS+ with means of 1.6 and 1.74, respectively (P ⩽ .001). Assessed in the same individuals, iterative reconstruction decreased image noise and raised SNR/CNR as well as subjective image quality scores compared with traditional FBP/QDS+ in 320-slice CT coronary angiography at standard radiation doses.
A novel bile duct cannulation method with tail cuff exteriorization allowing continuous intravenous infusion and enterohepatic recirculation in the unrestrained rat

A variety of bile duct cannulation methods have been used in the study of biliary excretion in the rat. We now report the validation and use of one such method. In this method, the common bile duct and duodenum were cannulated, the free ends of the cannulae tunnelled through the abdominal wall, passed through a trochar and exteriorized at the ventral aspect of the tail. A purpose-designed stainless steel tail cuff was then attached, to protect the cannulae from the rat. The cannulae were passed through the top of a metabolism cage and attached to a dual swivel that allows the rat freedom of movement within the metabolism cage. Where necessary an additional cannula could be placed in the femoral vein to allow infusion of test material or blood sampling. The results demonstrate that the method is robust and that its use allows a reliable correlation between surgically prepared and intact animals, as physiological parameters are allowed to return to normal prior to inclusion of the animals in the study. The technique allows the animals a great deal of freedom and, as such, is considered to minimize stress associated with the procedure. This fact is reflected in the reliability and reproducibility of the data obtained over the wide range of studies that have been conducted using this method. This method has been in use for over 4 years at Inveresk and this paper describes the authors' experience with the method to date.
Skill Premium, Schooling Decisions, Skill-Biased Technological and Demographic Change: A Macroeconomic Analysis

This paper studies the driving forces behind the dynamics of the skill premium and college enrollment rate in the postwar US economy. I develop an overlapping generations general equilibrium model with endogenous discrete schooling choice. The production technology features capital-skill complementarity as in Krusell et al. (2000). Within this framework, I quantitatively examine the effects on the skill premium and enrollment rate of two exogenous forces, investment-specific technological change (ISTC) and the demographic change known as “the baby boom and baby bust”. I find that demographic change plays an important role in accounting for the dynamics of the skill premium before the late 1970s, while ISTC drives most of the changes in the skill premium since then. ISTC also explains about 30% of the increases in the enrollment rate for the period 1951-2000, while demographic change does not have a significant effect on the enrollment rate.
Pre-Survey Text Messages (SMS) Improve Participation Rate in an Australian Mobile Telephone Survey: An Experimental Study

Mobile telephone numbers are increasingly being included in household surveys samples. As approach letters cannot be sent because many do not have address details, alternatives approaches have been considered. This study assesses the effectiveness of sending a short message service (SMS) to a random sample of mobile telephone numbers to increase response rates. A simple random sample of 9000 Australian mobile telephone numbers: 4500 were randomly assigned to be sent a pre-notification SMS, and the remaining 4500 did not have a SMS sent. Adults aged 18 years and over, and currently in paid employment, were eligible to participate. American Association for Public Opinion Research formulas were used to calculated response cooperation and refusal rates. Response and cooperation rate were higher for the SMS groups (12.4% and 28.6% respectively) than the group with no SMS (7.7% and 16.0%). Refusal rates were lower for the SMS group (27.3%) than the group with no SMS (35.9%). When asked, 85.8% of the pre-notification group indicated they remembered receiving a SMS about the study. Sending a pre-notification SMS is effective in improving participation in population-based surveys. Response rates were increased by 60% and cooperation rates by 79%.
Mondragon’s Chinese subsidiaries: Coopitalist multinationals in practice

The Mondragon worker-owned and worker-governed cooperatives are an example of the struggle that some alternative work organizations face when dealing with the external pressures of competing in the global economy while at the same time endeavouring to retain their long-held values of workplace democracy. This article analyses the Mondragon cooperative-multinationals with regard to their subsidiaries in China at a time when the cooperatives are undergoing deep internal and external transformations. The study centres on the characteristics of governance and working conditions at the Mondragon subsidiaries in the Kunshan Industrial Park near Shanghai. The article asks whether, from the perspective of China and Chinese workers, there are any substantial differences between the Chinese subsidiaries of Mondragon and those of conventional multinationals. Overall, it concludes that while there are significant challenges inherent in extending the democratic and participative model of the parent cooperatives to their subsidiaries, there are also indications that if the cooperatives can muster the political will to act in accordance with their stated principles, they could potentially become a real if modest force for change in the labour relations of developing economies.
Iran's Tourism Potential, and Market Realities: An Empirical Approach to Closing the Gap

