Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Performance Disciplinary Actions in a Healthcare Organization

ii Dedication . iv Acknowledgments . v Vita . vi List of Tables. xi Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Background . 1 Statement of the Problem . 2 Significance of the Problem . 2 Purpose of the Study . 3 Research Questions . 3 Limitations . 4 Definition of Terms . 4 Chapter 2: Review of Literature . 6 Definitions, Theory, Models of Discipline, Process . 7
Effect of artificial perches and nests in attracting raptors to orchards

SUMMARY This study assessed the impact of adding artificial raptor perches and nests to reduce vole populations in three northcentral Washington orchards. The results of the research showed that the perches enhanced raptor use on two sites but the nests did not. It was found that more birds were attracted to the Orondo and Dryden sites than the Cashmere site. The data further indicated that the orchards were used very little during the winter (December and January) when only Saw-whet, Great-homed owls, and By February and March, use increased until early spring when these birds were replaced by American kestrels. The inventory of vegetative biomass showed little change during the growing season. Vegetation height, as expected, increased but did not appear to be a limiting factor primarily because the number of animal remains found in discarded pellets continued to increase throughout the season. Vole populations may have been affected by attracting the raptors to some of the sites, but in others the data are not clear. Assuredly, more work will be done to resolve the issue. The rather limited acceptance of nesting boxes also indicated that additional work needs to be done with their placement in different habitats and environments. It may be possible, too, that more time, possibly several years, is needed to determine if or when they become attractive nesting sites. Moreover, additional work needs to be done on the effect of human habitation and activity. Although not of initial interest in the study, the data indicated that they may play an important role in the success or failure of attracting birds to a specific site.
Acute social defeat does not alter cerebral 5‐HT2A receptor binding in male Wistar rats

It has been hypothesized that effects of uncontrollable stress on serotonin receptor expression contribute to the etiology of stress‐related disorders like depression. While the serotonin‐2A receptors (5‐HT2AR) are thought to be important in this context, only few studies examined effects of stress on this receptor subtype. In this study, we therefore assessed acute and long‐term changes in 5HT2AR binding after social defeat stress in rats. Male Wistar rats were subjected to social defeat by placing them in the home cage of an aggressive, dominant Long Evans rat. Acute social defeat suppressed growth, but did not affect anxiety‐like behavior in an open field test. A positron emission tomography scan with the 5‐HT2AR tracer [11C]MDL 100907 1 day and 3 weeks after defeat did not show significant changes in receptor binding. To verify these results, [3H]MDL 100907 binding assays were performed in homogenates of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which also did not indicate any changes in Bmax or Kd. These findings do not support the hypothesis that changes in 5‐HT2AR function are a vital mechanism through which uncontrollable stress contributes to stress‐related pathologies such as depression. It remains to be determined whether effects of stress on 5HT2AR binding depend on the nature of the stressor or on the characteristics of the rat strain. Synapse, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arf6 and Rab22 mediate T cell conjugate formation by regulating clathrin-independent endosomal membrane trafficking

ABSTRACT Endosomal trafficking can influence the composition of the plasma membrane and the ability of cells to polarize their membranes. Here, we examined whether trafficking through clathrin-independent endocytosis (CIE) affects the ability of T cells to form a cell–cell conjugate with antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We show that CIE occurs in both the Jurkat T cell line and primary human T cells. In Jurkat cells, the activities of two guanine nucleotide binding proteins, Arf6 and Rab22 (also known as Rab22a), influence CIE and conjugate formation. Expression of the constitutively active form of Arf6, Arf6Q67L, inhibits CIE and conjugate formation, and results in the accumulation of vacuoles containing lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) and CD4, molecules important for T cell interaction with the APC. Moreover, expression of the GTP-binding defective mutant of Rab22, Rab22S19N, inhibits CIE and conjugate formation, suggesting that Rab22 function is required for these activities. Furthermore, Jurkat cells expressing Rab22S19N were impaired in spreading onto coverslips coated with T cell receptor-activating antibodies. These observations support a role for CIE, Arf6 and Rab22 in conjugate formation between T cells and APCs. Summary: Clathrin-independent endocytosis occurs in T cells and, together with activities of Arf6 and Rab22, can influence the ability of T cells to form a cell–cell conjugate with antigen-presenting cells.
Comparative Evaluation of Adaptive Traffic Control System Assessments Through Field and Microsimulation

