Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Looking ‘Up’, ‘Down’ and ‘Sideways’: Understanding EU Institutions in Context

Research on the EU has expanded considerably in recent years. Studies have moved from examining the power of the various EU institutions across time to focusing on the internal activities and organisation of these institutions. The current piece makes a critical assessment of the existing literature on the EU institutions and considers which future steps need to be taken to move the literature forward. It argues that the articles in this volume move the literature further by examining internal institutional changes in the EU bodies in the light of the broader inter-institutional relationships between them. Moreover, it recommends that future research on the EU institutions expand these insights even further by extending the scope of the studies to embed them in a comprehensive understanding of the broader political system of the EU as a whole.
Explaining the determinants of manufacturing and non-manufacturing FDI inflows in five UK regions

This paper explores a range of factors that influence the attraction of inbound Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors of five regions in the UK (the South-East, West Midlands, Wales, Scotland and the North-West) by using longitudinal data over the period from 1980 to 2002. Multiple regression analysis is employed in order to identify those factors that exercise a major influence over the attraction of FDI to each region; to highlight significant differences that exist on a region-by-region basis; and to consider the resultant implications for government policy makers. The findings suggest that there may be marked differences in the strategic determinants and specific motives which attract inbound manufacturing and non-manufacturing FDI to various UK regions. Governmental policy makers should therefore tailor their inward investment policies more closely to the key influences that draw in these two types of FDI, in order to maximise future FDI inflows at the UK regional level.
The States' Role in U.S. Local Government Fiscal Crises: A Theoretical Model and Results of a National Survey

Abstract This article hypothesizes four potential roles that states may play in dealing with local government fiscal crises: predict, avert, mitigate and prevent the recurrence of local fiscal crises. Based on a 50‐state telephone survey administered by the author to members of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers in 2002, this article presents detailed information on states' roles in dealing with actual local government fiscal crises. The research found that ten states had formal definitions of local government fiscal crises while the remainder varied between having a working definition, having no definition, or leaving it to local authorities to define a fiscal crisis for themselves. Although the majority of states lacked a rigourous, legal definition of what constitutes a local government fiscal crisis, 36 states reported that they had had such crisis in recent history in their states. Seven overlapping categories of state approaches emerged: the directive approach, the proactive approach, the ad hoc approach, the special legislation approach, the reform approach, the takeover approach, and the responsive approach. States reported a wide range of activities under each of the hypothesized roles. In general, states tended to get involved after a crisis rather than before one occured.
Cross-sectional comparison of first-generation antipsychotic long-acting injections vs risperidone long-acting injection: patient-rated attitudes, satisfaction and tolerability

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare patients’ attitudes and satisfaction with medication and patient-rated tolerability between those prescribed a first-generation antipsychotic long-acting injection (FGA-LAI) and those prescribed risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI). Method: A cross-sectional study of a representative sample of outpatients prescribed an FGA-LAI or RLAI for a minimum of 6 months and attending a depot clinic. Attitudes to medication were assessed by the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-30), tolerability was measured by the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS) and satisfaction with antipsychotic medication was assessed by the Satisfaction with Antipsychotic Medication (SWAM) scale. Results: The RLAI (n = 28) and FGA-LAI (n = 39) groups did not differ in terms of mean age, sex, diagnosis and ethnicity. All individual LAIs were prescribed within British National Formulary limits. The most commonly prescribed FGA-LAI was flupentixol decanoate (n = 22). There was no significant difference between the RLAI and FGA-LAI groups in terms of mean total scores on the DAI-30, LUNSERS and SWAM or the tolerability subscales of the LUNSERS or the two subscales (treatment acceptability and medication insight) of the SWAM. In both LAI groups there was a low level of side effects (LUNSERS) and a generally positive attitude (DAI-30) and reasonable satisfaction (SWAM) with medication. Conclusions: Patients treated with FGA-LAI and RLAI for at least 6 months did not differ in terms of patient-rated tolerability, attitudes and satisfaction with medication. The current design cannot determine whether differences would have been evident earlier on during treatment. These results should be regarded as preliminary and are subject to prescribing bias. Randomized studies avoid prescribing bias and are a superior way to compare specific LAIs. Ideally randomized studies should include patient-rated outcome measures including medication tolerability; assessment of side effects, efficacy and quality of life made by blinded raters; and additional objective side-effect data including changes in weight and key blood parameters.
Classification of the destination attributes in the content of competitiveness (by revised importance-performance analysis)

