Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric characteristics of children with selective mutism: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To ascertain characteristics of children with selective mutism. METHOD Subjects with selective mutism were evaluated by means of parent and teacher rating scales and structured diagnostic interviews. RESULTS Thirty children were evaluated. Mutism severity varied markedly in different environmental settings. Ninety-seven percent of the subjects were diagnosed with social phobia or avoidant disorder of childhood or adolescence or both and 30% with simple phobia. No other psychiatric disorders were common. Parent and teacher rating scales showed high levels of anxiety symptoms, especially social anxiety, and low levels of all other psychiatric symptoms. Anxiety and social anxiety severity correlated with mutism severity. First-degree family history of social phobia and of selective mutism, obtained by family history method, was present in 70% and 37% of families, respectively. There was no evidence of a causal relationship between psychologically or physically traumatic experiences and development of selective mutism. CONCLUSIONS Selective mutism may be a symptom of social anxiety, rather than a distinct diagnostic syndrome. Further study of the characteristics of children with selective mutism and their families is warranted.
Lessons from the 2007 Financial Crisis

The paper studies the causes of the current financial crisis and considers proposals for mitigation and prevention of future crises. The crisis is was the product of a ‘perfect storm’ bringing together a number of microeconomic and macroeconomic pathologies. Among the microeconomic systemic failures were: wanton securitisation, fundamental flaws in the rating agencies’ business model, the procyclical behaviour of leverage in much of the financial system and of the Basel capital adequacy requirements, privately rational but socially inefficient disintermediation, and competitive international de-regulation. Proximate local drivers of the specific way in which these problems manifested themselves were regulatory and supervisory failure in the US home loan market. Among the macroeconomic pathologies that contributed to the crisis were, first, excessive global liquidity creation by key central banks and, second, an ex-ante global saving glut, brought about by the entry of a number of high-saving countries (notably China) into the global economy and a global redistribution of wealth and income towards commodity exporters that also had, at least in the short run, high propensities to save. In the UK, failures of the Tripartite financial stability arrangement between the Treasury the Bank of England and the FSA, weaknesses in the Bank of England’s liquidity management, regulatory failure of the FSA, an inadequate deposit insurance arrangement and deficient insolvency laws for the banking sector contributed to the financial disarray. Despite this, it may well be possible to minimize the spillovers over from the crisis beyond the financial sectors of the industrial countries and the housing sectors of the US and a few European countries.
Board Size, Board Composition, and Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence from Germany

We analyze the effects of supervisory board size and composition on the valuation and performance of all German firms listed in the DAX, MDAX and SDAX over the period 1998-2007 (n=294 companies with 2,382 firm-year-observations). Controlling for a large number of other (potential) determinants of firm performance we estimate the joint as well as the separate influence of board size, union representatives, works council representatives, independent worker representatives, bank representatives and former managing board members on firm performance. Contrary to most available studies we are unable to find a consistent effect of either board size or board composition on firm valuation and performance.
The Study Relationship between Marketing Knowledge Management Assets and Capabilities and Banking Industry Performance of Iran (Case Study: Saderat Bank of West Country)

With the increasing importance of marketing in today's world, the need for modern organizations to marketing knowledge management as a major source of competition is felt more than before, beside, banks to succeed in the knowledge economy should have special attention to knowledge management of marketing to be able to manage it. On the other hand, it should be noted that in today's economy is vital Banking Industry with the improvement of technology has intensified the competition among banks and in the meantime which banks are successful that have excellent performance. The aim of this study examines the relationship between marketing knowledge management Assets and capabilities and the performance of the banking industry (case study the Saderat Bank of the West in Iran). For this purpose, questionnaire of Faraji (2011) was used in this study (Assets and Capabilities of Marketing Knowledge Management questionnaire: consists of 34 questions and Banking Industry Performance: consists of 11 questions). In order to determine validity of questionnaire was used the face and content validity and Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire (first questionnaire 0/914, Second questionnaire 0/815). The statistical sample is consisted of 2000 employees of Saderat Bank of the West of country that by using Morgan table statistical sample was obtained 322, of course selects by simple random sampling for a period of Second 6 months in 2012. Descriptive research method is survey - correlations. Correlation test and stepwise regression was used to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between assets (capabilities of IT) and abilities (creativity, innovation, internal and external of marketing abilities) of marketing knowledge management and performance of Saderat Bank in the West of Iran. At the end of the study in order to research subject were presented some recommendations to the Saderat Bank.
Optimal Pricing Strategies for an Automotive Aftermarket Retailer