Usually, benefits from deploying an adaptive traffic control system are measured by comparing data collected in the field before the system is installed with those collected after the system is fully operational. Such an approach is costly because it requires installation of a system before potential benefits can be observed. Nowadays to investigate effectiveness of many alternatives that were traditionally investigated in field, microsimulation is used. However, how much can one rely on results from microsimulation? There has not been a single study in which benefits of adaptive traffic control systems measured in the field are compared with those obtained through microsimulation. This study presents such a research effort. The authors compared performance measures from a field evaluation of Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System in Park City, Utah, to their counterparts from microsimulation. They collected a significant amount of data to assess system performance in the field and to help build a microsimulation model. A 14-intersection model of the Park City network was developed, calibrated, and validated on the basis of multiple data sources. The results show that a validated microsimulation model can accurately reflect field conditions although such an effort can be very challenging.
Beyond the Incidence of Training: Evidence from a National Employers Survey

This paper seeks to provide new insight into how school and post school training investments are linked to employer workplace practices and outcomes using a unique nationally representative survey of establishments in the U.S., the Educational Quality of the Workforce National Employers Survey (EQW-NES). We go beyond simply measuring the incidence of formal or informal training to examine the determinants of the types employers invest in, the relationship between formal school and employer provided training, who is receiving training, the links between investments in physical and human capital, and the impact that human capital investments have on the productivity of establishments. We find that the smallest employers are much less likely to provide formal training programs than employers from larger establishments. Regardless of size, those employers who have adapted some of the practices associated with what have been called `high performance work systems' are more likely to have formal training programs. Employers who have made large investments in physical capital or who have hired workers with higher average education are also more likely to invest in formal training and to train a higher proportion of their workers, especially in the manufacturing sector. There are significant and positive effects on establishment productivity associated with investments in human capital. Those employers who hire better educated workers have appreciably higher productivity. The impact of employer provided training differs according to the nature, timing and location of the employer investments.
Knowledge Networks, Collaboration Networks, and Exploratory Innovation

Innovation in firms is doubly embedded: in a social network of collaborations between researchers, and in a knowledge network composed of linkages between knowledge elements. The two networks are decoupled. Their structural features are distinct and influence researchers' exploratory innovation differently. Using the patent data of a leading U.S. microprocessor manufacturer, we constructed the firm's collaboration and knowledge networks, and examined the effects of two structural features in the two networks--structural holes and degree centrality--on researchers' exploratory innovation. Our findings show that a researcher with knowledge elements rich in structural holes in the knowledge network tends to explore fewer new knowledge elements from outside the firm, while structural holes in the collaboration network increase exploratory innovation. The average degree centrality of a researcher's knowledge elements in the knowledge network has an inverted-U-shaped relationship with his or her exploratory innovation, while degree centrality in the collaboration network has a negative effect. This study suggests that knowledge and social networks influence where researchers search for discoveries
Unidirectional step-up ultra sparse matrix converter for integration of wind energy resources to microgrids

The voltage link back-to-back converter (VLB2B) is widely employed for integration of wind energy resources to the microgrid. However the dc-link capacitor of the VLB2B reduces the life span of the converter and also makes the entire converter bulky. Conventional matrix converters have been suggested as possible replacement for the VLB2B converter but the lack of voltage boost ability makes them unsuitable for grid integration applications. In this paper the unidirectional step-up ultra sparse matrix converter (SUMC) is proposed as direct competitor to the widely used voltage link back-to-back converter (VLB2B) for integration of wind energy resources to the microgrid. The principles of operation of the SUMC are established. A carrier based modulation scheme is applied to control the converter. It is shown that this modulation method is capable of providing sinusoidal output currents. A cascade control scheme is employed for the control of the input currents and output voltages of the converter. The common mode voltage for the converter derived from this carrier based modulation scheme is analyzed and shown to be less than the amplitude of the phase voltage. Simulation results are used to validate the suitability of the converter for integration of wind energy resources to the microgrid.
Resistance analyses in highly experienced patients failing raltegravir, etravirine and darunavir/ritonavir regimen

