Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
"Life" is Our Ultimate Customer: From Lean to Sustainability

1. In spite of our best efforts, the U.S. economy as a whole is massively inefficient. Only six percent of materials actually end up in products.1 Total wastes in the United States, excluding wastewater, now exceed 50 trillion pounds per year.2 2. Short-term financial returns always trump longer-term issues such as caring for the environment and social wellbeing until the long term suddenly becomes short term — like Hurricane Katrina. Then our short sightedness becomes glaringly obvious. We must start becoming serious about our environment and society in order to sustain our companies, our nation, and our world. The irony and tragedy inherent in this situation is that most decisionmakers assume that sustainability has a low financial return. In reality, sustainability can return its investment within 6-to-12 months, enabling a company to justify the investment on a purely shortterm economic standpoint. Sustainability is "meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. "3 It's the Golden Rule applied across generations. Lean leads us toward sustainability initiatives. Lean tools apply to any kind of problem, including environmental ones. The lean mantra of eliminating waste fits sustainability initiatives perfectly. Because it is much like lean both in concept and practice, sustainability can be thought of as lean extended to a much broader objective. Sustainability (like lean) has a good track record of improving company finances because of the emphasis on eliminating waste and the substantial increase in creativity by employees at all levels. For example, Timberland, which is trying to "use the resources, energy, and profits of a publicly traded footwear-and-apparel company to combat social ills, help the environ-
New food product development: strategies for success?

This paper seeks to evaluate the ideas of six new product development (NPD) theorists and their associates. These include those who have developed their theories with particular reference to the food industry and the development of new food products. Their ideas are contrasted with non‐food specific theorists; these include those interested in the management of new products and those involved in marketing who have recognised the important role that NPD plays in any business. A further viewpoint is taken from theorists who are interested in NPD per se and who use food, on occasions, to illustrate their ideas. This research identifies different theories and recognises that there is very little consensus as to the right and wrong way to manage the process of product development. Indeed theorists name and number their various stages or phases differently with some advocating five while others believe eight steps to be more appropriate. This research concludes that an organisation should not be tied to one particular model but should take on board the basic fundamentals of a food‐based model (theory) and adapt and amend it to their particular situations as and when they develop new food products.
[Body composition analysis in ballet dancers].

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the nutritional status and body composition in female ballet dancers and a group of non-athletic female controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 30 female ballet dancers, aged 17.4 +/- 2.01, whereas the control group included 30 non-athletic female examinees, aged 18.00 years on average. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated in all subjects. Body composition was estimated using the bioelectrical impedance method. RESULTS Body composition analysis of ballet dancers revealed significantly lower values of body fat mass compared to the control group (18.85 +/- 4.50% vs. 23.41 +/- 4.34). Most examinees in both groups were of normal weight. 50% of ballet dancers and 23.33% of examinees in the control group were underweight, while overweight subjects were registered only in the control group. Most underweight ballet dancers had lower body fat mass, whereas majority of underweight examinees in the control group presented with normal body fat mass. Normal-weight obesity was established in 40.91% candidates in the control and 6.67% in the study group. CONCLUSION Ballet dancers had significantly lower values of body mass and BMI, compared to the study group. In order to prevent very serious complications caused by changes in size and proportion of some body compartments, it is necessary to carry out assessment of body composition more often in high-risk groups, such as the study group of ballet dancers.
The Economic Consequences Associated with Integrated Report Quality: Early Evidence from a Mandatory Setting

We examine whether integrated report quality (IRQ) is associated with stock liquidity, firm value, expected future cash flow, and cost of capital. Our study is motivated by the recent focus on sustainable capitalism and the global interest shown by firms, investors, and regulators in the work of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). We use data from South Africa because it is the only country where integrated reporting is mandated. We use a measure of integrated reporting quality based on proprietary data from EY who rate these reports as part of its Excellence in Integrated Reporting awards. We find that integrated reporting is positively associated with both stock liquidity (measured using bid-ask spreads) and firm value (measured using Tobin’s Q). Our results are consistent whether we analyze levels or changes. When we decompose the firm value into an expected future cash flow effect and cost of capital effect, we find that the positive association between integrated reporting quality and firm value is driven mainly by the cash flow effect, consistent with investors revising their estimates of future cash flows upward as a result of a better understanding of the firm’s capitals and strategy or future cash flows increasing because of improved internal decision making by managers. We provide results from a DuPont analyses which are consistent with the latter conjecture.
Specific Activation of LIM kinase 2 via Phosphorylation of Threonine 505 by ROCK, a Rho-dependent Protein Kinase*

