Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polychlorinated biphenyls, dibenzo-p-dioxins, and dibenzofurans and birth weight and immune and thyroid function in children.

None of the publications reviewed provide clinical evidence that PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and related chemicals adversely affect weight, immune, or thyroid function in infants or children born to healthy mothers. Birth weights of term infants fell within the normal range in all studies. The greatest difference between comparison groups was reported by G. G. Fein et al. (1984a, Intrauterine Exposure of Humans to PCBs: Newborn Effects, EPA-600/3-84-060, Environmental Protection Agency; 1984b, J. Pediatr. 105, 315-320). P. R. Taylor et al. (1989, Am. J. Epidemiol. 129, 395-406) reported smaller differences in occupationally exposed women and E. Dar et al. (1992, Environ. Res. 59, 189-201) found that women with higher PCB serum levels had larger babies. S. Patandin et al. (1998, Pediatr Res. 44, 538-545) found a negative association of PCB concentrations in maternal or cord plasma and birth weight of breast and formula-fed infants combined but not when breast-fed infants were analyzed separately. L. Rylander et al. (1995, Scand. J. Work Environ. Health 21, 368-375) reported decreased birth weights with higher dietary intake of contaminated fish. Thus, correlations between PCB exposure or polluted fish ingestion and birth weight were inconsistent. Thyroid and immune function were also within the normal range. In none of the papers were normal laboratory reference values provided and overall the statistically significant differences accounted for little of the variance.
Do Emu Members Share the Same Business Cycle?

The article analyses alternative approaches for dating the business cycles of a set of European monetary union (EMU) member states. First, the framework for analysing cyclical behaviour in economic activity is presented. Second, the dating algorithm is applied to both the classical cycle and the growth cycle in order to recover stylized facts of the business cycle in Europe. Third, the article utilizes different econometric techniques to evaluate the synchronicity of national cycles and the euro area aggregate cycle, and compare the results with that of the USA. A convergence analysis is also employed. Finally, a multivariate extension of the Hamilton-Markov switching model is constructed to analyse the euro area business cycle. The results suggest that, although during the main recessionary periods the euro area economies shared a similar output dynamic, some differences still remain in the size and timing of the business cycle features. The results also suggest that adhesion to the new currency area is likely to lead to stronger synchronization of EMU members' business cycles. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2004.
Housing First: Considering Components for Successful Resettlement of Homeless People with Multiple Needs

‘Housing First’ programmes in the US involve the provision of mainstream scatter sited permanent housing at the initial stage of support for homeless individuals with multiple needs. This is in contrast to dominant approaches (in the US and Europe) that assert the need for successful progress towards treatment goals (usually whilst living in temporary congregate accommodation) prior to resettlement. Evaluations of Housing First indicate, however, that even those considered farthest from being housed can, with help, successfully maintain a mainstream tenancy of their own. It is asserted here that one locally based agency managing both the housing and assertively providing holistic non time-limited support packages may be important factors in the success rate of Housing First programmes. However, a caveat is added—to robustly assess the effectiveness of Housing First (and homelessness policy per se) requires continued consideration as to what ‘success’ refers to in the resettlement of formerly homeless people.
Second-Order Devolution and the Implementation of TANF in the U.S. States

Welfare reform gave the U.S. states the opportunity to engage in second-order devolution (SOD), which allows local governments to exercise more discretion in the implementation of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Proponents of welfare decentralization insist that local governments better understand the needs of the poor and are therefore able to implement TANF more effectively. Nevertheless, opponents argue that decentralization could lead to a “race to the bottom” and, thus, SOD might lead to more restrictive TANF implementation. We investigate these competing claims by examining how differences in decentralization affect (1) TANF caseload decline, (2) the use of sanctions, and (3) several work-related outcomes among recipients. Based on a series of state-level analyses, we find that SOD states experienced a greater degree of caseload decline than non-SOD states. In addition, SOD states were more likely to use punitive policy tools, such as TANF sanctions. However, we also find that SOD states display marginally better TANF performance, as reflected in higher rates of employment exits and earnings gains among TANF recipients. Thus, we find support for both sides of the decentralization debate.
Multi-criteria Axiomatic Design Approach to Evaluate Sites for Grid-connected Photovoltaic Power Plants: A Case Study in Turkey

