Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Total Quality Management Practices and Their Effects on Firms Performance in Palestine

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and their effects on firmsâ€™ performancesâ€™ in Palestine. It also aims to discuss management commitment, employee involvement, training and education, reward and recognition on quality improvement within 57 Palestinian firms. The study employs survey data collected from Palestinian manufacturing and service firms. The results of this study revealed that management commitment, employee involvement, training, education, rewards and recognition are significantly positively associated with firmsâ€™ quality improvement practice. Â It was perceived that employeeÂ involvementÂ wasÂ a dominantÂ factorÂ forÂ qualityÂ improvement;Â itÂ wasÂ associatedÂ withÂ significantÂ improvementsÂ inÂ firmsâ€™ quality improvement. Â
EFFECT OF STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP ON CUSTOMER RETENTION COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA

The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of strategic management practices on customer retention in Commercial Banks in Kenya. Specific objective that formed the basis of the study namely: To establish the effect of strategic leadership practice on customer retention in the commercial banks in Kenya and the theory used was transformational leadership theory. The total number of banks that were registered with the Central Bank of Kenya was forty-three (43) hence a survey method was used. The questionnaires were distributed to all banks and the managers and the department heads were requested to fill in. The total numbers issued was 123 questionnaires and 117 were returned, giving a response rate of 86%. The questionnaires were coded and fed into the SPSS. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics was used including ANOVA, correlation, multiple regression method. Qualitative data was used to put into categories based on themes that would be aligned to research objectives and would be integrated in the discussion of the findings. The findings of the study showed that strategic leadership practice were significant. Therefore, it was concluded that to increase customers the strategic management practices must be adopted. Therefore, since strategic management practice could be of value, they were well advised to pursue customer retention as well as at a suitable level of strategic management practices. Strategic leadership practice should enhance employee motivation and decision making since employees who are motivated tend to know what is expected of them and they are key contributors in offering service quality as they are the representatives of the bank. Keywords : customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, customer retention, strategic leadership
Nutrition knowledge of nurses in long-term care facilities.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge-based nutrition competencies of nurses and describe needed nutrition education relative to reducing protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) in nursing home residents. METHOD A sample of 44 nurses (35 RNs, 9 LPNs) from five eastern Washington nursing homes completed a 50-item questionnaire that measured nutrition knowledge based on Benner's Novice to Expert Model. RESULTS Nurses scored an average 65% +/- 11% on the nutrition examination. CONCLUSION An educational program addressing the identified deficient areas could improve the ability of nursing staff to assess and monitor resident food intake, thereby reducing the prevalence of PCM of residents in nursing homes.
In-Depth Evaluation of Redirect Tracking and Link Usage

Abstract In today’s web, information gathering on users’ online behavior takes a major role. Advertisers use different tracking techniques that invade users’ privacy by collecting data on their browsing activities and interests. To preventing this threat, various privacy tools are available that try to block third-party elements. However, there exist various tracking techniques that are not covered by those tools, such as redirect link tracking. Here, tracking is hidden in ordinary website links pointing to further content. By clicking those links, or by automatic URL redirects, the user is being redirected through a chain of potential tracking servers not visible to the user. In this scenario, the tracker collects valuable data about the content, topic, or user interests of the website. Additionally, the tracker sets not only thirdparty but also first-party tracking cookies which are far more difficult to block by browser settings and ad-block tools. Since the user is forced to follow the redirect, tracking is inevitable and a chain of (redirect) tracking servers gain more insights in the users’ behavior. In this work we present the first large scale study on the threat of redirect link tracking. By crawling the Alexa top 50k websites and following up to 34 page links, we recorded traces of HTTP requests from 1.2 million individual visits of websites as well as analyzed 108,435 redirect chains originating from links clicked on those websites. We evaluate the derived redirect network on its tracking ability and demonstrate that top trackers are able to identify the user on the most visited websites. We also show that 11.6% of the scanned websites use one of the top 100 redirectors which are able to store nonblocked first-party tracking cookies on users’ machines even when third-party cookies are disabled. Moreover, we present the effect of various browser cookie settings, resulting in a privacy loss even when using third-party blocking tools.
Inequality in the Indian Water Sector: Challenges and Policy Options

Utilizing illustrative examples based on empirical data, this article attempts to provide an indicative assessment of the growing magnitude of inequality in access to water in India. This assessment was made within an analytical framework that highlights variations across water-using sectors such as rural agriculture and urban, as well as across different sources of water such as groundwater, surface water and others. The dimensions of inequality analysed include: inequality in access to common pool groundwater resources (both inter-generational and intra-generational inequality); inequality caused by monopolistic groundwater markets; inequality in access to common property water from river catchments; inequality in access to subsidized water from public irrigation schemes; and inequality in access to water from municipal water supply systems. The article also discusses the role of major factors which contribute to the inequality in the access to water in different contexts, such as lack of well-defined water use rights, inequality in the ownership of land and other rural assets, spatial and topographical issues such as tail-end and downstream aspects, ineffective water and energy pricing policies, inadequate or poorly designed infrastructure and suboptimal water sector investment. The article concludes by providing feasible policy options and possible implementation principles to reduce inequality in access to water across sectors, sources and regions.
Regional anaesthesia and analgesia : relationship to cancer recurrence and survival

