Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Office Rent Determinants: A Hedonic Panel Analysis

It has been frequently observed that office markets are subject to particularly high fluctuations in rents and vacancy levels, thus exposing real estate investors to considerable risk regarding expected future income streams. This paper analyzes the determinants of office rents and their variability over time and across sub-markets of a city using empirical data from New York City to gain additional insight into the rent price formation and its stability across space and over time.
Bridging Uncertainty in Management Consulting: The Mechanisms of Trust and Networked Reputation

This article analyzes the market of management consulting and identifies institutional and transactional uncertainty as its principal features. Based on these uncertainties, we argue that competition in this market takes place on entirely different grounds than in other business sectors. We suggest that the main drivers of competitiveness are neither price nor measurable quality, but rather experience-based trust and a mechanism we label ‘networked reputation. ’ An embeddedness perspective is employed to develop the concept of networked reputation as an intermediate mechanism that complements the duality of system versus personal trust and accounts for firm growth. We reinterpret secondary data on the German consulting market, illustrate the significance of these mechanisms, and demonstrate how management consulting is situated in structures of social relations.
Narratives in Managers’ Corporate Finance Decisions

This article uses the extended case method to explore senior executives’ corporate finance decisions. We quantified firm’s finance practices using a mail survey, and then – to resolve puzzles in managers’ decision processes – conducted face-to-face interviews with chief finance officers of large listed firms. The interviews identified six themes as consistent influences on finance decisions: pressures imposed by clienteles; constraints on resources; risk management; heuristics; real options; and sustainability. We conclude that managers are logical and rational in their decisions, but employ a wider range of criteria than assumed in conventional finance theories.
Scan–rescan and intra-observer variability of magnetic resonance imaging of carotid atherosclerosis at 1.5 T and 3.0 T

Carotid atherosclerosis measurements for eight subjects at baseline and 14 ± 2 days later were examined using 1.5 T and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A single observer blinded to field strength, subject and timepoint manually segmented carotid artery wall and lumen boundaries in randomized images in five measurement trials. Mean increases in the signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for T1-weighted images acquired at 3.0 T compared to 1.5 T were 90% (scan) and 80% (rescan). Despite significantly improved SNR and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) for images acquired at 3.0 T, vessel wall volume (VWV) intra-observer variability was not significantly different using coefficients of variation (COV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). VWV interscan variability and consistency at both field strengths were not statistically different (1.5 T/3.0 T COV = 5.7%/7.8%, R2 = 0.96 for 1.5 T and R2 = 0.87 for 3.0 T). A two-way analysis of variance showed a VWV dependence on field strength but not scan timepoint. In addition, a paired t-test showed significant differences in VWV measured at 3.0 T as compared to 1.5 T. These results suggest that although images acquired at 1.5 T have lower SNR and CNR VWV, measurement variability was not significantly different from 3.0 T VWV and that VWV is field-strength dependent which may be an important consideration for longitudinal studies.
Diagnostic methods for dental caries used by private dental practitioners in Ankara

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the preference profiles of various types of diagnostic tools and methods used by private dental practitioners in Ankara for detecting dental caries. Methods: Private dental practitioners, in five districts of Ankara, were provided with questionnaires comprising demographic characteristics, possession of dental imaging systems, and methods used for caries diagnosis. The questionnaires were retrieved after 1-3 visits. Of 722 questionnaires, 371 were returned. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis and Chi-square tests. Results: The completed questionnaires were obtained from 160 women and 168 men, the response rate was 51.4% aged 25-69 years; 28.4% of them were specialists. Most participants possessed a dental radiography (RG) device. Air drying and sharp explorers were the most commonly preferred methods used for caries diagnosis. There was no significant association between using a sharp explorer and sex or being a specialist (P = 0.110, 0.226, respectively). Almost one-third of the dentists with an experience of <11 years, never used an RG device to detect occlusal caries (P = 0.003). Only three participants reported the use of DIAGNOdent, while two participants used fiber-optic transillumination (FOTI). Conclusions: It was observed that visual-tactile examination using sharp explorer accompanied with radiographs were among the main instruments used for detecting carious lesions. Usage of magnification tools, FOTI, and DIAGNOdent were low.
A randomized phase II study of irinotecan plus cisplatin versus irinotecan plus capecitabine with or without isosorbide-5-mononitrate in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND We investigated the efficacy of irinotecan/cisplatin (IP) versus irinotecan/capecitabine (IX) with or without isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) in chemo-naïve advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Initially, 74 patients were randomly assigned to either IP or IX. Given the potential benefits of ISMN on chemotherapy, the protocol was amended during the study. Subsequently, 72 patients were randomly assigned to either IP + ISMN or IX + ISMN. Patients were treated with predefined second-line therapies (docetaxel/capecitabine for IP or IP + ISMN, docetaxel/cisplatin for IX or IX + ISMN) when disease progressed. RESULTS A total of 146 received treatment. Response rate (RR), median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 49%, 5.5 months, 14.5 months in IP; 33%, 3.3 months, 13.0 months in IP + ISMN; 30%, 4.3 months, 16.1 months in IX; and 25%, 3.4 months, 13.6 months in IX + ISMN, respectively. While IP arm showed a trend toward higher RR and longer PFS than IX arm, IX arm showed a trend toward longer OS than IP arm. No significant differences were observed between IP + ISMN and IX + ISMN. CONCLUSION IP showed better RR and PFS but no OS benefit when compared with IX. The addition of ISMN to IP or IX chemotherapy did not seem to improve the treatment outcome.
HIV-related stigma and access to health care among people living with HIV in Swaziland

