Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In-patient’s satisfaction in the medical and surgical wards - A comparison between accreditted and non accreditated hospital in the state of Selangor

Background : Two of the most common indicators of institutional healthcare quality are Hospital Accreditation Status and Patient Satisfaction. However, the relationship between them is not well understood. In Malaysia, only 20.48% hospitals have been accredited. This is very much less compared to hospitals in America, Europe, Australia and certain Asian countries whereby 90% of their hospitals have already been accredited. Objective : The objective of this study was to compare the extent to which a patient’s satisfaction is related to hospital accreditation status, to examine the relationship between patient satisfaction and hospital work load and to determine factors that influence patients’ satisfaction. Methodology : A cross-sectional study was conducted whereby 150 patients from each accredited and non-accredited hospital involved in this study group giving a total of 300 samples. `SERVQUAL’ instrument was used in this study. Patients were interviewed at 2 different times - during admission and upon discharge. Result : Results showed 34.7% patients were satisfied with services in accredited hospital and 30.6% patients were satisfied with services in non-accredited hospital. `Corporate Culture’ component showed the lowest satisfaction score among the entire dimension in both categories hospitals. Patient satisfaction was noted to be reduced with increase in hospital work load. Other factors which significantly influence patient satisfaction include level of education, employment status and patient income. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between accredited and non-accredited hospital in all dimension measured. Conclusion : Therefore there is no difference of patients’ satisfaction with regards to services provided by accredited and non-accredited hospitals.
A review of public entrepreneurship among Dutch healthcare institutions

In this thesis, the Dutch healthcare sector will be evaluated on the level of entrepreneurship involved in the organisations that are part of it. Changes in healthcare policy in the Netherlands are making this an interesting topic to review. With these changes, the government is trying to implement an entrepreneurial spirit in this industry. These policy changes are initialized by the second chamber of the Netherlands and modelled after recommendations of the industry organisation and scholars (Cools, 2008; Poortvliet et al, 2012). In this implementation, one of the main goals is decreasing costs, while increasing innovation, quality and efficiency. The economic circumstances are the reason for the sudden acceleration of the implementation of these rules. With this research, a void in healthcare entrepreneurship is being explored; in deriving the relevant theory, but especially with the insights this paper provides on a national and institutional level. To realize this evaluation, a dataset of the Dutch ministry of health, well-being and sports will be analysed, which contains the year reports of all institutions that are obliged to report to the government. Empirical research on the effects of entrepreneurship is measured in the output; performance, and the input; entrepreneurial characteristics. Performance is in its turn defined in financial and organisational dimensions. Entrepreneurship is measured with respect to the theoretically relevant characteristics in the healthcare industry. Results indicate that several entrepreneurial indicators are of significant influence on performance, but the overall hypothesis; entrepreneurial characteristics have a positive association with organisational and financial performance in the healthcare industry, cannot be supported. Despite this result, strategic recommendations and implications can be drawn from the results of this thesis.
Investor Protections and Concentrated Ownership: Assessing Corporate Control Mechanisms in the Netherlands

Abstract The Berle-Means problem - information and incentive asymmetries disrupting relations between knowledgeable managers and remote investors - has remained a durable issue engaging researchers since the 1930s. However, the Berle- Means paradigm - widely dispersed, helpless investors facing strong, entrenched managers - is under stress in the wake of the cross-country evidence presented by La Porta, Lopez-de-Silanes, Shleifer and Vishny, and their legal approach to corporate control. This paper continues to investigate the roles of investor protections and concentrated ownership by examining firm behaviour in the Netherlands. Our within-country analysis generates two key results. First, the role of investor protections emphasized in the legal approach is not sustained. Rather, firm performance is enhanced when the firm is freed of equity market constraints. Second, ownership concentration does not have a discernible impact on firm performance, which may reflect large shareholders’ dual role in lowering the costs of managerial agency problems but raising the agency costs of expropriation.
Serum magnesium and copper levels in Bangladeshi women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Background and objectives : Alteration of magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu) concentrations in blood has been observed in normal pregnancy as well as in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The present study was aimed to evaluate the serum Mg and Cu levels in Bangladeshi women with GDM in their second and third trimester of pregnancy. Methods : The study was conducted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2013 to June 2014. Pregnant women, in their second and third trimester, attending the outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Endocrinology of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital were enrolled by purposive sampling technique. GDM was diagnosed on the basis of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as defined in WHO criteria 2013. Blood glucose was estimated by enzymatic GOD-PAP colorimetric method. The cut off value for fasting plasma glucose level was ≥6.1 mmol/L or ≥7.8 mmol/L 2 hours after glucose load. Serum Cu was estimated by 3, 5-DiBr-PAESA method and Mg by Xylidyl Blue-I Method as per manufacturer’s instruction. Results : A total of 172 pregnant women in their second and third trimester were enrolled. Out of 172 participants, 86 had GDM and 86 were normoglycemic (control). The mean age of GDM and control groups was 28.6±3.2 years and 27.3±3.1 years respectively. The BMI was 26.4±1.5 m/kg 2 and 26.3±1.3 m/kg 2 . Serum Mg level was significantly low (p< 0.001) in 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters in GDM cases (1.39±0.26 mg/dl and 0.93±0.15 mg/dl) compared to control group (1.67±0.3 mg/dl and 1.67±0.31mg/dl). On the contrary, serum Cu levels in GDM cases were significantly (p<0.002) higher in both trimesters (224±333.8 μg/dl and 243.91±6.89 μg/dl) compared to those without GDM (220.1±7.6 μg/dl and 234.9±4.6 μg/dl). There was significant (p<0.001) increase of serum Cu levels in 3 rd trimester compared to 2 nd trimester in both GDM and non GDM cases. Conclusion : There was distinct alteration of serum Mg and Cu levels in GDM compared to normal pregnancy. IMC J Med Sci 2017; 11(1): 25-28
“My hands are tied”: Nurses’ perception of organizational culture in Kenyan private hospitals

