Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychological bonds and their impact on behavioral loyalty in auditor‐client relationships

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the psychological bond on behavioral loyalty (word-of-mouth, continuance and non-audit services) to audit firms providing services to companies listed on the Polish Stock Exchange. Design/methodology/approach - A model is proposed and tested using structural equation modeling with LISREL. Data were collected from top executives of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Findings - The psychological bond has a positive effect on word-of-mouth, continuance and non-audit services. Research limitations/implications - The current research is limited to the investigation of the psychological bond as an antecedent of behavioral loyalty in Poland. Future research should identify and assess other antecedents and replicate these across different countries. A longitudinal survey across different points in time might reveal more useful information about auditor-client relationships. Practical implications - Auditors need to consider ways in which they can develop the psychological bond with their clients. This bond is the basis for the client believing the audit firm is superior to others, which has been found to lead to behavioral loyalty in this study. In particular, management of the auditor brand and reputation, personal experience of the audit firm and alumni relations are discussed as ways of enhancing the psychological bond among client executives. Originality/value - This study is the first to examine the impact of the psychological bond on behavioral loyalty in auditor-client relationships.
Market Power Effects on Market Equilibrium in Ambient Permit Markets

This paper discusses market power effects in ambient permit markets. We consider a dominant firm in a position to exert market power in several markets. A first conclusion is that the distortion observed on manipulated markets spreads to other markets. We find that the manipulated prices could be lower than their competitive level if the dominant firm acts as a monopolist, and higher if it acts as a monopsonist. We show that the efficient outcome is not reached, except if the number of firms is the same as the number of markets whatever the initial endowment of permits. If not, the efficient outcome can be reached by means of initial endowments.
On leisure demand: a Post Keynesian critique of neoclassical theory

Leisure is not a typical theme of analysis in Post Keynesian economics. The analysis of leisure, however, provides an opportunity to critique mainstream economic analysis as well as contributes toward our understanding of an important facet of modern economies. This paper provides an empirical contribution toward this objective by focusing upon leisure demand. As well as drawing upon early Post Keynesian and institutional and sociological analyses, the paper offers original empirical insights from the United Kingdom using a qualitative choice analysis.
Improvement of hospital processes through business process management in Qaem Teaching Hospital: A work in progress

In a world of continuously changing business environments, organizations have no option; however, to deal with such a big level of transformation in order to adjust the consequential demands. Therefore, many companies need to continually improve and review their processes to maintain their competitive advantages in an uncertain environment. Meeting these challenges requires implementing the most efficient possible business processes, geared to the needs of the industry and market segments that the organization serves globally. In the last 10 years, total quality management, business process reengineering, and business process management (BPM) have been some of the management tools applied by organizations to increase business competiveness. This paper is an original article that presents implementation of “BPM” approach in the healthcare domain that allows an organization to improve and review its critical business processes. This project was performed in “Qaem Teaching Hospital” in Mashhad city, Iran and consists of four distinct steps; (1) identify business processes, (2) document the process, (3) analyze and measure the process, and (4) improve the process. Implementing BPM in Qaem Teaching Hospital changed the nature of management by allowing the organization to avoid the complexity of disparate, soloed systems. BPM instead enabled the organization to focus on business processes at a higher level.
Selective relationship between prefrontal N-acetylaspartate measures and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE Certain cognitive, behavioral, and emotional deficits (so-called negative symptoms) in patients with schizophrenia have often been attributed to prefrontal cortical pathology, but direct evidence for a relationship between prefrontal neuronal pathology and negative symptoms has been lacking. The authors hypothesized that an in vivo measure of prefrontal neuronal pathology (N:-acetylaspartate [NAA] levels) in patients with schizophrenia would predict negative symptoms. METHOD Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging ((1)H-MRSI) and rating scales for negative and positive symptoms were used to study 36 patients with schizophrenia. Magnetic resonance spectra were analyzed as metabolite ratios, and parametric correlations were performed. RESULTS A regionally selective negative correlation was found between prefrontal NAA-creatine ratio and negative symptom ratings in this group of patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Lower prefrontal NAA-and by inference greater neuronal pathology-predicted more severe negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. These data demonstrate a relationship between an intraneuronal measure of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex integrity and negative symptoms in vivo and represent further evidence for the involvement of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
Bacteriocins of Streptococcus pneumoniae and its response to challenges by antimicrobial peptides