This paper examines the effect that HIV-related stigma has on access to health care among people living with HIV in Swaziland. Drawing on an analysis of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, it describes the difficulties they encounter in accessing antiretroviral medication and the requisite care and support, and explores the experiences and perspectives of these people and their caregivers. It documents the way stigmatisation makes it difficult for people living with HIV to access essential health care services. The findings suggest that if antiretroviral therapy programmes are to succeed, they must not only address the issue of resource scarcity but also tackle the challenge of stigmatisation and establish adequate care and support systems for these people in their families and communities.
Health, education, and economic growth in East Asia

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the sources of economic growth based on an augmented Mankiw, Romer, and Weil's model which considers human capital in the forms of both health and education for a group of East Asian economies including China. Design/methodology/approach - Empirical results are based on the analysis of a panel dataset from 1961 to 2007. Sub-sample estimation for the post-1997 Asian Financial Crisis period is also considered for comparison purposes. Findings - The impact of the stock of health and education on economic growth is statistically significant for both the whole sample and sub-sample period. However, the impact of investment in education on economic growth is a little “fragile”. The statistical results show that the statistical impact of health on economic growth is stronger than that of education. It seems that it is more plausible for the policymakers in East Asia to invest more in health than educational human capital. Originality/value - This paper is one of the first empirical studies to analyze the effect of human capital in the form of both health and education on economic growth in East Asia.
Phylogenetic relationships among Linguatula serrata isolates from Iran based on 18S rRNA and mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences

Abstract The phylogenetic relationships among seven Linguatula serrata (L. serrata) isolates collected from cattle, goats, sheep, dogs and camels in different geographical locations of Iran were investigated using partial 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequences. The nucleotide sequences were analysed in order to determine the phylogenetic relationships between the isolates. Higher sequence diversity and intraspecies variation was observed in the cox1 gene compared to 18S rRNA sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of the cox1 gene placed all L. serrata isolates in a sister clade to L. arctica. The Mantel regression analysis revealed no association between genetic variations and host species or geographical location, perhaps due to the small sample size. However, genetic variations between L. serrata isolates in Iran and those isolated in other parts of the world may exist and could reveal possible evolutionary relationships.
Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Renal Dysfunction Undergoing a Coronary Procedure and Receiving Non-Ionic Low-Osmolar Versus Iso-Osmolar Contrast Media

Background:Although the superiority of low-osmolar over high-osmolar contrast agents in prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is generally accepted, the relative nephrotoxicity of iso-osmolar over low-osmolar agents has not yet clearly defined. We examined the incidence of CI-AKI according to the type of contrast agent used in a randomized study of ascorbic acid for CI-AKI prevention. Methods:A total of 222 patients with baseline serum creatinine ≥1.2 mg/dL who were undergoing a coronary procedure and who were randomized to receive ascorbic acid or placebo were evaluated. The iso-osmolar agent iodixanol was used in 144 patients, whereas low-osmolar non-ionic agents were used in 78 patients (iomeprol, n = 40; iobitridol, n = 30; iopentol, n = 8). CI-AKI was defined by an absolute serum creatinine increase of ≥0.5 mg/dL or a relative increase of ≥25% measured 2 to 5 days after the procedure. Results:The groups of patients who received iso-osmolar and low-osmolar non-ionic agents were well balanced in terms of demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics. The overall CI-AKI incidence was 14.6% for the iso-osmolar iodixanol versus 14.1% for the combined low-osmolar non-ionic agents (iomeprol, 10%; iobitridol, 10%; iopentol, 50%). For iodixanol, the incidence of CI-AKI was 7.4% for patients randomized to receive ascorbic acid and 21.6% for placebo (P = 0.02). The corresponding incidences for the low-osmolar non-ionic agents were 9.1% and 20.6%, respectively (P = 0.19). Conclusion:No differences in CI-AKI incidence were apparent among patients receiving non-ionic iso-osmolar iodixanol and non-ionic low-osmolar contrast agents. The preventative effect of ascorbic acid was also similar.
Multimodal analgesia before thoracic surgery does not reduce postoperative pain.

