Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation and molecular characterization of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium in Malaysia

Nineteen strains of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium isolated from 10 of 75 (13·3%) tenderloin beef samples were examined for resistance to selected antibiotics, presence of plasmids, and genetic diversity by random amplification of polymorphic DNA analysis. All strains showed multiple resistant to the antibiotics tested. Multiple antibiotic indexing of the vancomycin‐resistant E. faecium strains showed that all (100%) originated from high risk contamination environments where antibiotics were often used. Plasmids ranging in size from 1·5 to 36 megadalton were detected in 15 of 19 (79%) strains. Thus, three plasmid profiles and eight antibiotypes were observed among the E. faecium strains. A high degree of polymorphism was obtained by combining the results of the two primers used; with the 19 E. faecium strains being differentiated into 19 RAPD‐types. These preliminary results suggest that RAPD‐PCR has application for epidemiologic studies and that resistance patterns and plasmid profiling could be used as an adjunct to RAPD for the typing of E. faecium in the study area.
The Theory of Moral Hazard and Unobservable Behaviour: Part I

Principal-agent models are studied, in which outcomes conditional on the agent's action are uncertain, and the agent's behaviour therefore unobservable. For a model with bounded agent's utility, conditions are given under which the first-best equilibrium can be approximated arbitrarily closely by contracts relating payment to observable outcomes. For general models, it is shown that the solution may not always be obtained by using the agent's first-order conditions as constraint. General conditions of Lagrangean type are given for problems in which contracts are finite-dimensional.
The effect of OPEC policy decisions on oil and stock prices

This paper presents evidence of the effects of OPEC policy decisions on the US and UK stock markets, as well as on oil prices, during periods of conflict and non-conflict from 1986 to 2004. The outcomes of this study are potentially valuable in assessing future strategies for OPEC policy decisions on oil production targets for its Members. This paper also adds to the strong body of evidence supporting the hypothesis that market returns are influenced by factors that affect business conditions, such as oil price shocks. The key findings are that there are asymmetric reactions to OPEC policy decisions during conflict periods for the US and UK stock markets. During conflict periods, oil markets require time to incorporate OPEC decisions. Conversely, in non-conflict periods the evidence suggests that the oil markets incorporate OPEC decisions efficiently.
Message Matters: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Increase Household Hazardous Waste Program Participation

presented by Amy Dyer Cabaniss, candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and hereby certify that it is accepted. * Thomas Webler, Ph.D. (Faculty, Antioch University New England) George Tremblay, Ph.D. (Core Faculty, Antioch University New England) P.Wesley Schultz, Ph.D. (Core Faculty, University of California San Marcos) Defense Date: August 8, 2014 Date Approved by all committee members: August 30, 2014 Date Submitted to the Registrar’s Office: September 8, 2014
trans-Dichloridobis[dicyclohexyl(4-isopropylphenyl)phosphane-κP]platinum(II) acetone monosolvate

The title compound, [PtCl2(C21H33P)2]·C3H6O, crystallizes with an accompanying acetone solvent molecule. The metal atom shows a distorted square-planar coordination environment, with a P—Pt—P angle of 172.41 (3)° as the most prominent feature. Both isopropyl fragments were treated as disordered over two conformations with occupancy ratios of 0.55 (2):0.45 (2) and 0.58 (2):0.42 (2). The solvent molecule was also disordered over two orientations in a 1:1 ratio. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with a twin component of 32.4%.
The Effect of Bond Rating Changes and New Ratings on UK Stock Returns

This is the first study to use daily data from a major capital market outside of the US to examine the role of corporate bond and commercial paper rating changes on common stock returns. Using data published by Standard and Poors' credit rating agency between 1984 and 1992, we examine the impact of new credit ratings, credit rating changes and Credit Watch announcements on UK common stock returns. We find significant negative excess returns around the date of a downgrade and positive returns close to the date of a positive CreditWatch announcement. Hence, the financial markets would appear to place some importance on rating agency pronouncements in the UK. New ratings, whether short or long-term, have no significant impact on returns. We also attempt to quantify the impact of a new credit rating upon firm cost of capital through measures of conditional volatility and systematic risk. However, we find only weak evidence to suggest that a stock's cost of capital is reduced after a long-term credit rating is awarded for the first time. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd 1997.
Impacts of Federal Support Programs for Sugar and Peanuts Compared to Corn and Wheat on U.S. and World Markets

