Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Innovation in Industrial Districts: An Empirical Analysis

Research has proved how the industrial district model can deliver sustained economic growth and sustains firms' competitiveness. Studies have also shown how spatial proximity helps in the process of knowledge generation and diffusion. Indeed, the literature on industrial districts since the earliest studies has stressed how districts are “loci” where sustained innovation activity is undertaken. However, this innovative dimension of districts' activities has not yet been fully explored. Sufficient theoretical background and empirical evidence as to whether the peculiar socio‐economic characteristics of the industrial district model influence firms' innovation performance and the way innovation activity is carried out is lacking. The aim of this paper is thus to explore the determinants of innovation activities in firms located inside and outside industrial districts in the Italian region of Lombardy, investigating whether the district provides a favourable environment for the development of innovations and identify possible competitive advantages.
Morphological, Physiological and Skating Performance Profiles of Male Age-Group Elite Ice Hockey Players

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe the evolution of morphological, physiological and skating performance profiles of elite age-group ice hockey players based on repeated measures spread over one season. In addition, the results of fitness tests and training programs performed in off-ice conditions and their relationship with skating performance were analyzed. Eighteen high level age-group ice hockey players (13.1 ± 0.6 years) were assessed off and on-ice at the beginning and at the end of the hockey season. A third evaluation was also conducted at the beginning of the following hockey season. The players were taller, heavier, and showed bone breadths and muscle girths above the reference population of the same age. Muscular variables improved significantly during and between the two hockey seasons (p < 0.05). However, maximal aerobic power improved only during the off-season. All skating performance tests exhibited significant enhancements during the hockey season, but not during the off-season where some degradation was observed. Finally, weak observed variances (generally <20% of the explained variance) between physiological variables measured off-ice and on-ice skating performance tests indicated important gaps, both in the choice of the off-ice assessment tools as well as in training methods conventionally used. The reflection on the best way to assess and train hockey players certainly deserves to be continued.
Work and Welfare: Towards a Post-productivist Welfare Regime

Among the many ways in which welfare regimes differ, one is how they articulate the demands of work and welfare. Such a framework not only renders more coherent the familiar ‘three worlds of welfare capitalism’ but also highlights another option: a ‘post-productivist’ welfare regime, which combines generous social benefits and a relaxed attitude towards work requirements, aiming at ‘autonomy’ as its core value. Analysis of OECD data circa 1993 shows that a work–welfare classification successfully locates most of the countries in their traditional regime types. It also shows the Netherlands as an instance of the new regime type, effectively promoting the three key components of post-productivist autonomy: income adequacy, temporal adequacy and minimimal conditionality.
Combination of allopurinol and hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a new treatment in experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis?

AIM To investigate the individual and combined effects of allopurinol and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on biochemical and histopathological changes, oxidative stress, and bacterial translocation (BT) in the experimental rat acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS Eighty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the study. Fifteen of the eighty-five rats were used as controls (sham, Group I). AP was induced via intraductal taurocholate infusion in the remaining seventy rats. Rats that survived to induction of acute necrotizing pancreatitis were randomized into four groups. Group II received saline, Group III allopurinol, Group IV allopurinol plus HBO and Group V HBO alone. Serum amylase levels, oxidative stress parameters, BT and histopathologic scores were determined. RESULTS Serum amylase levels were lower in Groups III, IV and V compared to Group II (974 +/- 110, 384 +/- 40, 851 +/- 56, and 1664 +/- 234 U/L, respectively, P < 0.05, for all). Combining the two treatment options revealed significantly lower median [25-75 percentiles] histopathological scores when compared to individual administrations (13 [12.5-15] in allopurinol group, 9.5 [7-11.75] in HBO group, and 6 [4.5-7.5] in combined group, P < 0.01). Oxidative stress markers were significantly better in all treatment groups compared to the controls. Bacterial translocation into the pancreas and mesenteric lymph nodes was lower in Groups III, IV and V compared to Group II (54%, 23%, 50% vs 100% for translocation to pancreas, and 62%, 46%, 58% vs 100% for translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION The present study confirms the benefit of HBO and allopurinol treatment when administered separately in experimental rat AP. Combination of these treatment options appears to prevent progression of pancreatic injury parameters more effectively.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF PRICE TRANSMISSION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

