Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Should monitoring be compulsory within voluntary environmental agreements

The emerging concept of business accountability implies a duty to demonstrate responsibility to stakeholders. Signing a voluntary environmental agreement is a method of pledging commitment; however, few voluntary environmental agreements contain monitoring mechanisms to demonstrate performance against that commitment. Some voluntary environmental agreements in the industry and business sector incorporate monitoring mechanisms and these are examined in order to discover lessons that can be learned. A monitoring mechanism, such as Environmental Reporting via hardcopy and the World Wide Web provides a useful and flexible mechanism that could be utilized to a much greater extent within other sectors. Higher education sector agreements such as the European COPERNICUS Charter and the global Talloires Declaration in particular are assessed using survey evidence to demonstrate the need for additional stimuli to ensure commitment. Flexible and incremental monitoring and reporting via a variety of cost effective communication media could provide the way forward in terms of establishing both credibility and sustainability of the voluntary environmental agreement mechanism. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Impact of Diabetic Foot Related Complications on the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQol) of Patients - A Regional Study in Spain

The diabetic foot reduces the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with diabetes mellitus. This study aims at ascertaining the impact of the etiological factors of the diabetic foot on the various aspects of HRQoL. This is a comparative study involving type 1 or type 2 (n = 421) diabetic patients divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 258) includes diabetic patients without foot lesions and group 2 (n = 163) includes patients suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer. The HRQoL of the sample was assessed by using the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. The overall HRQoL score was 68.58 ± 18.24 in group 1 and 50.99 ± 18.98 in group 2 (P < .001). The diabetic foot—related etiological factors that significantly reduce these patients’ HRQoL are neuropathy, amputation history, and poor metabolic control (P < .001). Quality of life was lower in women with diabetic foot than in men. Neuropathy—regarded as the main etiological factor in the diabetic foot—also proved to be a variable that reduces the HRQoL. Paradoxically, peripheral vascular disease did not prove to have a negative impact on the quality of life.
Methodological Considerations in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Demissie Alemayehu

In decision making regarding optimal resource alloc tion to safeguard public health, policymakers and healthcare providers rely on the availability a nd reliability of data about the relative costs and benefits of competing treatment options. One such a n approach is based on cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) which is intended to be used as a co mbined metric of both the costs and health outcomes of alternative intervention strategies. Ho wever, the usual measures used in CEA are not readily analyzable based on standard statistical pa r digms for inference. Further, reliable data may not always be available to estimate relevant parame ters. Accordingly, it is essential to employ nonstandard procedures to compensate for informatio n gaps and to address inferential difficulties. In this paper, we outline the issues associated wit h some of the commonly used techniques, with particular emphasis on the so-called network meta-a nalysis and indirect comparisons. Additional reference is made to the complexities introduced wh en data are used from observational studies. It is concluded that effective use of CEA in healthcar e policy presupposes a careful appreciation of the underlying issues, and implementation of robust remedial measures to mitigate their impacts.
Development of a radioiodinated apoptosis–inducing ligand, rhTRAIL, and a radiolabelled agonist TRAIL receptor antibody for clinical imaging studies

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The TNF‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis through activation of the death receptors, TRAIL‐R1 and TRAIL‐R2. Recombinant human (rh) TRAIL and the TRAIL‐R1 directed monoclonal antibody mapatumumab are currently clinically evaluated as anticancer agents. The objective of this study was to develop radiopharmaceuticals targeting the TRAIL‐R1, suitable for clinical use to help understand and predict clinical efficacy in patients.
Application of an approach to the innovation management in micro and small enterprises

This research aims to present the application of a management approach focused innovation for micro and small enterprises (MSEs). In the approach the study of the problem is characterized as a qualitative research and in relation to your goals can be characterized as an action research. The delimitation of the universe was made by a small enterprise in the food industry and research techniques used were indirect documentation (desk research and literature), the intensive direct observation (observation and interview) and extensive direct observation (forms). The results demonstrate the usefulness of the approach to innovation management aimed at increasing competitiveness and improving working conditions in MSEs. The relevance of this study lies in applying an approach that enables an understanding of the internal and external environment of the enterprise (ambidexterity) and considers the process of innovation as a social construct nonlinear.
Breast cancer patients--the support given by nurses.