In silico analysis of the genome sequence of S. pneumoniae R6 indicated that SPR0140 - 0146 genes might form a functional cluster containing a pneumococcal peptide of unknown function with some resemblance to bacteriocins. Hence, we named the peptide PpuA and the gene cluster ppuRABCDE . The cluster encodes PpuR, a putative regulator, the PpuA peptide, PpuBC, two CAAX endopeptidases, PpuD, a putative transporter, and PpuE a putative branched-chain amino acid transporter. Here, we show that expression of the ppuRABCDE cluster is strictly linked to the concentration of amino acids and peptides in the growth medium, suggesting that the function of the cluster is related to the general nitrogen metabolism of this bacterium. In line with this, we demonstrate that expression of ppuRABCDE is under negative control of CodY, a branched-chain amino acid responsive regulator. Moreover, transcriptional studies showed that PpuR is likely a positive regulator of ppuABCDE . Transcriptome analysis of a ppuR and a ppuA mutant revealed that expression of two other, not yet described putative clusters, are influenced by the ppu cluster. Thus, they were designated as a peptide responsive cluster, prcRABCD , and a transporter of amino acids, taaBC . Transcriptional analysis of the prcRABCD and taaBC promoter regions confirmed that PpuR and the ppuRABCDE cluster influenced their expression . Interestingly, expression of both the prcA and taaBC promoter changed upon addition of nitrogen containing compounds to the medium, which suggests that both clusters, i.e. prcRABCD and taaBC , might be involved in the nitrogen metabolism of S. pneumoniae , as is the ppuRABCDE cluster. In conclusion, we revealed that three gene clusters, i.e. ppu , prc and taa , are most likely involved in nitrogen metabolism in S. pneumoniae . In addition, two regulators of these clusters were identified: namely PpuR regulates ppuRABCDE expression together with CodY, and influences that of the prc and the taa cluster, which suggests that they form a novel regulon in this bacterium.
Effects of L-asparaginase on plasma amino acid profiles and tumor burden in cats with lymphoma.

BACKGROUND L-Asparaginase (Elspar(a)), is an Escherichia coli-derived enzyme that depletes lymphoma cells of asparagine, inhibiting protein synthesis and resulting in cell death. The single agent response rate in cats with lymphoma and impact of L-asparaginase on plasma amino acid concentrations is unknown. HYPOTHESES L-Asparaginase significantly reduces plasma asparagine concentrations and has demonstrable efficacy against untreated lymphoma in cats. ANIMALS Thirteen cats with confirmed lymphoma (LSA) of any anatomic site were given 1 dose 400 IU/kg IM) of L-asparaginase for initial LSA treatment. METHODS Plasma collected at 0, 2, and 7 days after L-asparaginase therapy was assayed for ammonia, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamine, and glutamic acid concentrations. Cats were restaged 7 days later to assess tumor response. RESULTS Eight cats had T-cell LSA, 4 cats had B-cell LSA, and 1 cat's immunophenotype was unknown. Two complete and 2 partial responses to L-asparaginase were seen. Four cats had stable disease, and 5 cats had progressive disease. Ammonia and aspartic acid concentrations were increased from baseline at 2 and 7 days posttreatment. Asparagine concentrations were decreased from baseline at 2 days but not 7 days posttreatment. Glutamic acid concentrations were increased at day 2 compared to day 7 posttreatment but not compared to baseline. Glutamine concentrations were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE L-asparaginase significantly reduced asparagine concentrations within 2 days of treatment, but this effect was lost within 7 days. The apparent overall response rate of feline LSA to L-asparaginase in this study was 30%.
Lateral subcutaneous internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure: our experience.

BACKGROUND Chronic anal fissure is the most common cause of anal pain associated with internal anal sphincter hypertonia. Reduction of hypertonia favours fissure healing. Temporary reduction in sphincter tone can be achieved by conservative treatment. Surgical sphincterotomy achieves permanent reduction of sphincter hypertonia and is very successful at healing anal fissures, but requires an operation with associated small morbidity. METHODS A study was undertaken on 246 patients (120 men, 126 women, mean age 48.3 years), undergoing subcutaneous lateral internal sphincterotomy for a chronic fissure-in-ano from January 1, 1981 to December 31, 2004. Therapeutical outcome, postoperative course and early and long-term results were recorded. RESULTS During the study period, the 246 patients underwent total subcutaneous lateral internal sphincterotomy, 62 of them under general anesthesia (1981-1991), and the remainder under local anesthesia. Two-hundred-forty-two patients returned for their postoperative visits at 2, 6, 24 and 48 weeks, while four patients were lost to follow-up. At 3 months postoperatively, 97.5% of fissures had healed; 224 fissures were healed by 6 weeks, 10 by 7 weeks and 2 by 3 months. Pain was significantly reduced in all patients at Day 1 postoperative. Minor complications included hematoma (0.8%) and pain (0.4%). New minor incontinence was seen in 7.02% of patients at 48-week follow up. Patients' satisfaction was 91.7%. CONCLUSIONS Total subcutaneous internal sphincterotomy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic anal fissures, that only rarely impairs continence to flatus.
Are UK Companies' Prices Sticky?

