Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the range of reasons for Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and how far they are internally focused for the benefit of employees with regard to motivation and commitment from the perspective of management in Ireland

The objective of this dissertation is to investigate why companies engage in corporate socially responsible initiatives and to analyse how much there is an internal focus with regards to its impact on motivation and commitment of employees to the company, from management’s perspective in Ireland, taking into consideration the theory of Social Identity. A qualitative methodological approach was used and the analysis is based on semi-structured interviews conducted with senior management in three companies in Ireland, one Irish owned SME and two MNCs. The findings are analysed and discussed in depth and highlight the strong ethical beliefs which management have in relation to the reasons their companies engage in CSR activities, and that they consider there to be beneficial effects on employees attitudes in respect of trust, commitment and motivation.
Eating Disorder Behavior and Early Maladaptive Schemas in Subgroups of Eating Disorders

To examine relationship between Eating Disorder Behaviors (EDB) and Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) across eating disorder (ED) subgroups. EMS and ED behaviors were measured by Young Schema Questionnaire and Eating Behavior Severity Scale, respectively, among patients diagnosed with Restrictive or Binge/purging Anorexia, or bulimia nervosa. Canonical component analysis showed significant association between ED behaviors and EMSs. Canonical factor-pairs (EDB and EMS) revealed specific associations between certain patterns of EDBs, including binge-purging and physical exercise, and certain patterns of maladaptive cognitive schema, including Emotional deprivation, Abandonment, Enmeshments, Subjugation, and Emotional inhibition. ED subgroups significantly differred between the EMS and EDB canonical factors, respectively. Our findings indicate that EMS and EDB are associated, and that the factors that potentially mediate the association differ significantly among ED subgroups. These results are consistent with the notion that EMSs play a specific role in the development and maintenance of ED behaviors.
Perioperative imaging strategies for carotid endarterectomy. An analysis of morbidity and cost-effectiveness in symptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE To assess the cost-effectiveness of four diagnostic strategies for the preoperative evaluation of symptomatic patients who are potential candidates for carotid endarterectomy (ie, 70% to 99% stenosis): (1) duplex sonography (DS), (2) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), (3) contrast angiography (CA), and (4) the combination of DS and MRA supplemented by CA for disparate results. METHODS Cost-effectiveness analysis based largely on published clinical trial data. Sensitivities and specificities of noninvasive tests were estimated from 81 patients undergoing prospective evaluation with DS, MRA, and CA. OUTCOME MEASURE Incremental cost per quality-adjusted year of life gained. RESULTS For a hypothetical cohort of symptomatic patients undergoing evaluation for carotid endarterectomy, the combination of tests resulted in the greatest quality-adjusted life expectancy of the four options considered. After incorporating the costs of testing, surgery, and stroke, we found that neither the MRA nor the CA strategy was cost-effective. The combination of tests was more effective but more costly than DS, resulting in an additional cost of $22,400 per quality-adjusted year of life gained. For centers that do not have adequate MRA, CA resulted in an additional cost of $99,200 per quality-adjusted year of life saved compared with DS. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that for the preoperative detection of a 70% to 99% carotid stenosis, the combination of DS and MRA, supplemented by CA for disparate results, is associated with the lowest long-term morbidity and mortality and has a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio. The combination of tests, or DS alone when MRA is not available, could potentially replace the current practice of using CA alone in the preoperative evaluation of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis.
The impact of an online learning platform about nursing education on enrolled nurse preceptor teaching capabilities: a pre–post-test evaluation

Background: Enrolled nurses (ENs) across Australia precept nursing students in the clinical field. Yet learning about the preceptoring role is not widely available to ENs. Educational innovation: EN’s in this study participated in a professional development project that utilised the material of an online learning resource, originally designed to inspire clinical registered nurses (RNs), and RN teachers, to develop teaching innovations in their role. Aim: The aim of this paper is to report the results of a pre–post-test questionnaire designed to evaluate the impact of the professional development intervention. Results: The analysis showed high scoring means with many items in the questionnaire statistically significant (p < .05, CI 95%). Conclusion: Results indicated positive differences in a number of teaching capabilities between pre- and post-test scores. This suggests ENs appreciate education that extends beyond clinical skills and that professional development should include the nursing education role.
Remittances, Economic Growth, and the Role of Institutions and Government Policies