Abstract Global warming and climate change are the most serious problems for developing countries as well as the world. Therefore, the usage of renewable energy sources is gaining importance for sustainable energy development and environmental protection. Turkey is one of the developing countries whose demand of electricity is sharply increasing. In order to meet this demand by means of renewable sources, solar power is a suitable source due to the high solar energy potential of Turkey among the renewable sources. In this article, the multi-criteria axiomatic design (AD) approach is proposed for the evaluation of sites for a grid-connected photovoltaic power plant (GCPP) in Turkey. For this aim, four evaluation criteria, which have great influence on determination of a GCPP site are taken into account.
On the European Responsibility in the Agricultural Multilateral Trade Negotiations: Modelling the Impacts of the Common Agricultural Policy

The present round of multilateral trade negotiations is still deadlocked over agricultural trade. The European Union (EU) is urged by its trading partners to open its agricultural markets. Economic evaluations of trade liberalisation scenarios unanimously conclude that a substantial opening of agricultural markets is required for a successful (welfare-improving) Doha Round. In this paper, we perform new evaluations to identify precisely the contributions of the European farm policy and to examine the robustness of these evaluations in the representation of this complex policy. Using the same specifications as in major previous studies, our first simulations show that the EU has a major responsibility in delivering significant gains to the developing countries. On the other hand, when we conduct the same experiments with a more relevant calibration and modelling of the European farm policy instruments, the gains that these developing countries may reap from the EU liberalisation are considerably reduced. Accordingly the current charge against the EU is simply inopportune.
Evaluating service quality and consumer satisfaction in emerging markets

Developing economies offer tremendous potential for future growth and organizations appreciating these consumers’ requirements stand to reap considerable returns. However, compared with more developed economies published consumer studies are few. In particular, there is a dearth of service quality research and hardly any from Africa. Furthermore, the little available research tends to apply Western methodologies, which may not be entirely appropriate. This research investigates East African consumer perceptions of retail banking using an approach that takes account of the research context. Qualitative research was undertaken to define the relevant service attributes. Performance along these was then investigated through a survey with over 2000 respondents. Principal component analysis identifies 13 core service dimensions and multinomial logistic regression reveals which are the key drivers of customer satisfaction. Comparison of the results with studies from other regions confirms that established standardized research instruments are likely to miss or under-represent service attributes important in developing countries.
The Erosion of the Welfare State: Swedish Social Policy and the EU*

a section on the Swedish welfare state and the perceived impact of becoming a member of the EU, and another on the impact on EU social policy of Swedish participation. In conclusion it is suggested that the EU has contributed to the erosion of the Swedish welfare state. This process is likely to continue, albeit at a slow pace, largely as a result of the EU’s economic imperative which continues to overshadow and dominate the social.
Adapting to climate change and climate policy: progress, problems and potentials

This introductory paper discusses tourism's role in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation, at a time when climate change is at the forefront of many political discussions, including the 2009 Climate Summit in Copenhagen, and many business decisions. The development of tourism research in response to climate change in the past 25 years is outlined and limitations are identified. The paper also argues that while growing engagement with the challenge of climate change is evident across the tourism industry, this is still limited and not widespread. The minor role played by tourism interests in the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen is noted and discussed. Questions are raised around the willingness and ability of both the tourism industry and tourists to significantly reduce global emissions. The papers brought together in this Special Issue (Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18.3) both highlight key challenges that tourism faces in its attempts to better understand and manage the problem of climate change, and suggest valuable ways forward.
Three essays on nonlinear panel data models and quantile regression analysis

