Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Researching Local Government Using Electronic Surveys

Abstract E-government is a theme central to the modernisation of public services and local government in the UK. An unintended consequence of the growth of ICTs is the potential for electronic research methods to replace traditional techniques, potentially resulting in efficiency savings for both researcher and researched. Their viability, however, remains untested. The article reports on the results of two related research exercises involving e-methods in local government research. Response rates from three different survey methods-internet, email and post-are compared. Whilst ICT based surveys proved to be effective research tools, the article also highlights problems of technological compatibility and sample bias. Poor ICT skills, out of date hardware and software and deficient ICT working practices were also experienced, particularly among elected members. These problems may also potentially prove to be a barrier in creating more joined up service delivery and raise questions relating to the pursuit of broader e-government goals.
Alternative Approaches to Real Exchange Rates and Real Interest Rates: Three Up and Three Down

This paper examines the relationship between real exchange rates and real interest rates using three different approaches across four currencies and two horizons with 20 years of data. Each approach gives some encouragement that this relationship might hold, but each approach also encounters problems establishing the form or usefulness of the relationship. On balance, this paper contributes to the literature by finding more encouraging results than in earlier studies, but it still remains to be demonstrated that the real exchange rate-real interest rate relationship is the linchpin to explaining exchange rate movements. Copyright @ 1999 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus-associated Hospitalizations Among Infants and Young Children in the United States, 1997–2006

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract disease among young children in the United States. RSV-associated hospitalization increased among children in the United States during 1980 through 1996. In this study, we updated national estimates of RSV hospitalization rates among US children through 2006. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of hospital discharges for lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) in children <5 years old from the National Hospital Discharge Survey. LRTI hospitalizations were identified by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. RSV-coded hospitalizations were International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 466.11, 480.1, and 079.6. RSV-associated hospitalizations were the sum of RSV-coded hospitalizations and a proportion of hospitalizations coded as bronchiolitis and pneumonia during the RSV season. Results: RSV-coded hospitalizations accounted for 24% of an estimated 5.5 million LRTI hospitalizations among children <5 years of age during the 10 study years, 1997–2006. The RSV-coded hospitalization rate in infants <1 year old was 26.0 per 1000, with no significant difference between study years. The hospitalization rate was highest among infants <3 months old (48.9 per 1000), followed by infants 3 to 5 months old (28.4 per 1000), and lower among those >1 year old (1.8 per 1000). An estimated 132,000 to 172,000 RSV-associated hospitalizations occurred annually in children <5 years of age. Conclusion: RSV hospitalization rates remained steady during 1997 to 2006 and were a substantial burden in the United States, especially among infants and young children. A safe and effective RSV vaccine is needed.
Financing constraints and small firm investment behaviour

The aim of the paper is to investigate the impact of financial constraints on investment behaviour of firms in Kosovo. This article uses data from the 2005 survey of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) conducted by Riinvest Institute in order to test the investment-cash flow sensitivity hypothesis. For this purpose we use two regression techniques. First, we use ordinary least square (OLS) regression to estimate an investment equation model in order to test sensitivity of investment to cash flow. Then, we estimate a switching regression model as a robustness check in order to control for possible methodological biases of other studies. Econometric results do not support investment-cash flow sensitivity hypothesis after controlling for different sub samples of firms (i.e., firms that received a credit, firms that did not ask for credit and firms that were refused by banks) and methods.
Sustaining a process of continuous improvement: definition and key factors

Attempts to define what is meant by sustaining total quality management (TQM) and identifies three key features: individual TQM elements, the overall process of improvement, and holding of the gains made. Suggests that the improvement efforts of an organization should be classified into these three features. Concludes that these three features will hopefully improve the diagnostic process and guide management in deciding on forms of action.
Estimating Relationships Among FDI Inflow, Domestic Capital, and Economic Growth Using the Threshold Error Correction Approach

This paper investigates both long- and short-term relationships among foreign direct investment (FDI), domestic capital, and economic growth in Taiwan using the threshold error-correction approach. The results show a long-term equilibrium relationship among the three variables, which remains stable with asymmetric adjustments. Three short-term relationships are found: (1) promoting growth may stimulate domestic capital accumulation; (2) increasing FDI inflow may stimulate investment from domestic sources rather than crowd out the formation of capital; and (3) FDI inflows directly influence growth through stimulating domestic investment.
Leadership in Organizational Knowledge Creation: A Review and Framework

