Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lack of precision in neonatal death classifications based on the underlying causes of death stated on death certificates

Large‐scale analyses of causes of neonatal deaths are usually based on death‐certificate information. A new computer‐based method has been introduced to define the cause of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in large amounts of material and to classify them according to two different models [Wigglesworth and Neonatal and Intrauterine death Classification according to (a)Etiology (NICE)]. The method is based on a combination of detailed information from health care registries and the death‐certificate information. The present study aimed to compare these two classification models with a previously published method based solely on death certificate information [International Collaborative Effort (ICE)]. The study population comprised 2378 neonatal deaths in Sweden between 1987 and 1992. Cross‐tabulation was made between the ICE classification and the other two classification models. In addition, case examples are presented in detail, exemplifying how classification errors arose. The ICE classification gives a rather low precision, notably for two important causes of death: asphyxia and immaturity. Among 328 infants dying from asphyxia according to computerized Wigglesworth classification, ICE classified 59% as asphyxia and 22% were labelled immaturity. When ICE classified the deaths as due to asphyxia, this was verified in only 50%. Among 792 infants dying from immaturity according to computerized Wigglesworth classification, 64% were classified as such by ICE. The findings cast doubts on the results of studies based exclusively on death‐certificate information. Whenever possible in the analysis of neonatal deaths, death‐certificate information should be supplemented with more detailed data. The computer‐based method introduced here makes such analyses possible for large databases.
Analysis of the Campylobacter jejuni FlgR Response Regulator Suggests Integration of Diverse Mechanisms To Activate an NtrC-Like Protein

ABSTRACT Flagellar motility in Campylobacter jejuni mediates optimal interactions with human or animal hosts. σ54 and the FlgSR two-component system are necessary for the expression of many C. jejuni flagellar genes. The FlgR response regulator is homologous to the NtrC family of transcriptional activators. These regulators usually contain an N-terminal receiver domain, a central domain that interacts with σ54 and hydrolyzes ATP, and a DNA-binding C-terminal domain. Most often, phosphorylation of the receiver domain influences its inherent ability to either positively or negatively control the activity of the regulator. In this study, we performed genetic and biochemical analyses to understand how FlgR activity is controlled to culminate in the expression of σ54-dependent flagellar genes. Our data suggest that the FlgR receiver domain has the capacity for both positive and negative regulation in controlling the activation of the protein. Analysis of the C-terminal domain of FlgR revealed that it lacks a DNA-binding motif and is not required for σ54-dependent flagellar gene expression. Further analysis of FlgR lacking the C-terminal domain indicates that this protein is partially functional in the absence of the cognate sensor kinase, FlgS, but its activity is still dependent on the phosphorylated residue in the receiver domain, D51. We hypothesize that the C-terminal domain may not function to bind DNA but may ensure the specificity of the phosphorylation of FlgR by FlgS. Our results demonstrate that FlgR activation mechanisms are unusual among characterized NtrC-like proteins and emphasize that various means are utilized by the NtrC family of proteins to control the transcription of target genes.
Surgical Options for the Refractive Correction of Keratoconus: Myth or Reality

Keratoconus provides a decrease of quality of life to the patients who suffer from it. The treatment used as well as the method to correct the refractive error of these patients may influence on the impact of the disease on their quality of life. The purpose of this review is to describe the evidence about the conservative surgical treatment for keratoconus aiming to therapeutic and refractive effect. The visual rehabilitation for keratoconic corneas requires addressing three concerns: halting the ectatic process, improving corneal shape, and minimizing the residual refractive error. Cross-linking can halt the disease progression, intrastromal corneal ring segments can improve the corneal shape and hence the visual quality and reduce the refractive error, PRK can correct mild-moderate refractive error, and intraocular lenses can correct from low to high refractive error associated with keratoconus. Any of these surgical options can be performed alone or combined with the other techniques depending on what the case requires. Although it could be considered that the surgical option for the refracto-therapeutic treatment of the keratoconus is a reality, controlled, randomized studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods are needed to determine which refractive procedure and/or sequence are most suitable for each case.
Processes and Impacts of Strategic Management: Evidence From the Public Sector in the United Arab Emirates