Cancer treatment is associated with significantmorbidity andmortality. Surgery is amainstay of treatment for many tumours, and anaesthetists care for cancer patients on a daily basis. Surgery itself induces a stress response and inhibits the immune system, and cancer surgery is associated with the release of tumour cells systemically. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that the anaesthetics and adjuvants given in the perioperative period can affect cancer recurrence and survival, perhaps tipping the balance in some instances to determine whether cancer progresses or regresses. Retrospective studies have hinted that regional anaesthesia can play a protective role in cancer surgery, but many of these studies are small and subject to bias. We eagerly await the results of several large, randomized controlled trials examining the impact of regional anaesthesia and analgesia on cancer recurrence and survival.
Comparison of four different protocols of I-131 therapy for treating single toxic thyroid nodule

ObjectiveTo compare low and high doses as well as fixed and calculated doses of I-131 in treating toxic thyroid adenoma. Methods and patientsIn a prospective study, patients with hyperthyroidism and a single hot thyroid nodule and 24-h radioactive iodine uptake of more than 25% were randomly treated with one of four protocols: fixed low dose (FLD, 481 MBq), fixed high dose (FHD, 832 MBq), calculated low dose (CLD, 3.33-3.70 MBq/g), and calculated high dose (CHD, 6.66-7.4 MBq/g). The patients were asked to visit the endocrinologist 2 and 6 months after treatment and every 6 months thereafter. Clinical exam and laboratory tests were done in all patients during each follow-up. A curative effect was considered as absence of thyroid stimulating hormone suppression (thyroid stimulating hormone>0.3). An analysis of variance test was used for comparison of groups. Results97 patients completed the follow-up, eight male, 89 female, with a mean age of 43.3 years (SD=13.4) and mean 24-h radioactive iodine uptake values of 48.07% (SD=14.07). No significant difference was noted in the four groups regarding age, sex ratio, thyroid uptake, and thyroid weight. About 10 months after therapy, cure of hyperthyroidism was higher in CHD group compared with other groups. Hypothyroidism was significantly higher in CHD and FHD groups compared with CLD and FLD groups in all follow-ups. No significant difference was noted in the cure of hyperthyroidism between CLD and FLD groups. Mean radioiodine dose administered in calculated groups was significantly less than fixed dose groups. ConclusionCHD protocol is preferable in old patients with toxic adenoma whereas CLD is more appropriate in young patients.
D5 Dopamine Receptors are Required for Dopaminergic Activation of Phospholipase C

Dopamine activates phospholipase C in discrete regions of the mammalian brain, and this action is believed to be mediated through a D1-like receptor. Although multiple lines of evidence exclude a role for the D1 subtype of D1-like receptors in the phosphoinositide response, the D5 subtype has not been similarly examined. Here, mice lacking D5 dopamine receptors were tested for dopamine agonist-induced phosphoinositide signaling both in vitro and in vivo. The results show that hippocampal, cortical, and striatal tissues of D5 receptor knockout mice significantly or completely lost the ability to produce inositol phosphate or diacylglycerol messengers after stimulation with dopamine or several selective D1-like receptor agonists. Moreover, endogenous inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate stimulation by the phospholipase C-selective D1-like agonist 3-methyl-6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-[3methylphenyl]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (SKF83959) was robust in wild-type animals but undetectable in the D5 receptor mutants. Hence, D5 receptors are required for dopamine and selective D1-like agonists to induce phospholipase C-mediated phosphoinositide signaling in the mammalian brain.
Effect of medical therapy on glaucoma filtration surgery rates in Ontario.

OBJECTIVE To analyze trends of glaucoma filtration surgery in Ontario. METHODS From April 1, 1992, through March 31, 2004, correlations were examined between the annual rates of trabeculectomies in Ontario, the use of glaucoma medications, and the numbers of practicing ophthalmologists and optometrists. RESULTS The number of trabeculectomies per 1000 persons at risk for primary open-angle glaucoma increased from 33.5 in 1992 to 46.2 in 1996 (37.7% increase; 6.6% increase per year) and then steadily decreased to 38.2 in 2004 (17.0% decrease; 2.7% decrease per year). The number of glaucoma medications dispensed in Ontario increased from 766 000 in 1992 to 1 466 543 in 2004 (91.5% increase; 10.5% annual increase). The increase in dispensed prostaglandin analogues strongly correlated (P<.001; 95% confidence interval, -0.87 to -0.41) with the decreasing number of trabeculectomies. The decreasing number of ophthalmologists positively correlated (r = 0.87) with the filtration surgery rate after 1997. CONCLUSIONS The number of trabeculectomies has decreased substantially in Ontario coinciding with the introduction of medications for the treatment of glaucoma in December 1996. This decrease in trabeculectomies highly correlated with the introduction of prostaglandin analogues (P<.001) and the decreasing number of ophthalmologists from 1997 through 2004.
Subcellular localisation of the middle and large T‐antigens of polyoma virus.