Abstract Iran, as most countries in the Middle East, has a natural competitive advantage in the global tourism industry. However, the potential of this competitive advantage has not been reached. This research is designed to provide Iranian policy makers with a systematic approach toward understanding and narrowing the gap which exists between tourism potential and market realities. The Constant Market Share (CMS) model is used toward that end. The model is used to analyze two sets of actual data related to tourist arrivals. Based on the results of this study, some policy implications are advanced.
Preservation From Left Ventricular Remodeling by Front-Integrated Revascularization and Stem Cell Liberation in Evolving Acute Myocardial Infarction by Use of Granulocyte-Colony–Stimulating Factor (FIRSTLINE-AMI)

Background— Considering experimental evidence that stem cells enhance myocardial regeneration and granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF) mediates mobilization of CD34+ mononuclear blood stem cells (MNCCD34+), we tested the impact of G-CSF integrated into primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) management of acute myocardial infarction in man. Methods and Results— Fifty consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were subjected to primary PCI stenting with abciximab and followed up for 6 months; 89±35 minutes after successful PCI, 25 patients were randomly assigned in this pilot study (PROBE design) to receive subcutaneous G-CSF at 10 &mgr;g/kg body weight for 6 days in addition to standard care, including aspirin, clopidogrel, an ACE inhibitor, &bgr;-blocking agents, and statins. By use of CellQuest software on peripheral blood samples incubated with CD45 and CD34, mobilized MNCCD34+ were quantified on a daily basis. With homogeneous demographics and clinical and infarct-related characteristics, G-CSF stimulation led to mobilization of MNCCD34+ to between 3.17±2.93 MNCCD34+/&mgr;L at baseline and 64.55±37.11 MNCCD34+/&mgr;L on day 6 (P<0.001 versus control); there was no indication of leukocytoclastic effects, significant pain, impaired rheology, inflammatory reactions, or accelerated restenosis at 6 months. Within 35 days, G-CSF and MNCCD34+ liberation led to enhanced resting wall thickening in the infarct zone of between 0.29±0.22 and 0.99±0.32 mm versus 0.49±0.29 mm in control subjects (P<0.001); under inotropic challenge with dobutamine (10 &mgr;g · kg−1 · min−1), wall motion score index showed improvement from 1.66±0.23 to 1.41±0.21 (P<0.004 versus control) and to 1.35±0.24 after 4 months (P<0.001 versus control), respectively, coupled with sustained recovery of wall thickening to 1.24±0.31 mm (P<0.001 versus control) at 4 months. Accordingly, resting wall motion score index improved with G-CSF to 1.41±0.25 (P<0.001 versus control), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter to 55±5 mm (P<0.002 versus control), and ejection fraction to 54±8% (P<0.001 versus control) after 4 months. Morphological and functional improvement with G-CSF was corroborated by enhanced metabolic activity and 18F-deoxyglucose uptake in the infarct zone (P<0.001 versus control). Conclusions— G-CSF and mobilization of MNCCD34+ after reperfusion of infarcted myocardium may offer a pragmatic strategy for preservation of myocardium and prevention of remodeling without evidence of aggravated restenosis.
Variable structure control scheme for landing on a celestial object

This paper considers the landing of a space vehicle on a celestial object. By assuming the air drag in two specific forms and the uncertainty in matching type, their effects are studied. Through the construction of a time-varying boundary layer, a new guidance control law for landing on a celestial object is proposed via the variable structure control (VSC) technique to guarantee that tracking performance is achieved at an exponential convergence rate. The proposed guidance law is continuous and alleviates chattering drawback by classic VSC design. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the use of the main design.
Multiple Psychiatric Diagnoses Common in Privately Insured Children on Atypical Antipsychotics

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence of atypical antipsychotic use in privately insured children and the diagnoses associated with treatment. Study design. Claims were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study of children aged 2 through 18 years in the Midwest, covered by private insurance between 2002 and 2005 (n = 172 766). The 1-year prevalence of children receiving atypical antipsychotics was determined along with associated diagnoses. Results. The 1-year prevalence of atypical antipsychotics ranged from 7.9 per 1000 in 2002 to 9.0 in 2005. The leading diagnoses were disruptive behavior disorders (67%), mood disorders (65%), and anxiety disorders (43%). The authors found that 75% of children on atypical antipsychotics had more than one psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusions. Atypical antipsychotic use is primarily seen in children who have multiple psychiatric diagnoses. Studies are needed to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness in such patients with multiple diagnoses.
The impact of body mass on inflammatory markers and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Objective: To evaluate inflammatory markers and insulin resistance (IR) in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with different body mass index (BMI). Methods: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed in serum samples from 40 women in reproductive age. Patients were divided into four groups: I (non-eutrophic with PCOS, n = 12), II (non-eutrophic without PCOS, n = 10), III (eutrophic with PCOS, n = 8) and IV (eutrophic without PCOS, n = 10) being non-eutrophic, the overweight and obese women with BMI > 25 kg/m2 and eutrophic women with BMI < 24.9 kg/m2. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) was calculated for evaluation of IR. Results: PCOS patients showed increased levels of CRP (p < 0.01) and HOMA-IR (p < 0.01). When divided by BMI, both non-eutrophic and eutrophic PCOS showed increased CRP levels (p < 0.01) and HOMA-IR (p < 0.01). There were no differences in TNF-α and IL-6 levels between groups. Conclusion: In the PCOS group, the levels of CRP and IR were elevated, compared to their counterparts, regardless of body mass.
Assessment of Differences Between the Modified Cincinnati and International Knee Documentation Committee Patient Outcome Scores

