Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Changes in the antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolates from nosocomial versus community-acquired urinary tract infections].

INTRODUCTION We studied the variations in Escherichia coli sensitivity patterns to commonly used antimicrobial agents in urinary tract infections, by stratifying isolates according to year and source. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of the sensitivity of 14,319 E. coli urine isolates to 14 antimicrobials during the period of 1994-2001. Sensitivity comparison by source of the isolate began in 1996, and included 13,263 isolates originating in the hospital and 2,350 originating in the community. RESULTS Penicillins were the least active antibiotic agents against the E. coli isolated (sensitivity 40.9%), followed by cotrimoxazole (66.4%), nalidixic acid (70.8%) and norfloxacin (76.1%). Sensitivities to the other antimicrobials tested remained near 95%. Sensitivity of E. coli isolates to most of the antimicrobials tested decreased gradually during the 8-year period, with a marked decrease for nalidixic acid and norfloxacin (76.0% down to 63.3% and 85.1% down to 66.6%, respectively). Nevertheless, sensitivity of E. coli to nitrofurantoin and ampicillin-sulbactam/amoxicillin-clavulanic acid increased; no significant differences were observed regarding cefazolin, gentamicin and fosfomycin. Sensitivity was higher in community E. coli isolates than in nosocomial isolates. The greatest differences corresponded to cephalosporins (OR = 2), nitrofurantoin (OR = 1.72), and ampicillin-sulbactam/ amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (OR = 1.57). Antimicrobials with significant differences in sensitivity between isolates of different sources decreased gradually from 6 (1996) to 1 (2001). CONCLUSIONS Penicillins, cotrimoxazole and quinolones can no longer be considered the antimicrobials of choice for empirical treatment of E. coli urinary tract infections. Along the study period, we observed a reduction in the initial susceptibility differences among hospital and community isolates.
Distinct stages in adipogenesis revealed by retinoid inhibition of differentiation after induction of PPARgamma

Retinoic acid (RA) inhibits adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes but is effective only early in adipogenesis. RA prevented induction of the adipogenic factors PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha. Using receptor-specific ligands, we determined that the effects of RA were mediated by liganded RA receptors (RARs) rather than retinoid X receptors. Preadipocytes expressed primarily RARalpha and RARgamma; during adipocyte differentiation, RARalpha gene expression was nearly constant, whereas RARgamma1 mRNA and protein levels dramatically decreased. Ectopic expression of RARgamma1 extended the period of effectiveness of RA by 24 to 48h; RARalpha expression had a similar effect, suggesting functional redundancy of RAR subtypes. Remarkably, RA inhibited differentiation when added after PPARgamma1 and PPARgamma2 proteins had already been expressed and resulted in the loss of PPARgamma proteins from cells. By 72 to 96 h after the induction of differentiation, RA failed to prevent differentiation of even ectopic-RAR-expressing cells. Thus, the unresponsiveness of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to RA after the induction of differentiation is initially due to the reduction in cellular RAR concentration rather than to the induction of PPARgamma. At later times cells continue along the differentiation pathway in a manner which is RA and RAR independent.
Self-serving causal disclosures and short-term IPO valuation – evidence from China

We examine the association of self-serving causal disclosures regarding earnings-related outcomes in the prospectuses of Chinese IPO firms and short-term IPO valuation (offer price-based valuation and IPO first-day underpricing). Using detailed content analysis of causal explanations in the management commentary section of the IPO prospectus, we find that assertive causal disclosures regarding positive outcomes, such as enhancements and entitlements, are associated with higher IPO offer price valuation and subsequent lower first-day underpricing. Defensive causal disclosures regarding negative outcomes, such as excuses, justifications and causality denials, however, tend to negatively affect IPO offer price valuation but are not associated with first-day underpricing. This study provides empirical evidence of the close alignment between self-serving causal performance disclosures and short-term valuation in a proactive environment such as the IPO setting. Moreover, it underscores the differential impact of assertive and defensive causal performance disclosures in a context where management's reputation is not yet well established and disclosure credibility is hard to assess.
The Current State of Corporate Social Responsibility Among Industrial Companies in Malaysia