The distribution of two of the polyoma virus early proteins (the large and middle T‐antigens) in lytically infected mouse cells and transformed rat cells has been investigated by indirect immunofluorescence and immuno‐electron microscopy using well‐characterised monoclonal antibodies. By these techniques, the viral large T‐antigen was found almost exclusively in the nucleus, sometimes in association with nuclear pores, but never in the nucleolus. In lytically infected, but not transformed cells, fluorescence was detected in discrete areas (‘hot spots’) within the nucleus and, in a minor population of lytically infected cells, cytoplasmic immunoreactive material was observed. The viral middle T‐antigen was found in association with most cytoplasmic membranes and in the majority of cells mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum. Only a fraction of the staining was observed in the plasma membrane and no staining in the nucleoplasm was observed. The data suggest that the site of action of the major transforming activity of polyoma virus need not be at the plasma membrane. Functions associated with the viral antigens are discussed in terms of their subcellular distributions within cells.
Prevalence of specific IGM due to toxoplasma, rubella, CMV and c.trachomatis infections during pregnancy.

One hundred and seventy five apparently normal asymptomatic pregnant women were studied prospectively and 247 women with different complications of pregnancy were screened at the time of delivery for infections like Chlamydia trachomatis, Toxoplasma, Rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV). One hundred and forty two women with normal outcome of pregnancy served as controls. Specific IgM due to these agents were determined in the sera using commercial diagnostic kits. Results of the study showed that chlamydial infection was the most prevalent (29.8%) followed by Toxoplasmosis (13.1), Rubella (6.5%) and CMV (5.8%). Adverse outcome was seen among those seropositive for Chlamydia, Toxoplasmosis and Rubella. CMV showed no association with adverse outcome of pregnancy. Since Chlamydia and Toxoplasmosis are amenable to treatment with antibiotics, screening for these infections and appropriate treatment would improve outcome of pregnancy.
Female Leadership and Bank Risk-Taking: Evidence from the Effects of Real Estate Shocks on Bank Lending Performance and Default Risk

Abstract This paper examines whether banks with female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and chairpersons of the board are associated with better lending performance and lower default risk when faced with severe real estate price shocks. Using a large panel of U.S. commercial banks, we document that female-led banks with high real estate exposure are associated with lower loan charge-offs and lower non-accrual loans relative to similar male-led banks. Furthermore, our empirical findings indicate that female-led banks with high real estate exposure have lower default risk and are less likely to fail in the aftermath of real estate price shocks. However, we find no evidence of superior lending performance or reduced default risk for female-led banks which are not exposed to severe real estate price shocks through high levels of real estate lending.
Achieving Sustainable development through Libraries: Some Preliminary Observations from Botswana Public Libraries

Sustainable development in the 21st century is based on access to information and knowledge. Like their counterparts, African libraries have recognized the key role of libraries in achieving sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The National Library of Uganda provides ICT training to female farmers to access weather forecasts, crop prices, and to set up online markets in their local languages. Nigerian Librarians developed a SDGs Action Group on Facebook to achieve SDGs. Similarly, public libraries in Botswana are actively engaged in achieving sustainable development goals. For example, supporting Goal 8, some public libraries provide basic ICT training to empower community so as to increase access to information for career and job opportunities leading to social and economic development. To support Goal 4: Quality education, some Public Libraries provide homework assistance to children to build strong educational foundation. To address Goal 5, Gender Equality, some public libraries in Botswana organize gender related activities to support girls and women. The aim of this paper is to share Botswana public libraries’ initiatives toward sustainable development. The data for this paper was collected through interviews with the librarians, who are actively involved in SDGs and observations.
Authentic or Counterfeit? Determinants of Purchase Intention and Strategies to Reduce Counterfeit Demand

