Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Export Marketing Strategies of a Developing Country

Abstract Chile is becoming an important food exporter worldwide. The Chilean food industry has been growing consistently during the last decade reaching almost US$8 billion, which represents 25% of total Chilean exports in 2004. The main objective of this study is to analyze the Chilean salmon, wine, and fruit export industry, and to understand the marketing strategies that have led this food industry to increased performance. For this investigation, a qualitative methodology was applied, including interviews with experts and analysis of secondary information. The results show that marketing has contributed to food exports through an emphasis on product quality, product diversification, and foreign promotions. However, there are still several challenges for food exporters. Positioning the image of Chile in foreign markets, understanding more in depth consumers of diverse nations, and adequate channels of distribution are issues that still need to be addressed by marketers in order to become one of the top 10 food exporters of the world.
Mechanism of protection afforded by polyaspartic acid against gentamicin-induced phospholipidosis. I. Polyaspartic acid binds gentamicin and displaces it from negatively charged phospholipid layers in vitro.

Coadministration of polyaspartic acid protects rats against aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity, with respect to functional and pathological changes as well as to early signs of renal alterations (lysosomal phospholipidosis of proximal tubular cells, increased proliferation of proximal tubular and peritubular cells), without reduction, but actually by increasing the drug cortical content (Williams et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 237: 919, 1986; Gilbert et al., J. Infect. Dis. 159: 945, 1989; Beauchamp et al., 1990). Because aminoglycoside accumulation in kidney cortex involves their segregation in lysosomes, we have examined the possibility of formation of intracellular aminoglycoside-polyaspartic acid complexes that would render the drug less toxic. We found that in vitro polyaspartic acid (MW 9-15,000) 1) binds gentamicin with an optimum at acidic pH (5.4), 2) displaces it from negatively charged liposomes and 3) restores the activity of gentamicin-inhibited lysosomal phospholipase A1 toward phosphatidylcholine included in negatively charged liposomes. In parallel, we also observed that at pH 7.0, polyaspartic acid binds and displaces gentamicin from purified brush-border membrane vesicles, causing an apparent decrease of affinity of gentamicin for these membranes, which was falsely interpreted by Williams et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 237: 919, 1986 as "competition for a common membrane binding site. " Assuming that, after its administration in vivo, polyaspartic acid gains access to lysosomes of proximal tubular cells, as many low molecular weight proteins and polypeptides do, our results suggest that protection against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity is obtained by the binding of the aminoglycoside to the polyanion in lysosomes, preventing thereby the development of phospholipidosis and therefore interfering with the cascade of events leading from drug accumulation to nephrotoxicity.
Observation of radiation-specific damage in human cells exposed to depleted uranium: dicentric frequency and neoplastic transformation as endpoints.

Depleted uranium (DU) is a dense heavy metal used primarily in military applications. Published data from our laboratory have demonstrated that DU exposure in vitro to immortalised human osteoblast cells (HOS) is both neoplastically transforming and genotoxic. DU possesses both a radiological (alpha-particle) and chemical (metal) component. Since DU has a low specific activity in comparison to natural uranium, it is not considered to be a significant radiological hazard. The potential contribution of radiation to DU-induced biological effects is unknown and the involvement of radiation in DU-induced biological effects could have significant implications for current risk estimates for internalised DU exposure. Two approaches were used to address this question. The frequency of dicentrics was measured in HOS cells following DU exposure in vitro. Data demonstrated that DU exposure (50 microM, 24 h) induced a significant elevation in dicentric frequency in vitro in contrast to incubation with the heavy metals, nickel and tungsten which did not increase dicentric frequency above background levels. Using the same concentration (50 microM) of three uranyl nitrate compounds that have different uranium isotopic concentrations and therefore, different specific activities, the effect on neoplastic transformation in vitro was examined. HOS cells were exposed to one of three-uranyl nitrate compounds (238U-uranyl nitrate, specific activity 0.33 microCi.g-1; DU-uranyl nitrate, specific activity 0.44 microCi.g-1; and 235U-uranyl nitrate, specific activity 2.2 microCi.g-1) delivered at a concentration of 50 microM for 24 h. Results showed, at equal uranium concentration, there was a specific activity dependent increase in neoplastic transformation frequency. Taken together these data suggest that radiation can play a role in DU-induced biological effects in vitro.
Frequency, Distribution, and Theoretical Mechanisms of Hematologic and Weight Discordance in Monochorionic Twins