It is estimated that by 2030 the global shortage of nurses and midwives will be 7.6 million, with African countries among the most adversely affected. Within this context, it is important to understand the specific organizational factors that contribute to registered nurses (RNs)’ decisions to remain or leave their workplaces in East Africa. The aim of this study was to commence exploration of these factors by exploring nurses’ perceptions of organizational culture of selected private hospitals in Kenya. A small-scale exploratory qualitative approach was employed, with eight nurses undertaking semi-structured interviews. There were five female and three male nurses. All participants were RNs; two held a bachelor’s degree in nursing and the rest held diplomas in nursing. The thematic analysis revealed four major themes and nine sub-themes. The major themes included: restrictive work environment, top-down leadership, normalizing the abnormal in team dynamics and professionalism, and ethical concerns. These findings suggest an urgent need for Kenyan private hospital administrators to create a hospital work environment that provides more autonomy for nurses. There is a need for inclusive leadership styles that target hospital organizational structures and processes in order to address nursing workforce team dynamics. A merit-based salary and progressive reward systems are recommended to empower nurses to remain in the workforce.
An Analysis of Intention to Use in Innovative Product Development Model through TAM Model

In 2013 China announced the “One Belt and One Road” policy, including the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road. " The purpose of the two plans aims to establish a new connection of trade transportation between China, Central Asia and Europe, “this is by far the most massive regional infrastructure plans we have seen. ” In 2015 China again proposed the “Made in China 2025” plan, which identifies “smart manufacturing” and applies technology innovation as the core development of equipment manufacturing, and thereby implementing major projects such as the national manufacturing innovation center. Nonetheless the predicament of industrial OEM model and the invasion from the rise of the red supply chain in China have led to considerably urgent demand for transition of manufacturing industry. The study objects comprise of manufacturers in transition to manufacturing servitization under the strong advocacy by Taiwan and applies TAM model to verify the user intention and suggestions for manufacturers in such innovative product development model. This conclusion is in accord with previous studies on new product development thinking model, which suggests that when users perceive ease of use and ease of learning, the innovative product development model will be considered to help performance improvement. The model allows first-line and entry-level employees to comprehend and understand they key execution, which is the best solution for perceived usefulness in supporting attitudes toward use and reducing risk concern factors.
Strategy in internationally oriented European SMEs

This paper presents strategic types of internationalized SMEs across four European countries responding to the call in International Business of developing studies in the field of "generic" international strategy. The objective of our research is twofold: first, by employing cluster analyses we try to uncover strategic groups out from data. Second, we aim to link the emerging strategic clusters and their internationalisation behaviour and patterns. Results show some strategic types that are in part common to different countries, even though relevant country specificities have been found. In general the universe of international SMEs is not isomorphic from a strategic orientation point of view, neither necessarily "reactive" nor "opportunistic at best".
The Causal Link between Foreign Direct Investment, GDP Growth, Domestic Investment and Export for Kenya: The New Evidence