The three‐step estimator of the co‐integrated system approach is used to examine the dynamic transmission of agricultural producer prices through the food marketing system in seven countries of the EU. The results suggest that even if producer and consumer prices drift apart in the short‐run, for example when producer price policy changes, market forces return them to their long‐run equilibrium. Tests do not reject the hypothesis of long‐run ‘perfect’ price transmission for two, pigmeat‐pigs and butter‐milk, out of five pairs of prices, in six of the seven member countries of the EU considered here, the UK being the exception. The tests do, however, reject the hypothesis of short‐run ‘perfect’ price transmission, even in its less restrictive form, across all pairs of prices in all countries.
20-µW operation of an a-IGZO TFT-based RFID chip using purely NMOS “active” load logic gates with ultra-low-consumption power

We fabricated the first RFID chip using amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) on a glass substrate. Logic gates with low-consumption current (∼1 nA) and steep on/off switching was also proposed. The logic circuit achieved small enough power consumption (20 µW) for wireless operation and a wireless operation of the RFID tag was demonstrated.
Scalp—In Search of the Perfect Donor Site

In many cases where a wound to be grafted is large, particularly in bums, the patient's condition may be aggravated by exposed donor sites. Adding thigh or even buttock scars to a patient must be carefully considered. The scalp, it appears, is a safe, reliable, and truly hidden donor site. For this and other reasons mentioned, its use should be promoted in plastic surgery.
The End of TECs: A Challenge for Partners and Successor Bodies to Maintain Discretionary Activity

This paper examines the scale and form of discretionary activity in Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs). Discretionary activity was a key aspect of TECs. In particular it underpinned their role to be flexible local agents offering leadership and finance to lever partnerships with other agents. The paper examines TEC discretionary activity at the peak of its development in 2000. This amounted to about 200m per annum. Their activity covered fields of economic development, business support, education and training, and workforce development. TECs were abolished from April 2001. The paper examines the challenges faced by successor bodies (the Learning and Skills Council, Regional Development Agencies, and the Small Business Service) in maintaining significant local initiatives. TEC projects chiefly depended on the TEC for both leadership and finance. Without a continuation of both, many local projects will disappear and employer commitment is endangered. Employer commitment is shown chiefly to have involved large national firms, or significant local and regional employers. Their commitments and the need for leadership appear to be the most fragile elements, which are hence most vulnerable.
The Thai Anesthesia Incidents Study (THAI study) of morbidity after spinal anesthesia: a multi-centered registry of 40,271 anesthetics.

BACKGROUND The present study was part of the Thai Anesthesia Incidents Study (THAI Study) of anesthetic adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVE Study complications after spinal anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHOD During the 12 month period (March 1, 2003 - February 28, 2004), a prospective multicentered descriptive study was conducted in 20 hospitals comprised of seven university, five tertiary, four general and four district hospitals across Thailand Anesthesia personnel filled up patient-related, surgical-related, and anesthesia-related variables and adverse outcomes of all consecutive patients receiving anesthesia on a structured data entry form. The data were collected during pre-anesthetic, intra-operative, and 24 hr post operative period Adverse event specific forms were used to record when these incidents occurred. Data were reviewed by three independent reviewers and analyzed to identify contributing factors by consensus. RESULTS This was registry of 40,271 spinal anesthetics from 172,697 anesthetics. The incidence of total spinal anesthesia, neurological complications, suspected myocardial ischemia, or infarction and oxygen desaturation per 10000 spinal anesthetics were 3.48 (95% CI 1.66-5.30), 1.49 (95% CI 0.30-2.68), 2.73 (95% CI 1.12-4.35), 0.99 (95% CI 0.39-2.56), and 6.46 (95% CI 3.98-8.94) respectively. This was not different to the incidence in other countries. Risk factors of oxygen desaturation were shorter in height [OR 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.97); p < 0.0011, higher ASA physical status [OR 3.37 (95% CI 1.98-5.72); p < 0.001], and use of propofol [OR 5.22 (95% CI 1.78-15.35); p = 0.003]. Other complications such as seizure, anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reaction, drug error, and pulmonary aspiration were scarce. There was no case of mismatched blood transfusion in the present study. CONCLUSION Incidence of total spinal block, neurological complication, and suspected myocardial ischemia or infarction was uncommon. Risk factors of oxygen destruction were shorter in height, higher ASA physical status, and use of propofol. Some events were considered avoidable and preventable.
Survey of Motile Microaerophilic Bacterial Morphotypes in the Oxygen Gradient above a Marine Sulfidic Sediment

ABSTRACT Enrichment cultures for free-swimming microaerophilic bacteria were prepared from marine sulfidic sediment samples (Nivå Bay, Denmark). We observed nine different morphotypes; three of these morphotypes represented already-described species, i.e., Thiovulum majus, “Candidatus Ovobacter propellens,” and an as-yet-unnamed large vibrioid bacterium. In addition, we observed several morphotypes of spirilla and one vibrioid morphotype. A common feature of all investigated bacteria was that they aggregated chemotactically at the oxic-anoxic interface, whereas preferred oxygen concentration were in the range of 1 to 10 μM. The motile behavior and flagellar dynamics are analyzed in detail with an emphasis on spirilla.
The Household, Women's Employment and Social Exclusion