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, distribution, and most likely etiology of hematologic and weight discordance in pathologically proven monochorionic twins, and to use this information to reevaluate the neonatally derived definition of the twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Methods: We reviewed our experience with 97 pathologically proven monochorionic twin pregnancies. The frequency and distribution of weight and hemoglobinhematocrit (hb-hct) discordance were determined for all twin pairs. Factors that may have contributed to the discordance were identified, and theoretical mechanisms were proposed. Results: All combinations of weight and hb-hct discordance were observed. Thirty-four twin pairs (35%) were discordant for weight. In half of these (17 of 34), the hb and hct were concordant. In 18% (six of 34), the smaller twin had the higher hb-hct, and in 32% (11 of 34), the smaller twin had the lower hb-hct. Twenty-three of 63 size-concordant pairs (36%) were discordant for hb-hct. Ten infants were infected at birth, eight had malformations, and 25 likely suffered an acute transfusion event. Conclusions: Any combination of weight and hb-hct discordance can occur in monochorionic twins. Acute and chronic twin-twin transfusion, uteroplacental insufficiency, infection, malformations, or other factors may have accounted for the discordance observed. Thorough antenatal evaluation with invasive testing and marker studies (to identify a physiologically unbalanced placental anastomosis) may be necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis. We conclude that weight and/or hb-hct discordance is relatively common in monochorionic twins and in itself is not sufficient to diagnose twin-twin transfusion.
The Economics of Foreign Bribery: Evidence from FCPA Enforcement Actions

We develop and calibrate a model of bribery and its enforcement using data from enforcement actions initiated under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) from 1978 through May 2013. We estimate that 22.9% of Compustat-listed firms with foreign sales engaged in a program of prosecutable bribery at least once during our sample period, and that the probability that a bribe-paying firm faces bribery charges is 6.4%. Bribes tend to be paid for important contracts, as the average ex ante NPV of a bribe-related contract is 2.6% of the firm’s market capitalization. The costs for firms that are prosecuted for bribery depend on whether the bribery is comingled with charges of financial fraud. Firms with comingled fraud charges face large fines, investigation costs, and reputational losses, such that the ex post NPV is negative. Bribe-paying firms without comingled fraud charges face significant fines and investigation costs, but do not, on average, lose reputation in a way that impedes future operations or profitability.
The scope and nature of pain in persons with multiple sclerosis

Much remains unknown about the scope, nature, and impact of pain on the lives of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study, 180 community dwelling adults with MS completed a postal survey that included demographic measures, MS disease measures, and several standardized measures of pain, including pain intensity, variability, location, and pain-related interference. Some 66% of the sample reported pain, 25% of whom reported severe pain. Persons with pain reported an average of 6.6 distinct pain sites. Using the Brief Pain Inventory Interference Scale, the average level of overall pain interference was 3.33 (0- 10 scale) in the group reporting pain. The highest levels of pain interference were reported for sleep, recreational activities, and work in and outside the home. Persons with pain were more likely to report greater MS disease severity, poorer psychological functioning, and poorer health than persons with MS but not pain. Persons with pain were also less likely to be employed. These findings are consistent with previous research that shows that pain is common in MS, that it is severe in a substantial subset of these individuals and has the potential to negatively impact physical and psychosocial functioning over and above the effects of MS itself.
Mortality prediction in Indian cardiac surgery patients: Validation of European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II

