Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degrees of Inclusion: Free Movement of Labour and the Unionization of Migrant Workers in the European Union

This article discusses the shifting boundaries of inclusion and exclusion of migrant workers in trade unions. Drawing on the example of Luxembourg, an EU Member State with a long history of international migrations, the article examines the relationship between free movement of labour and the unionization of migrant workers before analysing the degree to which migrant workers’ access to social rights is accompanied by their access to effective decision-making rights in trade unions. Trade unions have used European regulations on the free movement of labour as a legal infrastructure to develop services for migrant workers. At the same time, the free movement of labour and equality of treatment have come to permeate trade union strategies and rhetoric. However, with regard to the inclusion of migrant workers in decision-making processes and access to leadership positions, numerous obstacles to effective participation by migrant workers persist.
Market structure and bid-ask spreads: IBIS vs Nasdaq

A comparison is made between the bid-ask spreads of 30 high volume German stocks traded on IBIS and 30 high volume US stocks traded on Nasdaq. IBIS and Nasdaq are best described as agency and dealer auction markets, respectively. On average, the market spread for these IBIS and Nasdaq stocks is the same, but for the 10 most active stocks in each market, IBIS spreads are considerably lower. For these latter stocks, IBIS spreads change in a predictable manner throughout the day. Nasdaq spreads do not. The critical factor appears to be the unrestricted access of suppliers of immediacy that is distinctive for agency auction markets.
Does Tax Increment Financing Deliver on Its Promise of Jobs? The Impact of Tax Increment Financing on Municipal Employment Growth

Increasingly, municipal leaders justify their use of tax increment financing (TIF) by touting its role in improving municipal employment. However, empirical studies on TIF have primarily examined TIF’s impact on property values, ignoring the claim that serves as the primary justification for its use. This article addresses the claim by examining the impact of TIF adoption on municipal employment growth in Illinois, looking for both general impact and impact specific to the type of development supported. Results find no general impact of TIF use on employment. However, findings suggest that TIF districts supporting industrial development may have a positive effect on municipal employment, whereas TIF districts supporting retail development have a negative effect on municipal employment. These results are consistent with industrial TIF districts capturing employment that would have otherwise occurred outside of the adopting municipality and retail TIF districts shifting employment within the municipality to more labor-efficient retailers within the TIF district.
Contracts in the Salmon Aquaculture Industry: An Analysis of Norwegian Salmon Exports

Abstract Sales and distribution innovations have increased productivity in the salmon aquaculture industry. In this article, we investigate the use of fixed price contracts for Norwegian salmon exports to France based on all export transactions between the two countries. Our analysis shows that almost 25% of these exports were traded using fixed price contracts and contract prices were renegotiated at different intervals, including as infrequently as once a year. Some contracts allow the contracting parties to adjust contract prices when the export price moves significantly. Benchmark analysis, which shows a marginal 0.5% difference between average unit revenue for the year from spot sales relative to contract sales, indicates that contracts primarily change revenue time profiles. The use of contracts creates a wedge between salmon export prices and spot prices in periods of price volatility, which in turn reduces price transmission. JEL Classification Code: L14, Q22
Midnight Dumping: Public Policies and Illegal Disposal of Used Oil

Many public policies for hazardous waste raise the costs of legal disposal. Concerned about substitution of illegal disposal, economists have instead recommended policies that reward desirable waste management alternatives. This article studies the empirical determinants of dumping as reported to the U.S. Emergency Response Notification Systems (ERNS). It analyzes the frequency of used oil dumping using count-data models. The results suggest that dumping is sensitive to the cost of legal waste management options, including disposal and reuse, and to the threat of enforcement. In particular, state policies that restrict legal disposal cause substantial substitution of illegal dumping.
Economic Factors of Vulnerability Trade and Exploitation

Cybercrime markets support the development and diffusion of new attack technologies, vulnerability exploits, and malware. Whereas the revenue streams of cyber attackers have been studied multiple times in the literature, no quantitative account currently exists on the economics of attack acquisition and deployment. Yet, this understanding is critical to characterize the production of (traded) exploits, the economy that drives it, and its effects on the overall attack scenario. In this paper we provide an empirical investigation of the economics of vulnerability exploitation, and the effects of market factors on likelihood of exploit. Our data is collected first-handedly from a prominent Russian cybercrime market where the trading of the most active attack tools reported by the security industry happens. Our findings reveal that exploits in the underground are priced similarly or above vulnerabilities in legitimate bug-hunting programs, and that the refresh cycle of exploits is slower than currently often assumed. On the other hand, cybercriminals are becoming faster at introducing selected vulnerabilities, and the market is in clear expansion both in terms of players, traded exploits, and exploit pricing. We then evaluate the effects of these market variables on likelihood of attack realization, and find strong evidence of the correlation between market activity and exploit deployment. We discuss implications on vulnerability metrics, economics, and exploit measurement.
Gadd45β is induced through a CAR‐dependent, TNF‐independent pathway in murine liver hyperplasia