This study presents the first substantial exploration of the processes and impacts of strategic management in the public sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is designed to survey the way in which public organizations formulate, implement, and evaluate their strategic plans, and to identify which particular strategic management elements are most closely related to their perceived impacts. Based on an analysis of 172 usable questionnaires from 67 organizations, the results show that the practice of strategic management has become regular and standard and can be considered the centerpiece of the public management reform in UAE public organizations over the last few years. Moreover, there is relatively high awareness of strategic planning tools and the balanced scorecard is used as the framework for strategic planning by both federal and local organizations. The study also shows that there is very little variation in the practice of strategic management between federal and local organizations and the impacts of this practice are largely beneficial. The implications of these results for practitioners and public management research are discussed.
Increased soluble P‐selectin levels following deep venous thrombosis: cause or effect?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is associated with coagulation abnormalities, but evidence of excess platelet activity is scant. Soluble P‐selectin is a marker of platelet activity, with high levels being found in patients with thrombotic disease. We measured soluble P‐selectin by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in plasma from 89 patients with objectively confirmed DVT and in 126 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects, and found higher levels in the patients (P = 0.011). Taking the risk of DVT with a level of soluble P‐selectin < 238 ng/ml to be 1, the relative risk of DVT with a soluble P‐selectin level >238 ng/ml was 2.1 (95% CI 1.2–3.6). These high levels may be a reflection of a generalized hypercoagulable state that, with factors such as the presence of persistent thrombin generation, could be responsible for excess platelet activation.
Achieving work–family balance among Spanish managers and their spouses: a demands–control perspective

Using a demands–control perspective and data from 103 manager–spouse couples, this paper examines how job control neutralizes the negative effects of managers' job demands on their contributions to housework as rated by their spouses. We hypothesized that managers' contribution to housework chores would be positively associated with spousal rating of family satisfaction. Our empirical evidence showed that managers with frequent business trips were less cooperative in housework and that this association was moderated by the extent of job control. In turn, managers' cooperation in housework was positively related to spouses' family satisfaction. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for attracting and retaining managerial talent.
The entrepreneurial middle ground: Higher education entry decisions of aspiring entrepreneurs

The growing demand for more entrepreneurs has engendered a proliferation of entrepreneurship education programmes, which, in different ways, aim to assist aspiring entrepreneurs ‘learn’ entrepreneurship. Yet, understanding the higher education entry decisions of aspiring entrepreneurs is a veritable research lacuna, which creates fertile ground for investigation. This paper reports on an exploratory study investigating the entry decisions of first-year participants enrolled on a recently launched degree programme employing a team-based, experiential approach to learning. The analysis uses an interpretive frame to explore why aspiring entrepreneurs opt for formal education in place of, or alongside, other learning and career journeys. Findings indicate that some participants opted for a university education as part of a positive compromised decision, reflecting the reticence of these aspiring entrepreneurs to ‘go it alone’ in the world of business. In this sense, such experiential forms of entrepreneurial education may provide a suitable ‘middle ground’ for some aspiring entrepreneurs.
Finite‐sample comparison of alternative methods for estimating dynamic panel data models

SUMMARY The Wooldridge method is based on a simple and novel strategy to deal with the initial values problem in nonlinear dynamic random-effects panel data models. The characteristic of the method makes it very attractive in empirical applications. However, its finite sample performance and robustness are not fully known as of yet. In this paper we investigate the performance and robustness of this method in comparison with an ideal case in which the initial values are known constants; the worst scenario is based on an exogenous initial values assumption, and the Heckman's reduced-form approximation method, which is widely used in the literature. The dynamic random-effects probit and Tobit (type I) models are used as working examples. Various designs of the Monte Carlo experiments and two further empirical illustrations are provided. The results suggest that the Wooldridge method works very well only for the panels of moderately long duration (longer than 5–8 periods). Heckman's reduced-form approximation is suggested for short panels (shorter than 5 periods). It is also found that all the methods tend to perform equally well for panels of long duration (longer than 15–20 periods). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma proteomic analysis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

OBJECTIVE To compare plasma protein expression between patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix and normal controls. METHODS Plasma samples from patients with benign gynecological disease (normal cervix, n=6) and cervical cancer (SCC, n=6) were subjected to plasma proteomic analysis using two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectroscopy (MALDI-MS). Western blotting and immunoturbidimetric assay were performed to validate the results of 2-DE. RESULTS Eight proteins showed differential expression between controls and SCC patients; six (ceruloplasmin, complement C3, afamin precursor, alpha-1-B-glycoprotein, transferrin, alpha-fibrinogen precursor) were up-regulated, while two (chain A, crystal structure of antithrombin and apolipoprotein A-IV precursor) were down-regulated in the plasma of SCC patients. Western blotting analysis revealed significant elevation of ceruloplasmin, complement C3, afamin, and alpha-1-B-glycoprotein in the plasma of SCC patients in comparison to controls. Immunoturbidimetric assay of a larger group confirmed the results of 2-DE and Western blotting, and showed that ceruloplasmin and complement C3 were significantly elevated in the plasma of SCC patients in comparison with controls and patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the uterine cervix. CONCLUSION Plasma protein expression determined using 2-DE and MALDI-MS will give a chance to identify tumor-specific biomarkers for SCC of the cervix.
The Endorser's Persuasiveness on the Purchase Intention of High-Involvement Products: A Comparison Between a Newly Launched Product and a Mature One