Organizational knowledge creation integrates context, knowledge assets, and knowledge creation processes throughout the organization. Using organizational knowledge creation theory as an organizing framework, we conduct a literature review that shows prior work has focused on the role of central, upper‐echelon, leadership in knowledge creation processes, without devoting much attention to context and knowledge assets. To remedy these weaknesses, we develop a new framework for situational leadership in organizational knowledge creation. The framework is based on a continuum that ranges from centralized to distributed leadership at three layers of activity: a core layer of local knowledge creation; a conditional layer that provides the resources and context for knowledge creation; and a structural layer that forms the overall frame and direction for knowledge creation in the organization. We discuss the implications of this framework for theory and practice.
Quality-adjusted price indexes for portable computers

Constructing an accurate price index requires controlling for changes in quality. The potential for bias is especially problemaic for rapidly changing goods such as computers. This study extends previous research on quality-adjusted, or hedonic, price indexes for computers by investigating price and quality changes in portable models. In particular, recent research by Nelson et al.(1994) and Berndt et al.(1995) on desktop and portable computers is extended. After adjusting for quality changes, price indexes in this tudy exhibit average declines of 26% to 33% per year. The magnitude of quality-adjusted price changes is consistent with these auhors and with the extensive line of research on quality-adjusted price indexes for computers of various types. The results emphasize the extent of potential bias in estimating price level changes if technological advancement is ignored. Significant potential for bias implies the need to account properly for changes in quality in consructing indexes for both individual product categories and for broad economic indicators.
Competitive intelligence in Greek furniture retailing: a qualitative approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how furniture retailing firms in Greece monitor competition and its effects on the formation of their strategies with respect to competitive intelligence (CI) setting.Design/methodology/approach – The study is exploratory in nature and data were collected by carrying out semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 15 senior managers in an area of strategic marketing importance in Greece, representing a reasonable percentage of the firms in the sector.Findings – Greek furniture retailing firms monitor competition with the help of traditional and effective marketing tools. Also, the pricing of the products is the principal information that the managers are interested in. Finally, the respondents believe in the importance of monitoring the competition and ideally they would apply it to their company.Research limitations/implications – This research is an exploratory study of a small sample of managers from the major companies in a national setting. Recommendatio.
Equity Market Valuation: Assessing the Adequacy of Value Measures to Predict Index Returns

Following the work of Lee, Myers and Swaminathan (1999), we develop robust tests of their intrinsic value measure, along with other traditional measures of value, for the Australian Stock Market. Specifically, we apply the tests to a broadly matched version of the Australian Asia Pacific Extra Liquid Series (APELS), which was recently introduced to Australia. A primary motivation for the paper was to assess the suggestion implied in the US study of a violation of capital market efficiency, where the use of publicly available information, namely a fundamental valuation measure using consensus analysts forecasts, could be used to predict returns. Our results do not support the conclusions reached by Lee, Myers and Swaminathan (1999). Possible reasons for this are the differing Market structures, the use of a different Index or the use of alternative statistical tests.
Bond market "conundrum": new factors to explain long-term interest rates ?

Interest rates behaved highly atypically from 2004 to 2006. While the US central bank raised its policy rate at every meeting, long-term interest rates remained so remarkably stable that former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan described their behaviour as a "conundrum". Comparing long-term rates to their theoretical level based on fundamental valuation models, we show that the anomaly was on average 40 bps. Various explanations have been put forward for this, including investors' changed attitude to risk, and the rise in US Treasury purchases by different categories of buyers. We show that, while these variables could theoretically be responsible for the decline in bond risk premiums, they explain less than half of the anomaly when incorporated into a fundamental model of bond yields. However, their recent changing influence could justify their being used for a prospective analysis of bond yields.
Inter-day return behaviour for stocks quoted 'back-to-back' in Hong Kong and London

The effect of extended trading hours in Hong Kong stocks, resulting from the development of the SEAQ International London market in such stocks, is considered here. This market, which opens shortly after the close of the Hong Kong market, appears to have produced some modulation in the mean and volatility levels of day-of-the-week returns.
Determinants of Tourist Spending in Cross-Sectional Studies and at Danish Destinations