We previously observed that Gadd45β/MyD118, a member of the Gadd45 family of inducible factors, showed the strongest immediate‐early induction common to two distinctive proliferation responses of the liver: (1) regeneration induced by surgical partial hepatectomy and (2) hyperplasia induced by the primary mitogen TCPOBOP, a ligand of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Gadd45β is known to be stimulated by nuclear factor (NF) κB, which is activated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the early response to partial hepatectomy. We therefore investigated whether TNFα and NFκB also stimulated Gadd45β as part of the response to CAR ligands, or whether activation occurred by an alternative pathway. TCPOBOP effects were characterized in three mouse genotypes: wild‐type, TNFR1−/−, and TNFR1−/−TNFR2−/−. The results showed that TCPOBOP did not activate NFκB in any of the mice, but a strong induction of Gadd45β messenger RNA was observed in all three genotypes, where TCPOBOP also induced CyP2b10, a classical target gene of activated CAR, and cyclin D1, a proliferation linked gene. Thus, the absence of TNFR signaling and induction of NFκB did not impair CAR‐mediated gene induction. Moreover, hepatocyte proliferation was strongly induced, and at significantly higher levels than wild type, in both TNFR1−/− and TNFR1−/−TNFR2−/− mice. Further studies evaluated TCPOBOP‐induced gene expression in CAR−/− mice, by microarray expression profiling and Northern blot. The induced changes in gene expression, including the stimulation of Gadd45β, were almost completely abolished—hence all were mediated via CAR activation. In conclusion, in the liver, Gadd45β can be induced by a distinctive pathway that requires CAR and is independent of TNFα‐NFκB. The greater induction of proliferation in TNFR‐null mice suggests negative cross‐talk between the CAR and TNFα‐NFκB controls that regulate proliferation. (HEPATOLOGY 2005.)
Necrolytic acral erythema without hepatitis C infection

Necrolytic acral erythema is a newly described entity characterized by sharply demarcated scaly plaques on the dorsum of the hands and feet. More than 30 patients have been reported since 1996, all of whom had anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody. A 32‐year‐old Taiwanese woman had been diagnosed with and treated for systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus nephritis about 10 years earlier. Soon thereafter, she noted several well‐demarcated keratotic plaques with erythematous borders on her feet, with sparing of the soles. Histopathology showed diffuse parakeratosis with a neutrophil infiltrate, hypogranulosis, pale upper keratinocytes, scattered and grouped dyskeratotic cells, psoriasiform hyperplasia and a mild lymphocytic infiltrate in the upper dermis. The diagnosis was made after three biopsies. The lesions regularly worsened just before and during menstruation, but patch and intradermal tests for progesterone and estrogen were negative. There was no evidence of either hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. The lesions did not respond to treatment with zinc. The rash regressed spontaneously when corticosteroids were stopped and recurred when they were restarted, finally resolving completely after she was treated with high‐dose pulse steroids for her lupus.
Rent Regulation: The Balance between Private Landlords and Tenants in Six European Countries

Abstract The private rental sector has been declining in many European countries. In describing the decline of the private rental sector, it is often suggested that a causal relationship exists between the decrease in private renting and rent control. The assumption is that the stricter the form of rent control, the greater the decrease in private renting levels. Or, conversely, that with fewer rent controls there are more opportunities for the private rental sector. At the same time, however, an unregulated rental market may result in insecurity for tenants. This text focuses on conflicts of interest between private landlords and tenants in the regulation of rents, from a welfare economics viewpoint. We present the results of a comparative study that involves France, England, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands. We describe the system of rent regulation in each country. We conclude that the balance achieved between landlords and tenants as a result of rent regulation may not be as clear-cut as it is often presented to be.
Developing strategic thinking as a core competency

Lack of strategic thinking by senior managers has been identified as a major shortcoming in organisations. Draws on concepts in management and psychology to present a framework that can be used to remedy this situation. Argues that strategic thinking needs to be addressed at two different, but interrelated levels: the individual level and the organisational level. Organisations that successfully integrate strategic thinking at these two levels will create a critical core competency that forms the basis of an enduring competitive advantage.
Changes in Organizational Structure and Shareholder Wealth: The Case of Limited Partnerships

Abstract This paper analyzes the consequence for shareholders of a change in organizational form, the conversion of a corporation, or the spin-off of a unit into a limited partnership. Theory suggests that, prior to the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the tax benefits of conversion to a limited partnership and the creation of a new entity separate from the parent corporation should have a positive effect on shareholder wealth. On the other hand, the increase in agency costs of such an organizational change should decrease the wealth of shareholders. Empirical results lend support to hypotheses that predict an increase in stock price at the announcement of the conversion, but cannot identify the source of the gain.
PROJECTED COLOR SLIDES AS A METHOD FOR MASS SCREENING TEST FOR COLOR VISION DEFICIENCY (A PRELIMINARY STUDY)