LIM-kinase 1 (LIMK1) and LIM-kinase 2 (LIMK2) regulate actin cytoskeletal reorganization via cofilin phosphorylation downstream of distinct Rho family GTPases. We report our findings that ROCK, a downstream protein kinase of Rho, specifically activates LIMK2 but not LIMK1 downstream of RhoA. LIMK1 and LIMK2 activities toward cofilin phosphorylation were stimulated by co-expression with the active form of ROCK (ROCK-Δ3), whereas full-length ROCK selectively activates LIMK2 but not LIMK1. Activation of LIMK2 by RhoA was inhibited by Y-27632, a specific inhibitor of ROCK, but Rac1-mediated activation of LIMK1 was not. ROCK directly phosphorylated the threonine 505 residue within the activation segment of LIMK2 and markedly stimulated LIMK2 activity. A LIMK2 mutant with replacement of threonine 505 by valine abolished LIMK2 activities for cofilin phosphorylation and actin cytoskeletal changes, whereas replacement by glutamate enhanced the protein kinase activity and stress fiber formation by LIMK2. These results indicate that ROCK directly phosphorylates threonine 505 and activates LIMK2 downstream of RhoA and that this phosphorylation is essential for LIMK2 to induce actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Together with the finding that LIMK1 is regulated by Pak1, LIMK1 and LIMK2 are regulated by different protein kinases downstream of distinct Rho family GTPases.
Married to the Firm? Family Ownership, Performance and Survival in Private Firms

We show that family ownership is associated with more stable and liquid, but slower growing, young firms. Using a large sample of private firms across Europe, we find that family-owned firms have higher profit margins, returns on assets, and survival rates compared to non-family-owned firms. However, family-owned firms also hold greater reserves of cash, rely less on external debt, and invest and grow more slowly. These differences between family-owned and non-family-owned firms are largest early in the firm life cycle and when a married couple holds a majority of the firm's equity. Family ties, particularly marital ties, between owners facilitate conservation of cash and lower operating costs, which increases firm survival but which also dampens investment and growth. Our results indicate that families choose to start and manage very different types of firms relative to unrelated founders.
Preliminary investigations on some potential sources of protected methionine derivatives for ruminant rations.

A series of N-substituted methionine derivatives were investigated for their potential to resist rumen degradation but still to release methionine in the duodenum. The method adopted was (a) to measure rumen methyl mercaptan concentrations in sheep following intraruminal doses of the materials and (b) to measure the ability of the materials to promote the growth of chicks receiving a methionine deficient diet.
Marketing of Library Resources and Services: A Structured Literature Review

This conceptual paper reviews literature on marketing of This conceptual paper reviews literature on marketing of library products and services, and discusses various ways and means for the same. Several marketing techniques to promote the usage of library resources and services have been highlighted in the literature. It is seen that majority of libraries do not have a marketing culture. It is recognised that libraries need to formulate marketing plan along with financial budget on a yearly basis so that library resources can be utilised optimally. Libraries in developing countries have been struggling to conduct outreach programmes to market their resources and services. Latest technologies such as, Web 2.0 and mobile services have opened up new avenues to do marketing in efficient and cost effective ways. Therefore, libraries should not leave any stone unturned to apply the latest technologies in promotion of resources and services amongst the stakeholders. The funding agencies must formulate guidelines for marketing the library resources and services so that the library resources can be utilised optimally. DOI: 10.14429/djlit.36. 3.10027
Threshold Based Penalty Functions for Constrained Multiobjective Optimization

This paper compares the performance of our re-cently proposed threshold based penalty function against its dynamic and adaptive variants. These penalty functions are incorporated in the update and replacement scheme of the multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) framework to solve constrained multiobjective op-timization problems (CMOPs). As a result, the capability of MOEA/D is extended to handle constraints, and a new algorithm, denoted by CMOEA/D-DE-TDA is proposed. The performance of CMOEA/D-DE-TDA is tested, in terms of the values of IGD-metric and SC-metric, on the well known CF-series test instances. The experimental results are also compared with the three best performers of CEC 2009 MOEA competition. Empirical results show the pitfalls of the proposed penalty functions.
Metabolic Syndrome and Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery: Epidemiology and Perioperative Outcomes