Over the past three decades, remittance flows accelerated and have grown to become an increasingly prominent source of external funding for many countries. Despite the increasing importance of remittances in total international capital flows, the role of remittances in development and growth is still not well understood. This study seeks to investigate the relationship between remittances and economic growth and studies one of the links between remittances and growth. In particular, this study examines how institutions and local government policies influence a country’s capacity to take advantage of remittances. To account for the inherent endogeneities in these relationships a Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach is used. The results of this study show that, at best, remittances have no impact on economic growth. When institutions are taken into account, this study finds evidence that remittances have a negative and significant impact on growth. This study also provides evidence that the most important part of remittances is consumed rather than invested, which may explain why remittances do not seem to promote economic growth
Characterization of surface microphase structures of poly(urethane urea) biomaterials by nanoscale indentation with AFM

Atomic force microscopy utilizing both tapping mode and force mode imaging is used to visualize the separated microphases in poly(urethane urea) films under ambient and aqueous conditions. The topography of the PUU surface changed upon hydration with the formation of nanometer-sized features on the surface. The surface becomes enriched in hard domains with hydration time and this enrichment is irreversible after dehydration. Force mode measurements were used to quantify mechanical properties as both indentation and modulus measurements. Analysis of the modulus during indentation reveals the three-dimensional nature of the structures, with the surface being covered by a 2–20-nm-thick soft segment overlayer under ambient conditions, while hydration leads to the loss of this overlayer. The force measurements also reveal the presence of regions having modulus values between those of the hard and soft phases and located spatially near the interface between the hard and soft domains. However, such regions with intermediate modulus were only rarely seen following hydration. Calculation of the Young's modulus from the compression data shows that hydration increases the modulus of the PUU surface by both enrichment of the amount of hard domain present and increasing the modulus of the individual hard and soft phases themselves. Direct visualization of the distribution of these different domains on the surface by nanoscale measurements provides an important path to characterizing the relationships between the surface properties of these materials and subsequent performance in biomedical applications.
Antibody against TcdB, but not TcdA, prevents development of gastrointestinal and systemic Clostridium difficile disease.

BACKGROUND A dramatic increase in morbidity and mortality from Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) due to the recent emergence of virulent, antibiotic-resistant strains has led to a search for alternatives to antibiotics, including vaccines and immune-based therapy that target the 2 key toxins-TcdA and TcdB. METHODS We investigated the efficacy of specific human monoclonal antibodies (HuMab) and alpaca polyclonal antibodies against each toxin separately and in combination in the gnotobiotic piglet model of CDI. Additionally, the HuMab and polyclonal antibodies were exploited to investigate the precise contribution of each toxin to systemic and/or gastrointestinal (GI) tract disease. RESULTS Our results indicate that TcdB is an important virulence factor associated with GI and systemic pathology. Administration of anti-TcdB antibody alone or with anti-TcdA protected 100% of piglets from development of systemic CDI and minimized GI lesions. Conversely, 100% of piglets administered only anti-TcdA developed severe GI and systemic disease, with 67%-83% fatality, faring worse than placebo-treated control animals. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the importance of TcdB in the pathogenesis of CDI and the effectiveness of TcdB-specific antibody in treating CDI. However, the results raise new questions regarding the nature of TcdA interaction with therapeutic antibodies.
The Macroeconomics of Firms' Savings

The U.S. non-financial corporate sector became a net lender vis-a-vis the rest of the economy in the early 2000s. We document this fact in the aggregate and firm-level data. We then develop a structural dynamic model with investment to study the firms' financing decisions. Debt is fiscally advantageous but subject to a no-default borrowing constraint. Equity allows the firm to suspend distributions to shareholders when the cash flow is negative. Firms accumulate financial assets for precautionary reasons, yet value equity as partial insurance against shocks. The calibrated model replicates the large fraction of firms with net savings observed in the period 2000-2007. We also find that the rise in corporate savings over the past 40 years can be mostly attributed to a fall in the cost of equity relative to debt, driven by lower dividend taxes.
The Chaperone-associated Ubiquitin Ligase CHIP Is Able to Target p53 for Proteasomal Degradation*

The cellular level of the tumor suppressor p53 is tightly regulated through induced degradation via the ubiquitin/proteasome system. The ubiquitin ligase Mdm2 plays a pivotal role in stimulating p53 turnover. However, recently additional ubiquitin ligases have been identified that participate in the degradation of the tumor suppressor. Apparently, multiple degradation pathways are employed to ensure proper destruction of p53. Here we show that the chaperone-associated ubiquitin ligase CHIP is able to induce the proteasomal degradation of p53. CHIP-induced degradation was observed for mutant p53, which was previously shown to associate with the chaperones Hsc70 and Hsp90, and for the wild-type form of the tumor suppressor. Our data reveal that mutant and wild-type p53 transiently associate with molecular chaperones and can be diverted onto a degradation pathway through this association.
A new microimmunofluorescence test for the detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae specific antibodies