The purpose of this part of a larger study on breast cancer patients' recovery was to analyse the support that nurses offer breast cancer patients before, during, and after their hospitalization, as seen from the nurses' viewpoint. The sample group consisted of 125 registered and radiological nurses at university and regional hospitals in southwestern Finland. A questionnaire was devised and mailed to the subjects. The statistical analysis of the data was based on percentage distributions, with correlations, cross-tabulation, and loglinear models. The nurses reported that patient support is inadequate before and after hospitalization. However, most nurses maintained that the patients were well supported in hospital by the health care staff. The same nurses considered that their duty was to offer information and try to ensure continuity of care for the patient. They regarded their work as challenging, and they paid more attention to patients' relatives, too. However, there were differences of opinion as to whether the nurses actually gave support or not. We concluded that the concept support and its different implications for different groups (e.g. patients, nurses) must be studied in more detail, since the nurses' viewpoint is the one upon which care is currently based.
Business strategy, human resources, labour market flexibility and competitive advantage

This paper contributes to the strategic human resource management literature by testing the three main approaches – the universalistic (‘best practice’), contingency and configurational – against an original database. Specifically, we examine: (1) the relationship between HR and firm performance, (2) the links between strategy, HR and the use of flexible employment contracts and (3) the moderating effects of strategy on the links between HR, flexible labour and firm performance. 2 While there appears to be empirical support for these ‘core’ HR strategies having a positive effect on performance, each of these policies ‘may be embodied in a variety of concrete and detailed people management practices’ (Richardson and Thompson, 1999 :2). Using original data collected from manufacturing and service-sector companies, we find positive relationships between HR policies and practices and performance; that the relationship between HR and performance is dependent upon business strategy; and that companies pursuing an integrated approach to HR coupled with an innovator/quality-enhancer focus within their business strategy perform best. The use of external flexible labour reduces the effectiveness of HR, especially for those pursuing an innovator/quality-enhancer approach.
Plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methylases conferring high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from two Taiwanese hospitals.

OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of 16S rRNA methylases that confer high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates from two Taiwanese hospitals and the characteristics of these isolates. METHODS A total of 1624 K. pneumoniae and 2559 E. coli isolates consecutively collected over an 18 month period from a university hospital and seven E. coli and eight K. pneumoniae isolates that were resistant to amikacin from a district hospital were analysed. Two 16S rRNA methylase genes, armA and rmtB, were detected by PCR-based assays. beta-Lactamase characteristics were determined by phenotypic and genotypic methods. RESULTS Overall, 28 armA-positive and seven rmtB-positive isolates were identified, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were detected in 33 (94.3%) isolates. The prevalence rates of armA and rmtB at the university hospital were 0.9% (n=15) and 0.3% (n=5) in K. pneumoniae and 0.4% (n=10) and 0.04% (n=1) in E. coli. CTX-M-3, CTX-M-14, SHV-5-like ESBLs, and CMY-2 were detected alone or in combination in 21, 6, 11, and 2, respectively, of the 28 armA-positive isolates. CTX-M-14 was detected in six of the seven rmtB-positive isolates. Fingerprinting of conjugative plasmids revealed the dissemination of closely related plasmids containing both armA and bla(CTX-M-3). PFGE suggests that armA and rmtB spread by both horizontal transfer and clonal spread. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of the emergence of 16S rRNA methylases in Enterobacteriaceae in Taiwan. The spread of the multidrug-resistant isolates producing both ESBLs and 16S rRNA methylases may become a clinical problem.
Why Retailers Sell Private Labels

This paper interprets private label marketing as a retailer instrument for overcoming the double-marginalization problem inherent in the distribution of well-known manufacturer brands. Retailers with some degree of market power carry private label substitutes for popular national brands in order to capture more profit from the vertical structures they share with brand manufacturers. Thenet effect of private label marketing is to improve the performance of distribution channels. After presenting a formal model and deriving analytical results, the paper gathers some empirical evidence that supports these results. Copyright 1995 by MIT Press.
Are There Cultural Effects on Saving? Some Cross-Sectional Evidence

Why are there such large differences in saving rates across countries? Conventional economic analyses have not been successful in explaining international saving differences, so economists have sometimes suggested that national saving differences may be explained by cultural differences. This paper tests the hypothesis that cultural factors influence saving by comparing saving patterns of immigrants to Canada from different cultures. Using data from the Canadian Survey of Family Expenditures, we find no evidence of cultural effects on saving.
What role do HR practitioners play in developing countries: an exploratory study in an Indonesian organization undergoing major transformation