AUTHENTIC OR COUNTERFEIT? DETERMINANTS OF PURCHASE INTENTION AND STRATEGIES TO REDUCE COUNTERFEIT DEMAND Mojtaba Kamranfard Advisors: University of Guelph, 2018 Dr. Tirtha Dhar Dr. Vinay Kanetkar Counterfeit products are a major problem throughout the world, resulting in several negative effects. The current research identified the most important determinants of people's attitude towards counterfeit products. Moreover, this research explored the effectiveness of two types of strategies in reducing counterfeit demand. Results showed that an educational strategy, in which a company educates consumers how to distinguish between authentic and counterfeit versions of its products, is more effective than a typical promotional strategy in reducing intention to buy counterfeit products. Importantly, it was found that a promotional strategy might even backfire and increase demand for counterfeit versions of products. Results also revealed that subjective norm, materialism, and perceived risk were significant predictors of attitude towards counterfeit products. Contrary to predictions, however, integrity was not a significant determinant. Finally, it was found that attitude towards counterfeit products would determine people's intention to buy
Optimal Worst Case Formulas Comparing Cache Memory Associativity

In this paper we derive a worst case formula comparing the number of cache hits for two different cache memories. From this various other bounds for cache memory performance may be derived. Consider an arbitrary program P which is to be executed on a computer with two alternative cache memories. The first cache is set-associative or direct-mapped. It has k sets and u blocks in each set; this is called a (k,u)-cache. The other is a fully associative cache with q blocks---a (1,q)-cache. We derive an explicit formula for the ratio of the number of cache hits h(P,k,u) for a (k,u)-cache compared to a (1,q)-cache for a worst case program P. We assume that the mappings of the program variables to the cache blocks are optimal. The formula quantifies the ratio $$ \inf_P \frac{h(P,k,u)}{h(P,1,q)}, $$ where the infimum is taken over all programs P with n variables. The formula is a function of the parameters n,k,u, and q only. Note that the quantity $h(P,k,u)$ is NP-hard. We assume the commonly used LRU (least recently used) replacement policy, that each variable can be stored in one memory block, and that each variable is free to be mapped to any set. Since the bound is decreasing in the parameter n, it is an optimal bound for all programs with at most n variables. The formula for cache hits allows us to derive optimal bounds comparing the access times for cache memories. The formula also gives bounds (these are not optimal, however) for any other replacement policy, for direct-mapped versus set-associative caches, and for programs with variables larger than the cache memory blocks.
How do differing degrees of working-time autonomy and overtime affect worker well-being? A multilevel approach using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP)

Flextime, or Flexitime, leads to greater worker satisfaction and well-being, but evidence shows increased working-time autonomy also leads to a greater risk of burnout and overload. The aim of this study is to estimate the effects of working-time arrangements with differing levels of autonomy on job and leisure satisfaction as well as subjective health. It uses working excessive hours as the threshold moderator. Based on German data, hypotheses were tested using a balanced sample of 4019 individuals spanning 16,076 person-years. Changing to or remaining in autonomous working-time arrangements had a positive effect on job satisfaction. Advancing to self-managed working time (trust-based working time) had a negative effect on satisfaction with leisure time, although remaining in self-managed working time related positively to general health. This study shows that measures are needed to govern working-time autonomy in order to prevent employees excessively extending their working hours.
The Expression of PDCD4 in Patients With Missed Abortion and Its Clinical Significance

Missed abortion is a special form of spontaneous abortion and its incidence shows a rising trend. Immunological factor is one of the most common reasons. Tumor suppressor gene programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) also participates in some immune-mediated inflammation, such as atherosclerosis, and so on, but the role of PDCD4 in missed abortion remains unclear. Here, the expression of PDCD4 was detected in decidual and chorionic tissues, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with missed abortion and healthy controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The expression of cytokines was also detected in decidual tissues using qRT-PCR. The levels of serum estradiol and progesterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. In addition, the correlations of PDCD4 expression with cytokines and hormones were analyzed. The results demonstrated that PDCD4 expression was reduced in decidual tissues from the missed abortion group compared with the control group. The levels of tumor necrosis factor α were significantly higher in decidual tissues of missed abortion patients than those in normal controls. We also found serum estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly lower in the missed abortion group than those in the control group, and serum progesterone level was inversely related to PDCD4 messenger RNA level. The data suggested that reduced PDCD4 expression may be involved in the occurrence of missed abortion. This may facilitate the potential development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of missed abortion.
A Bayesian Method for Planning Accelerated Life Testing

In this paper, a Bayesian criterion is proposed based on the expected Kullback-Leibler divergence between the posterior and the prior distributions of the parameters of interest. We call the Bayesian criterion the reference optimality criterion, which is to find an optimal plan to maximize the amount of information from the data. A large-sample approximation is utilized to simplify the formula to obtain optimal plans numerically. Because optimal plans based on reference optimality criterion do not depend on the sample size, a modified reference optimality criterion is proposed. We give numerical examples using the Weibull distribution with type I censoring to illustrate the methods, and to examine the influence of the prior distribution, censoring time, and sample size. We also compare our methods with other criteria through Monte Carlo simulation.