This study investigates on how foreign direct investment (FDI) relates with host country’s GDP growth, domestic investment and export in Kenya. Therefore the causality relationship between FDI, Export, domestic investment and GDP growth of Kenya from the year 1980 to 2013 is examined by using co integration and granger causality test . The co integration test results indicates that there is a long run relationships ship among the four variables being analyzed in this study. The Granger causality test results shows that the causal unidirectional relationships exist between export(EXP) and domestic investment (DI)at 5 percent level with the direction running direct from export(EXP) to domestic investment(DI) implying that export(EXP) is a good predictor of domestic investment(DI) in Kenya and that export led strategy is appropriate while the results found the bidirectional relationship between export (EXP) and foreign direct investment(FDI) at 5 and 10 percent level respectively implying that there is a feedback linkage of predicting each other between these two variables suggesting that both the export led FDI growth and FDI led Export growth are appropriate strategy to be adopted for Kenya. Finally the results showed domestic investment (DI) and foreign direct investment (DI) to have a unidirectional relationship at 1 percent level with a direction of linkage running from direct investment (DI) to foreign direct investment(FDI) which implies that domestic investment(DI) is important in predicting the inflow of foreign direct investment(FDI) in Kenya economy and not vice versa therefore the policy makers should cautiously base on the obtained results for right decision in policy making that could enable Kenyan economy reach its desired developments objectives. Keywords: Foreign direct investment (FDI), Gross domestic product growth (GDPG), exports (EXP), Domestic investment (DI), co integration test, Granger causality, Kenya.
Climatology of convective density currents in the southern foothills of the Atlas Mountains

[1] Density currents fed by evaporationally cooled air are an important dust storm–generating feature and can constitute a source of moisture in arid regions. Recently, the existence of such systems has been demonstrated for the area between the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert in southern Morocco on the basis of case studies. Here, a climatological analysis is presented that uses data from the dense climate station network of the IMPETUS project (An Integrated Approach to the Efficient Management of Scarce Water Resources in West Africa) for the 5 year period 2002–2006. Objective criteria mainly based upon abrupt changes in wind and dew point temperature are defined to identify possible density current situations. The preselected events are then subjectively evaluated with the help of satellite imagery and surface observations to exclude causes for air mass changes other than moist convective cold pool formation. On average, 11 ± 4 density currents per year are detected with the main season lasting from April to September. Density currents occur mainly in the afternoon and evening due to the diurnal cycle of moist convection. Mean changes at the leading edge are increases in 2 m dew point temperature and wind speed by 5.4°C and 8.2 m s−1, respectively, and a decrease in 2 m air temperature of 2.3°C. The High Atlas and Jebel Saghro are found to be the most important source regions, while only a few systems originate over the Saharan lowlands. Labilization of the atmosphere due to upper-level troughs over northwest Africa and an enhanced moisture content favor density current formation. In addition, detailed case studies representative of different density current types are presented.
Relations between organizational commitment and focal and discretionary behaviours

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relations between organizational commitment (OC) dimensions and two focal and discretionary behaviours (intention to stay and organizational citizenship behaviour). Drawing on a sample of 310 Spanish employees of small services firms, this research reveals that in contrast to recent findings that detected a nonlinear (inverted U-shaped) relationship between continuance commitment and intention to stay, the form of the relationships between OC dimensions and the proposed outcomes is linear rather than nonlinear. Furthermore, when dividing continuance commitment into two subcomponents, the research results indicate that the dimension associated with commitment based on few existing employment alternatives is significantly, negatively and linearly related to intention to stay and organizational citizenship behaviour. This suggests that the three-component model of OC suffers from a conceptual inconsistency, which is further discussed.
What is the relation between Brazilian Foreign Policy and the implementation of bilateral technical cooperation projects in African Countries? Lessons from a South-South cooperation project implemented by the Brazilian National School of Public Administration - ENAP (2009-2012)

Based on the "street-level" and the "theory of the bureaucracy" approaches, the article contends that national bureaucracies may play an important role in explaining the relation between Brazilian foreign policy and international technical cooperation. Drawing lessons from a 2009 ENAP-ISAP project in Mozambique, we concluded that the Brazilian National School of Public Administration - ENAP's interests and autonomy in the implementation process may influence Brazilian bilateral relations.
Confronting informal resistance and empty commitment: Contradictions in the local adoption of gender mainstreaming

This article explores the local adoption of gender mainstreaming in Swedish public organisations in the Vastra Gotaland region. Using both observations and ethnographic interviews this study highlights the experiences of gender equality practitioners. The interviewees have central functions relating to gender equality in municipalities or public organisations with administrative authorities. Local interpretations of the strategy as well as cultural and institutional obstacles are a central focus. The theoretical framework used concerns gender patterns in organizations, formal commitment and performativity. Furthermore, theories concerning the local translation of ideas are used. The results of this study imply that the local adoption of gender mainstreaming is characterized by problematic features. Public organisations can use this strategy to gain legitimacy, and therefore reinforce empty commitment to gender equality. Embedded informal resistance in organisations are understood as contributing to this solution. It is concluded that the strategy contains internal contradictions and that it does not consider important cultural aspects related to the implementation of gender equality initiatives.
Identification and Characterization of Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Associated with Kudzu Root Nodules

