Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Organisational Dimensions of Global Marketing

A comprehensive concept of global marketing is developed and global marketing philosophy is outlined. Global marketing is far more than standardising communication activities. On the one hand, the globalising philosophy has an influence on the marketing mix as a whole; on the other, global marketing can also be executed as far as internal processes are concerned. To realise these standardisation activities, special organisational forms are necessary. Various organisational possibilities allowing incorporation of global marketing are described here.
PENGARUH UKURAN PERUSAHAAN TERHADAP MANAJEMEN LABA

This study investigated size effect to earnings management. In this study, it is investigated whether medium and large-sized firm more aggressive to use earnings management through reporting positive earnings to avoid losses and/or earnings decreases by examining the earnings (change) frequency distribution and probit analysis. Docu-mented is empirical evidence that small-, medium-and large-sized firms tend to report positive earnings to avoid earnings losses. However, this study observed that firm size plays differing roles in earnings management. This study found that medium-and large-sized firms do not engage more earnings management aggressively than small firms for both avoiding reporting earnings losses and earnings decreases.
Precise milling of nano-gap chains in graphene with a focused helium ion beam

A focused helium ion beam was used to introduce nano-sized gap chains in graphene. The effect of beam scanning strategies in the fabrication of the nano-gap chains was investigated. The tuning of graphene conductivity has been achieved by modulating the magnitude and uniformity of the ion dose and hence the morphology of the nano-gap chains. A model based on the site-specific and dose-dependent conductivity was built to understand the tuning of the conductivity, taking into account the nanoscale non-uniformity of irradiation.
A Replication and Validation Study on an Empirically Based Manual Scoring System 1

This is a replication of a study validating the hand scoring system for comparison question polygraph examinations proposed by Nelson, Krapohl and Handler (2008). Nine polygraph examiner trainees at an American Polygraph Association accredited polygraph school used an empirically based three-position manual scoring system involving three evaluative criteria and a reduced set of basic rules to evaluate 100 confirmed event-specific single-issue criminal investigation polygraph examinations from the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute confirmed case archive. Average decision accuracy for the inexperienced examiners was 88% with 13.1% inconclusives. Sensitivity and specificity levels achieved by the trainees did not differ significantly, suggesting they achieved balanced accuracy characteristics using the empirically based scoring system. All nine of the inexperienced examiners scored the sample cases with sufficient accuracy to meet the accuracy requirements specified by the Marin protocol (Krapohl, 2005; Marin, 2000). Results from this study parallel the results reported in the previous experiment and support the validity of an empirically based three-position manual scoring method.
Shutdown of class switch recombination by deletion of a switch region control element

Upon activation, B lymphocytes can change the class of the antibody they express by immunoglobulin class switch recombination. Cytokines can direct this recombination to distinct classes by the specific activation of repetitive recombinogenic DNA sequences, the switch regions. Recombination to a particular switch region (s gamma 1) was abolished in mice that were altered to lack sequences that are 5' to the s gamma 1 region. This result directly implicates the functional importance of 5' switch region flanking sequences in the control of class switch recombination. Mutant mice exhibit a selective agammaglobulinemia and may be useful in the assessment of the biological importance of immunoglobulin G1.
Fatigue and Proinflammatory Cytokine Activity in Breast Cancer Survivors