Several reports have suggested that preoperative nociceptive block may reduce postoperative pain, analgesic requirements, or both, beyond the anticipated duration of action of the analgesic agents. We have investigated, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, pre-emptive analgesia and the respiratory effects of preoperative administration of a multimodal antinociceptive regimen. Thirty patients undergoing thoracotomy were allocated randomly to two groups. Before surgery, the treatment group (n = 15) received morphine 0.15 mg kg-1 i.m. with perphenazine 0.03 mg kg-1 i.m. and a rectal suppository of indomethacin 100 mg, while the placebo group (n = 15) received midazolam 0.05 mg kg-1 i.m. and a placebo rectal suppository. After induction of anaesthesia, the treatment group received intercostal nerve block with 0.5% bupivacaine and adrenaline 1:200,000 (3 ml) in the interspace of the incision and in the two spaces above and two spaces below. The placebo group received identical injections but with normal saline only. The treatment group consumed significantly less morphine by patient-controlled analgesia in the first 6 h after operation, but the total dose of morphine consumed on days 2 and 3 after surgery was significantly greater in the treatment group. There were no differences between the groups in postoperative VAS scores (at rest or after movement), PaCO2 values or postoperative spirometry. However, pain thresholds to pressure applied at the side of the chest contralateral to the site of incision decreased significantly from preoperative values on days 1 and 2 after surgery in both groups. The results of this study do not support the preoperative use of this combined regimen for post-thoracotomy pain.
Customs Modernization Handbook

This handbook aims to make a positive contribution to the efforts that many countries are undertaking to modernize their customs administrations. The handbook views a competent and well-organized customs service as one that successfully balances its various responsibilities to ensure a high level of compliance with revenue objectives and regulatory requirements while at the same time intervening as little as possible in the legitimate movement of goods and people across borders. The handbook recognizes that conditions differ greatly across countries, so that each customs administration will need to tailor its modernization efforts to national objectives, implementation capacities, and resource availability.
Haemodialysis activates phospholipase A2 enzyme.

BACKGROUND Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that haemodialysis (HD) procedure is an inflammatory process. For the production of proinflammatory lipid mediators in many inflammatory reactions, the release of arachidonic acid by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme is a prerequisite. Therefore, the purpose of the present investigation was to establish whether the activity of PLA2 increases during HD and whether the increase depends on the type of dialyser used. METHODS We performed dialysis in eight chronic HD patients. Blood samples entering and leaving the dialyser were obtained before and at 15, 60, 120 and 180 min after the dialysis was started, on one occasion using a cuprophane and on another occasion a cellulose triacetate dialyser. PLA2 activity was assessed in crude plasma and in plasma extract. RESULTS PLA2 activity in plasma extract exhibited similar biochemical properties to that of inflammatory human synovial fluid PLA2 enzyme which is of group II PLA2. PLA2 activity in crude plasma represents a type of PLA2 other than the synovial type. In HD patients, baseline PLA2 activities in a crude plasma and plasma extract were significantly increased when compared to normal subjects. An increase in PLA2 activity was observed in crude plasma with a peak appearing at 15 min when the patients were dialysed with cuprophane and cellulose triacetate membranes. This increase was observed in both arterial and venous blood samples and was more pronounced when the patients were dialysed with cuprophane than with cellulose triacetate membranes. When PLA2 was assessed in plasma extract, the activity increased only with cuprophane but not with cellulose triacetate membranes. CONCLUSION PLA2 activity in plasma is increased in HD patients and increases during the dialysis procedure to a greater extent with a less biocompatible membrane. Continuous activation of PLA2 might be relevant for long-term deleterious consequences of HD.
Investigation of Histology Region in Dielectric Measurements of Heterogeneous Tissues

The dielectric properties of tissues are the key parameters in electromagnetic medical technologies. Despite the apparent simplicity of the dielectric measurement process, reported data have been inconsistent for heterogeneous tissues. Dielectric properties may be attributed to heterogeneous tissues by identifying the tissue types that contributed to the measurement through histological analysis. However, accurate interpretation of the measurements with histological analysis requires first defining an appropriate histology region to examine. Here, we investigate multiple definitions for the probe sensing depth and uniquely calculate this parameter for measurements with a realistic range of tissues. We demonstrate that different sensing depth definitions are not equivalent, and may introduce error in dielectric data. Last, we propose an improved definition, given by the depth to which the probe can detect changes in the tissue sample, within the measurement uncertainty. We equate this sensing depth with histology depth, thus supporting the need of having the tissue region that contributes to the dielectric data be the same as that which is analyzed histologically. This paper demonstrates that, for these tissues, the histology depth is both frequency and tissue dependent. Therefore, the histology depth should be selected based on the measurement scenario; otherwise, inaccuracies in the data may result.
Timing of artificial insemination of dairy cows: fixed time once daily versus morning and afternoon.