This study examines the impacts of federal support programs for sugar, peanuts, corn and wheat on U.S. and world markets, using a multi-country, multi-commodity, partial equilibrium world agricultural model. A five-year baseline projection is developed assuming past policy will continue. Four policy reform scenarios are then conducted. Each scenario considers the removal of federal programs such as loan rate, loan deficiency payments and other trade restrictions for each commodity (sugar, peanuts, corn and wheat). A fifth, and last, scenario looks at the impact of jointly eliminating the wheat and corn support programs. Federal programs appear to have the maximum impacts on the sugar market, followed by the peanut market. As compared to sugar and peanuts, wheat and corn markets appear to be the least affected by federal support programs.
The impact of depressive symptomatology on physical disability: MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of these analyses was to test the hypothesis that depressive symptomatology affects the risk of onset of physical disability in high-functioning elderly adults. METHODS The data come from the MacArthur Study of Successful Aging, a community-based cohort of high-functioning adults aged 70 through 79 years who were assessed twice at a 2.5-year interval. Physical and cognitive status was assessed by performance as well as by self-report measures. RESULTS In gender-stratified logistic regression models, high depressive symptoms as measured by the depression subscale of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist were associated with an increased risk of onset of disability in activities of daily living for both men and women, adjusting for baseline sociodemographic factors, physical health status, and cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS Joined with evidence that physical disability is a potential risk factor for depression, these findings suggest that both depressive symptoms and physical disability can initiate a spiralling decline in physical and psychological health. Given the important impact of activities-of-daily-living functioning on utilization of medical services and quality of life, prevention or reduction of depressive symptoms should be considered an important point of intervention.
Interworking architecture between 3GPP IMS, Mobile IP and WiMAX in OPNET

This article represents an interworking architecture model built by OPNET Modeler for intersystem handover between Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), 3GPP IMS-Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Mobile IP-General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). The interworking model implements IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) as a common platform at the application layer for session continuity and Mobile IP at the network layer for maintaining Internet Protocol (IP) mobility. A mobile device with three interfaces and having intelligence of initiating intersystem handover was designed which is capable of maintaining radio links simultaneously with the three access technologies mentioned above. The paper ends with some suggestions of further possible enhancements of the interworking architecture by OPNET Modeller.
Accelerated Share Repurchase: pricing and execution strategy

In this article, we consider a specific optimal execution problem associated to accelerated share repurchase contracts. When firms want to repurchase their own shares, they often enter such a contract with a bank. The bank buys the shares for the firm and is paid the average market price over the execution period, the length of the period being decided upon by the bank during the buying process. Mathematically, the problem is new and related to both option pricing (Asian and Bermudan options) and optimal execution. We provide a model, along with associated numerical methods, to determine the optimal stopping time and the optimal buying strategy of the bank.
Overcoming City Limits: Vertical and Horizontal Models of Local Redistributive Policy Making*

Contrary to conventional wisdom, Census data show a substantial local role in providing health, housing, and public welfare services. I evaluate two models to explain local social welfare: an intergovernmental model, based on federal and state funds, and an interjurisdictional model, based on measures of local monopoly power. Copyright (c) 2006 Southwestern Social Science Association.
Leadership, Creative Problem-Solving Capacity, and Creative Performance: The Importance of Knowledge Sharing

This article presents two studies that examine whether leader supportive behaviors facilitate knowledge sharing and employee creative problem-solving capacity, thereby enhancing creative performance. The findings from both studies indicate that leader supportive behaviors are directly and indirectly related, through both internal and external knowledge sharing, to employee creative problem-solving capacity. In addition, creative problem solving was related to the two dimensions of creative performance—fluency and originality. However, a test of the mediation model indicated that creative problem solving only mediated the relationship between internal knowledge sharing creative performance and originality. These findings highlight the complex process by which leaders facilitate both internal and external knowledge sharing and employee creative problem-solving capacity, thereby improving employee creative performance.
How Persistent is Stock Return Volatility? An Answer with Markov Regime Switching Stochastic Volatility Models

We propose generalised stochastic volatility models with Markov regime changing state equations (SVMRS) to investigate the important properties of volatility in stock returns, specifically high persistence and smoothness. The model suggests that volatility is far less persistent and smooth than the conventional GARCH or stochastic volatility. Persistent short regimes are more likely to occur when volatility is low, while far less persistence is likely to be observed in high volatility regimes. Comparison with different classes of volatility supports the SVMRS as an appropriate proxy volatility measure. Our results indicate that volatility could be far more difficult to estimate and forecast than is generally believed.
Which Strategies Are More Effective for International Contractors during Boom and Recession Periods