Study Design. Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database from 2000 to 2008. Objective. To identify whether metabolic syndrome is an independent risk factor for increased major perioperative complications, cost, length of stay, and nonroutine discharge. Summary of Background Data. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that has been shown to increase the health risk of the general population. No study has analyzed its impact in the perioperative spine surgery setting. Methods. We obtained the National Inpatient Sample from the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project for each year between 2000 and 2008. All patients undergoing primary posterior lumbar spine fusion were identified and separated into groups with and without metabolic syndrome. Patient demographics and health care system–related parameters were compared. The outcomes of major complications, nonroutine discharge, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization charges were assessed for both groups. Regression analysis was performed to identify whether the presence of metabolic syndrome was an independent risk factor for each outcome. Results. An estimated 1,152,747 primary posterior lumbar spine fusions were performed between 2000 and 2008 in the United States. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome as well as the comorbidities of the patients increased significantly over time. Patients with metabolic syndrome had significantly longer length of stay, higher hospital charges, higher rates of nonroutine discharges, and increased rates of major life-threatening complications than patients without metabolic syndrome. Conclusion. Patients with metabolic syndrome undergoing primaryposterior lumbar spinal fusion represent an increasing financial burden on the health care system. Clinicians should recognize that metabolic syndrome represents a risk factor for increased perioperative morbidity.
Model for the drug–drug interaction responsible for CYP3A enzyme inhibition. II: establishment and evaluation of dexamethasone-pretreated female rats

1. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A catalysis of testosterone 6β-hydroxylation in female rat liver microsomes was significantly induced, then reached a plateau level after pretreatment with 80 mg kg−1 day−1 dexamethasone (DEX) for 3 days. 2. Midazolam was mainly metabolized by CYP3A in DEX-treated female rat liver microsomes from an immuno-inhibition study, and the apparent Km was 1.8 μM, similar to that in human microsomes. 3. Ketoconazole and erythromycin, typical CYP3A inhibitors, demonstrated extensive inhibition of midazolam metabolism in DEX-treated female rat liver microsomes, and the apparent Ki values were 0.088 and 91.2 μM, respectively. The values were similar to those in humans, suggesting that DEX-treated female rat liver microsomes have properties similar to those of humans. 4. After oral administration of midazolam, the plasma midazolam concentration in DEX-treated female rats significantly decreased compared with control female rats. The area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC) and elimination half-life were one-11th and one-20th of those of control female rats, respectively. 5. Using DEX-treated female rats, the effect of CYP3A inhibitors on midazolam pharmacokinetics was evaluated. The AUC and maximum concentration in plasma (Cmax) increased when ketoconazole was co-administered with midazolam. 6. It was shown that the drug–drug interaction that occurs in vitro is also observed in vivo after oral administration of midazolam. In conclusion, the DEX-treated female rat could be a useful model for evaluating drug–drug interactions based on CYP3A enzyme inhibition.
Ex-Dividend Behaviour and the Clientele Effects: Evidence Based on Canadian and US Dividend Tax Cuts

We investigate the ex-dividend behaviour of TSX listed Canadian firms during a period when both U.S and Canadian governments cut taxes on dividend income. We test whether the tax differential between dividends and capital gains affects the stock price drop ratio on ex-dividend date. Using quarterly dividend date from 2002-2007, we also investigate the existence of dividend tax clientele effects. We provide empirical evidence that relative tax differential of dividends and capitals gain has significant effects on investor behaviour on ex-dividend date consistent with the hypothesis that dividend tax affects equity values. We also find evidence that Canadian Investors, not the US investors, are the marginal investor for Canadian securities. We suggest that the use of appropriate tax variables is essential for detecting the relationship between tax and ex-dividend day behaviour, as our study has shown that tax relevance hypothesis upholds when the marginal tax rate of Canadians is introduced as tax variable, unlike when that of the US is employed. These findings undermine the claims in some prior studies that tax is not relevant on ex-dividend day. Our study also documents dividend clientele effect using Canadian data. We provide evidence that dividend yield is positively related to drop ratio as in Elton and Gruber (1970) and inversely related to implied tax rates consistent with investors in high tax bracket being attracted to low dividend stocks and investors in low tax bracket preferring high dividend stocks. This clientele effect persists across different measures of drop ratio.
The Structural Influence of Marketing Journals: A Citation Analysis of the Discipline and its Subareas over Time