This dissertation is a collection of three independent essays in theoretical and applied econometrics, organized in the form of three chapters. In the first two chapters, I investigate the properties of parametric and semiparametric fixed effects estimators for nonlinear panel data models. The first chapter focuses on fixed effects maximum likelihood estimators for binary choice models, such as probit, logit, and linear probability model. These models are widely used in economics to analyze decisions such as labor force participation, union membership, migration, purchase of durable goods, marital status, or fertility. The second chapter looks at generalized method of moments estimation in panel data models with individual-specific parameters. An important example of these models is a random coefficients linear model with endogenous regressors. The third chapter (co-authored with Joshua Angrist and Victor Chernozhukov) studies the interpretation of quantile regression estimators when the linear model for the underlying conditional quantile function is possibly misspecified. Thesis Supervisor: Joshua D. Angrist Title: Professor of Economics Thesis Supervisor: Victor Chernozhukov Title: Castle Krob Career Development Assistant Professor of Economics Thesis Supervisor: Whitney K. Newey Title: Jane Berkowitz Carlton and Dennis William Carton Professor of Economics
Service Industry Clustering: A Comparison of Broadcasting in Three City-Regions

Drawing from two major studies of clustering in the UK broadcasting industry, this paper finds compelling differences between clusters; differences which explain performance variation and provide strong implications for the extant literature and UK regional policy. The paper finds that (a) regional processes have been overplayed with the importance of both broader external connectivity and narrower local impacts of location underestimated; (b) the policy-makers' conception of a successful cluster underplays the importance of large hub firms; (c) national policy has been more effective than regional policy in promoting UK broadcasting clusters; and (d) policy-makers should not overlook traditional business support.
Structural properties of nondeterministic complete sets

Two aspects of the structure of complete sets for NE and larger nondeterministic time classes are surveyed. First, differences between complete sets arising from various polynomial-time reductions are proved. Immunity properties of these complete sets are then considered. It is shown that NE-complete sets (and their complements) have dense E subsets and dense UP subsets. All of these results hold for nondeterministic time classes containing NE. Some consequences for NP are noted. <<ETX>>
General Proof that Diversification Pays

“Don't put all your eggs in one basket,” is a familiar adage. Economists, such as Marschak, Markowitz, and Tobin, who work only with mean income and its variance, can give specific content to this rule—namely, putting a fixed total of wealth equally into independently, identically distributed investments will leave the mean gain unchanged and will minimize the variance.
Do Bad Bidders Become Good Targets

This paper empirically examines one motive for takeovers: to change control of firms that make acquisitions that diminish the value of their equity. Firms that subsequently become takeover targets make acquisitions that significantly reduce their equity value, and firms that do not become takeover targets make acquisitions that raise their equity value. Within the sample of acquisitions by targets, the acquisitions that reduce equity value the most are those that are later divested either in bust-up takeovers or restructuring programs to thwart the takeover. This evidence is consistent with theories advanced by Robin Marris (1963), Henry G. Manne (1965), and Michael C. Jensen (1986) concerning the disciplinary role played by takeovers. Copyright 1990 by University of Chicago Press. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Estimating the Natural Interest Rate for the Euro Area and Luxembourg

This paper estimates the natural real interest rate that is consistent with stable inflation and output at its potential for the euro area and Luxembourg. The natural interest rate provides a benchmark for assessing the monetary policy stance, as policy is contractionary when real interest rates rise above the natural rate and expansionary when real interest rates fall below this level. We follow Laubach and Williams (2003) in using a small backward-looking macroeconomic model to estimate the time-varying natural interest rate as an unobservable variable. For the euro area, our results suggest the natural interest rate has been fairly stable since 1970 and confirm its decline over the last decade. For Luxembourg, our estimate of the natural interest rate is much higher, reflecting higher potential growth. The results suggest that the single monetary policy may have had an expansionary impact in recent years, especially in Luxembourg.
Getting good government for women : a literature review

