Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards an interpretative integrative framework to conceptualise social processes in large information systems implementations

This paper develops a new interpretative framework to study large information systems implementations. This framework is used to make explicit the various links between the implementation process, the wider organisation and external context. This framework is applied to a substantive case to integrate relevant organisational levels and distinct activity domains, as well as the interconnections between those levels and domains through time. More specifically, the paper extends a previous substantive case analysis with an interpretivist conceptualisation and theory triangulation in order to uncover the deeper structure and meanings embedded in a major information systems (IS) implementation process. The research scope of the IS implementation ranged from initial project formulation, to system development and management training, managing support from key stakeholders, and marginal system use. The substantive case, which has been published elsewhere [33], is based on a national information systems initiative to support the decentralisation and modernisation of management functions in health districts of the Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador. A key objective of this paper is to build a process theory of IS implementation, situated within the context of the substantive case study.
Industry Audit Experts and Ownership Structure in the Syndicated Loan Market: At the Firm and Partner Levels

SYNOPSIS: The PCAOB has recently issued two concept releases that seek feedback on a proposal that requires audit firms to disclose the name of the engagement partner in the audit report. This paper provides evidence about the efficacy of this proposal by examining whether industry audit experts at the partner level are valued by stakeholders—lenders in the syndicate loan market. Our paper is based on the unique data in Taiwan, where the audit report is issued in the name of two signing auditors, as well as the audit firm. Prior research suggests that lead arrangers prefer to hold a lower share of the loan and to have a larger number of other lenders. First, we find no evidence that Big 4 audit firms are related to the lower share of a syndicated loan held by the lead arrangers, after controlling for industry audit expertise; we also find no evidence that firm-level expertise alone is associated with the share held by lead arrangers. However, we do find that partner-level industry audit experts, either a.
The Future of Nature-Based Tourism in the Asia-Pacific Region

There appears to be widespread respect for and interest in nature among Asia-Pacific societies, which has strong cultural and religious roots, contrary to the popular view that this is mainly a Western concern. This article projects the growing demand for nature-based tourism in the Asia-Pacific region into the future, using examples of protected areas, zoos, and nature-based spas. The current status of nature-based tourism in the region is discussed, before exploring future scenarios. Findings suggest that this strong attachment to nature may manifest itself in overdevelopment and overuse of natural attractions by 2050, based on seven key drivers identified in this study, including the rise of an affluent and educated middle class, increased urbanization, and a “development at all costs” mentality.
The corporate challenges of sustainable development

Executive Overview While evidence pointing to environmental, social-equity, and economic threats mounts, few U.S. firms have embraced the principles of sustainable development. This reticence is illustrated through an analysis of the adoption of ISO 14001, an international environmental-management system intended to advance the sustainable-development agenda in organizations. Interviewed managers said they resisted the standard because the benefits of ISO 14001 did not outweigh the costs and because in-house environmental systems served the same purpose. While part of this reticence can be attributed to the standard itself, it is also partly due to the nature of the issue of sustainable development. It is a societal issue to which most firms do not know how to respond. To bridge this divide, sustainable development must become more institutionalized in the regulations, norms, and mindsets of Americans. By translating the general principles of sustainable development into business practices, by developing .
‘I’d rather work in a supermarket’: privatization of home care work in Japan

The rise in nuclear family households and more married women engaging in paid work have forced governments to address the issue of aged care for the elderly to a greater degree. A good illustration is home care in Japan where the government introduced a Long Term Care Insurance scheme (LTCI) (2000) focused on offering affordable almost universal care by extending existing home care services. Japan’s home care services were privatized in 2006 and, while this is not unique to Japan, the combination of cost-cutting measures and the client-driven model encompassed in the LTCI has had a significant impact on employment conditions and the organization of work in home care services. This research assesses the impact on employment conditions and the organization of work in Japan’s former government-run home care sector compared with the pre-LTCI period and argues that privatization has resulted in work intensification and deteriorating employment conditions.
From orthostatic hypotension to Shy-Drager syndrome

Objective: Several findings suggest that some patients with depressive or bipolar disorder may be at increased risk of developing dementia. The present study aimed to investigate whether the risk of developing dementia increases with the number of affective episodes in patients with depressive disorder and in patients with bipolar disorder. Methods: This was a case register study including all hospital admissions with primary affective disorder in Denmark during 1970–99. The effect of the number of prior episodes leading to admission on the rate of readmission with a diagnosis of dementia following the first discharge after 1985 was estimated. A total of 18 726 patients with depressive disorder and 4248 patients with bipolar disorder were included in the study. Results: The rate of a diagnosis of dementia on readmission was significantly related to the number of prior affective episodes leading to admission. On average, the rate of dementia tended to increase 13% with every episode leading to admission for patients with depressive disorder and 6% with every episode leading to admission for patients with bipolar disorder, when adjusted for differences in age and sex. Conclusion: On average, the risk of dementia seems to increase with the number of episodes in depressive and bipolar affective disorders.
Common stochastic trends in international stock prices and dividends: an example of testing overidentifying restrictions on multiple cointegration vectors