This article begins with a meta-analysis style review of the determinants of tourist spending according to more than 50 cross-sectional studies published in academic journal articles during the period 1995–2009. The studies are grouped using factor analysis based on the determinants included or not included in each study. Following the structured review, a conceptual model of the determinants of tourist spending is proposed. In the empirical part of the study, which is based on a survey with more than 11,000 respondents, the determinants of spending are analysed using multiple regression analysis. Eighteen determinants are tested in seven different models. All 18 determinants are significant in the ‘spending per person per night’ model. The additional six models include three subdivisions of this core ‘per person per night’ model into (ii) transport, (iii) accommodation and (iv) other spending. The other three are: (v) per travel party per night, (vi) per person per stay and (vii) per travel party per stay. The 18 sets of tested determinants are: type of accommodation, length of stay, travel party size, destination, travel distance, origin market, purpose of travel, mode of transport, activities, age group, packaging, income, purchase channel, information sources, gender, first-time versus repeat visit, motives and season.
Elixir or delusion: General systems risk management and A-REIT entity performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a General Systems Theory (GST) risk management framework and conducts a preliminary investigation into its potential benefits.Design/methodology/approach – A risk management framework with four domains is developed by applying GST to property. Risk management in five listed Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A‐REITs) is benchmarked against the GST ideal using public web‐sites information. A‐REIT volatility‐adjusted returns are calculated using Treynor ratios for the year to May 2010. The link between risk management score and entity performance is then investigated.Findings – The GST framework directs attention to risks involving surveillance, capacity and controls. However, as predicted by the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), the study found no link between assessed risk management and volatility‐moderated annual returns to May 2010.Research limitations/implications – The risk scoring was predicated on publicly available data, with limited analys.
Phospholipid metabolism in stimulated human platelets. Changes in phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, and lysophospholipids.

Endogenous phospholipid metabolism in stimulated human platelets was studied by phosphorus assay of major and minor components following separation by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. This procedure obviated the use of radioactive labels. Extensive changes were found in quantities of phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidic acid (PA) as a consequence of thrombin or collagen stimulation. Thrombin addition was followed by rapid alterations in the amount of endogenous PI and PA. The decrease in PI was not precisely reciprocated by an increase in PA when thrombin was the stimulus. This apparent discrepancy could be explained by removal of a transient intermediate in PI metabolism, such as diglyceride, formed by PI-specific phospholipase C (Rittenhouse-Simmons, S., J. Clin. Invest.63: 580-587, 1979). Diglyceride would be unavailable for PA formation by diglyceride kinase, if hydrolyzed by diglyceride lipase (Bell, R. L., D. A. Kennerly, N. Stanford, and P. W. Majerus. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.76: 3238-3241, 1979) to yield arachidonate for prostaglandin endoperoxide formation. Thrombin-treated platelets also accumulated lysophospho-glycerides. Specifically, lysophosphatidyl ethanolamines accumulated within 15s following thrombin addition. Fatty acid and aldehyde analysis indicated phospholipase A(2) activity, with an apparent preference for diacyl ethanolamine phosphoglycerides. In the case of collagen, these changes occurred concomitantly with aggregation and consumption of oxygen for prostaglandin endoperoxide formation.THESE STUDIES OF ENDOGENOUS PHOSPHOLIPID METABOLISM PROVIDE INFORMATION SUPPORTING THE EXISTENCE OF TWO PREVIOUSLY POSTULATED PATHWAYS FOR LIBERATION OF ARACHIDONIC ACID FROM PLATELET PHOSPHOLIPIDS: (a) the combined action of PI-specific phospholipase C plus diglyceride lipase yielding arachidonate derived from PI; and (b) a phospholipase A(2) acting primarily on diacyl ethanolamine phosphoglyceride.
Long-range angular correlations on the near and away side in p – Pb collisions at √ s NN = 5 . 02 TeV ✩

Article history: Received 10 December 2012 Received in revised form 29 December 2012 Accepted 7 January 2013 Available online 11 January 2013 Editor: V. Metag Angular correlations between charged trigger and associated particles are measured by the ALICE detector in p–Pb collisions at a nucleon–nucleon centre-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV for transverse momentum ranges within 0.5 < pT,assoc < pT,trig < 4 GeV/c. The correlations are measured over two units of pseudorapidity and full azimuthal angle in different intervals of event multiplicity, and expressed as associated yield per trigger particle. Two long-range ridge-like structures, one on the near side and one on the away side, are observed when the per-trigger yield obtained in low-multiplicity events is subtracted from the one in high-multiplicity events. The excess on the near-side is qualitatively similar to that recently reported by the CMS Collaboration, while the excess on the away-side is reported for the first time. The two-ridge structure projected onto azimuthal angle is quantified with the second and third Fourier coefficients as well as by near-side and away-side yields and widths. The yields on the near side and on the away side are equal within the uncertainties for all studied event multiplicity and pT bins, and the widths show no significant evolution with event multiplicity or pT. These findings suggest that the near-side ridge is accompanied by an essentially identical away-side ridge. © 2013 CERN. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effects Of Different Combinations Of Strength, Power, And Plyometric Training On The Physical Performance Of Elite Young Soccer Players.