The extant retail category pricing optimization literature concentrates on grocery retailing. In contrast, this article focuses on the problem of determining profit-improving store-level prices of failure-related “hard-part” product categories at a U.S. specialty automotive part retailer with 3400 stores. There are some key institutional differences between automotive hard-part and grocery retailing: No syndicated data are available for hard parts; each subclass of a hard-part category contains variants that are ordered by quality (typically “Good,” “Better,” “Best”); there is intra- but no intersubclass competition; market shares of variants and their prices are not positively correlated within a subclass; a consumer enters the market only infrequently; and at a purchase occasion, a consumer buys one and only one variant within a subclass and one and only one unit of that variant. Using two years of weekly sales histories from 800 stores, the authors develop store-level demand models for 23 subclasses of a hard part and employ these with available product cost data to set prices of variants of each subclass at each store that increase profit. The authors test the model-recommended prices for 10 subclasses in a field experiment involving 500 stores, leading to a projection of an annual increase of more than $610,000 in the retailer's profit from these 10 subclasses if the new prices are applied at all stores. The empirical analysis also yields new insights into asymmetric price competition across quality variants and deviations of actual from optimal prices that run counter to previous grocery retailing-based findings.
Instability of Clonality in Gastric Lymphoid Infiltrates: A Study With Emphasis on Serial Biopsies

The evolution of low-grade B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid-tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the stomach is a multistage process, reflected in the histologic continuum from Helicobacter pylori-chronic gastritis, to low-grade and high-grade lymphoma. Interestingly, in daily gastric biopsy sign-out, the authors observed that some biopsies showed monoclonality on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) even though there were no definite histologic features of malignancy and vice versa. To address the question, the authors studied the endoscopic gastric biopsies at first presentation of 46 patients to examine any clonality differences among various histologic patterns within the spectrum of MALT lymphoma evolution. The gastric biopsies were reviewed histologically and graded according to the Wotherspoon-Isaacson histologic scoring system from grade 0 (normal) to grade 5 (MALT lymphoma). The clonality of cases in each grade was determined by performing nested PCR for immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangement using FR2/JH and FR3/JH primer sets. The monoclonality rates among different grades were as follows: grade 2, 6.3% (1 of 16); grade 3, 27.3% (3 of 11); grade 4, 83.3% (5 of 6); grade 5, 69.2% (9 of 13). Statistically significant difference of monoclonality rate is demonstrated in histologic grade 4 versus grades 2 and 3, and grade 5 versus grade 2 (P < 0.05, Fisher exact test). The authors went on to examine the progress of disease by following up the clinical status, histologic changes, and clonality fluctuation of these cases. Four of the 8 patients with monoclonality on PCR, but no definite lymphoma at first presentation later progressed to frank MALT lymphoma. Our study shows that, during the progression to MALT lymphoma, there is an instability of clonality. Clonality can fluctuate between polyclonality, oligoclonality, and monoclonality, none of which defines an irreversible stage for progression to MALT lymphoma. Monoclonality is a risk factor for development of MALT lymphoma. Those cases with dense gastric mucosal lymphoid infiltrate (without definite MALT lymphoma) and monoclonality on PCR need to be closely monitored and Helicobacter infection promptly treated if present. In combination with clinicohistologic examination, PCR can serve as a complementary tool in arriving at a definite diagnosis of MALT lymphoma in cases with borderline histologic features.
Role of desensitization of AMPA receptors on the neuronal viability and on the [Ca2+]i changes in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