Purpose – The main aim of the study is to find out the level and trend of CSR disclosure pattern of industrial companies in Malaysia and its relationship with companies' characteristics.Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis is used to analyse the data from the corporate annual reports of the companies from 1998 to 2003. Samples are selected using simple random sampling technique.Findings – Research findings, inter alia, indicate that there is positive relationship between CSR and companies' turnover but no apparent relationship is noticed with companies' capital. Relationship between CSR and companies' profitability is also found to be positive but weak. More disclosure by local companies as compared to their foreign counterparts is another noteworthy finding. Overall, CSR level of industrial companies in Malaysia is increasing both in terms of amount of the disclosure and the number of participating companies.Research limitations/implications – The use of annual reports may not give a complete p.
Deficits, Money Growth and Inflation in Italy: 1875–1994

type="main" xml:lang="en"> In this paper, we examine econometrically the “fiscal dominance” model of the Monetary History of Italy proposed by Spinelli and Fratianni (1996). We test the proposition that monetary policy is endogenous to fiscal policy, and that such an endogeneity creates a specificity in the process generating Italian inflation. We perform our econometric tests by estimating a small structural linear econometric model, addressing carefully the issues of data-congruency of the specification, non-stationarity, cointegration, and credibility of the over-identifying restrictions. Our econometric investigation is based on a sample of annual observations from 1875–1994 and exploits the structural break which occurred in 1975, when Baffi became Governor of the Bank of Italy and the lack of independence of the central bank was first perceived as a problem. Baffi started the slow evolution process leading to the independence of the central bank, which was institutionally ratified by his successor Ciampi, when, in 1981, the Bank of Italy interrupted his commitment to buy all the government bonds left unsold in the public tenders (the “divorce”). Our empirical analysis over the sample 1875–1975 confirms the existence of a link between government deficit and money growth, and of a long-run relationship between the quantity of money and the price level; the evidence also stresses the relevance of supply side factors in the determination of inflation. When the model estimated for the sample 1875–1975 is applied to the period 1975–1994, a clear structural break in the relation between government deficits and money growth emerges. (J.E.L.: E5, E6).
PENGARUH PENGETAHUAN PERPAJAKAN, KUALITAS PELAYANAN PAJAK DAN SANKSI PAJAK TERHADAP MOTIVASI WAJIB PAJAK ORANG PRIBADI DALAM MEMBAYAR PAJAK

Tax has an important role in state revenue sources, as the country's largest revenue comes from taxes sector. however tax revenue in Indonesia is still not up to look at the number of individual taxpayers. The Tax Office Primary Singosari are growing every year but in terms of the SPT was still a lot of taxpayers who do not deliver the SPT. It was feared because it is not the taxpayer does not fulfill its obligation to calculate and pay the tax due. This study aims to explain the effect of tax knowledge, quality of service tax and tax penalties to motivate taxpayers to pay taxes. Type of research is explanatory research with quantitative approach. The results of simultaneous analysis showed that the variables of knowledge, quality of service and tax penalties affect the motivation of individual taxpayers in paying taxes. while the partial test results or individual taxes demonstrate knowledge, quality of service tax and tax penalties significantly influence the motivation of individual taxpayers in paying taxes. Expected results of the research can be used as a reference for further research to develop this research by adding a variable that has not been addressed in this study.
Web 2.0 and micro‐businesses: an exploratory investigation

Purpose – The paper aims to report on an exploratory study into how small businesses use Web 2.0 information and communication technologies (ICT) to work collaboratively with other small businesses. The study had two aims: to investigate the benefits available from the use of Web 2.0 in small business collaborations, and to characterize the different types of such online collaborations.Design/methodology/approach – The research uses a qualitative case study methodology based on semi‐structured interviews with the owner‐managers of 12 UK‐based small companies in the business services sector who are early adopters of Web 2.0 technologies.Findings – Benefits from the use of Web 2.0 are categorized as lifestyle benefits, internal operational efficiency, enhanced capability, external communications and enhanced service offerings. A 2×2 framework is developed to categorize small business collaborations using the dimensions of the basis for inter‐organizational collaboration (control vs cooperation) and the leve.
Changes in corporate management: do they have an impact on share prices and company earnings?

Reviews previous research on share price response to annoucements of changes in top management and the accounting policies/reported earnings around such changes. Uses 1989‐1992 UK data for a sample of 420 announcements of changes in top management, divided into routine departures, non‐routine departures and appointments, to analyse share price reaction and accounting performance. Finds insignificant price reactions but identifies consistent patterns in operating profit in the years before and after the change, according to the type of change involved. Considers consistency with other research, the underlying reasons for the findings and the limitations of the study. Promises further research to explore changes in industry‐adjusted gearing, liquidity and activity ratios when senior executives come and go.
Effect of Per Capita Health Spending on Child Mortality in Nigeria