In spite of the abundance of research on HRM in developing countries, there is a dearth of knowledge of what human resource (HR) practitioners actually do in developing countries. With the aid of Conner and Ulrich's widely reported framework for HR roles, we investigated the roles played by HR practitioners in a state-owned oil and gas company with a workforce of 15,000 employees. The study was based on a survey of 140 HR and line managers in the company. The main finding of the study is that even in a developing country such as Indonesia, Conner and Ulrich's (1996) model of HR roles has some validity. Our findings indicate that all the four roles are practised by HR practitioners in the company. The finding lends support to similar studies in the USA (Wright, McMahan, Snell and Gerhart 2001; Simpkins 2005), the UK (Caldwell 2003), Denmark (Lemmergaard 2009), Finland (Antila 2006) and Lithuania (Zuzeviciute and Margarita 2010). Another significant feature of the study is the revelation that HR practitioners play more strategic roles than operational roles. This is entirely unexpected. The theoretical/research and practical implications of the findings have also been discussed.
Excretion of cephalothin and cefamandole by the normal pancreas and in acute pancreatitis in dogs

Nine mongrel dogs were studied to evaluate the excretion of cefamandole (five dogs) and cephalothin (four dogs) in the pancreatic fluid. Each dog was studied before and after the induction of pancreatitis, with 2 weeks between studies. After intravenous administration of a 25-mg/kg dose of either cephalosporin, serum and pancreatic fluid concentrations were monitored for 6 h. Both cephalothin and cefamandole were excreted in bactericidal concentrations in the normal pancreas and in acute pancreatitis. Clearance of cefamandole (290 ml/min) and cephalothin (348 ml/min) were similar pre- and postinduction of pancreatitis. Serum albumin concentration was less during the post-pancreatitis phase compared with the prepancreatitis phase. Penetration of cephalothin was reduced in pancreatitis, whereas cefamandole penetration increased in pancreatitis.
Deep learning in predictive analytics: A survey

Deep Learning techniques are in trend nowadays due to the capability to produce the fast and accurate result. Many researchers have developed the methods for predictive analytics in the area of data science. As deep learning techniques have an advantage over conventional learning techniques, these techniques are in demand in finding the insights into the data. This paper presents a survey of existing popular deep learning techniques used in predictive analytics along with the features, applications, and limitations of some popular techniques. This paper also gives some brief idea about the additional uses of these techniques and future scope of developing new features and applications based on highlighted models.
Socialist Values and Political Participation in Germany: A Barrier to ‘Inner Unity’?

One of the defining features of post-reunified East German political culture has been an enduring affinity for socialism. Although firmly opposed to the pre-1989 one-party state, a sizeable majority of East Germans nevertheless continue to value socialism. Whilst much scholarly research has investigated the strength and depth of socialist values, as well as their sources, comparatively little is known about their consequences, about if and how socialist values matter. This article seeks to redress this by examining linkages between socialist values and political participation, asking whether socialist values are merely passive, romanticised expressions, the effects of which are largely benign, or whether they have real-life behavioural consequences for democracy. Exploring this question using ALLBUS data from East Germany, five hypotheses are tested at the individual level. The results strongly demonstrate that socialist values impact upon social capital and electoral behaviour.
The analysis of life safety and economic loss in marine accidents occurring in the Turkish Straits

The increase in the world's trading capacity, which has been spurred by globalization, has caused problems in marine transportation, namely congestion. Despite the safety measures currently in place, marine accidents are still not being prevented. This study focuses on marine accidents in the Turkish Straits that have done serious harm to humans, the natural environment, and the economy. To reduce the negative impacts mentioned above, this study considered the most common types of accidents, their causes, and their results. For this purpose, 850 serious marine accidents, which took place in the Turkish Straits between the years of 2001 and 2010 (as recorded by the Undersecretaries for Maritime Affairs), have been analyzed and the data obtained have been systematically tabulated using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology. According to the data, the most significant cause of marine accidents in the Turkish Straits is human error. This study proposes measures to ensure that ship personnel are competent, mentally and physically, to navigate narrow and dangerous waterways in order to minimize the amount of accidents caused by human error.
Regional differences in environments for enterprises

Over the past decade there has been a strong emphasis on the analysis of local economic development. Current research on local development has strongly promoted endogenous growth mechanisms, stressing factors such as local entrepreneurship, social networks, synergy, innovativity, dynamic learning processes and factor flexibility. Accordingly, there has been an increasing interest in the role of innovations and their diffusion in regional development and growth. However, few studies have focused on lagging regions and the problems that they are faced with. This paper attempts to chart the existing regional differences in environments for enterprises in Finland following the concept of innovative milieu.
The implied volatility bias and option smile: is there a simple explanation?