To evaluate a microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test (Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG, Vircell, Spain) that detects IgG against Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cp), MRL Diagnostics MIF was used as reference test. Cross-reactivity against Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Chlamydophila psittaci (Cps) was investigated. Eighty sera were analysed from 22 subjects with vascular disease, 38 with multiple sclerosis and 20 healthy individuals. Vircell and MRL MIF tests assessed 58.75% and 60% of the samples as positive, respectively, and their results coincided (positive/negative) in 98.75% of samples. One major (>1 IgG titre) and 32 minor (1 titre) discrepancies were observed. Correlation between tests was significant. Vircell MIF test demonstrated 97.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Differences in simultaneous reactivity to Ct and Cps between the tests were not significant. Vircell MIF test showed a good performance to detect the IgG against Cp.
Attentional control and the fl exible lexical processor : Explorations of the magic moment of word recognition

In studying any behaviour, an initial critical step is to operationalize the targeted behaviour. In the present case, the targeted behaviour is performance on simple word-recognition tasks such as lexical decision and speeded word naming. At one level, this behaviour is deceptively simple to understand. Adult readers have intimate knowledge of this acquired skill. However, as shown in this volume, the processes involved in visual word-recognition tasks are remarkably complex. This should not be surprising because experimental psychologists have been working on this topic for well over 100 years (Cattell, 1890). We believe that at least some of the complexities and controversies in this area are due to a lack of agreement in the theoretical assumptions regarding the targeted behaviour, the specific tasks used to study the behaviour, and the analytic methods used to measure the processes underlying this behaviour. In this chapter, our mission is to attempt to elucidate some of these theoretical assumptions and the methodological approaches to studying word recognition. We will use the influence of meaning on standard word-recognition tasks to guide our discussion, because the theoretical and methodological assumptions are nicely unearthed by considering the influence of this variable.
Evidence-based organization and patient safety strategies in European hospitals

Objective To explore how European hospitals have implemented patient safety strategies (PSS) and evidence-based organization of care pathway (EBOP) recommendations and examine the extent to which implementation varies between countries and hospitals. Design Mixed-method multilevel cross-sectional design in seven countries as part of the European Union-funded project ‘Deepening our Understanding of Quality improvement in Europe’ (DUQuE). Setting and participants Seventy-four acute care hospitals with 292 departments managing acute myocardial infarction (AMI), hip fracture, stroke, and obstetric deliveries. Main outcome measure Five multi-item composite measures—one generic measure for PSS and four pathway-specific measures for EBOP. Results Potassium chloride had only been removed from general medication stocks in 9.4–30.5% of different pathways wards and patients were adequately identified with wristband in 43.0–59.7%. Although 86.3% of areas treating AMI patients had immediate access to a specialist physician, only 56.0% had arrangements for patients to receive thrombolysis within 30 min of arrival at the hospital. A substantial amount of the total variance observed was due to between-hospital differences in the same country for PSS (65.9%). In EBOP, between-country differences play also an important role (10.1% in AMI to 57.1% in hip fracture). Conclusions There were substantial gaps between evidence and practice of PSS and EBOP in a sample of European hospitals and variations due to country differences are more important in EBOP than in PSS, but less important than within-country variations. Agencies supporting the implementation of PSS and EBOP should closely re-examine the effectiveness of their current strategies.
Isolation and Characterization of a Lactose-Binding Lectin from Ocimum sanctum -

Article history: Received on: 30/07/2015 Revised on: 23/08/2015 Accepted on: 04/09/2015 Available online: 28/10/2015 A novel lectin has been isolated from Ocimum sanctum and purified to homogeneity by gel filtration chromatography, which eluted as a single symmetrical peak from a Biogel P-100 column with a molecular mass of 66 kDa. The lectin had a special agglutinating activity with human erythrocytes at a minimum concentration of 0.7 ug/ml. The lectin was stable in the pH range 5-12 and temperature 80 °C for 30 min. Ocimum sanctum had shown highest agglutinating activity at pH7 and 25 0 C temperature after one hour incubation. Of the various sugars tested, even at 1000 mM sugar concentration, no inhibition was observed. The isolated lectin was found to be lactose-biding lectin sugar moieties and contain 2.6 mg/ml total sugar and 9.3 mg/ml of total protein.
The Role of Information Technology Capabilities in Capitalizing Market Agility in Jordanian Telecommunications Sector

Information technology (IT) capabilities consider the foundation stone for telecoms organizations to achieve market agility, in view of the fact that these capabilities can provide those organizations with enormous data about the overall market surroundings; thus they can quickly respond to seize on opportunities and avoid various threats. However, the focal point of this research is to examine the role of IT capabilities in capitalizing market agility. A selfadministered questionnaire was distributed on a total sample of (192) IT employees working at one of these Jordanian telecoms organizations (Zain, Orange and Umniah) from different managerial levels. The findings of multiple regression test showed that; IT business spanning capability is the most influential dimension on market agility, and respectively, IT infrastructure capability and IT proactive stance capability. Accordingly, the researchers recommended both managerial implications and directions for other researchers in this rich area to better appreciate critical IT capabilities with the purpose of attaining superior market agility.
Differing patterns of Helicobacter pylori gastritis in patients with duodenal, prepyloric, and gastric ulcer disease.