Objective Fatigue is a common problem among cancer patients and survivors, yet the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and persistence of this symptom are not known. Activation of the immune system may evoke feelings of fatigue, which are mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. We examined whether fatigued breast cancer survivors would show elevations in proinflammatory cytokines and markers of cytokine activity compared with nonfatigued survivors. Differences in lymphocyte subsets, cortisol, and behavioral symptoms associated with proinflammatory cytokines were also assessed. Methods Forty breast cancer survivors (20 fatigued, 20 nonfatigued) provided blood samples at visits scheduled to control for diurnal variability. Cytokines, soluble markers of cytokine activity, and cortisol were measured by immunoassay and lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. Participants also completed questionnaires measuring demographic, medical, and behavioral variables. Results Fatigued breast cancer survivors had significantly higher serum levels of several markers associated with proinflammatory cytokine activity than nonfatigued survivors, including interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (sTNF-RII), and neopterin. They were also more likely to report behavioral problems that co-occur with fatigue in the context of immune activation. Fatigued survivors had significantly lower serum levels of cortisol than the nonfatigued group as well as differences in two lymphocyte populations. Conclusions Fatigued breast cancer survivors showed elevations in serum markers associated with proinflammatory cytokine activity an average of 5 years after diagnosis. Results suggest mechanisms through which enduring immune activation may occur, including alterations in cortisol and in lymphocyte subsets.
Multi-band PIFA loaded with folded slot antenna

Multi-band coplanar waveguide-fed printed inverted-F antennas (PIFA) with double folded slot (DFS) transmission line is proposed in this paper. The proposed antenna resonant at GSM 0.9 GHz/1.8 GHz, long term evolution (LTE), wireless communication bands covering 1.47 GHz to 1.5 GHz and from 2.4 GHz to 2.7 GHz, industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) 2.45 GHz and other wireless communications applications. Multi-band behavior is achieved by loading folded slots CPW-fed with PIFA. The design of a DFS transmission line is first illustrated, which consists of two folded-slot elements with strip length of one guide wavelength and fed from one side using a coplanar waveguide transmission line. Then PIFA antenna with DFS to increase the number of resonant modes of the antenna. The DFS loaded with PIFA radiators also possess the properties of good performance, compact size, low profile, and low cost. Hence, they are suitable for implementation in wireless applications.
Do Powerful CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises Pay Workers More? - Evidence from Chinese State-Owned Enterprises

Managerial power hypothesis has explained the relation between CEO Power and executives’ compensation (or the employees’ compensation) from the aspect of private benefits. But there were no studies that examined CEO power and workers’ pay in China. Analyzing a sample of A share listed state-owned enterprises from 2007 to 2010, we examine the relation between CEO power and employees’ compensation in Chinese state-owned enterprises and the reason of this relation. We find that powerful CEOs pay workers less in state-owned enterprises, and one of the explanations is that CEOs with more power prefer to recruit more employees which lead to excess employment and less average workers’ pay. Additional tests indicate that the power of workers, staff supervisors, management ownership, and outside restriction do not mitigate such behavior but inflate it instead. Our study helps explain the different relation between CEO power and employees’ compensation in China from the aspect of excess employment, which may contribute to the managerial power hypothesis.
Prolonged treatment with oral retinoids in adults: no influence on the frequency and severity of spinal abnormalities

Summary It is generally accepted that the spine is the site of predilection for retinoid‐induced skeletal abnormalities. However, the reported prevalence of skeletal problems varies widely. To investigate the frequency and severity of retinoid‐induced spinal abnormalities, all records of patients who underwent spinal radiographs at the request of the department of dermatology between 1983 and 1993 were reviewed. This group of 135 patients comprised the total population of retinoid‐treated patients and those patients who were investigated for possible future retinoid treatment. The mean treatment period in the total group was 30 months and the mean cumulative dose of retinoid was 31 g. In 50 patients the treatment period was 24 months with 30 patients being treated for more than 48 months. Baseline radiographs were available from 26 patients and these were compared with the most recent X‐rays during treatment. The mean treatment period in this ‘prospective group’ was 25 months and the mean cumulative dose of retinoid was 25 g.
Dose‐adjusted EPOCH plus rituximab is an effective regimen in patients with poor‐prognostic untreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: results from a prospective observational study