Over the past 30 years, numerous option valuation models have been proposed hoping to explain the volatility smile and the volatility bias shown in the data. However, the Black and Scholes model remains the cornerstone of the option valuation model and its implied volatilities remain essential for calibrating parameters of the other option-valuation models. This research is the first in the literature to use a partial equilibrium model to explain the implied volatility bias using demand for and supply of the options market. The proposed theoretical model allows us to explain the existence of an upward bias and its determinants, and to simultaneously explain both the volatility smile and the volatility term structure. With data spanning the period of 1990 to 2008, twenty-six options on commodity futures markets are analyzed. For at-the-money options, as predicted by the proposed model, the implied volatility is found to be an upward-biased estimator of the realized volatility in nineteen markets. The implied volatility appears to be an unbiased estimator for the realized volatility in the cotton, oats, wheat No. 2, cocoa, orange juice, and heating oil markets. However, for out-of-the-money and in-of-the-money options, implied volatility appears to be an upward-biased estimator of the realized volatility. The theoretical model further suggests that the implied volatility's bias is caused by the quantity hedged, the strike, volatility, futures price, the risk-free rate, option prices, and days to maturity. The bias is different across strikes, times to maturity, puts and calls, option year, and exchanges. In most markets, the open interest and the historical return variables do not appear to have much impact. However, the historical volatility, the Risk free rate, and the Option price variables are shown to have a positive impact on the bias in most markets. The empirical model appears to explain the bias reasonably well with 30%-40% R2 in eleven markets and more than 50% R2 in thirteen markets. The results suggest that one should subtract the average bias presented here from the actual option premium before obtaining the implied volatility of the options. This could provide implied volatility which is a more accurate predictor of the future realized volatility.
Management Quality, Financial and Investment Policies, and Asymmetric Information

Abstract We develop measures of the management quality of firms and make use of a unique sample of hand-collected data to examine the relationship between the reputation and quality of a firm’s management and its financial and investment policies, a relationship that has so far received little attention in the literature. We hypothesize that better and more reputable managers are able to convey the intrinsic value of their firm more credibly to outsiders, thus reducing the information asymmetry facing their firm in the equity market. Given this, firms with better and more reputable managers will have more access to the equity market, so that we expect lower leverage ratios for these firms. In addition, they will have less need to signal using dividends, so that they will have lower dividend payout ratios. Further, since better managers are likely to select better projects (having a larger net present value (NPV) for any given scale) and to implement them more ably, higher management quality will also be associated with higher levels of investment. We present evidence consistent with the above hypotheses. Our direct tests of the relationship between management quality and asymmetric information also indicate that higher management quality leads to a reduction in the extent of information asymmetry facing a firm in the equity market.
Ebola Virus Protein VP35 Impairs the Function of Interferon Regulatory Factor-Activating Kinases IKKε and TBK-1

ABSTRACT The Ebola virus (EBOV) VP35 protein antagonizes the early antiviral alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) response. We previously demonstrated that VP35 inhibits the virus-induced activation of the IFN-β promoter by blocking the phosphorylation of IFN-regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), a transcription factor that is crucial for the induction of IFN-α/β expression. Furthermore, VP35 blocks IFN-β promoter activation induced by any of several components of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)/melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5)-activated signaling pathways including RIG-I, IFN-β promoter stimulator 1 (IPS-1), TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK-1), and IκB kinase epsilon (IKKε). These results suggested that VP35 may target the IRF kinases TBK-1 and ΙΚΚε. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments now demonstrate physical interactions of VP35 with ΙΚΚε and TBK-1, and the use of an ΙΚΚε deletion construct further demonstrates that the amino-terminal kinase domain of ΙΚΚε is sufficient for interactions with either IRF-3 or VP35. In vitro, either ΙΚΚε or TBK-1 phosphorylates not only IRF-3 but also VP35. Moreover, VP35 overexpression impairs ΙΚΚε-IRF-3, ΙΚΚε-IRF-7, and ΙΚΚε-IPS-1 interactions. Finally, lysates from cells overexpressing IKKε contain kinase activity that can phosphorylate IRF-3 in vitro. When VP35 is expressed in the IKKε-expressing cells, this kinase activity is suppressed. These data suggest that VP35 exerts its IFN-antagonist function, at least in part, by blocking necessary interactions between the kinases ΙΚΚε and TBK-1 and their normal interaction partners, including their substrates, IRF-3 and IRF-7.
The role of conceptual frameworks in epidemiological analysis: a hierarchical approach.

BACKGROUND This paper discusses appropriate strategies for multivariate data analysis in epidemiological studies. METHODS In studies where determinants of disease are sought, it is suggested that the complex hierarchical inter-relationships between these determinants are best managed through the use of conceptual frameworks. Failure to take these aspects into consideration is common in the epidemiological literature and leads to underestimation of the effects of distal determinants. RESULTS An example of this analytical approach, which is not based purely on statistical associations, is given for assessing determinants of mortality due to diarrhoea in children. CONCLUSIONS Conceptual frameworks provide guidance for the use of multivariate techniques and aid the interpretation of their results in the light of social and biological knowledge.