The paper illustrates how socioeconomic issues impact upon individuals at a micro level and contribute towards a process of social exclusion These issues are examined with reference to one specific group: women living in dual-adult households residing in an inner city council estate in Sheffield. It particularly explores the relationship between the household, women's labour market participation and social exclusion. The relationship between the household and labour market has tended to receive limited attention within traditional urban literature. This study attempts to examine housing issues within an extended framework, utilising a range of cross-disciplinary literature from social, economic and housing disciplines. The factors which impact upon a process of social exclusion are illustrated with reference to case studies of individual women. The data for each case study were ascertained by utilising life-history analysis which allows for a sequential examination of events.
Perceived job quality in the United States, Great Britain, Norway and West Germany, 1989-2005

This article examines cross-national differences and trends in perceived job quality, defined in terms of five dimensions — extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards, work intensity, working conditions and interpersonal relationships — as well as overall job satisfaction. We analyse country differences in 1989, 1997 and 2005, using data for four countries from the International Social Survey Programme. Job security, the ability to work independently and the quality of working conditions and interpersonal relationships tend to be greater in Norway and West Germany than in the USA and Great Britain; American workers tend to be most satisfied with advancement opportunities, intrinsic rewards and overall job quality. We find convergence in job in security and work intensity over time, which may reflect increased market pressures that encourage a ‘lean and mean’ management strategy.
Developing a Global Mindset: Integrating Demographics, Sustainability, Technology, and Globalization

Business schools face a number of challenges in responding to the business influences of demographics, sustainability, and technology—all three of which are also the fundamental driving forces for globalization. Demographic forces are creating global imbalances in worker populations and in government finances; the world economy faces sustainability and climate change challenges; technology is accelerating business change and changing the nature of work; and the global economy is being re-structured with the rise of major emerging economies such as Brazil, India, and China. Given an uncertain future, this essay examines the nature of these challenges and contends that while providing measurable knowledge of global business and specific job skills are important, business schools must focus on the attitudes, skills, and knowledge helpful for student career flexibility including leadership skills, a good work ethic, and abilities to continue learning.
A Sociocultural and Critical Analysis of Educational Policies and Programs for Minority Youth in British Columbia

The education of immigrant and minority youth in Canada is a complex matter reflecting the social heterogeneity and policy framework of this nation. Canada’s official federal policies of French and English bilingualism and multiculturalism are integral to Canada’s definition of its national identity While these policies are set federally (and provincially in Quebec), provincial ministries of education and local school districts have discretionary power to develop educational policies, programs and practices for immigrant and minority students at all elementary and secondary school levels from kindergarten to grade twelve. In British Columbia these discretionary powers are most notably the British Columbia Multiculturalism Act (1993) and the British Columbia Language Education Policy (1995). This paper takes a socio-cultural and critical approach to examine the implications of these policies for educational programs available to immigrant and minority youth in British Columbia. In particular the focus is on the language education programs in which immigrant and minority students are involved. These include programs for English as a second language, the provincial Conseil Scolaire Francophone and second language programs such as core French classes, French immersion programs and heritage/international languages. Understanding how equity might be achieved requires deconstructing the complex net of relationships among policies, programs and actors in order to discern approaches that may either prevent or facilitate the full educational participation of students of immigrant and minority ancestry. The critical theoretical perspective helps to make explicit issues of linguistic, cultural and racial equity and marginalization in the education of minority and immigrant youth.
Non‐audit service fees, auditor characteristics and earnings restatements

Purpose – The objective of the study is to provide empirical evidence of the impact of non‐audit services (NAS) as well as other auditor characteristics on auditor independence by testing the relationship of NAS fees to the occurrence of financial statement restatements.Design/methodology/approach – The authors tested whether firms that restate their financial statements have higher levels of total service fees or higher levels of NAS fees than non‐restatement firms. The testing also includes an examination of the relationship between the audit firm size and the audit firm industry specialization to financial statement restatements.Findings – The study found only limited evidence to support the concept that firms with higher NAS fees are more likely to restate earnings, thereby casting doubt on the public perception that NAS impairs auditor independence and the legislative approval of Section 201 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act prohibiting external auditors from providing certain NAS to audit clients as necessa.
HOW TO MEASURE THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CHANGES IN GROWTH, FEED EFFICIENCY AND SURVIVAL IN AQUACULTURE