ABSTRACT This study investigates how the endorser's persuasiveness (with the endorser being an expert or a celebrity) affects consumer purchase intention of high-involvement products. We separate products into two types: newly launched and mature ones. In the theoretical framework, we suggested that the endorser's persuasiveness would significantly affect purchase intention of high-involvement products in different ways according to the type of endorsers and the stage in a product life cycle. This research also revealed that social influence and consumer knowledge of the health care product are two significant moderators that affect consumers’ purchase intention.
Spatial patterns of inventors' mobility: Evidence on US urban areas

This paper aims at contributing to the research on knowledge spillovers and their spatial extent by presenting new empirical evidence on a key mechanism driving and directing knowledge diffusion processes, namely, the mobility of knowledge and highly-skilled workers. The analysis is based on a rich data set on US inventors and their patents filed at the European Patent Office from 1978 to 2004. Findings indicate that two distinctive spatial patterns can be detected: inventors move both at short and large spatial distances (i.e., three hours and more than 8 hours driving distance, respectively) in similar proportions. Interestingly, in the largest innovative urban areas inventors' inflows and outflows primarily involve distant rather than neighbour areas. Copyright (c) 2010 the author(s). Journal compilation (c) 2010 RSAI.
Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair: Advances and Limitations

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, a topic of great debate today, has evolved to be a feasible and safe procedure. It has been shown to be as effective as open repair, with a lower recurrence rate. Despite the excellent results of the laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias, numerous controversies are associated with this procedure, such us how to create the pneumoperitoneum, how to perform adhesiolysis, how to manage the hernia sac, the evolution and complications related to post-operative seroma, the type and size of the mesh, and how to insert and fix the mesh. This paper addresses many of these issues and provides data about the advances and limitations associated with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, together with the description of our results. Also analyzed are future aspects of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair related to prosthetic materials and methods of fixation, especially those regarding bioactive materials and biosurgery.
Cultural branding and political marketing: An exploratory analysis

Abstract This paper seeks to explain a phenomenon in UK politics, namely the longevity of parties in power. Parties persist in government when our conventional understanding of the prevalent conditions in the political market suggests there should be greater ‘churn’. It considers political brands as cultural brands, suggesting that a long-term competitive advantage arises for the party perceived to be most in tune with the popular culture within society. We draw on a model by which such cultural advantage is attained, namely cultural innovation. To exemplify the approach, a case study of the Conservative Party as a cultural brand is considered over some 30 years. The paper concludes that the cultural branding approach is a useful way to explain long-term political phenomena. It also allows us to forecast the likely future of the current government's electoral success in terms of its cultural resources/strategy (the Big Society). The political marketing sub-discipline has grown substantially over the last few decades. This paper is a significant contribution to this, building as it does on the political branding literature from a novel, cultural branding perspective. Apart from its ability to explain previously difficult-to-explain phenomenon of political party stability, it also opens up a new stream of applied, culturally focused, political marketing research.
External Shocks, Transmission Mechanisms and Deflation in Asia

On 18-19 June 2004, the BIS held a conference on "Understanding Low Inflation and Deflation". This event brought together central bankers, academics and market practitioners to exchange views on this issue (see the conference programme in this document). This paper was presented at the workshop. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not those of the BIS.
A Decision Aid for Assessing the Likelihood of Fraudulent Financial Reporting

The auditor's responsibility for detecting fraudulent financial reporting is of continuing importance to both the profession and society. The Auditing Standards Board has recently issued SAS No. 82, Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit, which makes the auditor's responsibility for the detection of material fraud more explicit without increasing the level of responsibility. Using a sample of 77 fraud engagements and 305 nonfraud engagements, we develop and test a logistic regression model that estimates the likelihood of fraudulent financial reporting for an audit client, conditioned on the presence or absence of several fraud‐risk factors. The significant risk factors included in the final model are: weak internal control environment, rapid company growth, inadequate or inconsistent relative profitability, management places undue emphasis on meeting earnings projections, management lied to the auditors or was overly evasive, the ownership status (public vs. private) of the entity, and an .
Best Practices in Project Management