Background and Aims: Risk Stratification has an important place in cardiac surgery to identify high-risk cases and optimally allocate resources. Hence various risk scoring systems have been tried to predict mortality. The aim of the present study was to validate the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) in Indian cardiac surgical patients. Methods: After obtaining ethics committee clearance, data on EuroSCORE II variables were collected for all patients >18 years undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve surgery and mixed (CABG + valve) procedures between January 2011 and December 2012. Mortality prediction was done using the online calculator from the site www.euroscore. org. The calibration of the EuroSCORE II model was analysed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and discrimination was analysed by plotting receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and calculating area under the curve (AUC). The analysis was done in the total sample, CABG, valve surgery and in mixed procedures. Results: The overall observed mortality was 5.7% in the total sample, 6.6% in CABG, 4.2% in valve surgeries and 10.2% in mixed procedures whereas the predicted mortality was 2.9%, 3.1%, 2.4%, 5.1% in total sample, CABG, valve surgery and mixed procedure, respectively. The significance (P value) of Hosmer–Lemeshow test was 0.292, 0.45, 0.56 and 1 for the total sample, CABG, valve surgery and mixed procedure, respectively, indicating good calibration. The AUC of ROC was 0.76, 0.70, 0.83 and 0.78 for total sample, CABG, valve surgery and mixed procedure, respectively. Conclusion: Mortality of the sample was under-predicted by EuroSCORE II. Calibration of the EuroSCORE II model was good for total sample as well as for all surgical subcategories. Discrimination was good in the total sample and in the mixed procedure population, acceptable in CABG patients and excellent in valve surgeries.
Understanding E-service failures: Formation, impact and recovery

Despite the ‘dangers’ posed by e-service failures, there has not been a study to-date that explores how failures emerge within an online transactional environment and what can be done to address them. An integrated model of e-service failure and recovery is constructed together with testable propositions. Essentially, the model serve to inform both academics and practitioners on: (1) how different types of e-service failure manifest on ecommerce websites; (2) the impact of these failures on consumers’ expectations about transactional outcome, process and cost, and; (3) what kind of e-service recovery technology would be beneficial in alleviating negative failure consequences.
Characterization of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease by Proton Spectroscopy and Morphological Magnetic Resonance

This study sought to investigate whether clinical and neuropsychological impairment in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) can be evaluated by proton spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and structural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Sixteen patients with CSVD and 15 healthy age-matched controls participated in the study. In addition to spectroscopic and structural MR examination all patients underwent a comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological investigation. Significant differences in between patients and controls were revealed by 1H-MRS in the parietal white matter: decreased metabolic ratios of N-acetyl aspartate to choline (NAA/Cho; patients: 1.37 ± 0.17, control: 1.72 ± 0.25, p < 0.001) and of N-acetyl aspartate to creatin (NAA/Cr; patients: 1.41 ± 0.15, control: 1.66 ± 0.2, p < 0.01) indicated a pathological state. Evaluation of spectroscopic and neuropsychological data revealed a close relation between attentional impairment, i.e. delayed cerebral transmission time and decreased NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr (r = 0.62, p = 0.014). In sum, 1H-MRS allowed a clear discrimination between patients with CSVD and age-matched normal controls. Moreover, comparisons of 1H-MRS and neuropsychological data suggested that NAA metabolic levels, and particularly the delay in cerebral transmission time, could be potential predictors of the severeness of attentional impairment.
Microscopic Colitis with Giant Cells: A Rare New Histopathologic Subtype?