The authors investigate the overall and subarea influence of a comprehensive set of marketing and marketing-related journals at three points in time during a 30-year period using a citation-based measure of structural influence. The results show that a few journals wield a disproportionate amount of influence in the marketing journal network as a whole and that influential journals tend to derive their influence from many different journals. Different journals are most influential in different subareas of marketing; general business and managerially oriented journals have lost influence, whereas more specialized marketing journals have gained in influence over time. The Journal of Marketing emerges as the most influential marketing journal in the final period (1996–97) and as the journal with the broadest span of influence across all subareas. Yet the Journal of Marketing is notably influential among applied marketing journals, which themselves are of lesser influence. The index of structural influence is significantly correlated with other objective and subjective measures of influence but least so with the impact factors reported in the Social Sciences Citation Index. Overall, the findings demonstrate the rapid maturation of the marketing discipline and the changing role of key journals in the process.
Asset Management and Industry Index Portfolios: Momentum and Reversal Abnormal Returns

This paper shed light to the existence of momentum and reversal patterns in the 18 industry indexes of DJ Euro Stoxx. The analysis is focus on European market and test a presence structural break in year 2000 (financial services and markets act). We made an analysis of five portfolios over eight retention periods, using eight year monthly data. Five portfolios were created on the basis of the returns of past industry indicators. Upon definition of the past returns, the sample is divided into quartiles. An additional portfolio represent the difference between worst and best performance portfolios. Once the existence of return patterns is identified, we check whether they should be related to the various industry betas of model portfolios or, on the contrary, should be attributed to bull or bear market trends. Momentum and reversal patterns are present over different building and retention periods. Finally, both analysis are performed considering the mean and median as well. Results confirm a presence of patterns (momentum or contrarian) in industry index portfolio strategies and explain a structural break at the year 2000. Average and median portofolio returns allow a robust validation of medium and long term asset management choices.
Small Business Leaders' Perceptions of Strategies Facilitating Positive Performance in Government Contracts

Small Business Leaders’ Perceptions of Strategies Facilitating Positive Performance in Government Contracts by Tamara P. Williams MA, Webster University, 2013 MS, Troy University, 2005 BS, Central Michigan University, 2001 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2016
The Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism After Oncologic Head and Neck Reconstruction

This study evaluates the incidence of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after head and neck reconstruction at a single tertiary care cancer center. From 1997 to 2006, 6,759 surgical procedures were performed. There were 1,591 head and neck reconstructions (n = 1,591) and 5,168 non-head and neck reconstructions (n = 5,168). Free flaps, regional flaps, and other procedures were included. Although the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was less than 1% in both patient populations, there was a significantly greater incidence of VTE among patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction than non-head and neck reconstruction (P < 0.05). When compared with patients undergoing non-head and neck reconstruction, patients undergoing oncologic head and neck procedures were older, underwent longer anesthesia times, spent more days in the hospital, and were more likely to need free flaps. When possible, appropriate prophylaxis against VTE in cancer patients under going head and neck reconstruction is recommended.
Perinatal Complications and Clinical Outcome within the Schizophrenia Spectrum

Summary In a prospective study of offspring of schizophrenic mothers, perinatal complications reported in midwife protocols were analysed for those offspring who, as adults, were diagnosed as schizophrenic, borderline schizophrenic or as not suffering from mental illness. The schizophrenics were found to have had the most complicated births, and the borderlines, the least complicated births. This difference is interpreted in terms of a ‘diathesis-stress' model. It is proposed that birth complications can decompensate borderline individuals towards schizophrenic breakdown.
Transactional marketing and relationship marketing paradigms: a structural equation modelling approach

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the services marketing mix (SMM), 7Ps and business performance through relationship marketing (RM) in Jordan's services organisations. A structured questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 164 marketing managers. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the research model and hypotheses. Empirical findings indicate that the 7Ps of the SMM are found to be only 5Ps and they positively influence business performance. RM has partially-mediated the relationship between the 5Ps and performance. Services organisations have used the traditional marketing theory and RM as complementary approaches rather than a paradigm shift. The research model is developed and tested in Jordan's services organisations limits its generalisability to other service industries without further examination. One of the study's contributions is that it is the first quantitative empirical study that examined the SMM and RM simultaneously and examined their effect on performance.
The Bologna process, medical education and integrated learning

The Bologna Declaration, signed in 1999 by all European Ministers of Education and currently in a phase of active implementation in Europe, specifies a three-cycle degree structure – Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate – for all disciplines in Higher Education. The application of this model to medical education has been opposed on various grounds. In particular, a ‘Ba/Ma’ model for undergraduate medical degrees has been viewed as undoing recent progress towards fully integrated learning of basic and clinical medical sciences. However, this can be overcome by the use of a learning outcomes framework, agreed at European level, that reinforces the primarily medical nature of both degrees and which requires integrated teaching, learning and assessment at every stage. With this proviso, application of the Bologna principles to medicine can help to drive educational development and quality enhancement in European medical education.