Project management has evolved over time, becoming the principal mean of dealing with change in modern organizations. Best practices have occurred as a result of business evolution and of practicing project management at a global level. Best practices in project management, if followed, increase the chances of success in achieving goals when dealing with projects. In this article we present the concept of best practice, the advantages of using best practices in project management, which are the best practices used today and also a comparison between two of the mostly used best practices methodologies in project management, Project Management Body of Knowledge and Project Cycle Management Guidelines.
The structural, relational and cognitive configuration of innovation networks between SMEs and public research organisations

This article explores the gap within the extant literature regarding the effectiveness of innovation networks comprising small firms and public research organisations (PROs). By integrating the knowledge-based view, relational view and social capital approach, the article analyses innovation-driven dyadic networks involving SMEs and PROs. Through a multiple case-study method, an examination was undertaken of the structural, relational and cognitive configuration of networks. The study found a co-evolution path between the life-cycle of the relationship, mechanisms of governance and innovation objectives; the existence of a risk of ‘inertial trust’ and a need to overlap ‘basic’ knowledge bases and develop shared languages.
An overview of sport tourism: Building towards a dimensional framework

The notion of people travelling to participate and watch sport dates back to the ancient Olympic Games and the practice of stimulating tourism through sport has existed for over a century. Just recently, however, sport and tourism professionals alike are realizing the significant potential of sport tourism and are aggressively pursuing this market niche. Although the definition of sport tourism may vary based on different people's interpretation of sport and travel, for the purpose of this article sport tourism refers to travel away from home to play sport, watch sport, or to visit a sport attraction including both competitive and non-competitive activities. Sport tourism can be broken down into five main categories: attractions, resorts, cruises, tours, and events. Each of these categories draws from other tourism sectors such as adventure tourism, health tourism, nature tourism, educational tourism, and leisure tourism. This article outlines the benefits and reasons for growth of sport tourism; provides examples of the scope and opportunities within the sport tourism field; and suggests ways to maximise potential by understanding all elements integral to sport tourism.
Earnings Innovations, Earnings Persistence, and Stock Returns

This study designs and implements new tests of the information contained in accounting earnings. The authors examine whether the magnitude of the effect of unexpected earnings on stock returns is (positively) correlated with the presen t value of revisions in expected future earnings derived from a univa riate time-series model. By addressing the valuation implications of the time-series properties of earnings, they uncover a new dimension to the information content of earnings and, in the process, find no e vidence that the reactions of stock returns to unexpected earnings ar e excessively volatile. Copyright 1987 by the University of Chicago.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS MANAGING AUSTERITY: APPROACHES, DETERMINANTS AND IMPACT

The global financial and economic crisis that hit Western countries between 2007 and 2008 has generated an extensive literature. Several policy responses are now recognized, based on the way governments reallocate scarce public resources across budget categories; these approaches have a differential impact on the sustainability of cuts and on performance and trust. What determines the choice of one approach over another is a relevant, yet unexplored, research question. The article highlights the factors driving the adoption of specific crisis management approaches. A conceptual model and key propositions derived from the literature are applied to the case studies of six local governments. A comparative analysis of the interactions among internal and external determinants through a multi-year timeframe provides valuable insights that improve our understanding of crisis management.
Quantification of Training and Competition Load Across a Season in an Elite Australian Football Club.

PURPOSE Load monitoring in Australian football (AF) has been widely adopted, yet team-sport periodization strategies are relatively unknown. The authors aimed to quantify training and competition load across a season in an elite AF team, using rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and GPS tracking. METHODS Weekly totals for RPE and GPS loads (including accelerometer data; PlayerLoad) were obtained for 44 players across a full season for each training modality and for competition. General linear mixed models compared mean weekly load between 3 preseason and 4 in-season blocks. Effects were assessed with inferences about magnitudes standardized with between-players SD. RESULTS Total RPE load was most likely greater during preseason, where the majority of load was obtained via skills and conditioning. There was a large reduction in RPE load in the last preseason block. During in-season, half the total load came from games and the remaining half from training, predominantly skills and upper-body weights. Total distance, high-intensity running, and PlayerLoad showed large to very large reductions from preseason to in-season, whereas changes in mean speed were trivial across all blocks. All these effects were clear at the 99% level. CONCLUSIONS These data provide useful information about targeted periods of loading and unloading across different stages of a season. The study also provides a framework for further investigation of training periodization in AF teams.