High quality services and customer satisfaction are important determinants of destination competitiveness. For effectively and efficiently managing service quality and providing customer satisfaction, managers need to know how important satisfaction drivers are, and how their performance is perceived by the customers. Importance-performance analysis (IPA), in this context, is a convenient analytical technique that guides manager’s decisions. In this article, it is argued that a revised IPA using an isoline of importance and performance instead of the traditional quadrant analysis yields better results and increases the diagnostic value of IPA. This article shows empirically that market segments differ significantly within these two dimensions of the analysis, and so it is suggested that IPA should be conducted on a segment rather than an aggregate level. The empirical basis of the article is formed by a sample of 821 customers in a Turkish destination. By utilising IPA technique, determinant attributes of the competitiveness for subject destination could be identified for four market segments.
Yellow fever vaccine: past, present and future

Background: Yellow fever is a re-emerging infectious disease, as vector control and routine immunisation have dwindled in endemic areas in the last few decades. There is a constant threat of outbreaks in the large susceptible non-immune population of the megacities in tropical countries with an ongoing virus life cycle in the rainforests. For this population and for travellers to endemic areas, vaccination is the only effective protective measure against the disease and the spread of the virus. Objective/methods: We discuss the history of yellow fever vaccine development, and focus on practical aspects of vaccine safety, contraindications for vaccination, and future vaccine developments. Results/conclusions: Vaccination with the live attenuated yellow fever-17D vaccine (YF-17D) induces low-grade viraemia in half of the vaccinees and elicits protective neutralising antibody levels in 99%. Reports of serious adverse events in the elderly and immunocompromised, and the inability to produce large quantities of yellow fever vaccine at short notice in combination with limited vaccine stockpiles highlight the need for further study of this highly effective and safe vaccine.
Structural determinants of household art expenditure

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the influences of sociodemographic (SD), environmental, and marketing mix variables on household art expenditure.Design/methodology/approach – Using the latest US census data collect from 140 metropolitan statistical areas, three stepwise multiple regressions are employed to identify the key determinants of household art expenditure and their directional impacts.Findings – The paper evinces that a set of SD, environmental, and marketing mix variables explains a large percentage of variation of household art expenditure. In addition to that, these variables influence household art expenditure differently.Research limitations/implications – Limited by data availability, this paper focuses on investigating the effects of variables with available measures. Future researchers are encouraged to include a broader range of variables in analysis whenever possible.Practical implications – This paper suggests that art dealers use the approach adopted .
The determinants of voluntary financial disclosure by Swiss listed companies: a comment

The purpose of this commentary is to examine two important issues in theliterature on voluntary disclosure using Raffoumier's (1995) study as ademonstration model. The first issue relates to the use of the political costsargument in support of a positive influence of firm size on voluntarydisclosure. The second is about the selection of voluntary items for inclusionin a disclosure index.In his article appearing in this journal, Raffoumier (1995) related theextent of voluntary disclosure in the annual reports of Geneva StockExchange listed companies to possible determinants representing agency andpolitical costs. He measured the voluntary disclosure practices of the firms inhis sample with a disclosure index. The index consisted of items requiredunder the Fourth and Seventh European Union (EU) directives. Usingunivariate and multiple regression analyses, he examined the relationshipsbetween the index scores and eight corporate attributes. Among other thingshe concluded that, '. even if size is highly correlated with other variables,its impact on the extent of disclosure should mainly be attributed to politicalcosts' (Raffoumier, 1995: 276). This commentary is an attempt to draw the attention of other disclosureresearchers to these issues so that the research design in voluntary disclosurestudies can be made more rigorous. The rest of the commentary is organizedas follows. The next section presents discussion on the relationships betweenpolitical costs, firm size and voluntary disclosure. The third section examinesthe selection of voluntary disclosure items. The final section contains theconcluding remarks.Address for correspondence:School of Accounting & Finance, Middlesex University Business School, TheBurroughs, London NW4 4BT. © 1997 European Accounting Association 0963-8180
Nod2 regulates the host response towards microflora by modulating T cell function and epithelial permeability in mouse Peyer's patches

Nucleotide oligomerisation domain 2 (NOD2) mutations are associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease and graft-versus-host disease, two human disorders related with dysfunctions of Peyer's patches (PPs). In Nod2−/− mice transcellular permeability and bacterial translocation are increased in PPs. In this study, we show that both anti-CD4+ and anti-interferon γ (anti-IFNγ) monoclonal antibodies abrogate this phenotype and reduce the expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 2 and the long isoform of myosin light chain kinase, thus demonstrating that immune T cells influence the epithelial functions. In turn, intraperitoneal injection of ML-7 (a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor) normalises the values of CD4+ T cells, IFNγ and TNFα. This reciprocal cross-talk is under the control of the gut microflora as shown by the normalisation of all parameters after antibiotic treatment. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 expression were increased in Nod2−/− mice under basal conditions and TLR2 and TLR4 agonists induced an increased transcellular permeability in Nod2+/+ mice. Muramyldipeptide (a Nod2 agonist) or ML-7 was able to reverse this phenomenon. It thus appears that Nod2 modulates the cross-talk between CD4+ T cells and the epithelium recovering PP and that it downregulates the pro-inflammatory effect driven by the ileal microflora, likely by inhibiting the TLR pathways.
Derivatives disclosure in corporate annual reports: bank analysts' perceptions of usefulness