AbstractGiven the global financial crisis and other plummeting market conditions in 2008, the international construction market moved from boom to recession. Although this recession is expected to be completed soon, many international contractors still have difficulty deciding on the strategies that are more effective during volatile market conditions. Korean contractors have already experienced one recession in recent times, instigated by the Asian financial crisis in 1997, and two boom economies before and after this recession. To investigate more effective strategies used in the overseas construction market, this study evaluates 31 Korean contractors’ international performance over the different periods (boom, recession, and reboom) and analyses the effects of diversification, localization, strategic alliance, resources cost allocation, and financial soundness by using 14 key variables. The results showed that regional diversification had a profound effect on overcoming the recessionary periods. Locali.
The Pleasure of Diversity in Slow Food's Ethics of Taste

The aim of this paper is to open up the debate about Slow Food's ethics of taste by considering the way in the Slow Food subject relates to its cultural “other. ” Drawing on four recent articles on Slow Food in Food, Culture and Society as well as examples of Slow Food's activities at the local and international level, I wish to demonstrate how Slow Food's efforts to develop an ethics of taste are, to some extent, undermined by its failure to adequately challenge its own elitism and privilege. I argue that the challenge for Slow Food is to recognize its own heritage of privilege derived from an economic system shaped by imperialism and to actively resist nostalgic renderings of the “other,” however well intentioned, which run the risk of fetishizing cultural diversity and sentimentalizing struggles for cultural or economic survival. This requires more meaningful dialogue between Slow Food and those it seeks to support in order to create a space of mutual respect and recognition of difference.
Detection of p21ras mutations in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay

Background. Point mutations of the ras protooncogene, primarily within codons 12 and 13, are commonly identified in colorectal carcinomas and large adenomas. Despite data suggesting that ras genotyping may have clinical significance with respect to colorectal cancer screening and prognosis, more widespread use has been limited because of the lack of a suitable assay system. The principal objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and validity of a qualitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) fair detecting the four most common ras mutations in human colorectal tumors at the protein (p21ras) level.
Earnings Manipulation in Failing Firms

Prior literature and anecdotal evidence, most recently provided by allegations relative to Enron, Global Crossing, and WorldCom, suggest that failing firms (defined here as pre-bankruptcy firms) may be motivated to engage in fraudulent financial reporting to conceal their distress. I examine two research questions: (1) Are failing firms' pre-bankruptcy financial statements more likely to exhibit signs of material income increasing earnings manipulation than those of non-failing firms? (2) Do auditors detect the overstatements in firms that they perceive to be failing? I predict and find that as (ex post) bankrupt firms that do not (ex ante) appear to be distressed approach bankruptcy, their financial statements reflect significantly greater material income-increasing accrual magnitudes in non-going-concern years than do control firms. The accrual behavior of these firms resembles that of bankrupt firms that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sanctioned for fraud. Like sanctioned firms, the non-stressed bankrupt firms display significantly greater (material) increases in receivables; inventory; property, plant, and equipment; sales; net working capital, current, and discretionary accruals in pre-bankruptcy non-going-concern years than do control firms. They also display significantly more negative changes in cash flows from operations and net cash and a greater disparity between accrual-based net income and operating cash flows than do control firms, consistent with Lee, Ingram, and Howard 1999. Finally, I predict and find that these firms' going-concern years reflect evidence consistent with auditor-prompted reversal of previous overstatements. These results are based on parametric and nonparametric tests for various sub-sample combinations drawn from a sample of 293 bankrupt firms representing approximately 2,500 observations.
−137 (G/C) IL-18 promoter polymorphism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Objective. There is strong evidence that genetic factors contribute to the susceptibility for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Recently, IL-18 promoter polymorphisms were characterized as risk factors for inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, asthma and adult-onset Still's disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether the −137 (G/C) IL-18 promoter polymorphism was associated with IBD susceptibility. Material and methods. For association analysis, 470 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 235 unrelated patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 347 controls were enrolled. Furthermore, 233 UC and 470 CD trios were included for segregation analysis. Genotyping was performed by application of the TaqMan MGB biallelic discrimination system. Results. When comparing genotype frequencies of CD and UC patients versus controls, no significant difference was found (p=0.089 and p=0.078, respectively). However, the Cochran-Armitage trend test revealed a rising probability for CD and UC with increasing number of G alleles (p=0.030 and 0.028, respectively) for the case-control analysis. On the contrary, the family-based transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) did not show an association of the G allele with CD or UC in 470 CD and 233 UC trios (p=0.53 and p=0.79, respectively). Conclusion. The −137 (G/C) IL-18 promoter polymorphism is not a susceptibility factor for IBD in a German cohort.
Detroit's East Side Village Health Worker Partnership: Community-Based Lay Health Advisor Intervention in an Urban Area