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of an infusional DA‐EPOCH (dose‐adjusted etoposide/vincristine/doxorubicin/bolus cyclophosphamide/prednisone) and rituximab (DA‐EPOCH‐R) regimen for patients with poor prognosis diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Thirty‐three patients, aged 21–76 years, with an age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index (IPI) of 2 or 3, were enrolled, and 31/33 patients were evaluable for response. Consolidative radiation therapy was given to eight patients with bulky (≥10 cm) disease at presentation. Overall, 26 patients (83·8%) achieved a complete remission (CR), four patients (12·9%) achieved a partial remission, and one patient (3·2%) died during induction. Two patients relapsed (7·6%) within 15 months. Grade 3–4 neutropenia developed in 52% of cycles and neutropenic fever in 14% of cycles (51% of patients). The estimates for event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival at 2 years were 68% and 75% respectively. The only factor related to poor EFS was the presence of three age‐adjusted IPI‐risk factors. We conclude that DA‐EPOCH‐R has clinically significant activity with a favourable toxicity profile for poor‐prognostic DLBCL patients. The administration of DA‐EPOCH‐R as an outpatient regimen by using a single portable infusion pump may be a feasible alternative to improve the compliance and to reduce the total cost of this very effective regimen.
Retinoic Acid Receptor Beta in Pathophysiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Dear Editor-in-ChiefAt present, the effect of retinoic acid as an angiogenesis inhibitor in the treatment of cancer cells has been demonstrated (1, 2). These cells may lose their sensitivity to the drug after a while and 13-cis retinoic acid fails to exert its anti-angiogenic effect (1). The cancer cells are resistant to the effects of 13-cis retinoic acid can be re-sensitive to this drug through increased expression of Retinoic Acid Receptor beta (RAR-beta), one of the six receptors of retinoic acid (1). Furthermore, retinoic acid exerts anti-angiogenic effects on Retinal Pigmented Epithelium (RPE) cells (3), the major cell type involved in age related macular degeneration (4). There are a few points that have been linked to these findings and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). First, the RPE cells express only one of the six-retinoic acid receptors, which is precisely RAR-beta (5). Second, the main chromophore of lipofuscin particles, that the degree of their participation is an important criterion in evaluating AMD progression, namely A2E for the formation is dependent to retinoic acid existence (6). Third, excess retinoic acid in patients with AMD accelerate formation and development of lipofuscin particles and can worsen AMD (7, 8). So we can say that RPE cells resistance to retinoic acid, which can occur due to decreased expression of RAR-beta, lead to the development and progression of AMD via two pathways.In the first pathway with reduced expression of RAR-beta, retinoic acid cannot be able to impose its anti-angiogenic effects on RPE cells and thus production of angiogenic factors such as VEGF are increased by these cells that can cause wet AMD. In the second pathway decreased expression of RAR-beta, a nuclear retinoic acid receptor, can leads to the accumulation of retinoic acid in high concentrations in the cell cytoplasm resulting in the formation of greater amounts of A2E in the cytoplasm. The increased levels of A2E in the cytoplasm in addition to can be associated with several undesirable consequences (9, 10), also have the phototoxicity properties, as it have been shown the accumulation of such large amounts of the chromophore in human RPE cells receiving blue light lead to apoptosis (11). AcknowledgementsThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. [Reference]References1. Pili R, Kruszewski MP, Hager BW, Lantz J, Carducci MA (2001). Combination of phenylbutyrate and 13-cis retinoic acid inhibits prostate tumor growth and angiogenesis. Cancer Res, 61:1477-85. …
Development of an accurate oscillometric blood pressure device for low resource settings

