Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CagA status and Helicobacter pylori eradication among dyspeptic patients.

AIM Triple therapy seems more effective in curing Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with peptic ulcer than in those with non-ulcer dyspepsia. It has been suggested that this difference depends on the expression of CagA protein that is more frequent in the former. The objective of this study was to investigate a potential association between serum CagA positivity, severity of gastric mucosal inflammation and eradication success among peptic ulcer and non-ulcer dyspepsia patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD Patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for investigation of dyspepsia at the Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Vera Cruz, between March, 2000 and March 2001 were screened. H. pylori positive patients, as diagnosed by rapid urease test and histology were included. Severity of gastric mucosal inflammation was determined and serum CagA positivity was assessed using a commercially available ELISA assay prior to H. pylori 7-day eradication therapy with lansoprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin (30 mg, 500 mg and 1 g b.i.d., respectively). Eradication success was determined 8-24 weeks following completion of therapy. RESULTS Seventy-four patients were included in the study (mean age 40.8, range 18-67, female = 28). CagA positivity was observed in 48% of patients. Gastroduodenal peptic ulceration was found in 54% of patients. Serum CagA positivity was significantly higher among peptic ulcer patients (62.5%), while CagA negativity was significantly higher among non-ulcer dyspepsia patients (67.7%). Lymphocyte and eosinophil infiltration was significantly higher among CagA + patients, despite being comparable when distributed among peptic ulcer and non-ulcer dyspepsia patients. Eradication was successful in 93.2% of patients, regardless of CagA status on a per protocol analysis. Based on a per protocol analysis, eradication success was comparable among peptic ulcer and non-ulcer dyspepsia patients, regardless of CagA status. CONCLUSION Our results support the concept that CagA positivity is associated to peptic ulcer disease and to a higher severity of lymphocyte and eosinophil infiltration. Efficacy of treatment eradication of H. pylori may not be affected by serum CagA status.
The value of acquisition price differentiation in reverse logistics

The quality of returned products may vary greatly, depending on their previous usage. Since the remanufacturing of products in good condition is more economically rewarding for the remanufacturer—and since even for non-remanufacturable products the value that can be extracted from their parts or materials may depend on the products’ quality—it seems logical to acquire used products of different quality levels at different prices. However, acquisition price differentiation requires the product quality to be revealed, i.e. the products are graded before their actual acquisition. We observe two different approaches in current practice. The first one is a decentralized system with several collection sites to which the customers can bring their used products. After a short grading procedure, they receive a specific acquisition price offer for their products, which they can accept or decline directly. The second setting is a reverse logistics system with a centralized grading facility. The final grading is conducted after shipping the used products to this specific facility. Motivated by these empirical observations, we compare the two strategies with the help of a continuous approximation model. We derive analytical expressions for the optimal pricing and network density decision and show that, in addition to the other factors discussed in the literature, acquisition price differentiation can be a reason for decentralizing the reverse logistics network, if the product quality is uncertain. Furthermore, we illustrate our results with a numerical example.
Last Minute Deals: Rent Seeking in IPO Market

This paper explores rent-seeking behavior in a heavily regulated equity-financing market. Using manually-collected information about ownership changes from China’s IPO application filings for the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM), we find that over a third of firms receive late-stage private equity investment and subsequently halve rejection rates for IPO applications, compared to firms without PE investment. The PE investors help firms pass the regulatory barriers, especially for those with weaker quality, and are rewarded with 9.5 times return over a 14-month period for an average deal. We also examine alternative explanations for extraordinary PE returns, such as financing, selection/certification, and managerial involvement, and find rent-seeking is the most coherent explanation to our findings.
Entrepreneurship development through corporate social responsibility : a study of the Nigerian telecommunication industry

Retrospectively, agitation by multiple stakeholders in Nigeria for increased social involvements from multinational oil companies (MNOCs) and deregulation policy brought corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social reporting (SR) to limelight. In spite of these two critical issues, theoretical and empirical studies on adequacy and effectiveness of regulations on CSR and SR are few. Consequently, this exploratory paper examines the adequacy of regulations on CSR and SR in the Nigerian telecommunication industry. Judging by the focus of the paper, the legitimacy theory provides underpinning for the discourse. The authors employ qualitative research method strictly relying on documentary/archival sources. The findings indicate that Nigeria has adequate regulations (direct and indirect) on CSR and SR, and there are adequate regulatory agencies created to ensure compliance. Furthermore, the regulations are efficient based on evidence of social reporting of CSR programmes and projects in the annual reports and websites of the telecommunication companies. The paper concludes that these findings are tentative and require empirical investigation for their validity.
An analysis of quality management in franchise systems