In recent years, there have been few reports in the literature of interventions using a lay health advisor approach in an urban area. Consequently, little is known about how implementation of this type of community health worker model, which has been used extensively in rural areas, may differ in an urban area. This article describes the implementation of the East Side Village Health Worker Partnership, a lay health advisor intervention, in Detroit, Michigan, and notes how participatory action research methods and principles for community-based partnership research are being used to guide the intervention. Findings are presented on how the urban context is affecting the design and implementation of this intervention. Implications of the findings for health educators are also presented and include the utility of a participatory action research approach, the importance of considering the context and history of a community in designing a health education intervention, and the importance of recognizing and considering the differences between rural and urban settings when designing a health education intervention.
Note on ways of saving: mental mechanisms as tools for self-control?

With Keynes (1936), it is part of accepted theory that we have different motives for saving, including the need to secure means for the future. To bridge the gap between motives and observed behaviour, we assume it is necessary to understand how people actually try to achieve their saving goals. A new method of visualising existing saving concepts is introduced, which shows that individuals apply a range of saving strategies to organise their finances. Based on a financial personality survey it is shown how external as well as internal control for saving can be improved systematically.
Haemolysin and Serum Resistance Profiles of Bacteria Isolates from Blood Culture

Haemolysin production and serum resistance ability of bacteria isolates from blood culture were investigated using standard microbiological technique. Enterobactor species were the bacteria isolates with the highest prevalence of β–haemolysin production while klebsiella species were the least. No strain of Citrobacter freundii , Proteus vulgaris , Alcaligenes species and coagulase negative Staphylococcus produced haemolysis. No bacteria species was sensitive to the bactericidal action of normal human serum. There was no association between haemolysin production and resistance to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime. Conclusively, bacteria agents of septicemia are very virulence and urgent treatment is advocated to stem the tile of associated sequelae. Key words : Hemolysin production, serum resistance, bacterial isolates, blood culture
Crop Production Costs and Returns on Midwestern Organic Farms: 1977 and 1978

Increasing costs of energy have had a serious impact on the cost and supply of fertilizers, particularly nitrogen fertilizers. The use of several pesticides has been banned or restricted, and restrictions are being considered for others. For these reasons, a reduction in the chemical and energy intensiveness of agriculture would be desirable, provided that agricultural production would not be reduced seriously or production costs appreciably increased. Organic farming represents a lower bound on chemical intensiveness and consequently is considerably less energy intensive as well. A study of such farms can provide information on the effect of reducing the use of farm chemicals on productivity and economic performance. We have previously reported results of a threeyear comparison of economic performance and energy intensiveness of crop production on fourteen pairs of midwestern mixed grain-livestock farms which do (conventional farms) and which do not (organic farms) use standard commercial fertilizers and pesticides (Klepper et al., Lockeretz et al. 1978). The value of crops produced on organic farms, per unit area of cropland, was about 11% lower than on conventional farms. Operating expenses were also lower on organic farms and net returns about the same. Energy use for each dollar' s worth of crops produced on organic farms was only 40% of that used on the conventional farms. Two major limitations in the three-year comparison restrict the applicability of the results. First, the sample was small and selected in an ad hoc way, essentially by word of mouth, because no listing of organic farms was available when the study began. Second, the data were obtained during three years of relatively unfavorable conditions. On the basis of both agronomic principles and empirical measurements (Lockeretz et al. 1980), relative yields on organic farms compared to conventional farms can be expected to be better under adverse than under favorable growing conditions. Because of these limitations, we extended our analysis of crop production on organic farms by analyzing a different sample for two additional years, 1977 and 1978. The results are reported in this paper.