Objectives:ANRS 139 TRIO trial was a phase II noncomparative trial that evaluated in highly experienced patients, a combination of raltegravir, etravirine and darunavir boosted with ritonavir. We analyzed emergence of resistant viruses at the time of virological failure and investigated the impact of baseline integrase polymorphisms on virological failure occurrence. Methods:Bulk sequencing of protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase genes was performed for 103 patients at baseline and 14 patients at the time of virological failure. Additionally, integrase clonal analyses were performed at baseline and at virological failure in patients with successful integrase gene amplification. Impact of baseline integrase polymorphisms on virological failure occurrence was analyzed using Fisher exact and Wilcoxon tests. Results:In the 14 failing patients median viral load at virological failure was 90 copies/ml (interquartile range = 60–783). Emergence of darunavir and etravirine resistance mutations was observed at virological failure in only one and three patients, respectively. Raltegravir resistance mutations were found neither at baseline nor at the time of virologic failure. Integrase clonal analyses showed neither the presence nor the selection of minority variants carrying raltegravir resistance mutations at baseline or at virological failure. No impact of baseline integrase polymorphisms was observed on virological failure either at week 24 or at week 48. Conclusion:Virological failure occurred in a small proportion of patients with low viral load. No raltegravir resistance mutations were observed using bulk sequencing or clonal analyses, and darunavir and etravirine resistance-associated mutations were detected in only one and three patients, respectively at virological failure. No impact of baseline integrase polymorphism was observed on virological failure occurrence.
The art of storytelling: how loyalty marketers can build emotional connections to their brands

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of building emotional connections between brands and consumers. Using Canada's Air Miles Reward Program as an example, the paper aims to stress the importance of using customer insight to drive branding decisions and ensure a long‐term emotional attachment to a loyalty program.Design/methodology/approach – The paper thoroughly explains Air Miles' method of reaching out to its customers to glean information that could be used to re‐brand the program. The method, used during focus groups, asked collectors to re‐tell stories that were important in their life. Common themes emerged, which Air Miles incorporated into the re‐branding of their program.Findings – Through specially‐designed focus groups, Air Miles strategists learned that it isn't enough to be a well‐functioning loyalty program. In order to be distinctive in an overcrowded market, Air Miles must provide collectors with an emotionally engaging experience in the redemption process.Pr.
Entrepreneurial Motives and Performance: Evidence from North America

This study examined Intrinsic and Extrinsic Entrepreneurial Motives vs. Performance in the three countries forming North America. The Motives included: Independence, Job security, Monetary gain, and Intrinsic rewards. Mexican respondents rated their success lower than their Canadian and U.S. counterparts, and were less satisfied; they were more centered on Extrinsic Motives, while Canadian and U.S. respondents had a tendency to be primarily driven by Intrinsic Motives, particularly the desire to be independent. While economic survival was an overarching Motive among Mexican business people, intrinsic rewards came out as most important behind the perceptions of success among Canadian and U.S. respondents.
An appraisal of lumbar epidural blockade in patients with a singleton fetus presenting by the breech.

Summary A consecutive series of 247 patients with a singleton fetus presenting by the breech (exclusive of instances of macerated stillbirth and of lethal congenital abnormality) is presented. The series includes 162 patients who had a vaginal delivery, lumbar epidural block analgesia having been provided for 56 of those. Examination of the “Apgar-minus-colour” scores and of the postnatal course of these infants strongly suggests that the provision of an epidural block reduces the incidence of Severe and of prolonged neonatal depression irrespective of the birthweight. The incidence of breech extraction was not increased by the provision of an epidural block, although the second stage was significantly (but not markedly) lengthened. It is suggested that a reduction in the morbidity and mortality associated with vaginal breech delivery could be attained by the provision of a regional block (epidural or spinal) which will obtund the bearing-down reflex and relax the perineum.
Antecedents to internet‐based purchasing: a multinational study

Purpose – In the growing field of electronic commerce there are various influences that can lead to online purchase decisions. An understanding of these influences can lead to greater electronic marketing effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to analyze and compare the effect of internet experience, proclivity of use, and perception of risk on the likelihood of purchasing online in three different countries.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical study includes a survey‐based design in which responses to a questionnaire completed by 492 multinational consumers are analyzed in structural equations modeling using LISREL.Findings – Results suggest a positive relationship between consumer usage and experience of the internet and the likelihood of making online purchases. There is further indication that the perceived risk of buying online has a negative effect on consumers' purchase likelihood. Moreover, perceived risk tends to partially mediate the relationships between internet usage and purchas.
The Voluntary Adoption of International Accounting Standards and Loan Contracting around the World