Background Functional outcome questionnaires have become a common part of patient follow-up in the orthopaedic community. The modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scale were designed to provide clinicians with information regarding a patient’s functional and clinical status after knee surgery. Hypothesis The functional outcome data reported on the modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System and the IKDC subjective questionnaire are equivalent. Study Design Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods Between 2000 and 2007, all patients with complex knee disorders seen in our orthopaedic clinic were prospectively followed and given simultaneously the modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System and the IKDC subjective questionnaires to report their functional outcomes. The total scores of each instrument were compared at each time of evaluation. As a measure of responsiveness, the standardized response means were calculated. A second within-patient analysis was also performed to determine if the results would be different when looked at by the patient. Results There were a total of 130 patients with a total of 444 modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System questionnaires and 462 IKDC subjective complete questionnaires included in the study. Overall total scores on both the modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System and the IKDC subjective questionnaires were equivalent in a population analysis. Overall total scores showed improvement in function over time from preoperative measurement through the 2-year follow-up. The individual patient analysis demonstrated that, for a specific patient, it was possible that up to 34% of the population would report a total score of more than 10 points difference, depending on the scale selected. Conclusion The modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System and the IKDC subjective rating questionnaires reported by patient population provide similar results. The practitioner who is not performing a population-based study but following individual patients for recovery will find that the individual questionnaires may offer different functional limitations. Individual differences were lost in the population means, with the approximate balance of positive and negative score differences masking the individual patient differences.
Moving base into high-value integrated solutions: a value stream approach

Some of the world's leading suppliers are developing strategies to move into the provision of innovative combinations of products and services as 'high-value integrated solutions' tailored to each customer's needs. Rather than simply 'moving downstream' into services (as much of the business strategy literature assumes), this paper argues that the provision of integrated solutions is attracting firms--traditionally based in manufacturing and services--to occupy a new base in the value stream centred on 'systems integration'. In addition to an ability to design and integrate systems using internal or external sources of product supply, these firms are developing novel combinations of service capabilities (operations, business consultancy and finance) required to provide complete solutions to each customer's needs. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
The Relationships between Culture and Service Quality Perceptions

The authors argue that perceptions of service quality vary across cultural groups, as defined by each culture’s position on Hofstede’s dimensions. They explicitly map the relationship between service quality perceptions and cultural dimension positions and draw the implications for international service market segmentation. They also test the hypotheses constituting their theoretical analysis. They show that the importance of SERVQUAL dimensions is correlated with Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. They also used the correlation coefficients to compute a Cultural Service Quality Index that could be used to segment international service markets and allocate resources across segments.
Sources of U.S. Longevity Increase, 1960 - 1997

Between 1960 and 1997, life expectancy at birth of Americans increased approximately 10% - from 69.7 to 76.5 years - and it has been estimated that the value of life extension during this period nearly equaled the gains in tangible consumption. We investigate whether an aggregate health production function can help to explain the substantial fluctuations in the rate of increase in longevity since 1960. We view longevity as the output of the health production function, and output fluctuations as the consequence of fluctuations in medical inputs (expenditure) and technology. We estimate longevity models using annual U.S. time-series data on life expectancy, health expenditure, and medical innovation. Reliable annual data are available for only one type of innovation - new drugs - but pharmaceutical R&D accounts for a significant fraction of total biomedical research. The empirical analysis provides strong support for the hypothesis that both medical innovation (in the form of new drug approvals) and expenditure on medical care (especially public expenditure) contributed to longevity increase during the period 1960-1997. The estimates imply that the medical expenditure needed to gain one life-year is about $11,000, and that the pharmaceutical R&D expenditure needed to gain one life-year is about $1,345. Previous researchers have estimated that the average value of a life-year is approximately $150,000.