The study investigated the effect of per capita health spending on child mortality in Nigeria using secondary data from 1980 to 2012. The study employed multiple regression methodology. Results show that per capita health spending has no significant effect on infant mortality rate and neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria. Results also show that per capita health spending and per capita education expenditure have significant effect on under-five mortality rate in Nigeria. Finally, the study concludes that health care expenditure is far from the optimum which at present cannot sustain the teeming population health challenges and recommends that government should increase and sustain health spending especially on programmes aimed at reducing child mortality as it is this study’s believe that child mortality could significantly reduce with increased health spending in Nigeria.
Multidimensional poverty assessment: applying the capability approach

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to compare the assessment of poverty/deprivation using different conceptions of this phenomenon including the traditional money-metric measure and different forms of multidimensional constructs. Design/methodology/approach - The data were drawn from a household survey conducted in Nsukka, Nigeria. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used in data collection from about 410 households across urban and rural localities. The counting and FGT methodologies were used to assess impoverishment, while regression analyses were used to assess the determinants of deprivation across different constructs. Findings - Between 70 per cent and 78 per cent of the study population were identified as poor/deprived. However, more than 11 per cent of those living on less than USD1.25/day were classified as non-poor using different measures of multidimensional poverty. Similarly, more than 62 per cent of individuals who live on more than 1.25USD/day (i.e. non-poor) are classified as poor using different measures of multidimensional deprivation. There is some level of correlation between measures, some inevitably stronger than others. The major determinants of deprivation across the various constructs of deprivation include large family size, low level of education, poor employment, rural location, and poor health. Originality/value - This paper uses novel datasets that incorporate variables relating to the capability approach in understanding deprivation. Specifically, it analyses the so-called missing dimensions of poverty. It also applies a new methodology for the assessment of impoverishment and deprivation. It highlights the importance of the capability approach in explaining poverty.
Everyday experiences of life, body and well-being in children with overweight.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Childhood overweight is presented as a complex problem to solve. To elaborate efforts required in striving for normal weight in overweight children healthy signs of life from the child's point of view should be identified and promoted. The aim of the present study is to describe everyday experiences of life, body and well-being in children with overweight. METHOD A qualitative descriptive design based on lifeworld perspective was used in 16 open-ended interviews with overweight children aged 10-12 years. Child overweight was defined by body mass index (kg/m(2)) for each age. Drawings and body pictograms were used to supplement the interviews. Text was analysed using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS The primary finding was the respondents' search for a sense of community in daily life. The respondents yearned to be part of a community but spent a lot of time alone. Parents and other family members were an important source of community but were not present enough in the respondents' daily life. The respondents had a sound body image, were concerned about their bodies and were aware of a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, they did not manage to implement this awareness in practice. Unhealthy sleeping, eating and exercise habits along with a sense of victimization were revealed in the interviews. Well-being meant self-esteem, trust and satisfaction and was preserved and improved through exciting relationships and activities. Feeling well was equal to feeling capable, feeling happy and feeling a sense of community. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Findings emphasize the problem of loneliness in the children studied. Their healthy signs of life were not promoted in an acceptable way. They spent too much time alone doing sedentary activities with easy access to junk food. Findings indicate they should be provided with company at all meals and during activities on a daily basis.
Union Recognition and Partnership at Work: A New Legitimacy for Irish Trade Unions?

In the Irish context of national partnership and the promotion of workplace partnership at firm level, unions might be expected to have achieved, at least, a pragmatic acceptance by employers. Using a survey of full-time union officials in eight trade unions organising in the private sector, this paper reports their experiences of recent recognition campaigns. Employer opposition appears to have intensified, and in a substantial percentage of cases has involved the victimisation of activists. In facilitating employees to make a free choice regarding union representation, the Codes of Practice and the Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2001 are regarded by the majority of officials as inadequate. A majority of officials favoured the introduction of a statutory right to recognition. Non-union firms appear as ‘free riders’ that have enjoyed the benefits of national partnership but evaded the compromises and concessions that necessarily characterise such agreements. If left unchecked, the free-rider phenomenon could undermine the institutional framework on which partnership is based.
The Relationship between Growth, Foreign Direct Investment and Trade in MENA Countries: A Causality Test

The present research studies the causality relationship between the three variables of foreign direct investment (FDI), export (EX) and gross domestic product (GDP) for the period from 1977 to 2009 using Panel model for Mena countries. Having performed the variables stationarity test, Pedroni co-integration test has been done which indicates that there is no long-run relationship between variables. The test results indicate that there is a bidirectional causality relationship between GDP and FDI and these two reinforce each other and there is a causality relationship from FDI to EX in this zone.
The influence of values on strategic choices: The choice of organic milk production by Swedish farmers