The combination of strength (ST) and plyometric training (PT) has been shown to be effective for improving sport specific performance. However, there is no consensus about the most effective way to combine these methods in the same training session, in order to produce greater improvements in neuromuscular performance of soccer players. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different combinations of ST and PT sequences on strength, jump, speed, and agility capacities of elite young soccer players. Twenty-seven soccer players (age: 18.9±0.6 years) participated in an 8-week resistance training program and were divided into three groups: complex training-CP (ST before PT), traditional training-TD (PT before ST), and contrast training-CT (ST and PT performed alternately, set-by-set). The experimental design took place during the competitive period of the season. The ST was composed of half-squat exercises performed at from 60 to 80% of 1RM; the PT was composed of drop jump exercises executed in a range from 30 to 45 cm. After the experimental period, the maximum dynamic strength (Half-squat 1RM) and vertical jump ability (countermovement jump height) increased similarly and significantly in the CP, TD, and CT (48.6, 46.3, and 53% and 13, 14.2 and 14.7%, respectively). Importantly, whereas the TD group presented a significant decrease in sprinting speed in 10- (7%) and 20-m (6%), the other groups did not show this response. Furthermore, no significant alterations were observed in agility performance in any experimental group. In conclusion, in young soccer players, different combinations/sequences of ST and PT sets result in similar performance improvements in muscle strength and jump ability. However, it is suggested that the use of the CP and CT methods are more indicated to maintain/maximize the sprint performance of these athletes.
Chronic hepatitis C in childhood: an 18-year experience.

BACKGROUND The long-term outcome of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has not been well studied, both for untreated and interferon-treated children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of disease in a large series of children with CHC. METHODS Clinical, biochemical, virological, and histological features were evaluated in all children (age, 2-18 years) with CHC who did not have concomitant disease and who attended at our hospital's liver unit during the period of 1986-2004. RESULTS One hundred twenty-five children with CHC were studied. All patients remained free of symptoms throughout the period of observation. On the basis of transaminase levels during the first year of positivity for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV), children were divided into 2 groups: patients with hypertransaminasemia (100 patients, all of whom had detectable HCV RNA), and those with normal transaminases (25 patients; 16 had viremia and 9 did not have viremia). Sustained clearance of viremia was achieved in 38% of the patients treated with interferon, compared with 12% of untreated children (P<.05). A sustained response to therapy was obtained in 64.7% of children infected with an HCV genotype other than genotype 1 and in 24.2% of those infected with HCV genotype 1 (P<.05). Histological lesions were mild in all 64 patients who underwent liver biopsy. No linear correlation was found between duration of disease and progression of fibrosis. Examination of a follow-up liver biopsy specimen revealed cirrhosis only in 1 (4.7%) of 21 children. CONCLUSIONS Children with CHC were symptom free and had a morphologically mild liver disease. Interferon therapy may be effective for patients infected with HCV genotypes other than genotype 1, whereas lower response rates are expected for HCV genotype 1-infected children. The real impact of therapy on long-term outcome remains to be established.
Does Mandatory Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards Decrease the Voting Premium for Dual-Class Shares?

ABSTRACT : I examine whether voting premiums are reduced following mandatory International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption for firms that have a dual-class share structure. I find that mandatory adopters' voting premiums decrease, on average, by 8 percent subsequent to mandatory IFRS adoption. This effect is statistically significant relative to the corresponding effect for non-IFRS adopters. Further, I find that this effect is more pronounced in countries with strong legal enforcement and for mandatory adopters that experience an increase in the transparency and comparability of reported information under the new accounting regime. Taken together, these results support the view that mandatory IFRS adoption benefits minority shareholders by providing an effective mechanism to constrain the private benefits of control. However, one should interpret these results with caution as concurrent efforts to strengthen corporate governance regimes and the enforcement of corporate and securities laws .