We investigated the role of desensitization of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐isoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA) receptors on the neurotoxicity and on the [Ca2+]i changes induced by kainate or by AMPA in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. The neuronal viability was evaluated either by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, or by analysis of cell morphology. Short‐term exposure of the neurons to kainate or AMPA (30 min) was not toxic, but the exposure for 24 h to the excitotoxic drugs caused a concentration‐dependent neurotoxic effect which was prevented by LY 303070, a noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist. In the presence of cyclothiazide (CTZ), kainate or AMPA was toxic (30 min exposure), or the toxic effect was significantly enhanced (24 h exposure), but in this case LY 303070 did not completely protect the cells against kainate‐induced toxicity. The alterations in the [Ca2+]i caused by kainate or AMPA showed a great cell‐to‐cell variability. LY 303070 completely or partially inhibited the responses stimulated by kainate. CTZ differentially affected the responses evoked by kainate or AMPA. In the majority of hippocampal neurons, CTZ did not potentiate, or only slightly potentiated, the kainate‐stimulated responses but in 11% of neurons there was a great potentiation. In AMPA‐stimulated neurons, the responses were slightly or greatly potentiated in the majority of neurons, but not in all of them. The results show that AMPA and kainate may be toxic, depending on the time of exposure and on the blockade of the desensitization of the AMPA receptors. Overall, our results clearly show that there exist different populations of hippocampal neurons with different sensitivities to kainate, AMPA, CTZ and LY 303070. Moreover, the effects of CTZ on both [Ca2+]i alterations and neurotoxicity are not fully correlated.
Consumer engagement in online brand communities: a social media perspective

Purpose – This paper aims to delineate the meaning, conceptual boundaries and dimensions of consumer engagement within the context of online brand communities both in term of the engagement with the brand and the other members of the online brand communities. It also explores the relationships of consumer engagement with other concepts, suggesting antecedents of engagement. Design/methodology/approach – Data are collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 international online brand community members, covering a variety of brand categories and social media platforms. Findings – This paper suggests that individuals are engaging in online communities in social network platforms both with other individuals and with brands. The study also identifies three key engagement dimensions (cognition, affect and behaviours). Their meaning and sub-dimensions are investigated. The paper further suggests key drivers, one outcome and objects of consumer engagement in online brand communities. These findings are in.
Impulse purchasing in tourism – learnings from a study in a matured market

Existing literature suggests that information search and planning always precede travel activity. This contrasts with our understanding of purchasing behaviour in other contexts where a significant amount of non-planned, impulse purchasing occurs. We propose that impulse purchasing also occurs in tourism. Results from an empirical study show that impulse purchasing does occur in tourism and is specifically associated with shorter trips, a small number of travel companions, specific travel motivations, and familiarity with the destination.
Suspected appendicitis in children: diagnosis with contrast-enhanced versus nonenhanced Helical CT.

PURPOSE To compare the diagnostic accuracy of limited-area (lower abdominal) nonenhanced helical computed tomography (CT), intravenous contrast material-enhanced helical CT of the entire abdomen, and the combination of both. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred six children suspected of having appendicitis, who were previously included in a prospective study, underwent limited-area nonenhanced helical CT of the lower abdomen and contrast-enhanced CT of the entire abdomen. No oral or rectal contrast material was administered. The CT scans were retrospectively reviewed by three independent readers both separately and together. The readers were blinded to all clinical information and to the results of previous ultrasonographic and CT examinations. Final diagnoses were established on the basis of surgical, histopathologic, or clinical follow-up findings. The Pearson chi(2) test was performed to compare values between groups. The Student two-sample t test was performed to determine statistically significant differences in age and sex. RESULTS One hundred twenty-nine patients (42%) had appendicitis. Readers diagnosed appendicitis with 66% pooled sensitivity and 96% pooled specificity with limited-area nonenhanced CT. With contrast-enhanced CT of the entire abdomen, appendicitis was diagnosed with 90% pooled sensitivity and 94% pooled specificity. With both sequences together, readers diagnosed appendicitis with 90% pooled sensitivity and 94% pooled specificity. The difference between the sensitivity of limited-area nonenhanced CT and that of contrast-enhanced CT was statistically significant (P <.001). CONCLUSION Sensitivity of helical CT for suspected appendicitis in children improved significantly with abdominal contrast-enhanced CT compared with limited-area nonenhanced CT. No further improvement in sensitivity was achieved with the combination of both sequences in comparison to that with contrast-enhanced CT alone.
Factors Affecting Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Use by Academic Librarians in Southwestern Nigeria

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) improves service provision of librarians. In spite of this, it is observed that librarians in Nigeria do not maximally utilize the ICTs. Consequently, the communities of scholars complain of the poor information services provision by librarians. It is in the light of this that this study investigated factors that may be responsible for the poor utilization of the ICTs in the Southwestern Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A total enumerative sampling technique was used. The finding indicated that lack of organizational commitment towards ICT acquisition constituted the highest barrier towards ICT use while, lack of ICT strategy, erratic power supply and lack of fund significantly affected ICT use. The study recommends that library and university administrators work hand in hand to ensure the ultimate utilization of ICTs in their respective academic libraries.
Pilgrim City Development Index In Community Management