ObjectiveTo assess and develop an accurate blood pressure measurement device for use in low resource settings and by untrained staff, according to the World Health Organisation guidelines. MethodsNinety-nine adults were recruited to validate the device according to the International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension. All participants provided written informed consent. Patients with an arrhythmia or unclear Korotkoff sounds were excluded. Nine sequential same-arm measurements were taken from each participant alternating between the test device and mercury sphygmomanometry. Differences between the test device and observers were evaluated according to the criteria of the International Protocol and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. ResultsThe device failed the first assessment of the oscillometric function and required modification to both the deflation rate and the algorithm to fulfil the International Protocol criteria. It then achieved an acceptable mean difference of −0.7 (4.7) mmHg for systolic and −2.0 (4.6) mmHg for diastolic pressure (oscillometric function) and −1.9 (3.8) mmHg and −0.9 (3.3) mmHg for systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively (auscultatory function). ConclusionThe Microlife 3AS1-2 is a semi-automated upper arm device with features consistent with low resource requirements. We successfully developed this device for accurate blood pressure measurement in adults according to the International Protocol, through adjustment of the deflation rate and algorithm. The accuracy and user-friendly design of this low-cost device makes it a highly valuable monitor in clinical practice, particularly in low resource settings and for use by untrained staff.
Non–profit and investment attractiveness – best practices under a national perspective

3 Purpose of Project – General Overview . 4 A brief literature review . 5 Discussion of the topic . 7 NPIs across the for–profit sector – the national perspective . 7 The non-profit sector – national scenario . 7 Overview . 8 Methodology . 8 Results and discussion . 9 Psi–20 analysis . 16 Conclusion . 19 Appendices . 22 References . 29
Supply chain management integration: a critical analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine various aspects of integration in order to structure and define the concept of supply chain management integration.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on an extensive literature review in three steps and a series of interviews with leading supply chain management (SCM) consulting firms.Findings – The authors found limited empirical research discussing SCM integration beyond the dyadic level and there is a lack of empirical evidence supporting the claimed benefits of supply chain management integration, especially beyond the dyadic level. There is also a lack of detailed frameworks and concrete recommendations for how supply chains can become more integrated. In fact, there is significant confusion regarding the term SCM integration and thus the paper proposes a definition of supply chain management integration.Research limitations/implications – In terms of limitations, it is feasible that an extended literature review could have provided addi.
Large animal models of human cauda equina injury and repair: evaluation of a novel goat model

Previous animal studies of cauda equina injury have primarily used rat models, which display significant differences from humans. Furthermore, most studies have focused on electrophysiological examination. To better mimic the outcome after surgical repair of cauda equina injury, a novel animal model was established in the goat. Electrophysiological, histological and magnetic resonance imaging methods were used to evaluate the morphological and functional outcome after cauda equina injury and end-to-end suture. Our results demonstrate successful establishment of the goat experimental model of cauda equina injury. This novel model can provide detailed information on the nerve regenerative process following surgical repair of cauda equina injury.
Drug-induced urticaria

Urticaria is characterised by transient swellings of the skin, which fluctuate over hours. Deeper swellings of the subcutaneous and submucosal tissue are known as angio-oedema. Drug-induced urticaria has been reported with a wide range of drugs and vaccines. NSAIDs and antibiotics are the drugs most commonly associated with urticaria, although reliable data from prospectively controlled studies is scarce. Spontaneous reports of drug-induced urticaria to the Committee on Safety of Medicines, UK, over a 40-year period also implicate bupropion, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), H2 and H1 antihistamines, and systemic antifungals. New evidence suggests that selective COX-2 inhibitors may be tolerated in patients with aspirin-sensitive urticaria. The safety of angiotensin II receptor antagonists in patients with angio-oedema induced by ACEI has not yet been established.
In vitro photodynamic therapy on human U251 glioma cells with a novel photosensitiser ZnPcS4-BSA