This paper reports results from a survey by the Bank of England in 1995 to assess the extent of price-stickiness in 654 UK companies. In the year before the survey, firms on average reviewed prices monthly but changed them only twice. Time-dependent pricing was far more prevalent than state-dependent pricing and there was also some evidence of asymmetries in price-responsiveness to shocks. Firms assessed the importance of particular (layman's descriptions of) theories of price stickiness. Few respondents rated menu costs as material to their price-setting decisions. But (explicit and implicit) contractual arrangements and costs were important factors in pricing behaviour. Copyright 2000 by Oxford University Press.
Exploring the physiological effects of double‐cone coil TMS over the medial frontal cortex on the anterior cingulate cortex: an H215O PET study

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) using a double‐cone coil over the medial frontal cortex has the potential to clarify the function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in cognition, emotion and mood disorders. Following demonstration of disruption of performance on psychological tasks closely linked to cingulate function using this TMS technique, the current study aimed to directly measure the regional distribution of physiological effects of stimulation in the brain with H215O PET. Experiment 1 assessed the effect of increasing numbers of pulse trains of TMS on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Experiment 2 assessed the capacity of medial frontal TMS to modulate brain activity associated with the Stroop task using medial parietal TMS as a control site of stimulation. SPM99 analyses, using the ACC as a region of interest, revealed clusters of increased rCBF during medial frontal TMS in Brodmann area 24 and reduced rCBF in more ventral ACC, the latter occurring in both experiments. In a whole‐brain analysis, striking changes in rCBF were observed distal to the ACC following medial frontal TMS. Although TMS reliably affected Stroop task performance in early trials, there was no interaction between TMS and Stroop condition in rCBF. Our results suggest that medial frontal TMS using the double‐cone coil can affect ACC activity. However, a number of more distal cortical areas were also affected in these experiments. These additional changes may reflect either ‘downstream’ effects of altered cingulate cortex activity or direct effects of the coil.
Attachment 1 Running head: ATTACHMENT The Ramifications for Neurological Development, Resiliency and Psychopathology of Early Childhood and Adult Attachment Patterns: Therapeutic Considerations

The implications of childhood attachment patterns and neurological development have significant ramifications on adult attachment patterns, resiliency, and the development of psychopathology. This thesis explores early childhood development, childhood and adult attachment patterns, and the effect of an attachment disruption on the individual’s brain structure and corresponding views of self and others. The client’s pattern of attachment has vital implications for the mental health practitioner. This thesis offers therapeutic considerations for the development of an effective therapeutic alliance with each type of insecure attachment pattern. Empirical validation of the Adlerian concepts of: Life Style, early recollections and social interest are also explored.
New Directions in Planning Theory Introduction

Abstract We have always been unsure about planning theory. We have argued whether there could be a theory of planning, what form it would take, and how it would relate to practice. We have never resolved these issues to the satisfaction of our professional community or even to the satisfaction of those, mainly in planning education, who worry about the state of theory in planning. In recent years there has been increasing criticism of the ruling planning theory—the rational planning model, or rational action model. But the rational model remains in force because no competitive set of ideas has attracted sufficient support to supplant it. We continue to teach the rational model to new entrants to the planning field. When asked what our “theory” is, we are inclined to talk about the four (five, six, or seven) steps of the rational model; but when we practice our profession, we operate from some amalgam of experience, intuition, technique, context, and personality. There are many who argue that the rational .
The Supervisor's Dilemma: Is Reconciliation Possible between the Candidate's Needs and the Supervisor's Integrity?

The supervisor of a graduate research candidate has a responsibility to the candidate to provide guidance throughout the project. It is necessary to ensure that the candidate accumulates a comprehensive understanding of the research endeavour, delivers a dissertation that evidences that understanding, and makes a sufficient contribution. Through that process, the candidate achieves 'rite of passage' to a research career. On the other hand, the supervisor also has a responsibility to themselves and their profession: to sustain their own integrity. The Information Systems discipline has been dragged towards a state in which rigour dominates relevance to an untenable extent, and the real-world value of too much of the research that is conducted and published is diminishingly small. Nowhere is the tension so great as in the research domain that is the focus of the Bled eConference. The dilemma that I expand on in this paper is created by the conflict between the current expectations of the discipline and the needs of real-world-relevant research.
Evaluating the trade-off between the level of customer service and transportation costs in a ship scheduling problem

In many ship scheduling problems, time windows are imposed at the loading and/ or discharging of the cargoes to be lifted. Up until now, all proposed solution methods to ship scheduling problems have treated the time window constraints as hard constraints. By transforming the time window constraints into soft constraints, some of the loading/discharging operations may be performed outside the time windows, penalized by an inconvenience cost for not meeting the time window. The motivation behind introducing soft time windows is that, by allowing controlled time window violations for some customers, it may be possible to obtain better routes and significant reductions in the transportation costs. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the trade-off between transportation costs and the time window violations. Computational results based on data from a real ship scheduling problem are presented and used as a basis for the evaluation.
Colon cancer-associated mutator DNA polymerase δ variant causes expansion of dNTP pools increasing its own infidelity