This article compared the efficiency of the mass screening test with projected color slides in detecting color-blindness with the authentic classic method of Ishihara. The study was conducted in a randomly selected lecture room with 104 students aged between 19–25 years (median 21). Using Ishihara projected slides, performed mass screening test. Re-testing was done individually with printed Ishihara plates. Six male and one female with color-blindness were detected. The frequency of color-blindness was 13.6% among males, with a total incidence of 6.7%. The results of two testing methods were compared statistically. Sensitivities and specificities of both tests were 100%. Using projected slides of Ishihara plates instead of the authentic method is an effective and timesaving method for detecting color-blindness. This method can be suggested as a mass-screening test and might be beneficial in detecting color-blindness in large populations such as students, soldiers, and so on.
Circumventricular Organs: Gateways to the Brain Role Of Circumventricular Organs (CVO) In Neuroendocrine Responses: Interactions Of Cvo And The Magnocellular Neuroendocrine System In Different Reproductive States

1. Magnocellular neurons, which release oxytocin (OT) or vasopressin (VP) into the circulation in response to hyperosmolality, hypovolaemia and cholecystokinin (CCK), undergo a resetting during pregnancy and lactation that involves circumventricular organs.
Global Perspectives on Children’s Unpaid Caregiving in the Family

This article provides the first cross-national review and synthesis of available statistical and research evidence from three developed countries, the UK, Australia and the USA, and from sub-Saharan Africa, on children who provide substantial, regular or significant unpaid care to other family members (‘young carers/caregivers’). It uses the issue of young carers as a window on the formulation and delivery of social policy in a global context. The article examines the extent of children’s informal caregiving in each country; how young carers differ from other children; and how children’s caring has been explained in research from both developed and developing countries. The article includes a review of the research, social policy and service developments for young carers in each country. National levels of awareness and policy response are characterized as ‘advanced’, ‘intermediate’, ‘preliminary’ or ‘emerging’. Explanations are provided for variations in national policy and practice drawing on themes from the globalization literature. Global opportunities and constraints to progress, particularly in Africa, are identified. The article suggests that children’s informal caring roles in both developed and developing nations can be located along a ‘caregiving continuum’ and that young carers, globally, have much in common irrespective of where they live or how developed are their national welfare systems. There is a need in all countries for young carers to be recognized, identified, analysed and supported as a distinct group of ‘vulnerable children’.
Temperature Acclimation: Improved Sustained Swimming Performance in Carp at Low Temperatures

At low temperatures, the reduction in mechanical power output of the aerobic muscle forces cold-blooded animals, such as carp, to recruit their rapidly fatiguing anaerobic fibers at relatively slow swimming speeds. Previous experimental data have suggested that changes in the biochemistry and morphology of the aerobic muscle during cold acclimation might increase its output of mechanical power. The present experiments show that, because of these changes, carp can swim faster at low temperature using only their aerobic muscle, which results in an increase in their sustainable swimming speed. By modifying their musculature, cold-blooded animals can achieve some independence from the effects of seasonal changes in environmental temperature.
Varieties of capitalism and varieties of globalization: comparing patterns of market deregulation

ABSTRACT Market deregulation has been integral to economic globalization, but we do not know very much about the comparative dimension of reform, i.e., the performance of liberal and co-ordinated market economies. Co-ordinated market economies are often assumed to perform poorly in deregulation reform, while such reform is path-dependent to the liberal market economy model. The article compares the trajectory of market deregulation in these different ‘varieties of capitalism’. Drawing on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's ‘product market regulation indicators', the analysis shows that co-ordinated market economies have implemented more extensive deregulation than have the liberal market economies.
Tuberculosis knowledge and awareness in tribal-dominant districts of Jharkhand, India: implications for ACSM.

SETTING Forty hard-to-reach villages in the East and West Singhbhum Districts of Jharkhand State, India. OBJECTIVES To document knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis (TB) among the general population, understand gender differences and inform intervention activities for the improvement of TB control programmes in tribal-dominant hard-to-reach areas in India. DESIGN A cross-sectional community-based survey was carried out among 825 respondents using population proportionate sampling. RESULTS Most of the respondents were in the 18-35 years age group, tribal and married; 44% were illiterate. The study shows poor knowledge about TB symptoms, causes, modes of transmission and moderate awareness about government TB services. Correct knowledge about the cause of TB was negligible: half of the respondents reported local liquor as the cause, 61% considered TB as transmissible and one third considered sharing of food as the mode of transmission. Awareness about the availability of free treatment services at government health facilities was high, but awareness about DOTS was low. Significant gender differences were observed in knowledge and awareness levels. CONCLUSION Study findings point to the importance of urgent intensification of culturally congruent and gender-sensitive advocacy, communication and social mobilisation activities.
Does incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid mean tumor recurrence?