Collagenous and lymphocytic colitis might be part of the same disease spectrum. In this report, we present a histopathologic subtype of microscopic colitis characterized by the presence of subepithelial multinucleated giant cells. This reaction is very unusual and not explicable by any underlying disease process or previous treatment. Among 490 cases of microscopic colitis (MC) diagnosed between 1992 and 2002, we found 2 cases with macrophages and giant cells (0.4%). One case of lymphocytic colitis (LC) and 1 case of collagenous colitis (CC) presented aggregates of macrophages and giant cells located in the superficial part of the lamina propria. Infectious or noninfectious colonic granulomatous diseases were excluded on histologic, clinical, and biological grounds. The recognition of this feature in an MC is important to avoid the diagnosis of granulomatous infectious or idiopathic colitis such as Crohn's disease. Even if very unusual, this subtype of MC evolves favorably since the 2 patients responded well to corticosteroid treatment.
Penguins and hummingbirds: Midbrain atrophy in progressive supranuclear palsy

A recent study reported on two-dimensional planimetric measurements of the brainstem to differentiate patients with the clinical diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from those with other parkinsonian disorders intra vitam.1 Midbrain atrophy is a well known feature of patients with PSP and has already been shown in many previous neuropathologic and neuroimaging studies.2,3 Based on a prominent midbrain atrophy, the authors proposed a new imaging sign, the penguin silhouette sign, for the diagnosis of PSP. However, as the authors themselves acknowledge, the diagnosis of PSP was not confirmed post mortem in any of the patients. The rate of atrophy was not correlated with clinical symptoms, and the findings were not validated by three-dimensional measurements that would take into account the whole volume of the structure. Planimetric two-dimensional measurements of small structures on 3- to 4-mm slices may be inaccurate owing to partial volume effects, which depend on the positioning and alignment of the patient’s head in the coil of the magnet, the rater-dependent selection of the midsagittal image, and the manual traces to identify the structure. We aim here to extend and validate the data …
Measurement of urinary F(2)-isoprostanes as markers of in vivo lipid peroxidation-A comparison of enzyme immunoassay with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

This study aimed at comparing the two most commonly utilized methods for measuring urinary F(2)-isoprostanes, currently considered one of the best available markers of in vivo lipid peroxidation. The F(2)-isoprostanes were measured in 24-h urine samples from 14 male subjects using electron capture negative ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (ECNI-GCMS) with 8-iso-PGF(2alpha)-d(4) as an internal standard and compared with levels obtained using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA, 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) kit, Cayman Chemical Co.). The methods were compared using Pearson correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman plots were constructed for the difference in F(2)-isoprostane against the average F(2)-isoprostane measured by either method. Weighted least-products regression was used to determine fixed bias (where there is a consistent difference between the methods) and proportional bias (where one method gives values higher or lower than the other method by an amount proportional to the size of the measurement). The correlation between F(2)-isoprostane levels obtained using EIA and GCMS methods, although significant, was poor (r = 0.628, P < 0.02). Comparison of the methods using the Bland-Altman analysis showed that there were wide limits of agreement between the two methods with only 28% of the values falling within the 95% confidence limits for the difference. The GCMS gave higher values with a mean difference of 298.1 pM (636.6, -40.2; P = 0.079), and a near significant linear association between the differences and the mean F(2)-isoprostane level (r = -0.559, P = 0.05). Weighted least-product regression analysis confirmed the presence of both significant fixed and proportional bias with the EIA giving lower levels of F(2)-isoprostanes at low concentrations and higher levels at higher concentrations. The cross-reactivity in the EIA of 8-iso-15(R)-PGF(2alpha) and 9beta-PGF(2alpha) which coelute with the F(2)-isoprostane peak measured by GCMS was very low, 0.2 and 0.1%, respectively. The proportional bias observed between the methods may in part be due to differences in the relative amounts of 8-iso-15(R)-PGF(2alpha), 9beta-PGF(2alpha), and 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) with increasing lipid peroxidation. This study shows that the measurements of F(2)-isoprostanes by EIA and GCMS are not equivalent. Therefore, comparison of levels derived using a GCMS method which estimates concentration from a peak encompassing a number of F(2)-isoprostane isomers, and levels derived from enzyme immunoassay measuring a specific isoprostane, may be inappropriate.
Group problems in problem-based learning