BACKGROUND We investigated the risk relationship between histotopographic patterns of Helicobacter pylori gastritis and peptic ulcer site. METHODS Three hundred and eighty-three infected patients were classified as having duodenal ulcer (n = 79), prepyloric ulcer (n = 39), gastric (angular) ulcer (n = 28), and no ulcer (n = 237). Antral and corpus biopsy specimens were taken. Sydney system-based scores for bacterial density and activity and degree of gastritis were added to antral and corpus sum scores (SS) (range, 0-9). These were used to categorize the phenotype of gastritis. In addition, the presence or absence of mucosal atrophy was taken into account. The relative risk for ulcer association with these conditions was calculated. RESULTS High-grade antral (SS > 5) associated with mild to moderate corpus (SS > 5) gastritis increased duodenal (RR = 4.9; confidence interval (CI), 2.8-8.5) and prepyloric ulcer risk (RR = 2.99; CI, 1.4-6.2). High-grade gastritis in the antrum (SS > 5) and corpus (SS > 5) increased gastric ulcer risk (RR = 3.7; CI, 1.6-8.3). Antral atrophy and/or intestinal metaplasia is associated with an increased gastric ulcer risk (RR = 3.3; CI, 1.4-7.8). CONCLUSION The pattern of H. pylori gastritis may define a risk for peptic ulcer at various sites, but additional factors, not reflected in histology, also contribute to this risk.
Association Between Carotid and Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Aortic Valve Stenosis: An Angiographic Study

Background: Patients with aortic stenosis have a high prevalence of coronary artery disease, but there is little information about the association of coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease. Methods: The study includes 317 consecutive patients with aortic stenosis, who underwent carotid and coronary angiography during the same catheterization before aortic valve replacement. Results: At univariate analysis, the prevalence of coronary artery disease was associated with (1) presence of carotid artery disease (P < .001); (2) angina pectoris as presentation symptom (P < .001); (3) age more than 65 years (P < .05); and (4) hypertension (P < .05). At multivariate analysis, only carotid artery disease, angina, and age emerged as independent predictors of coronary artery disease. The combination of 2 variables (carotid artery disease, angina) allowed the identification of 4 groups, with decreasing prevalence of coronary artery disease: (1) angina+/carotid artery disease+: 85%; (2) angina-/ carotid artery disease+: 50%; (3) angina+/carotid artery disease-: 41%; (4) angina-/carotid artery disease-: 21% (P < .001). Conclusion: In patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis, the presence of significant carotid artery disease is a strong marker of significant coronary artery disease.
Quality of Service: Delivering QoS on the Internet and in Corporate Networks

What Is Quality of Service? Implementing Policy in Networks. QoS and Queuing Disciplines, Traffic Shaping, and Admission Control. QoS and TCP/IP: Finding the Common Denominator. QoS and Frame Relay. QoS and ATM. The Integrated Services Architecture. QoS and Dial Access. QoS and Future Possibilities. QoS: Final Thoughts and Observations. Afterword: QoS and Multiprotocol Corporate Networks. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.
Complications of Pancreatic Surgery and Pancreatitis

Pancreatic cancer is a common cause of cancer death in the developed world. Currently, resection is the only chance of long-term survival. The post-operative mortality in nonspecialist centres often exceeds 20% but is around 6% or less in specialist centres. The overall complication rate even in specialist centres is 18–54%. An analysis of eleven large series of pancreatic resections shows an incidence of common complications of 10.4% for fistula, 9.9% for delayed gastric emptying, 4.8% for bleeding, 4.8% for wound infection and 3.8% for intraabdominal abscess. The median hospital stay is 13–18 days in different series. The re-operation rate varies from 4 to 9% with a mortality rate of 23 to 67%. Major complications are a significant factor in post-operative mortality, especially if they require re-operation. The use of octreotide or somatostatin to prevent complications is supported by several multicentre, double-blind, randomized controlled trials. The best way to improve outcome is to concentrate pancreatic cancer care in regional spe-