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual model of behavior in the franchise network from the perspective of quality management.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the review of the literature, the development of a theoretical scale for measuring quality in franchise systems in the short term (i.e. transactional quality) and in the long term (i.e. relationship quality) is proposed.Findings – Two dimensions of transactional quality are identified from the franchisee perspective: contents and assistance. The dimensions of transactional quality from the franchisor's point of view refer to two aspects: formality and identify. The relationship quality identifies variables such as trust between cooperation partners, mutual commitment, and relationalism.Research limitations/implications – The proposed model is a theoretical model; an additional step is to validate empirically the dimensions of the model.Practical implications – The main practical implication is that the contract does not .
Electromagnetic Tunneling in Nonconjugated Epsilon-negative and Mu-negative Metamaterial Pair

In this paper, the tunneling phenomenon occurring at the interface with great impedance contrast is investigated by numerical calculation. It is found even in this case, per- fect transmission can still be achieved theoretically when nonconjugated sub-wavelength epsilon- negative (ENG) and mu-negative (MNG) metamaterial pair is introduced. Moreover, the calcu- lated electromagnetic fleld distributions show that, only one component of the tunneling mode (either the electric or the magnetic fleld) is amplifled, suppressing another one at the same time. Therefore, the nonconjugated ENG-MNG pair is promising to be applied in modern optic and microwave communication systems for less re∞ection, compact device volume and ∞exible control of EM fleld distribution. 1. INTRODUCTION As is known, re∞ection is a common and inevitable optical phenomenon for interfaces with notable impedance contrast. To enhance the transmission, many methods are introduced. For instance, in optics, quarter-wavelength antire∞ective coatings are widely used to reduce the re∞ection of optical devices (1{3). In order to achieving perfect transmission e-ciency, multiple antire∞ective layers should be involved. Therefore, the length of these layers will be very long, which greatly restricts the possibility to design compact optical communication devices with high transmission e-ciency. Metamaterials (4{16), which have attracted wide interests recently, may be a solid candidate to solve this problem. Metamaterials include double negative (DNG) materials (both the permittivity and the permeability are negative) and single negative (SNG) materials (only one of the permittivity or the permeability is negative). In SNG materials, the EM waves are evanescent since their wave vectors are complex. In particular, a tunneling scenario will emerge when a pair of lossless ENG and MNG slabs is conjugated matched between two similar half spaces. In this paper, we investigate the tunneling phenomenon occurring at the interface between two difierent materials with great impedance contrast by numerical calculation. It is shown that, when a nonconjugated sub-wavelength epsilon-negative (ENG) and mu-negative (MNG) metamaterial pair is introduced between two difierent materials with great impedance contrast, perfect transmission can still be achieved theoretically. The tunneling condition of the nonconjugated ENG-MNG pair in above case is also flgured out. Moreover, the calculated electromagnetic fleld distributions show clearly that, by choosing proper parameters we can even amplify only one component of the tunneling mode (either the electric or the magnetic fleld), suppressing another one at the same time. Therefore, the nonconjugated ENG-MNG pair is promising to be applied in modern optic and microwave communication systems for less re∞ection, compact device volume and ∞exible control of EM fleld distribution.
Platelet Aggregation during and after General Anesthesia and Surgery

Because of evidence suggesting that volatile anesthetics interfere with platelet aggregation in vitro, platelet function was investigated in patients exposed to combinations of nitrous oxide, halothane, and enflurane during brief surgical procedures. In 12 patients undergoing elective operations, blood was sampled before anesthesia, after induction but prior to surgery, during surgery, and postoperatively. Platelet aggregation by ADP, epinephrine, and collagen was similar during each sampling period in all but two subjects in whom only minor changes were noted. During brief exposure to these general anesthetics, there appears to be no clinically important inhibition of platelet function.
CORE PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE DEPOSIT INSURANCE SYSTEMS and Its Enlightenment