Successful small-group learning in problem-based learning (PBL) educational programmes relies on functional group processes. However, there has been limited research on PBL group problems, and no studies have been conducted on problems as perceived by both students and tutors in the same educational context. The authors investigated PBL group problems in a graduate-entry medical programme, and report the most common group problems, and those that hinder students’ learning the most. The possible causes of individual quietness and dominant behaviour, and potential influences that group problems may have on the tutorial process are summarized in an exploratory model of PBL group dysfunction that could be used to guide further research. Specifically, there is a need for further evidence on which to base guidelines for tutors and students to effectively manage group problems.
The effect of risk factors on auditors' configural information processing

SYNOPSIS AND INTRODUCTION: Recent audit studies by Brown and Solomon (1990, 1991) reveal that careful consideration of domain-specific knowledge can result in the experimental detection of configural relationships between information cues. These findings suggest that auditors' decisions may be more complex than indicated by some previous research, and that additional research is necessary to identify conditions in which auditors utilize configural processes. This study investigates the role of environmental risk factors on the configurality of audit decisions. That is, we test whether the systematic consideration of audit risk variables results in the identification of higher order, interactive decision processes where linear relationships have previously been detected. The findings of Libby et al. (1985) and existing audit pronouncements are used to develop hypotheses regarding auditors' internal audit decisions.1 The hypotheses concern (1) the interactive effect of inherent risk and control strength on the extent to which auditors rely on internal audit functions to reduce planned audit work and (2) the extent to which these environmental factors affect consideration of three components of internal audit quality: objectivity, competence, and work performed. Audit managers from a Big Six accounting firm responded to a series of audit-planning cases concerning the receivables cycle of a mediumsized manufacturing firm. Inherent risk and strength of control architecture
mRNA expression level and clinical value of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes : a fluorescence quantitative real-time RT-PCR study

Objective: The clinical value and prospective function of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remain poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of the current investigation was to elucidate the expression level and clinical significance of HIF-1α in MDS. Methods: A total of 94 bone marrow tissues were gathered, including 74 from MDS patients and 20 from healthy donors. Morphological examination, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and karyotype analysis were carried out to categorize MDS into different subgroups. The expression level of HIF-1α mRNA was detected by fluorescence quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Results: HIF-1α mRNA expression in MDS bone marrow samples was clearly upregulated than that in healthy donors (P<0.001). The HIF-1α mRNA levels increased gradually (P=0.040) in different groups based on the IPSS score from low, intermediate-1, intermediate-2 to a high-risk group. HIF-1α expression in the high-risk group, as evaluated by the percentage of BM blasts, was markedly higher than that in the low-risk group (P=0.021). HIF-1α mRNA expression in the FISH-abnormal group was prominently up-regulated compared to the FISH-normal group (P=0.005). HIF-1α expression in the karyotype-abnormal group was apparently increased compared to that in the karyotypenormal group (P=0.026). Furthermore, Spearman analysis disclosed that HIF-1α expression was positively related to patient prognosis, as assessed by karyotype (r=0.330, p=0.022). Conclusion: HIF-1α may participate in the development of MDS and can lead to poor prognosis.
Environmental Accounting as a Means of Promoting Sustainable Forestry Operations in Osun State, Nigeria.

Extraction of natural resource is a means of generating revenue outside of Federal Allocations to Osun State. One key area of generating such revenue is through forestry resources. Its indiscriminate extraction could lead to depletion and this may prejudice future generations’ access to the resource. This study examines the trend of timber extraction vis-a-vis tree planting to establish the relationship between both phenomena. Results show that while tree planting is declining, tree felling is on the rise with its impacts on earning potentials as well as intergenerational equity. Remediation costs to facilitate livelihoods of local communities and promote sustainability has not been adequate. It was concluded that current practices are not sustainable. Key Words : Environmental Accounting, Sustainable Development, Forestry Operations