Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Drug Susceptibility of Isolates of Urinary Tract Infections Among Febrile Under-Fives in Nsambya Hospital, Uganda

Background: Urinary tract infections remain a silent cause of morbidity and complications among under-fives due to its non-specific presentation and incapacity of most health facilities in developing countries to diagnose it. Earlier studies present different prevalence of urinary tract infections among children. This study aimed to document prevalence and drug susceptibility patterns of isolates of bacterial urinary tract infections among under-fives in Nsambya hospital, Uganda. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey among 302 under-fives who presented in paediatric ambulatory care department of Nsambya hospital with fever (axillary temperature of >37.5°C or by history); and with no history of antibiotic therapy within three days preceding hospital visit. Midstream urine samples collected using bag and bottle collection (depending on age of child) were subjected to culture. We further subjected culture-positive urine samples to systematic bacteriologic and biochemical tests in order to identify the organisms in the colonies before performing drug susceptibility tests. Results: We found urinary tract infection prevalent in 26.8% of the under-fives. Bacterial isolates responsible for the infections were Proteus (39.5%), Escherichia coli (32.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.8%), Klebsiella spp. (6.2%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (2.5%), Staphylococcus intermedius (2.5%), Citrobacter (1.2%) and Morganella (1.2%) in that order. The pathogens exhibited high-level of resistance to commonly used antibiotics like Cotrimoxazole, Amoxicillin, Nalidixic Acid, Nitrofurantoin, Gentamicin, Erythromycin, Chloramphenicol, Ampicillin, Ciproflaxin, Tetracycline and Azithromicin while the isolates showed no resistance to pharmaco-enhanced Amoxicillin and oral Cefatoxime. Conclusion: Prevalence of UTI among febrile under-fives in Nsambya hospital is higher than reports from majority of earlier studies. Similarly, the commonest bacterial isolates associated with UTI among under-fives in Nsambya hospital deviates from most studies in developing countries that majorly report Escherichia coli as the leading cause of UTI in this age category. The observed resistance patterns associated with common antibiotics in our study are in line with the current changing patterns of microbial-antibiotic resistance threatening not only the developing world but the entire glob.
Call centre management: responsibilities and performance

Purpose – To investigate call centre management from the perspective of the managers, particularly what the key management responsibilities are in managing call centres and the key performance indicators (KPIs) used in managing call centres.Design/methodology/approach – A survey of call centre managers, followed by in‐depth interviews.Findings – There is confusion over the strategic intent of call centres. Centres are primarily used by organisations as a means of reducing costs, with customer service delivery a secondary consideration. Call centre managers, however, declared customer service as their main management responsibility.Practical implications – The metrics employed in the call centres resulted in managers concentrating on the call itself rather than the outcome of the call from the perspective of the customer or the organisation. Some quantitative measures were used as proxies for customer service, but the achievement of the relevant KPI became a goal in its own right. There appears to be an in.
Measuring and Modeling Usage and Reliability for Statistical Web Testing

Statistical testing and reliability analysis can be used effectively to assure quality for Web applications. To support this strategy, we extract Web usage and failure information from existing Web logs. The usage information is used to build models for statistical Web testing. The related failure information is used to measure the reliability of Web applications and the potential effectiveness of statistical Web testing. We applied this approach to analyze some actual Web logs. The results demonstrated the viability and effectiveness of our approach.
Comparative studies of the granulopoietic enhancing effects of biosynthetic human insulin‐like growth factors I and II

The effect of biosynthetic human insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) and IGF‐II on the in vitro growth of human marrow myeloid progenitors in the presence of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG‐CSF), granulocyte‐macrophage CSF (rhGM‐CSF), or interleukin‐3 (rhIL‐3), was investigated. IGF‐I and IGF‐II similarly enhanced the growth of myeloid progenitors in cultures stimulated with any of the above hemopoietic regulators. Analysis of colony composition showed an increase in the numbers of granulocyte colonies, but no alteration in the numbers of macrophage or granulocyte/macrophage colonies. IGF‐I induced an increase of 62 ± 16%, 84 ± 13%, and 107 ± 18% in granulocyte colony numbers in the presence of G‐CSF, GM‐CSF, or IL‐3, respectively. The values for IGF‐II were 66 ± 13%, 96 ± 12%, and 91 ± 12%. Similar enhancement of myeloid colony formation by both peptides was also detected in G‐CSF and GM‐CSF‐stimulated cultures of marrow cells that had been depleted of accessory cells, while neither peptide exerted any effect in the presence of IL‐3 in such cultures. The growth‐promoting effects of IGF‐I and IGF‐II were completely abrogated by monoclonal antibodies directed against the IGF‐I (Type I) membrane receptor. IGF‐I and IGF‐II thus appear to exert their effects on human marrow myeloid progenitors via a direct mechanism involving the Type I receptor. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Al $x$ Ga1–xN/GaN MISHEMTs With a Common Gold-Free Metal-Stack for Source/Drain/Gate