The CORE PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE DEPOSIT INSURANCE SYSTEMS, collaboratively developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Association of Deposit Insurers, represents a new development of the international rules of deposit insurance. It provides a useful reference for the countries to assess, establish or reform the deposit insurance system and will be an important enlightenment to China. In the process of the establishment of explicit deposit insurance system, China should correctly handle the relationship between the independence of the deposit insurance institutions and the cooperation with the other members in financial safety net; reduce the risks of moral hazard and avoid adverse selection through compulsory insurance, risk-adjusted premium, limited coverage and other related systems; establish separate insolvency laws for banking institutions; enhance the consumer’s knowledge education of deposit insurance system; improve the cooperation with the foreign deposit insurance agencies and regulators.
Pharmacokinetics of cephem antibiotics in exudate of pelvic retroperitoneal space after radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy

Many cephalosporin antibiotics have recently been invented and attempts have been made to use them clinically. The choice of which of these drugs should be used has been difficult in gynecology. The efficacies of these drugs depend on their antibacterial spectra, potencies, and concentrations in tissues. This study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of various cephem antibiotics in the exudate of the retroperitoneal space that is formed after radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. These cephem antibiotics were cefoxitin, cefotiam, cefotetan, cefpiramide, cefminox, cefotaxime, ceftizoxime, cefoperazone, cefmenoxime, cefbuperazone, ceftazidime, cefpimizole, flomoxef, and cefuzonam. The maximum concentrations after administration of a 1-g dose in the exudate of the pelvic retroperitoneal space were 37.9 micrograms/ml with cefminox, 30.3 micrograms/ml with cefpimizole, 21.6 micrograms/ml with flomoxef, 21.5 micrograms/ml with ceftazidime, and 17.6 micrograms/ml with cefbuperazone, which were relatively high. When selecting antibiotics for prophylactic use against infections in the retroperitoneal space after radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, on the basis of drug transfer, flomoxef, cefminox, cefbuperazone, ceftazidime, and cefpimizole were considered to be the drugs of first choice at a dose of 1 g.
Adverse selection and the economic limits of market substitution: An application to e-commerce and traditional trade in used cars

Adverse selection induces economic limits to market substitution. If quality uncertainty persists in both internet and traditional marketplaces, a second-best equilibrium with parallel market segments may arise. Positive trade in parallel segments implies that the information cost advantage of one marketplace is exactly offset by a more severe adverse selection problem associated with non-observable quality variables. The electronic marketplace providing dominant search means contains all segments, while the traditional market may lack some segments. These missing segments are characterized by low quality expectations given the vector of advertised quality signals. The analytic results are confirmed by an empirical investigation of used-car trade. Thus, the study also provides an estimate of the price differential between the electronic and the traditional marketplace.
The impact of organizational culture on economic indices A study in Serbian companies

This paper presents research results whose aim was to examine and define the dependences and impact of organizational culture on the effects of business performance. The research was carried out on Serbian companies and was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, 72 parameters of organizational culture were defined and 30 experts were polled about the significance of these parameters. This was followed by factor analysis which assisted in the selection of 7 key factors of organizational culture. These 7 factors were taken as the representatives of organizational culture in Serbian companies. In the second stage, the representatives of the effects of business performance were defined. Economic indices (7 economic indices) were taken as the representatives of business effects. The third stage included an explanation of the actual state concerning the key factors of organizational culture and the selected economic indices in Serbian companies. The data was collected by polling 100 managers from 100 companies. Finally, multivariate regression and correlation were applied in order to determine the dependences of organizational culture and business effects. The research results confirm the existence of a strong relation between organizational culture and business performance. The obtained dependences show that economic indices in companies are improved by increasing the level of organizational culture. Equations are made which enable the calculation of the values of some economic indices depending on the value and level of the key factors of organizational culture within the company. An efficient review of the current state of economic indices, the simulation of the possible state of economic indices, as well as the effective selection of future activities oriented towards increasing the level of organizational culture are thus provided. These activities all contribute to improved business results. Key words: Organizational culture, economic indices, poll, multivariate analysis, Serbia.
Customer Satisfaction Factor in Digital Content Marketing: Isparta Province as an Example