Based on a cointegrated VAR model, a joint test of the within-country and crosscountry low-frequency implications of the present value model of stock prices is derived and applied to postwar annual stock market data from four European countries. Following Johansen (1995) and Johansen and Juselius (1994) the test is formulated as a test of overidentifying restrictions on multiple cointegration vectors. The analysis is similar in spirit to the analysis carried out by Kasa (1992). However, whereas Kasa analyses prices and dividends in two separate VAR models and does not test restrictions implied by the present value model on the cointegration vectors, we perform the analysis within one comprehensive VAR model and test the full set of within-country and cross-country implications by a single likelihood ratio test. The empirical results indicate the presence of common trends among dividends in the four countries; how many is, however, difficult to judge. Furthermore, the results of the tests of the overidentifying restrictions are not clearcut. If dividends share one or two common trends the restrictions are not rejected at standard significance levels. However, if dividends share three common trends, the restrictions are strongly rejected.
All-Optical Clock Recovery for NRZ-DPSK Signals

We experimentally demonstrate an optical clock recovery scheme for nonreturn-to-zero differential phase shifting keying (NRZ-DPSK) data. By using an optical circuit made by a proper fiber Bragg filter and a Fabry-Peacuterot based clock extraction circuit, we obtain a stable and low jitter 10-GHz optical clock signal. This signal shows comparable performance with the original electrical clock in bit-error-rate measurements and oscilloscope triggering operation
Information Technology and U.S. Energy Consumption: Energy Hog, Productivity Tool, or Both?

A significant debate has emerged with respect to the energy requirements of the Internet. The popular literature has echoed a misleading study that incorrectly suggests the growth of the information economy will require huge amounts of new energy resources. Even correcting the misleading assumptions in that study, discussion on this topic tends to result in a highly limited and unsatisfactory review of many larger issues. Although the evidence suggests a relatively small amount of energy is required to power today's information needs—;about 3% of total electricity consumption in the United States—;the complexity and connectivity of the Internet, and, more generally, the information economy, yield a deep uncertainty about the eventual long‐term impact on energy consumption. Although we may not yet be able to generalize about the future long‐term energy needs associated with the information economy, the evidence points to continuing technical changes and the growing substitution of knowledge for material resources. These interrelated trends will likely generate small decreases in energy intensity and reduce subsequent environmental impacts relative to many baseline projections. Despite these trends, a number of questions need to be addressed before any solid long‐term conclusions might be forthcoming. The article reviews some of the dimensions of these possible changes and suggests further directions for research that may help answer these important questions.
EFFICIENT QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF JUMP PROCESSES: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SAFETY

This paper develops a dynamic framework for efficient quantitative risk assessment from the simplest general risk, combining three parameters (contamination, exposure, and dose response) in a Kataoka safety-first model and a Poisson probability representing the uncertainty effect or jump processes associated with food safety. Analysis indicates that incorporating jump processes in food safety risk assessment provides more efficient cost/risk tradeoffs. Nevertheless, increased margin of safety may lead to reduction in food safety expenses on areas that have relative advantage in reducing mean risk. The paper also develops an alternative measure for the value of risk reduction associated with uncertainty of jump processes and the cost of food safety.
How best to fix a broken hip. Fractured Neck of Femur Health Outcomes Project Team.

OBJECTIVES To develop evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures to optimise functional outcome while minimising length of stay in hospital. DATA SOURCES Systematic literature search of MEDLINE and CINAHL computer databases, bibliographies, and current contents of key journals for 1966-1995. STUDY SELECTION English-language randomised controlled trials of all aspects of acute-care hospital treatment of proximal femoral fracture among subjects aged 50 years and over with proximal femoral fractures not due to metastatic disease. DATA EXTRACTION Two independent reviewers, blinded to authors, institution and study results, followed a standard Cochrane Collaboration protocol and assessed study quality and treatment conclusions. When necessary, a third review was performed to reach consensus. RESULTS Of the 120 articles published between 1966 and December 1995, 97 met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen clinical interventions were reviewed. Five were supported by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) level I evidence (prophylactic anticoagulants, prophylactic antibiotics, regional anaesthesia, pressure-relieving mattresses, and internal surgical fixation), two had no supporting randomised controlled trial evidence (time to surgery, time to mobilisation after surgery) and the remainder were classified as having Level II evidence. A review of current practice (1993-94) identified wide variability in these interventions across five acute-care hospitals in the Northern Sydney Area Health Service. CONCLUSIONS Randomised controlled trial evidence (NHMRC Levels I and II) exists for many, but not all, aspects of hip fracture treatment. There is a need for changes to be made to some aspects of practice in accordance with evidence-based guidelines.
Wine Price and Quality: In Search of a Signaling Equilibrium in 2001 California Cabernet Sauvignon