A low-temperature fabrication of Al<sub>x</sub>Ga<sub>1-x</sub>N/GaN MISHEMTs on a 200-mm GaN-on-Si substrate using a common metal stack (Ti/Al/NiV) for concurrent source, drain, and gate formation is demonstrated. An ohmic contact resistance of 0.8 Q-mm and a specific contact resistivity of 6×10<sup>-6</sup>Q-cm<sup>2</sup> are achieved at an annealing temperature of 500 °C. The fabricated MISHEMTs have excellent electrical characteristics: an I<sub>ON</sub>/I<sub>OFF</sub> ratio of nine decades (due to subnanoampere OFF-state leakage current up to a -15 V gate bias), and a subthreshold swing of 80 mV/decade (by virtue of a relatively low Al<sub>0.23</sub>Ga<sub>0.77</sub>N/GaN interface-trap density on the order of 10<sup>11</sup> cm<sup>-2</sup>eV<sup>-1</sup>). The demonstrated approach is thus a promising alternative toward the gold-free GaN-on-Si integration.
Network and Innovation as SMEs Export Strategy: Causation or Effectuation Approach? Indonesian Case Studies

This study is a qualitative research, which focuses on internationalization of born global SMEs. It was found that born global SMEs use networks and innovation to enter, grow and survive in their overseas markets. They used effectuation rather than causation approach to develop networks and do their innovations. The data were collected from 8 SMEs from different areas of Indonesia. The research findings contribute to the explanation theory of born global firms, especially through network development and innovation of SMEs.
Market perceptions of efficiency and news in analyst forecast errors

Market Perceptions of Efficiency and News in Analyst Forecast Errors. (August 2003) Gia Marie Chevis, B.B.A., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Lynn Rees Dr. K. Sivaramakrishnan Financial analysts are considered inefficient when they do not fully incorporate relevant information into their forecasts. In this dissertation, I investigate differences in the observable efficiency of analysts’ earnings forecasts between firms that consistently meet or exceed analysts’ earnings expectations and those that do not. I then analyze the extent to which the market incorporates this (in)efficiency into its earnings expectations. Consistent with my hypotheses, I find that analysts are relatively less efficient with respect to prior returns for firms that do not consistently meet expectations than for firms that do follow such a strategy, especially when prior returns convey bad news. However, forecast errors for firms that consistently meet expectations do not appear to be serially correlated to a greater extent than those for firms that do not consistently meet expectations. It is not clear whether the market considers such inefficiency when setting its own expectations. While the evidence suggests they may do so in the context of a shorter historical pattern of realized forecast errors, other evidence suggests they may not distinguish between predictable and surprise components of forecast error when the historical forecast error pattern is more established.
Editorial: Increasing the impact of sponsorship on brands and reputation

Corporate sponsorship is big business – the accounted tally on sponsorship spending in 2010 worldwide was more than US$46 billion (IEG 2011). Even in North America, despite falling 0.6% in 2009, sponsorship increased by 5.9%, outpacing the growth of other marketing expenditures such as in advertising or sales promotion. In fact, the economic scale of sponsorships is actually underestimated since it does not include the marketing money spent to activate them in order to increase their impact among consumers. Whereas sponsorship in the past was seen as mostly related to sporting events and properties, about a third of the spending is now captured by other categories such as the arts, causes, entertainment tours and attractions. Moreover, sponsorship in other regions of the world has witnessed higher growth rates, with the two big markets – Europe and Asia Pacific – leading the way. These trends collectively indicate that sponsorship is becoming a vital managerial tool across diverse domains and geographic locations. Even though sponsorship has been recognised as an important area of academic study (Meenaghan 1998; Walliser 2003), it is still vastly under-explored when compared to other more established research streams in marketing communications. In particular, better understanding is needed on how sponsorship works in the minds of consumers, in order to make it more effective (Cornwell 2008). This special issue of the International Journal of Advertising on sponsorship was organised to provide new academic and managerial insights on this still evolving field. Six original articles are included from a call for papers that resulted in 25 submissions from all over the world. The final papers presented offer a balanced list that ranges from new conceptual platforms for comprehending sponsorship to empirical studies that use different types of methods in different sponsorship domains. The first article is co-authored by one of the leading academics in the sponsorship field, Bettina Cornwell. The paper by Kelly, Cornwell, Coote and McAlister focuses on how to manage sponsorshiplinked advertising for event-related marketing. Since sponsorship requires leveraging with other communication tools, this study takes a holistic approach by looking at its combined effects with sponsor-linked advertising not only for sponsors but also ambushers that attempt
Explaining Control Losses in Corporate Marketing Channels: An Organizational Analysis