This article reports the phototoxicity effects of a novel photosensitiser ZnPcS4-BSA on human U251 glioma cells in vitro. The cellular uptake of ZnPcS4-BSA by U251 glioma cells was quantified by UV-spectra, and the optimal incubation time was determined. Human U251 glioma cells were incubated in ZnPcS4-BSA of various concentrations, and received laser irradiation of different energy densities. Cell survival rates were measured by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometer was used to detect apoptosis. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene was detected by real-time PCR in U251 cells after photodynamic therapy (PDT), and β-actin was used as an internal standard. The normal U251 cells severed as controls. Results indicate that the uptake of ZnPcS4-BSA by U251 glioma cells reaches maximum after incubation for 4 hours. ZnPcS4-BSA with different concentrations without light irradiation has no significant effects on cell survival rates. Without ZnPcS4-BSA incubation, cell survival rate of high-dose group (400 J/cm2) is the lowest, whereas no significant difference has been found between any other two groups. At laser irradiation of 150 J/cm2, inhibition rates of the cells increase with ZnPcS4-BSA concentration, and half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) is 0.16 μmol/L. Apoptosis rate of the cells after PDT is significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The VEGF expression in the cells increases 5.616 times after PDT. The novel ZnPcS4-BSA is a good photosensitiser for PDT towards U251 glioma cells. The ZnPcS4-BSA based PDT can induce effective apoptosis.
Strategic Management Accounting and financial performance in the small and medium sized Italian manufacturing enterprises

Firstly, the present paper proposes a theoretical framework of Strategic Management Accounting (SMA) in the context of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, it examines the actual diffusion of SMA with reference to a sample of 40 SMEs from central Italy. Finally, it presents a contingent model based on a regression analysis in order to identify the determinants of traditional and SMA tool introduction and their influence on the financial performance distinguishing between high- and low-complexity companies. For this purpose, a mixed quantitative and qualitative information was employed. The quantitative data was acquired through a survey and the study of AIDA database while the qualitative one through interviews. In contrast with some earlier assumptions, the findings show a higher than expected SMA diffusion in SMEs, combined with a proactive approach in the organizations which introduced it, largely in an informal way. The study also reveals that SMEs which operate in a high-complexity environment use SMA tools more extensively to achieve higher financial performance.
Corporate branding: Where are we? A systematic communication-based inquiry

Despite the widely recognized relevance of corporate branding (CB) to gain competitive advantage, CB studies suffer from highly fragmented perspectives that make it difficult to discern the value of CB and orient its practices. Our study is aimed at clarifying how CB has been approached in the academic and practitioners' literature so far to identify the contribution of these different perspectives. To investigate the debate on CB, we adopted a systematic software-assisted content analysis, appropriate when the research aims are to disentangle multiple perspectives on a phenomenon. Software-aided content analysis allows a rigorous treatment of a text highlighting recurrent themes, their semantic links, co-occurrences and correspondences among lexical units. Our findings suggest that CB is a crucial crossroad between ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ of a company acting as a ‘bridge’ among key intangibles and as an ‘inside–outside’ interface between company and stakeholders. The Thematic Analysis of Elementary Contexts highlights four clusters related to how CB and communication have been conceived. In discussing the findings, we propose integrated marketing communications (IMC) as a conceptual and managerial framework capable of making sense out of CB complexity and casting light on the complementarities between the often conflicting academic and practitioners' views on CB.
Increasing threat of Gram-positive bacterial infections in the intensive care unit setting

The effects of resistance are being noted on an increasing scale in the intensive care unit (ICU). Around the world, new epidemiologic patterns of ICU occurrence are being observed for Gram-positive multidrug-resistant organisms. Current problems include the appearance of insusceptibility to vancomycin and other glycopeptides in Staphylococcus aureus organisms that are virulent enough to cause infection in patients with normal host defenses. In addition, multidrug-resistant organisms like methicillin-resistant S. aureus are spreading from healthcare to community settings, and community organisms like Streptococcus pneumoniae are spreading to healthcare settings. Focal persistence and subsequent worldwide spread of enterococci resistant to vancomycin and other glycopeptides and multiple-resistance mechanisms in the same organism also require attention. Strategies such as multidisciplinary management of infections, appropriate infection control measures, and surveillance of resistance patterns are necessary to address the problem of resistance. Intensivists have been prominent in research and control efforts in this field and should continue to lead future efforts.