Abstract Previous studies of the influence of values on the decision making of farmers have treated the choice process as a black box. This study is focused on information collection, information analysis, planning action(s), choice of action and taking responsibility by farmers, using the choice of organic milk production as a case. A hypothetical model was constructed using survey data and structural equation modelling. Economic values were important, but farmers had also other significant value orientations. The study demonstrates that values have an important influence, not in evaluating consequences, but in other parts of the decision-making process. The values affected the way of processing data to information, paying attention to information and forecasting consequences, which all preceded and, thus, successively directed the choice of options. Values also affected the implementation of the choice. These findings are important in order to understand and predict farmers’ decisions and support their management.
Causes of Tax Evasion in Pakistan: A case study on southern Punjab

Introduction: Tax evasion is main problem in Pakistan due to which Pakistan remains under a lot of stress. Tax evasion results in less revenue. Many causes have been discussed which play major role in tax evasion in Pakistan. It is a primary research. Literature review: Many authors have discussed impacts of tax evasion in different sectors of economy. Previously tax evasion cause major trouble in Tanzania & Greece. Methodology: A questioner has been filled by targeted population of 100 Professionals & Business students of Department of Management Sciences Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Questioner was consisted of 5 major parts i.e. Tax System, High rate, Go with the flow, Corrupt Govt. & Progressive taxation. Findings: Most of the population agrees that these causes play a vital role in the tax evasion in the Pakistan. Conclusion: Tax evasion is main problem of Pakistan which needs to be eliminating by following the recommendations that tax system must base on ground realities, tax rates should be low. There should be proper check & balance of government, tax awareness in public should arise by different channels.
Knowledge‐processing capabilities and innovative performance: an empirical study

Purpose – Knowledge‐based assets and organizational learning capabilities are recognized to be critical for firm's innovation activities. The process of creating new knowledge requires acquiring useful data and information, and utilizing it effectively in its internal innovation activities. To manage external knowledge, firms need absorptive capacity. The purpose of this study is to present the concept of the firm's absorptive capacity as a multidimensional, dynamic construct consisting of capabilities for organizational knowledge processing.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on results from a large‐scale survey. The empirical data used in the study comprises of 217 Finnish firms from seven different industry sectors. The hypotheses were tested by means of hierarchical linear regression analysis.Findings – The results of the empirical tests give some support to the view that it is not only the firm's knowledge stock but also its knowledge flows that are crucial for sustaining innovative perform.
Early Globus Pallidus Internus Stimulation in Pediatric Patients With Generalized Primary Dystonia: Long-Term Efficacy and Safety

Primary generalized dystonia presents mainly at a young age and commonly is severely disabling. The authors report the long-term follow-up (mean, 73 months; range, 50-101 months) of 5 pediatric patients (mean age at surgery 13 years; range, 8-16 years) undergoing globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation. Mean improvement in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden movement score was 67.4% (range, 47.0%-87.5%), 75.4% (range, 61.5%-91.7%), and 83.5% (range, 72.0%-93.3%) at 3 months, 12 months, and long-term follow-up (>36 months), respectively. Hardware problems (electrode dislocation/breakage of extension cable, and imminent perforation of extension cable) were observed in 2 patients (operative revision without sequelae). Except for mild dysarthria in 2 patients, no other therapy-related morbidity was observed. The authors found globus pallidus internus stimulation to offer a very effective and safe therapy in pediatric patients with primary dystonia. Early neurosurgical intervention seems to be crucial to prevent irreversible impairment of motor function.
Stockholding in France: the role of financial literacy and information

We use an original household survey to study the links between stockholding, financial literacy and acquisition of financial information within the French population. Controlling for subjective expectations on stock market returns and for risk aversion, we find that stock market participation is positively related to basic financial literacy and financial information acquisition through the press reading and the family financial context during childhood. We also find that basic financial literacy is not correlated with the share of stocks in financial assets conditionally on stockownership, while the correlation with information acquisition is significant.
Financial flexibility and the impact of the global financial crisis

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to gain some insights into how managers perceive and achieve financial flexibility and its value in coping with the 2008 global financial crisis. The study focuses on the following questions: What are the sources and measures of financial flexibility? Do financially flexible firms suffer a lower impact from the crisis? Is financial flexibility related to business flexibility? and Is financial flexibility important for the firm's capital structure decision? Design/methodology/approach – This paper employs two methods: a questionnaire survey and interviews with chief financial officers (CFOs). The results are used to examine the relation between the firm's financial flexibility level and the impact of the global financial crisis on its liquidity, investments, capital structure and business operations. The results are used to analyze the robustness of different financial flexibility measures constructed from the survey data to identify an appropriate financial flexibilit.