Nonreturn rates to professional technician service of 7240 first AI Holstein cows were calculated to evaluate differences between once daily and a.m.-p.m. AI. To determine whether management practices affected nonreturn rates, participating herd owners were surveyed for methods used for detection of estrus. Nonreturn rates for once daily and a.m.-p.m. AI were 64.6 and 65.6% for 60-d, 60.1 and 60.6% for 75-d, and 58.4 and 57.8% for 90-d nonreturn periods. Signs of estrus for AI and interval from detection of estrus to AI were related to nonreturn rates. Nonreturn rate was highest, 63.4%, when cows were in standing estrus. Nonreturn rates were lowest, 36%, when cows were bred after treatment with PGF2 alpha without being detected in estrus or bred strictly on veterinary advice based on palpation. Nonreturn rates were similar for different times of the day when once daily AI was practiced. However, AI in the midmorning may have some advantages. The highest nonreturn rate for a 3-h period was 68.2% for 0800 and 1100 h; the lowest was 54.7% for 1300 to 1600 h. Movement before observation for estrus and an observation period > 15 min improved nonreturn rates for once daily AI. Once daily AI can be used effectively with no difference from the traditional a.m.-p.m. system; results are best when AI is based on standing estrus and performed between 0800 and 1100 h.
Balancing past and present: The impact of accounting internationalisation on German accounting regulations

Accounting plays a distinct role in a firm’s governance system and has evolved in a specific institutional setting over time to meet the contractual demands of various stakeholders. Against this backdrop, we argue that accounting internationalisation affects the contracting system when formal rules from other settings are introduced. To support our argument and to substantiate the interplay of accounting as a contractual device and country-specific institutions, we provide an in-depth case study of one European code-law country, Germany. Here, we place the recent phenomenon of accounting internationalisation into historical-institutional perspective and illustrate how accounting internationalisation has triggered a balancing act between a path-dependent preservation of the traditional contracting role and a moderate move towards valuation-based international benchmarks.
Effects of an alternate dissection schedule on gross anatomy laboratory practical performance

The current medical curricula reform that is taking place in many medical schools throughout the world has resulted in less time for gross anatomy laboratory instruction. In response, anatomists are using a variety of approaches (e.g., peer teaching, prosections, plastinated anatomical models, etc.) to adapt to these changes. To accommodate recent curricular reform at the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, an alternating dissection schedule was implemented. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the alternating schedule on gross anatomy laboratory practical performance. Using a Mann‐Whitney Rank Sum test, back and upper limb (back‐upper limb), and lower extremity laboratory practical performance for students who dissected in every laboratory (EL group; n = 227) is compared to students who dissected in every other laboratory (EOL group; n = 254). For the back‐upper limb part of the anatomy laboratory practical, the mean percentage scores for the EL and EOL groups were 74.5% and 68.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean percentage scores for the EL and EOL groups on the lower limb portion of the anatomy lab practical were 75.9% and 75.6%, respectively (P = 0.994). These data suggest that the use of an alternating dissection schedule had an equivocal effect on the students' gross anatomy laboratory practical performance for these two sections. The reasons for these conflicting results may have been related to regional complexity or volume of information, and the sequence in which the regions were taught. Clin. Anat. 17:144–148, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Buying Policy? The Effects of Lobbyists’ Resources on Their Policy Success 1

This study tests the common assumption that wealthier interest groups have an advantage in policymaking by considering the lobbyist’s experience, connections, and lobbying intensity as well as the organization’s resources. Combining newly gathered information about lobbyists’ resources and policy outcomes with the largest survey of lobbyists ever conducted, I find surprisingly little relationship between organizations’ financial resources and their policy success—but greater money is linked to certain lobbying tactics and traits, and some of these are linked to greater policy success.
Aggregate Labour Market Dynamics in Hong Kong

I specify a simple search and matching model of the labor market and estimate it on unemployment and vacancy data for Hong Kong over the period 2000-2010 using Bayesian methods. The model fits the data remarkably well. The estimation shows that the main driver of fluctuations in the labor market are productivity shocks, with cyclical movements in the separation rate playing only a subordinate role. The parameter estimates are broadly consistent with those found in the literature. In order to replicate the volatility of unemployment and vacancies the model estimates require a high replacement ratio and a low bargaining power for workers in addition to two extraneous sources of uncertainty. The estimates are robust to a relaxation of the prior information and small changes in the underlying model specification, which suggests that the data are informative and that the model is well specified. Overall, the Hong Kong labor market can be characterised by having a low degree of churning in normal times, but rapid firings and hirings in recessions and expansions.