All visual, written and auditory contents designed according to the benefit of the consumers enable consumers to build a link between brand and product and therefore informative content regarding brand, business, product and services about the brand and the businesses themselves through digital channels can be defined as digital content marketing. Accordingly, companies are striving to create an effective and reliable content on the internet in order to gain new customers and secure existing ones. In this context, influencing consumers with content marketing is the main objective. The consumers realizing the content become the customer with the positive effect from the content. With the created content, customer satisfaction level is believed to increase as well. In the theoretical part of the study, a detailed review of the literature was presented concerning the definition of content and digital content marketing concepts, customer satisfaction factor in digital content marketing and its importance. In the administration of the study, 3rd and 4th grade students studying in Business Administration in S¨¹leyman Demirel University located in Isparta were used as samples and an analysis of the questions belonging to content marketing perception and the customer satisfaction scales in content marketing were conducted. According to the results of the research, it is seen that the accurate and reliable content created by businesses builds high satisfaction on customers. In addition, despite the low awareness of the concept of content marketing, consumers consider features of content marketing as a key element in meeting demands and needs they require. As a result, it is understood that digital content marketing has a high significant impact on consumers, and it is thus a marketing type which needs to be focused on meticulously by brands or companies. The creation of customer loyalty with traditional marketing methods is rather difficult; however, understanding the customer, eliminating his/her needs and communicating with him/her become possible with the usage of digital content marketing. Because the aim is not to sell in digital content marketing but to stay in touch with frequent and potential customers.
The Conceptual Model of Content Marketing in the New Media Technology and Identifying Effective Factors in Iran

The aim of this study is to determine the influential factors in content marketing in media new technology and to Model a conceptual frame for the current situation of Iran. To determine these factors, the Specialist councils consisting of 21 members including 7 university professors, 7 people dealing in production, dissimilation and distribution and 7 directors of companies and Organizations were selected on purpose. The primary agents including 40 ones were selected through direct interview with specialists and the review of other professors’ interviews and the survey of texts and articles. This reveals 80% correlation in the opinion evaluation provided by Viber and the data based on Delphi procedure. Twelve influential factors in content Marketing were recognized in Iran and a conceptual model was planned. They are as follows: Content strengthens, frame proportion, proper volume, impressive design, work quality, Novel subject, coordination with customers’ needs, interests and tastes, and the Manufacturers’ skills, coordination with earlier contents, their costs and values and duration. The model tends to function as a guide for manufacturers to promote faith and to persuade Shopping among customers. Its implication for further research is to weigh these factors.
Guidelines for Corporate Governance Disclosure - are Australian listed companies conforming?

This study explores the disclosure of corporate governance practices on company websites by Australian listed companies. Content analysis was applied to the websites of fifty Australian companies utilising a corporate governance disclosure index (CGDI). The CGDI was developed from the guidance for disclosure on websites provided in the ASX corporate governance guidelines. The level of conformance with the ASX recommendations for disclosure on websites was then compared to the level of adoption of ASX corporate governance recommendations for annual reports (as reported by the ASX). The level of disclosure on company websites did not match the level of adoption of recommendations. The reported adoption level for annual reports was higher than the disclosure level for company websites indicating that not all corporate governance practices are being disclosed on company websites. The interest of powerful stakeholders such as regulatory agencies may influence the level of conformance on company websites however the results are not conclusive. The varying level of disclosure on company websites highlights the need for monitoring by the ASX to enhance website disclosure.
Corporate social responsibility associated with customer satisfaction and financial performance a case study with Housing banks in Jordan

This study has three objectives. First is to investigate the set of relationships among the corporate social responsibility (CSR) services and customer satisfaction. The second objective investigates the relationships between [CSR services] and financial performance. The third objective of this study is to examine the mediating effect of customer satisfaction on [CSR services] and financial performance. To achieve the three objectives, the study utilises a single approach design involving the use of a quantitative instrument for customers from Jordanian Housing banks. A representative sample of banks' customers (n=203) were recruited from the selected Housing banks to voluntarily participate in the study. The questionnaire sought information on CSR commonly associated with customer satisfaction in the banking industry, and financial performance, plus demographic details. The results of this study suggested provision of CSR services are associated with customer satisfaction. This is consistent with results of prior studies reporting a significant positive association between the (CSR services) and customer satisfaction. Similarly, this study found a positive relationship between customer satisfaction and financial performance consistent with results of past studies. Furthermore, this study found customer satisfaction mediated the relationship between the (CSR services) and financial performance. Some findings are consistent with past study results which reported financial performance depended on customer satisfaction with CSR services. The present study also offers important implications for i) practice: utility of good CSR services in the maintenance of sustainable business practices and customer satisfaction (as an important stakeholder group) ii) government institutions: encouraging them to improve the integrate CSR services into their business and iii) society: banks being more socially responsible financial institutions.