In this article we introduce a variety of bio-economic models that can be used to calculate the economic benefits associated with improved productivity in aquaculture. In the aquaculture industry, three important biological productivity factors are growth, survival and feed efficiency. The profitability of improving productivity factors, especially growth, is highly dependent upon the cost factor structure, production system, its constraints and other factors within the supply chain. Therefore we present a number of different bio-economical models that can be used to robustly assess the economic impacts in different production environments. These models are introduced with case examples across a range of aquaculture species and production systems. We calculate changes in profitability through a reduction in production costs and any potential increases in product price premiums via the use of weight dependent unit profit as the outcome in cost-benefit analysis, so that results may be expanded to cover different volumes.
Competition in the Electricity Industry in England and Wales

When the electricity industry was privatized, the government made structural changes to encourage competition in generation and in supply to consumers. The conventional power stations were only divided between two companies, however, and we show that duopolistic competition in an unregulated spot market might imply undesirably high prices. Most sales are hedged in the contract market, which makes the spot market more competitive, and a realistic threat of entry could also force generators to keep their prices down. In the event, a large amount of entry took place, supported by the regional electricity companies' franchise monopoly over smaller consumers. That monopoly ends in 1998, so that further entry might become very difficult, while competition between firms already in the generation market is still limited. Vertical integration between the major generators and regional electricity companies might make entry even harder, and should be blocked until the industry is more competitive. Copyright 1997 by Oxford University Press.
Correlation of Macular Thickness With Visual Fields in Glaucoma Patients and Suspects

Purpose:To provide a quantitative comparison of the retinal thickness in the macula, with Humphrey visual field (HVF) parameters and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects, in glaucoma patients and suspects. Patients and Methods:Retrospective statistical analysis of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) compared with HVF mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) in 73 subjects who met the study criteria. Bivariate statistical analysis was performed. Results:Macular thickness correlates with HVF deficits, with much worse MD (−6.8) and PSD (5.8) scores in subjects with average macular thickness <270 &mgr;m, compared with those >300 &mgr;m, (MD +0.4, PSD 1.7). Both the MD (P=0.0001) and PSD (P<0.0001) correlated with average macular thickness. In subjects with a difference of 3 or greater in the MD between the 2 eyes, there was a difference of 11 to 13 &mgr;m in average macular thickness. Asymmetry within the same eye, between the superior macula and inferior macula, correlated with a larger PSD in that eye. There was a strong correlation between RNFL defects and retinal thinning in the macula. Conclusions:SD-OCT measurements of retinal thickness in the macula correlate with HVF parameters and RNFL parameters in glaucoma patients and suspects. This correlation between visual field defects and macular thickness can help in confirming the existence and extent of the visual field defect.
Genetic polymorphism of MCP-1-2518, IL-8-251 and susceptibility to acute pancreatitis: a pilot study in population of Suzhou, China.

AIM To study the relationship between MCP-1-2518A/G, IL-8-251A/T polymorphism and acute pancreatitis (AP) in the Han population of Suzhou, China. METHODS A case-control study was conducted to compare the distribution of genotype and genetic frequency of MCP-1-2518A/G, IL-8-251A/T gene polymorphism among AP (n = 101), including mild AP (n = 78) and severe AP (n = 23) and control healthy individuals (n = 120) with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing, and analyze the relationship between the MCP-1-2518A/G, IL-8-251A/T gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to AP. RESULTS Significant differences were found in the distribution of genotype of MCP-1-2518A/G between the healthy control group and mild AP group (chi2 = 32.015, P < 0.001), the same was evident between the healthy control group and severe AP group (chi2 = 12.932, P < 0.05) in Suzhou. However, no difference of genotypic distribution was noted between MAP and SAP (chi2 = 0.006, P = 0.997). The genetic frequencies of G allele in mild AP were 72.4% (113/156) and 76.1% (35/46) in severe AP, both were higher than the controls, 47.1% (113/240) (chi2 = 24.804; P < 0.001, and chi2 = 13.005; P < 0.001), but no difference was found between severe AP and mild AP (chi2 = 0.242; P = 0.623). No difference was found in the distribution of genotype of IL-8-251A/T between the healthy control group and AP group neither in the frequency of A and T allele. CONCLUSION The MCP-1-2518 AA genotype of the population in Suzhou may be a protective genotype of AP, while one with higher frequency of G allele is more likely to suffer from pancreatitis. But the genotype of AA and the frequency of G allele could not predict the risk of severe AP. No correlation is found between the IL-8-251 polymorphism and the liability of AP.