The aim of the study was to create a method of assessing the development of pilgrim cities PCDI. During building PCDI method, a number of indicators that determine important areas of the city were subject to verification and divided into two main groups. The first group characterizes pilgrims coming to the shrine, while the other relates to infrastructure affecting the comfort of pilgrims. Using available tools such as the presented method PCDI will allow making the right management decisions and may contribute to the development of tourism and tourism-related infrastructure.
Effects of omeprazole and lansoprazole on fasting and postprandial serum gastrin and serum pepsinogen A and C.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The aim of this study was to examine effects of two H+/K(+)-ATPase antagonists (omeprazole and lansoprazole) on fasting and postprandial serum gastrin and serum pepsinogens A and C. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 8 healthy volunteers, either 20 mg of omeprazole or 30 mg of lansoprazole once daily for 7 days were administered in a double blind and randomized design. After a two-week period to "wash out" the drug, each treatment was then crossed over. Fasting and postprandial serum gastrin and serum pepsinogens A and C levels were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment. RESULTS Omeprazole increased fasting levels of serum gastrin and serum pepsinogen A and C. A similar finding was observed after lansoprazole administration. The test meal increased serum gastrin level but did not serum pepsinogens A and C either before or after omeprazole and lansoprazole administration. In addition, the integrated meal stimulated incremental serum gastrin were not modified after omeprazole and lansoprazole administration. CONCLUSIONS This data suggests that both omeprazole and lansoprazole increase fasting serum gastrin and serum pepsinogen A and C levels, but have no effects on postprandial serum gastrin and pepsinogens levels.
Is diagnosis relevant in the hospitalization of potentially dangerous children and adolescents?

OBJECTIVE This study tests the assumption that psychiatric diagnosis facilitates clinical evaluations of need in emergency care before and after controlling for danger. METHOD The data are from structured crisis assessments completed by emergency clinicians in four ethnically diverse locales (N = 653). Clinician-assigned diagnosis was categorized as adjustment, disruptive, mood, psychotic, and other, and a Danger scale score reflected danger to self or others. RESULTS Mood and psychotic disorders significantly increased hospital rates in multivariate analyses which controlled for demographic characteristics, site, and danger when relevant. The model with the best fit included both diagnosis and danger. CONCLUSIONS Decisions should be linked to verifiable ratings of need and attention to danger, and its measurement should complement the current focus on diagnosis.
An expanded servicescape perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to put forth an expanded servicescape framework that shows that a perceived servicescape comprises physical, social, socially symbolic, and natural environmental dimensions.Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper offers an in‐depth literature review on servicescape topics from a variety of disciplines, both inside and outside marketing, to advance a logical framework built on Bitner's seminal article (1992). Findings – A servicescape comprises not only objective, measureable, and managerially controllable stimuli but also subjective, immeasurable, and often managerially uncontrollable social, symbolic, and natural stimuli, which all influence customer approach/avoidance decisions and social interaction behaviors. Furthermore, customer responses to social, symbolic, and natural stimuli are often the drivers of profound person‐place attachments.Research limitations/implications – The framework supports a servicescape paradigm that links marketing, environmen.
Building brand loyalty through individual stock ownership

Building brand loyalty has become more important, yet more difficult to achieve in today's marketplace. This research investigates a possible avenue for building brand loyalty that is not directly related to the marketing of the product – attracting individual investors in the brand's corporate parent. A survey of over 500 individual investors revealed that individual investors do tend to buy brands from companies in which they hold stock, and investors may buy stock in a company because they have experience with the brand. In contrast with brand loyalty, where consumers will not buy competitive offerings, individual investors indicated they would buy competitive offerings, suggesting that stock ownership is more likely to lead to repeat purchase behavior, but not brand loyalty.
Are Student Groups Dysfunctional?

In today’s business world, the ability to work efficiently and effectively in a team is mandatory to a business student’s success. Many employers rank “ability to work with a group” as one of the most important attributes for hiring business school graduates. Although an abundance of research has investigated group processes and dynamics during student group projects, no studies to date have specifically examined how instructors perceive the way in which students operate within their groups. The primary goal of this research is to address how student views regarding group work compare to those of their instructors. The results indicate that there are significant gaps between students’ opinions of their team experiences and the perceptions of the faculty who assign the group activities. The findings have implications for the use of team projects and the attitudes and behaviors instructors have regarding the efficacy of student groups.