Significance Mutations affecting replicative DNA polymerases δ (Polδ) and ε (Polε) are linked to sporadic and hereditary colorectal cancer and sporadic endometrial cancer in humans. How these mutations promote the genome instability and tumorigenesis is unclear. Here, we deciphered the mechanism of mutagenesis caused by the colon cancer-associated variant Polδ-R696W in a yeast model. It is a previously unappreciated pathway in which erroneous DNA synthesis by Polδ-R696W induces checkpoint-dependent expansion of dNTP pools. The increase in dNTP levels, in turn, causes further dramatic reduction in the fidelity of Polδ-R696W, resulting in more errors and continuous activation of the signaling cascade that keeps the dNTP pools expanded, thus forming a “vicious circle. ” This phenomenon may provide insight into the processes shaping the genomes of hypermutated human cancers. Defects in DNA polymerases δ (Polδ) and ε (Polε) cause hereditary colorectal cancer and have been implicated in the etiology of some sporadic colorectal and endometrial tumors. We previously reported that the yeast pol3-R696W allele mimicking a human cancer-associated variant, POLD1-R689W, causes a catastrophic increase in spontaneous mutagenesis. Here, we describe the mechanism of this extraordinary mutator effect. We found that the mutation rate increased synergistically when the R696W mutation was combined with defects in Polδ proofreading or mismatch repair, indicating that pathways correcting DNA replication errors are not compromised in pol3-R696W mutants. DNA synthesis by purified Polδ-R696W was error-prone, but not to the extent that could account for the unprecedented mutator phenotype of pol3-R696W strains. In a search for cellular factors that augment the mutagenic potential of Polδ-R696W, we discovered that pol3-R696W causes S-phase checkpoint-dependent elevation of dNTP pools. Abrogating this elevation by strategic mutations in dNTP metabolism genes eliminated the mutator effect of pol3-R696W, whereas restoration of high intracellular dNTP levels restored the mutator phenotype. Further, the use of dNTP concentrations present in pol3-R696W cells for in vitro DNA synthesis greatly decreased the fidelity of Polδ-R696W and produced a mutation spectrum strikingly similar to the spectrum observed in vivo. The results support a model in which (i) faulty synthesis by Polδ-R696W leads to a checkpoint-dependent increase in dNTP levels and (ii) this increase mediates the hypermutator effect of Polδ-R696W by facilitating the extension of mismatched primer termini it creates and by promoting further errors that continue to fuel the mutagenic pathway.
Consideration of Three Types of Spontaneous Eyeblink Activity in Normal Humans: during Reading and Video Display Terminal Use, in Primary Gaze, and while in Conversation

Purpose. To consider the conditions under which the so-called spontaneous (endogenous) eyeblink activity has been assessed by different investigators over the last 75 years and to consider the most appropriate terminology. The reason for this analysis was to try to identify why such different values for the spontaneous eyeblink rate (SEBR) have been reported. Methods. A retrospective evaluation of published articles was carried out to identify whether the SEBR assessments were consistently dependent on the activity of the subjects while spontaneous eyeblink activity was being investigated. These were compared with assessments of SEBR in young adult subjects under equivalent conditions. Results. Assessments of spontaneous eyeblink activity revealed that SEBR in a reading posture is lower than that in primary gaze, and SEBR is higher when subjects are in conversation. Such differences are also generally found in literature reports, especially if the primary gaze assessment is carried in silence. Electrophysiological measures of SEBR yield slightly higher values compared with observational techniques. Statistical analysis (with calculation of 95% confidence interval values) indicate that reading-SEBR should be between 1.4 and 14.4 eyeblinks/min, primary gaze-SEBR between 8.0 and 21.0 eyeblinks/min and conversational-SEBR between 10.5 and 32.5 eyeblinks/min for normal adults. Conclusions. It is inappropriate to simply state a value for spontaneous eyeblink rate because it is so dependent on experimental conditions. It is further proposed that reports of SEBR measures should be prefixed by these experimental conditions, namely reading-SEBR, primary gaze-SEBR (in silence) and conversational-SEBR.
Employability skills initiatives in higher education: what effects do they have on graduate labour market outcomes?

The present paper makes use of detailed information gathered at university department level, combined with graduate survey data, to assess the impact of different kinds of employability skills initiative on graduate labour market performance. We find that structured work experience and employer involvement in degree course design and delivery have clear positive effects on the ability of graduates to secure employment in ‘graduate‐level’ jobs. However, a measure of departmental involvement in explicit teaching and assessment of employability skills is not significantly related to labour market performance.