ABSTRACT Wine varies greatly in price and quality. In the limited sample we study here, 2001 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines rated by an expert in Wine Spectator, price ranges from $7 to $300 per bottle. Similarly, quality ratings on a 100-point scale range from 68 to 96 points. Our purpose here is twofold. First, we wish to estimate empirically a relationship between price and quality rating. Second, we hope to provide a discussion of characteristics of wine markets that might help refocus theoretical economic research on the wine price-quality relationship. Specifically, we suggest a movement away from hedonic pricing methods and their reliance on assumptions of competitive markets and perfect information. Rather, we suggest that imperfect competition and imperfect, asymmetric information characterize wine markets, and that the theoretical underpinnings of empirical work need to recognize this fact.
Pathological, Immunohistochemical, and Electron Microscopic Findings in the Respiratory Tract and Skin of Chickens Naturally Infected with Avipoxvirus

The present study describes pathological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic findings in the respiratory tract and skin of chickens naturally infected with avian pox virus. Respiratory distress, depression, and cyanosis were found in the chickens upon clinical examination. At necropsy, erosion, crusts, and nodules were observed on the comb, wattle, and eyelids. Histopathological examination revealed that the epithelial cells in the stratum spinosum were hyperplastic, and that their cytoplasm contained large, eosinophilic inclusion bodies. Epithelial hyperplasia was also prominent in the mucosa of the trachea and bronchi, with characteristic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies and severe submucosal accumulation of mononuclear cells. Avipoxvirus infection was confirmed by an immune positive reaction with antibodies against avipoxvirus within the cytoplasm of the hyperplastic epithelial cells and within the inclusion bodies, and by the electron microscopy of typical dumbbell-shaped poxviral particles within the epithelial cell inclusions. Ozet: Bu cal›flmada, kanatl› cicek virusu ile doal enfekte tavuklar›n deri ve solunum kanal›nda patolojik, immunohistokimyasal ve elektron mikroskobik bulgular›n bildirilmesi amacland›. Klinik olarak, tavuklarda solunum guclu¤u, depresyon ve siyanoz dikkati cekti. Nekropside, ibik, sakal ve goz kapaklar›nda erozyon, kabuk ve nodullere rastland›. Histopatolojik olarak, stratum spinosumda epitel hucrelerinde hiperplazi ve sitoplazmalar›nda iri eozinofilik inkluzyon cisimcikleri goruldu. Benzer bicimde epitelial hiperplazi, sitoplazmik inkluzyon cisimcikleri ve submukozal mononukleer hucre infiltrasyonuna trakea ve bronfl mukozas›nda da rastland›. Avipoxvirus enfeksiyonu, hiperplastik epitel hucrelerinin sitoplazmas› ve inkluzyon cisimciklerinin antikorlarla pozitif immun reaksiyonu ve elektron mikroskopta epitelial inkluzyon cisimciklerinde can benzeri tipik poxvirus partikullerin varl›¤› ile tespit edildi.
The development of Professor Hayek′s research programme

Discusses the ideas and theories of Professor F.A. Hayek and assesses their relevance to present day social economics. Opens with the theory of business‐cycles and compares Hayek′s ideas with those of Keyne′s in this area. Follows on with dynamic market theory and the theory of evolution of social institutes. Concludes with a summary of all three expanding their legacy – that they are models for future research.
IL‐7Rα and E47: independent pathways required for development of multipotent lymphoid progenitors

Mice that lack the transcription factors encoded by the E2A gene or the receptor for interleukin 7 (IL‐7R) have severe overlapping defects in lymphocyte development. Here, we show that E2A proteins are required for the survival of early T‐lineage cells; however, they function through a pathway that is distinct from the survival pathway initiated by IL‐7R signaling. While E2A proteins are required to suppress caspase 3 activation, ectopic expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 is not sufficient to overcome the lymphopoietic defects observed in the absence of E2A. Remarkably, mice that lack both IL‐7Rα and E47 display a synergistic decrease in the number of T‐cell, NK‐cell and multipotent progenitors in the thymus, indicating that these distinct survival pathways converge to promote the development of multipotent lymphoid progenitors.
Psychiatry, Religion and Cognitive Science