The author examines the determinants of control loss in the marketing channels of 40 U.S. manufacturers, each of which has vertically integrated into wholesale distribution by the establishment of manufacturers’ sales branches. The central hypothesis tested is that the efficiency of a vertically integrated system depends on the adoption of organizational forms which enable the firm to limit the degree of control loss and subgoal pursuit predictably resulting from vertical expansion. Control loss is operationalized in terms of the extent to which the travel and entertainment expenses of branch sales personnel exceed necessary levels. The results demonstrate the important influence of organizational structure and control systems on the efficiency of marketing operations. The findings are interpreted in terms of Williamson's organizational failures framework.
Interlocking Directors and Target Selection in Mergers and Acquisitions

Evidence shows that interlocking directors play a role in resolving information asymmetry problems in mergers and acquisitions. Results of a private information model confirm that a firm is more likely to be selected as a target when some of the same directors serve on both bidder and target firms, particularly when information asymmetry is higher for the target or when an acquirer is financially constrained. A potential target with interlocking directors that is not selected as a target will likely underperform its peers. Results are not driven by network centrality or entrenchment hypotheses.
Using strategic alliances to develop credible green marketing

Manufacturers of consumer goods face various problems when they attempt to integrate environmental attributes into their marketing mix. In many cases the inclusion of environmental issues in the marketing mix is largely motivated by the organization′s desire to address consumers′ increasing level of environmental awareness. However, producers face three problems when they attempt to utilize environmental marketing: a lack of credibility; consumer cynicism; consumer confusion over claims. Strategic alliances with environmental groups can assist manufacturers of consumer goods to overcome these problems, as well as provide other advantages. These other advantages are: increased consumer reliability in green products and their claims; increased access to environmental information; increased access to new markets; publicity and reduced public criticism; and education of consumers about key environmental issues relating to a firm′s product. To achieve these benefits, producers need to follow a careful selectio.
The sustainable growth model: A tool for evaluating the financial feasibility of market share strategies

Market share objectives constitute a key element of a firm's corporate strategy. Market share strategy decisions—to build, maintain, or harvest share—are generally based on a careful consideration of the long‐term and short‐term profitability and cash flow implications of such decisions. The product sales growth rate and capacity expansion implications of share building strategies, the sustainability of implied sales growth targets and its consistency with the established financial policies and objectives of the firm are the subject of this report. The sustainable growth model outlined provides a framework for evaluating the financial feasibility of sales growth objectives at the strategic business unit level and the firm level, from the standpoint of expected return on sales, investment requirements per dollar of sales, target capital structure and the dividend policy of the firm.
Genetic Polymorphisms and Activity of Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein (CETP): Should We Be Measuring Them?

Abstract Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a plasma glycoprotein that mediates the transfer of cholesteryl ester from high density lipoproteins (HDL) to triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in exchange for triglycerides. Several approaches are currently being used in research laboratories to measure its activity and/or mass. However, these assays are not standardized and it is not possible to compare data from different laboratories. Also, we lack enough information to assess the value of this variable as a coronary heart disease (CHD) predictor. Several genetic variants at CETP locus have been identified and they have been generally associated with increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations. However, there is no consensus about the association of this CETP-related increase in HDL-cholesterol and protection against CHD. Nevertheless, the most recent evidence from the common CETP-TaqI-B polymorphism shows that the lower CETP activity associated with the presence of this polymorphism decreases CHD risk in men. Based on this and previous evidence, there has been an interest in the development of CETP inhibitors as a tool to increase HDL-cholesterol, thus reducing CHD risk. However, it should be noted that the evidence about the cardioprotective role of these drugs is not yet available.
Types of High Self-Esteem and Prejudice: How Implicit Self-Esteem Relates to Ethnic Discrimination Among High Explicit Self-Esteem Individuals

There is increasing recognition that high self-esteem is heterogeneous. Recent research suggests that individuals who report having high self-esteem (i.e., have high explicit self-esteem) behave more defensively to the extent that they have relatively low implicit self-esteem. The current studies test whether individuals with high explicit self-esteem are more likely to discriminate ethnically, as a defensive technique, to the extent that they have relatively low implicit self-esteem. The results support this prediction. Among participants with high explicit self-esteem, all of whom were threatened by negative performance feedback, those with relatively low implicit self-esteem recommended a more severe punishment for a Native, but not a White, student who started a fist-fight. In Study 2, this pattern was not apparent for participants with relatively low explicit self-esteem.
Brand trust in an age without trust: expert opinions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the influences of mistrust and recommend actions that managers can take to insulate their brands in a climate of mistrust.Design/methodology/approach – Brand trust has been studied extensively on a micro level to assess a wide variety of influences that impact trust and the effective actions managers can take to increase trust. There are macro trends, however, that have resulted in a climate of general mistrust by consumers of business and its products. Qualitative research in the form of a series of in‐depth interviews with experts in brand strategy was conducted to identify the trends contributing to a climate of mistrust and the potential managerial actions needed to insulate brands.Findings – Eight themes that have created a climate of mistrust were identified. These include the emergence of more cynical consumers, frequent consumer recalls, emphasis on the needs of business ownership over the needs of consumers, company structure, uneven quality adva.
Credibility of Radio News