INTRODUCTION Basal cell carcinoma is the most common tumor of the eyelid. In this region, reconstruction is complex and damage to healthy tissue should be minimal. OBJECTIVE To define the relationship between margin clearance at excision and the recurrence rate of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid. METHODS This prospective study was conducted with 111 patients submitted to surgery for basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid between 2001 and 2003 and followed up for a period of five years. The patients were evaluated according to age, tumor site, recurrence rate and margin clearance at excision. RESULTS No significant association was found between incomplete tumor excision and recurrence except in patients under 56 years of age, female patients and in the case of tumors of the medial canthus. CONCLUSION A risk of recurrence in incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid was only confirmed in younger patients, females and for tumors of the medial canthus.
A survey of nitrate and nitrite content of fruit and vegetables grown in Slovenia during 1996–2002

Monitoring of nitrate (NO3 −) and nitrite (NO2 −) content in agricultural products in Slovenia has been carried out since 1996. The results of monitoring over the period 1996–2002 are presented. During this time 924 samples of 14 different agricultural products (potato, lettuce, apples, carrot, silage maize, cabbage, grapes, peaches, string beans, cereals, pears, cucumbers, strawberries and tomato) were analysed. The samples were taken at the time of maturity directly from growing sites and they were analysed using segmented flow analysis. The average nitrate contents were the highest in lettuce (1074 mg kg−1), cabbage (881 mg kg−1), string beans (298 mg kg−1) and carrot (264 mg kg−1), and they were moderately high in potato (158 mg kg−1), silage maize (122 mg kg−1), strawberries (94 mg kg−1), cucumbers (93 mg kg−1) and cereals (49 mg kg−1). Low nitrate contents (below 6 mg kg−1) were found in fruit (grapes, peaches, apples and pears) and tomato. With the exception of cereals (8.9 mg kg−1), apples (1.5 mg kg−1), potato (1.2 mg kg−1) and pears (1.0 mg kg−1) the content of nitrites did not exceed 0.5 mg kg−1. It may be concluded that the results of the monitoring were in most cases similar to the results of investigations obtained in other countries.
Enhanced Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation in Humans with High BMI Scores by the Ingestion of Novel and Non-Pungent Capsaicin Analogues (Capsinoids)

The biochemical and physiological indices were monitored in 44 subjects after 4-week capsinoids (capsaicin analogues with low pungency) intake. The subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups: CSNs3 (3 mg/kg of capsinoids), CSNs10 (10 mg/kg of capsinoids) and the control (placebo). Measurements were performed in the morning on overnight-fasted subjects. The oxygen consumption (VO2), resting energy expenditure (REE) and fat oxidation increased slightly compared to pre-administration values without any adverse effects, although the increase was not significant. The increase in fat oxidation was positively and significantly correlated with the body mass index (BMI). A meta-analysis was therefore conducted on a subgroup consisting of subjects with BMI ≥ 25 (n=28). As a result, not only VO2 increased significantly (p<0.05) in the CSNs10 group, but also REE in the CSNs10 group and fat oxidation in the CSNs3 and CSNs10 groups tended to increase (p<0.1). Consequently, a capsinoids intake would be able to enhance the energy expenditure and fat burning in humans, particularly those with high BMI.
Mutual Accountability between Governments and Nonprofits

Procedures intended to provide accountability in relationships between governments and nonprofit organizations often focus on ways to catch and punish mistakes rather than on ways to improve service to the public. Usually, this is because the parties create their expectations for the relationship independently. However, many public services can be improved if governments and nonprofits work together to learn what needs to be done to address public needs more effectively. Mutual accountability involves key stakeholders in dialogue to determine responsibilities, authorize discretion, establish reporting procedures, and create review processes for the relationship. Mutual accountability requires extra time and effort but may be appropriate when the parties are unclear about how best to address public problems and when they have altruistic values.
New Evidence on Stock Price Effects Associated with Charges in the S&P 500 Index

Since October 1989, Standard and Poor's has (when possible) announced changes in the composition of the S&P 500 index one week in advance. Because index funds hold S&P 500 stocks to minimize tracking error, index composition changes since this date provide an opportunity to examine the market reaction to an anticipated change in the demand for a stock. Using post-October 1989 data, the authors document significantly positive (negative) postannouncement abnormal returns that are only partially reversed following additions (deletions). These results indicate the existence of temporary price pressing and downward-sloping long-run demand curves for stocks and represent a violation of market efficiency. Copyright 1997 by University of Chicago Press.