Responding to mixed evidence on the decision-usefulness of annual report disclosures for derivative financial instruments to capital market participants, and concerns identified by practice, this paper examines usefulness in a direct study of user perceptions. Interviews with analysts from Australia's four major banks reveal essential usefulness, limited by the disclosures' failure to reflect companies' actual use of derivatives throughout the period, and inability of users to understand companies' off-balance sheet risk and risk management practices from information considered generic and boilerplate. The research complements and extends existing archival and survey research and provides new evidence suggesting low-cost ways for increasing usefulness. It supports the International Accounting Standards Board's disclosure recommendations in its recent Discussion Paper: A Review of the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting, but, at the same time, highlights that for these proposed measures to be successful in relation to IFRS 7, they may need to address other issues. The research increases knowledge of the informational requirements of lenders, an important class of financial information user, and supports calls from practice for companies to improve their disclosure of material economic risks.
The Energy Demand in the Industrial Sector of Pakistan

The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of energy in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. The translog cost function alongwith the input demand equations corresponding to energy, capital, and labour have been estimated, using Zellner's iterative procedure. Time trend has been included in the cost equation in view of the low Durbin-Watson statistics. The results justify the inclusion of energy as a separate factor of production. Price elasticities and Allen-Uzawa partial substitution elasticities have been estimated. Own price elasticities indicate a rather inelastic demand for inputs. Cross-price elasticities show that energy and labour, and capital and labour are substitutes. The partial substitution elasticities between energy and capital are negative; which implies that higher energy prices will adversely affect investment in capital goods. On the other hand, the positive substitution elasticity between energy and employment implies that higher energy prices would induce more labour absorption.
Positive-end expiratory pressure reduces incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in nonhypoxemic patients*

Objective:To analyze the effect on clinical outcomes of prophylactic positive end expiratory pressure in nonhypoxemic ventilated patients. Design:Multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting:One trauma and two general intensive care units in two university hospitals. Patients:One hundred thirty-one mechanically ventilated patients with normal chest radiograph and Pao2/Fio2 above 250. Interventions:Patients were randomly allocated to receive mechanical ventilation with 5–8 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (PEEP group, n = 66) or no-PEEP (control group, n = 65). Measurements and Main Results:Primary end-point variable was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included microbiologically confirmed ventilator-associated pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, barotrauma, atelectasis, and hypoxemia (Pao2/Fio2 <175). Both groups were similar at randomization in demographic characteristics, intensive care unit admission diagnoses, severity of illness, and risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Hospital mortality rate was similar (p = 0.58) between PEEP (29.7%) and control (25.4%) groups. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was detected in 16 (25.4%) patients in the control group and 6 (9.4%) in the PEEP group (relative risk, 0.37; 95% confidence interval = 0.15–0.84; p = 0.017). The number of patients who developed hypoxemia was significantly higher in the control group (34 of 63 patients, 54%) than in the PEEP group (12 of 64, 19%) (p < 0.001), and the hypoxemia developed after a shorter period (median [interquartile range]) in the control group than in the PEEP group (38 [20–70] hrs vs. 77 [32–164] hrs, p < 0.001). Groups did not significantly differ in incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (14% in controls vs. 5% in the PEEP group, p = 0.08), barotrauma (8% vs. 2%, respectively, p = 0.12), or atelectasis (27% vs. 19%, respectively, p = 0.26). Conclusions:These findings indicate that application of prophylactic PEEP in nonhypoxemic ventilated patients reduces the number of hypoxemia episodes and the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
A theory of cerebellar cortex

1. A detailed theory of cerebellar cortex is proposed whose consequence is that the cerebellum learns to perform motor skills. Two forms of input—output relation are described, both consistent with the cortical theory. One is suitable for learning movements (actions), and the other for learning to maintain posture and balance (maintenance reflexes).
CEO Turnover after Acquisitions: Are Bad Bidders Fired?

We examine the relation between bidder returns and the probability of chief executive officer (CEO) turnover in acquiring firms. Using a sample of 714 acquisitions during 1990 to 1998, we find that 47% of CEOs of acquiring firms are replaced within 5 years, including 27% by internal governance, 16% by takeovers, and 4% by bankruptcy. A significant inverse relation exists between bidder returns and the likelihood of CEO turnover. This relation is not associated with governance structure. It also is not significantly different in stock versus cash acquisitions, which appears to be inconsistent with Shleifer and Vishny's theory of “stock market driven” acquisitions.
Reviewing the Evidence on How Adult Students Learn: An Examination of Knowles' Model of Andragogy.