Using a sample of non-US borrowers from 30 countries over the 1997-2005 period, this paper investigates the effect of the voluntary adoption of International Accounting Standards (IAS) on the price and non-price terms of bank loan contracts and the mix of domestic vs. foreign lenders who participate in loan deals. Our results reveal the following. First, we find that lenders charge significantly lower loan rates to IAS adopters than they do to non-adopters. The rate difference between the two groups amounts to nearly 25 basis points. Second, we find that lenders impose more favorable or less restrictive non-price terms on IAS adopters than they do on non-adopters. In particular, our results show that IAS adopters have a larger amount of loan facility, and are less likely to have restrictive covenants in their loan contracts, compared with nonadopters. Finally, we find that voluntary IAS adoption by borrowers attracts more suppliers of loans, and this increase in the number of lenders is due to IAS adopters attracting more foreign lenders from the international loan market. In conclusion, our results, taken as a whole, support the view that voluntary IAS adoption improves the contracting efficiency in the market for private debts such as bank loans by enabling lenders to assess borrowers’ credit quality more accurately and improving lenders’ familiarity with borrowers in the international loan market.
Is Growth Of A Company A Prime Indicator Of Its Dividend Policy? Spotlight On Private Commercial Banks Of Bangladesh

Dividend policy and growth of 28 out of 30 Dhaka Stock Exchange listed private commercial banks in Bangladesh have been studied during January 2006 - December 2011. The application of statistical tools like correlation and regression analyses indicates a positive correlation between growth of commercial banks and their respective dividend policy from 2006 onwards, but it turns negative from 2010. The study further shows that the change in dividend policies cannot be strongly explained by change in their respective growths over time. This suggests that a fast growth rate may not necessarily be an indication of a robust dividend policy of private commercial banks in Bangladesh.
Application of Bertoni's work to propagation models used for the planning of real 2G and 3G cellular networks

Many path loss prediction models developed by Henry Bertoni and his students are an integral part of propagation models used in today's radio network planning tools. This contribution describes how his models have been integrated into, extended and applied to a propagation model used by a mobile network operator for the daily radio planning process. The performance of the model at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz is analysed by comparing the predictions with measurements from an extensive measurement campaign at 29 representative sites in Germany.
Effects of a group-based exercise and self-regulatory intervention on obese adolescents’ physical activity, social cognitions, body composition and strength: A randomized feasibility study

This feasibility study assessed the effects of an exercise plus group-based self-regulatory skills intervention on obese youths’ physical activity, social cognitions, body composition and strength. Forty-three obese youth (male = 13, BMI > 95th percentile; 10–16 yrs) completed this 12-week intervention. Assessments were taken at baseline, week 6, 13 and 12 weeks post-intervention (week 24). Although no attention control group (i.e. exercise only) was included in this study, participants engaged in significantly more self-reported physical activity at weeks 13 and 24 as compared to baseline. Social cognitions, body composition and strength were also positively impacted suggesting this intervention technique may be feasible for treating obese adolescents.
Macro-economic factors influence on South African SMME business performance

Purpose of study: To determine the influence of selected macro-economic factors (Transportation costs, Government regulations, Access to finance, Interest rates and Inflation and economic growth) on SMME business performance in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Research design and methodology: The positivistic research paradigm adopting a quantitative research approach was followed in the study. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the primary data from 200 SMME? s business owners/managers in the Eastern Cape region, South Africa. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to obtain the respondents in the sample. The literature review included the effect of macro-economic factors influencing SMME business performance and the environment in which SMMEs operate. Five hypotheses were constructed from literature and empirically tested. An exploratory factor analysis confirmed the validity and Cronbach? s alpha coefficients determined the reliability of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inference statistics were calculated. The Pearson correlation coefficients determined the strength of the relationships between the independent (Transportation costs, Government regulations, Access to finance, Interest rates and Inflation and economic growth) and dependant variables (Business Performance) and the multiple regression analysis determined if relationships exist between the independent and dependant variables. Research findings: A statistically significant relationship was found between the Access to finance and Business performance. Although the relationships between the Business performance and Transportation costs as well as Interest rates were not statistically significant, negative correlations were found. Positive correlations were found between the Business performance and Government regulations, and Inflation and economic growth although the relationships were not statistically significant.Research limitations: The study was limited to only the Eastern Cape region, South Africa. The SMME definition is broad in scope and may differ from one industry to another. Practical implications: Managers/owners need to take care when selecting transportation methods and obtaining debt capital as an increase in these factors may negatively influence business performance. However, an increase in Government regulations, and Inflation and economic growth may lead to improved business performance. In addition, the more access to finance SMME? s have the more likely business performance will be positively influenced.Contribution of paper: This paper contributes towards the body of knowledge regarding SMME? s in a developing region in South Africa. Although it is well-known that macro-economic factors influence business performance, little is known regarding the extent of the influence, especially within a developing country.