Objective: To see whether certain findings in cognitive science can serve to bridge the conceptual gap between psychiatry, particularly in its psychotherapeutic aspects, and religious/spiritual understanding. Method: A brief review is given of certain basic differences between psychiatric understanding in its psychotherapeutic aspects, and much of Western religious/spiritual understanding. Reference is then made to certain findings in contemporary cognitive science which might challenge the implicit mind–body split of Western religious tradition and its parallel in psychotherapeutic practice. Attention is also drawn to elements in religious/spiritual tradition that run counter to this dualistic point of view. Results and Conclusions: Much of contemporary religious/spiritual understanding, and of modern psychiatric understanding, especially in terms of psychotherapy, appear to exist in quite separate domains. Psychotherapy and the greater part of Western religious thinking, however, share a belief in the existence of a transcendent mind. Recent developments in cognitive science and certain spiritual traditions, challenge this implicit mind–body split, providing an opportunity for a renewed dialogue between psychiatry and religion and the possibility of collaborative research.
Financial Incentives for Increasing Work and Income Among Low-Income Families

This paper investigates the impact of financial incentive programs, which have become an increasingly common component of welfare programs. We review experimental evidence from several such programs. Financial incentive programs appear to increase work and raise income (lower poverty), but cost somewhat more than alternative welfare programs. In particular, windfall beneficiaries -- those who would have been working anyway -- can raise costs by participating in the program. Several existing programs limit this effect by targeting long-term welfare recipients or by limiting benefits to full-time workers. At the same time, because financial incentive programs transfer support to working low-income families, the increase in costs due to windfall beneficiaries makes these programs more effective at alleviating poverty and raising incomes. Evidence also indicates that combining financial incentive programs with job search and job support services can increase both employment and income gains. Non-experimental evidence from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and from state Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs with enhanced earnings disregards also suggests that these programs increase employment, and this evidence is consistent with the experimental evidence on the impact of financial incentive programs.
Crosss Talk among Substances Can Answer Questions Raised by Clinical Trials

It is well known that atherosclerosis is a pivotal risk for cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. It has also been clinically proved that lowering blood pressure together with controlling lipid abnormality can protect against vascular damage. Among antihypertensive drugs, blocking agents against the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system are very potent; in some cases, they might even exhibit so-called “beyond blood pressure effects. ” The RAA system directly affects atherogenic factors, such as oxidative stress, inflammation (1, 2), and possibly others. On the other hand, multiple clinical trials have revealed the importance of lipid lowering in preventing atherosclerosis. In addition to clinical trials, basic research has revealed both RAS regulation and control of macrophage foaming via the reduction of cholesterol or normalization of cholesterol metabolism. So far, it seems that the RAS and lipid metabolism independently promote atherosclerosis. In this issue of Hypertension Research, Kanome et al. (3) demonstrated cross-talk between lipid metabolism and the RAA system with a focus on angiotenisn II type 1 (AT1) receptor–mediated effects. They show that AT1 receptor activation promotes lipid accumulation in monocyte-macrophages by inducing acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT1). Sharing with urotensin II and serotonin, G protein/ c-Src/PKC/MAPK pathway, those are part of downstream of AT1 receptor, upregulated ACAT1. The findings present a novel aspect of the interaction between the RAA system and lipid metabolism. In a clinical setting, ACAT1 inhibitors (e.g., avasimibe or pactimibe) did not show significant clinical effects on secondary prevention (4, 5). It has been discussed that ACAT1 inhibitors do not show additive effect on statins. Although the precise rate of co-administration of RAA inhibitors is not described, around 50% of the cohort in those studies is hypertensive, and a certain number of cohorts could be treated with RAA inhibitors. The article by Kanome et al. (3) gives us new insight into why ACAT1 inhibitors fail to show satisfactory effects in clinical trials as expected from basic research. The cohorts treated with RAA inhibitors could already show lower ACAT1 levels, and thus further inhibition of ACAT1 may not yield further beneficial effects. Recently, statins, anti-platelets, and RAA inhibitors have become commonly used in high-risk patients. Therefore, clinical trials for newly developed drugs do not always prove drug efficacy, despite beneficial effects suggested by animal experiments. This discordance might be due to the unresolved cross talk among physiologically active substances that regulate common factors in hypertensive organ damage, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and share stress. Further investigations are required to prevent inappropriate clinical trials and analyses.
Jordan and the WTO Government Procurement Agreement: An Economic Impact Assessment

Provides the following analysis: (a) identifies the top goods and services purchased by the GOJ in 1999 and 2000, from which a sample has been drawn for the analysis; (b) determines the origin of the goods and services on the basis of domestic versus foreign providers; (c) based on input/output tables, derives the costs of domestic production that include the associated levels of protection and compare those costs with the free trade costs, or border price of inputs; (d) estimates the effective rates of protection for the selected goods and services; (e) estimates the impact of liberalization on the demand for the selected goods and services; and from the empirical results, draws conclusions on the effects of the GPA on specific industries.