The rationale for writing on this topic area came about from my experience with teaching adults on a variety of evening programmes. Students from a variety of backgrounds tend to enrol on business type courses that are accredited by the Institute of Commercial Management and Institute of Public Administration. In some cases, the students in these courses left education at a young age, often before they had completed secondary education, often due to not being comfortable with the teaching style that was adopted by the teacher in the classroom. Students felt that the teaching style did not promote learning in the classroom and that students were not allowed to question the material discussed in the classroom. When these students enrolled in evening programmes they were often surprised that they were allowed to contribute to discussions in relation to a variety of topics. The difference in the teaching style often encouraged students to further their education and to participate in more courses at a later stage.
ISO 9000 implementation in Turkish industry

Notes that it has become a competitive necessity for firms doing business globally to acquire the ISO 9000 certification, despite the misgivings many have with regard to its true effectiveness. Turkey, an emerging industrial economy, has a significant stake in the EU markets. At present, there is no systematic study documenting the status of ISO 9000 implementation in Turkey, the profile of the certified firms, their motivation, and their organizational experience during and after the certification process; whereas such studies have begun to emerge in other countries. Provides a background on the Turkish quality movement, and reports the results of a survey conducted among large Turkish companies that attempts to provide answers to the issues raised above. The findings are revealing and should help an international manager doing or planning to do business in Turkey, or his Turkish counterpart thinking about getting certification.
Examination of the new MMPI-2 Response Bias Scale (Gervais): relationship with MMPI-2 validity scales

Validity scales were recently developed to improve assessment of symptom validity beyond original MMPI-2 validity scales. In an initial study, the Response Bias Scale (RBS; Gervais, 2005) was developed based upon non-head-injury claimant performances on a cognitive effort measure, the Word Memory Test (WMT). The present study examined relationships of the RBS with numerous MMPI-2 validity scales in a sample of 211 participants with secondary gain (SG) or no secondary gain (NSG). Of the validity scales observed, RBS yielded the largest effect size difference between groups (d = .65), followed closely by FBS (d = .60) and the L-scale (d = .51). Overall, RBS correlated most significantly (r = .74, p < .001) with FBS, but also showed significant correlations with most other validity scales for both groups. RBS further demonstrated significant correlations (p < .001) with all clinical scales except for Mf. Findings suggest that RBS and FBS may represent a similar construct of symptom validity, and may outperform other MMPI-2 validity scales in discriminating SG and NSG groups. Findings provide preliminary support for use of RBS within the forensic context.
Renal Denervation Attenuates Progression of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice Independent of Blood Pressure Lowering

The renal autonomic nervous system may contribute to hypertension and vascular disease. Although the effects of renal artery denervation on blood pressure lowering are controversial, there may be other beneficial vascular effects independent of blood pressure lowering. Bilateral renal denervation (RDN) or sham operation (SO) was performed in 14-week-old male apolipoprotein E–deficient mice on a Western diet starting at 10 weeks of age. Efficacy of RDN was confirmed by reduction of renal norepinephrine levels (SO: 3.8±0.1 versus RDN: 1.7±0.3 ng/mL; P<0.01) at 6 weeks after procedure. Compared with SO, RDN had no effect on blood pressure (SO: 101.0±2.4 versus RDN: 97.5±1.6 mm Hg; P=0.25), total cholesterol (SO: 536.7±28.5 versus RDN: 535.7±62.9 mg/dL; P=0.99), or triglycerides (SO: 83.7±3.5 versus RDN: 86.9±10.2 mg/dL; P=0.78). Quantification of atherosclerosis at 20 weeks of age demonstrated reduced atherosclerosis in mice receiving RDN compared with SO (arterial tree oil-red-O surface staining RDN: 4.2±0.5% versus SO: 6.3±0.7%; P<0.05). Reduced atherosclerosis was associated with increased smooth muscle cell content in atherosclerotic plaques (RDN: 13.3±2.1 versus SO: 8.1±0.6%; P<0.05). Serum levels of aldosterone, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and 8-isoprostane were lower in mice that received RDN compared with sham-operated mice (aldosterone; RDN: 206.8±33.2 versus SO: 405.5±59.4 pg/mL, P<0.05; monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; RDN: 51.7±7.9 versus SO: 91.71±4.6 pg/mL, P<0.05; 8-isoprostane; RDN: 331.9±38.2 versus SO: 468.5±42.0 pg/mL, P<0.05). RDN reduces progression of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. These changes are associated with reduced aldosterone levels, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and markers of oxidative stress.