This study used a statewide sample of 400 Alabama residents to analyze the relative credibility of local radio news, as compared to local television and local radio. The results indicated that local radio news has a level of credibility that is lower than that of local television, but is comparable to that of local newspapers. This finding confirms previous studies that have noted that media consumers tend to have a higher regard for television than any other news medium, but this difference was not as dramatic as those reported by studies that have used forced-choice questions. Local television is indeed more credible than local radio news, but not dramatically so.
The Causes of the Failure of New Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa

New small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are an important vehicle to address the challenges of job creation, sustainable economic growth, equitable distribution of income and the overall stimulation of economic development. New SMEs suffer from a high failure rate in South Africa. The high failure rate of new SME paints a bleak picture of the SME sector’s potential to contribute meaningfully to job creation, economic growth and poverty reduction. The primary objective of this study was to determine the causes of the failure of new SMEs. The review of the literature revealed that the causes of the failure of new SMEs are both internal and external. Internal factors include lack of management experience, lack of functional skills and poor staff training and development and poor attitudes towards customers. External factors include non-availability of a logistics chain and a high cost of distribution, competition, rising costs of doing business, lack of finance and crime. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n20p922
Epidemiology and epigenetics of type 2 diabetes among African migrants in Europe

Aims: To compare type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence among three ethnic groups resident in the Netherlands: Ghanaians, African Surinamese and Dutch origin. Secondly, to determine the contribution of measures of body composition to ethnic differences in T2D. Methods: Baseline data from Ghanaian (n=1873), African Surinamese (n=2189) and Dutch (n=2151) origin participants of the HELIUS study (aged 18–70 years) were analysed. T2D was defined according to the WHO criteria. Logistic regression tested ethnic differences in T2D and the contribution of body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio. Results: Among men, T2D prevalence was higher in Ghanaians (14.9%) than in African Surinamese (10.4%) and Dutch (5.0%). Among women, T2D prevalence in Ghanaian (11.1%) was higher than in Dutch (2.3%), but similar to African Surinamese (11.5%). After adjusting for age, body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio, the odds ratios for having T2D were 1.55 (95%CI:1.12-2.15) for Ghanaian men compared with African Surinamese and 4.19 (95%CI:2.86-6.12) compared with Dutch. Among women these odds ratios were 0.94 (95%CI:0.70-1.26) and 4.78 (95%CI:2.82-8.11). Conclusions: The higher prevalence of T2D among Ghanaian compared with African Surinamese men suggests a need to distinguish between African descent populations when assessing their T2D risk. The higher odds for T2D among Ghanaians cannot be attributed to differences in body composition. Further research on the contribution of lifestyle factors as well as genetic and epigenetic factors is needed to identify the reasons for the observed disparities.
Corporate social responsibility and financial markets

This thesis examines the economics of corporate social responsibility, with an emphasis on the role of financial markets and institutions. Questions that are raised are: What does corporate social responsibility mean in an economic context? What is the impact of corporate social responsibility on the financial performance of a company? What kind of role can a stock market play in trying to achieve sustainable development? What is the relation between corporate social responsibility, economic allocation, (re)-distributional effects and location choice? In this thesis, both theoretical and empirical research is presented in trying to answer these questions
Can We Find Signals of Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Small Businesses? Exploring the Motives of Small Businesses for Establish Linkages with Non-profit Organisations

Abstract This study explores the motives and interests of small businesses (SBs) to establish partnerships with non-profit organisations (NPOs) in a developing country. Social issues in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a topic of considerable research interest, and in this paper I explore those interactions that link the entrepreneurial nature of the SB with the actions that address social–economic issues. These partnerships enable to the SB to connect its economic purpose with its social function. I argue that the SB acts as a ‘social entrepreneur’ through those interactions. A sample of Colombian SBs which have established interactions with NPOs in the food sector is examined using an exploratory inductive methodological approach based on case studies. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the establishment of these kinds of partnerships depends on a combination of SBs surrounding conditions, the stage of development of the SB and the motivations of the owner-manager (OM). Those combinations are associated with a variety of logics and interests that give some signs of social and inclusive entrepreneurial behaviour in the SBs.