Pueraria montana, better known as kudzu, is an invasive species rapidly spreading throughout the southeastern United States. This plant can form root nodules which house nitrogen-fixing bacteria, allowing atmospheric nitrogen to be converted into biologically available forms of nitrogen for use by the plant host. Given the centrality of these bacteria to the spread of kudzu, isolates from nodules were characterized after collection from seven different locations across the metropolitan Atlanta area. Twenty-five isolates were grown on two different variants of nitrogen free media. Four different carbon sources were evaluated as well. Finally, growth under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions was investigated. Almost all isolates grew better under anaerobic conditions. Additionally, the carbon source and other components of the composition of the media affected growth. These data suggest significant metabolic diversity inside a relatively small geographic area posing questions about the relative contribution of nitrogen fixing bacteria to kudzu’s invasive expansion in this region. In addition, four possible “promiscuous ineffective” isolates were identified using data evaluating relative growth, possibly reflecting reduced nitrogen fixation and corresponding benefit to the host. The kudzu can be described as “promiscuous ineffective” because it allows nodulation of bacteria that have very poor nitrogen fixing capabilities. Two sequences, 16S rRNA and the gene nifD, were amplified from these four isolates. The 16S rRNA sequence reveals minor evolutionary diversity amongst isolates. Analysis of nifD reveals variations between isolates and some correspondence with an ability to fix nitrogen. With these data, further characterization of the “promiscuous ineffective” isolates may reveal the mechanism of reduced fixation rates and provide insight into possible bioremediation of kudzu.
Adaptação e Validação da Versão Brasileira da Utrecht Work Engagement Scale

Engajamento no trabalho e um estado mental e disposicional positivo caracterizado por Vigor, Dedicacao e Concentracao. O objetivo desse estudo foi adaptar e obter evidencias de validade da versao brasileira da Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Participaram da pesquisa 1167 trabalhadores, entre 18 e 70 anos (M= 36,8, DP = 10,3) nas 5 regioes do Brasil. Foram realizados estudos para estabelecer validade de conteudo e validade de construto com os 17 itens da escala e os 9 itens da versao reduzida. Analises fatoriais exploratoria e confirmatoria demonstraram que a melhor solucao seria unifatorial. A consistencia interna foi elevada. Foram encontradas diferencas de engajamento em relacao a idade. Os resultados indicam que a versao brasileira da UWES e valida e reforcam a ideia de que o engajamento no trabalho e um construto universal. Porem, algumas diferencas culturais foram detectadas e sao discutidas no presente trabalho.
Social Capital and Educational Achievements: Coleman vs. Bourdieu

The influence of social capital on an individual’s educational achievements is the subject of numerous scientific papers. Research on social capital is most frequently based on Coleman’s (1988) or Bourdieu’s (1986) theories of capital, which are related to different paradigms of social theory: whereas Coleman’s approach has its roots in structural functionalism, Bourdieu’s approach contains elements of conflict theory. A number of authors, starting with Bourdieu, attempt to explain and prove that, when connected with the education of individuals, the activity of social capital facilitates social reproduction. Other authors support the notion that social capital is, in fact, a powerful weapon that encourages social mobility. A third group of researchers emphasise that neither of these approaches in isolation can entirety explain the influences of social capital on an individual’s education (Ho, 2003). The present paper offers a review of research focusing on the influences of social capital on educational achievements, while outlining the fundamental differences between the two theoretical approaches that are most frequently used for research of this topic. The aim of the paper is to explain the influence of social capital on an individual’s educational achievements under Bourdieu’s and Coleman’s theoretical concepts, and to establish whether combining the approaches is possible. The conclusion and arguments show that it is legitimate to use all three theoretical approaches.
Implementing Open Innovation Beyond the Pilot Stage: Barriers and Organizational Interventions

Open Innovation has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to enhance the efficiency of a firm's innovation process. In this paper, we focus on broadcast search (also called tournament-based crowdsourcing), a method in the later stages of an innovation project directed to solve technical problems in form of an open call. Based on a design science approach and a longitudinal study of six companies engaged in piloting of open innovation, we identify barriers and sources of resistance that hinder its implementation in firms. Our paper contributes to open innovation research by analyzing crowdsourcing on the level of pilot projects, hence providing a workflow perspective that considers the creation of dedicated processes and operations of crowdsourcing. This project level analysis of crowdsourcing enables the identification of specific challenges managers face when implementing crowdsourcing within an established R&D organization. Following a design science approach, we also derive suggestions for organizational interventions to overcome these barriers. We find that dedicated promotor roles strongly contribute to a successful implementation of crowdsourcing, turning pilot projects into an organizational routine.