This review assesses what is known and not known about the interface of gender and governance. More specifically, the purpose of this review is to identify mechanisms that have been used to make the outcomes of public sector governance more responsive to women. The review focuses on the features of institutional design that underlie service delivery, and it assesses those that strengthen women's representation in political and governance processes or build the capacity and incentives of the public sector to provide quality services that are accessible to and fit the needs of women. After presenting an organizing conceptual framework, more than 150 papers on women and gender issues in national and local politics and the public administration are reviewed to assess commonly used strategies, instruments, and institutions for gender-sensitive governance as well as the frame conditions that predict success or failure. An array of mechanisms has been used to strengthen women's voice and to incentives attention to women, but the preponderance of the literature is focused on so-called demand-side strategies at the expense of supply-side mechanisms. Several general themes emerge from the review. First, initiatives generally fail when gender equity is not recognized to be a political project. Second, women's political empowerment cannot be divorced from their economic empowerment, and social and cultural transformation also lies at the root of governance transformation. Third, political, social, and institutional contexts will affect the shape and success of any single mechanism across multiple places. However, much remains to be learned about getting good government for women, and directions for future research are suggested.
Beyond the urban gradient: barriers and opportunities for timely studies of urbanization effects on aquatic ecosystems

Abstract Many studies have shown that streams degrade in response to urbanization in the watershed. These studies often are based on use of biotic and abiotic variables to measure stream health across a gradient of land cover/land use. The results of these studies can be applied to other urban systems, but often fail to provide a mechanistic understanding of the urban impact, in part, because of the nature of the experimental design. We analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of using environmental gradient studies to further understanding of urban stream systems. We also evaluated alternative experimental design approaches, including best management practice monitoring, long-term watershed studies, paired-watershed studies, and before–after control–impact studies, which could be used to complement the gradient approach. We illustrate these theoretical discussions with an urban paired-watershed case study in the Etowah watershed in northern Georgia. Our goal is to move experimental designs in a direction that will further our mechanistic understanding of the effects of existing urbanization on aquatic ecosystems and will provide opportunities to evaluate stream responses to environmentally sensitive urban land cover.
The Relationships of Social Economic Status and Learners' Motivation and Performance in Learning from a Game-Design Project

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of social economic status (SES) and learners¡¦ motivation and performance in a game-design project. There were 362 junior high school students participated in the game-design project. The 4W strategy was employed to help learners understand who, where, when and how to operate the stage and sprite in the game-design activity. The game design topics include design of sprites, move sprites, sensing sprites and scoring. The results showed that the 4W strategy could facilitate high SES learners to comprehend and apply the programming concepts into project production. The high SES learner possessed higher learning motivation and outperformed the low SES learners on project performance. However, how to improve low SES learners¡¦ motivation and performance needs to be further investigated.
Relationship between environmental performance and financial performance: an empirical analysis of japanese corporations

The hypotheses that a firm's environmental performance has a positive impact on its financial performance and vice versa are statistically supported by Japanese data. However, this tendency for two-way positive interaction appears to be only a relatively recent phenomenon. The tendency for realizing the two-way interaction is not limited to the top-scoring firms in terms of both financial and environmental performance. On the contrary, this is also a trend that can be observed fairly generally. Obviously, when we consider only scores of those companies that published the relevant information in their environmental reports, and conduct the statistical causality test with such information as additional input to the pooled time-series and cross-section data of financial performance, the results become more strongly significant. From the recent experience of environmental policies in Japan, we infer that information-based environmental policy measures are effective to encourage the ongoing transition toward a more sustainable market economy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Female executives and earnings management

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between earnings management and the gender of the firm's executives. Design/methodology/approach - Panel regressions of discretionary accruals on a set of female executive dummies and firm-specific controls. Findings - The results provide considerable evidence to suggest that firms with female chief financial officers (CFOs) are associated with income-decreasing discretionary accruals, thereby implying that female CFOs are following more conservative earnings management strategies. Research limitations/implications - In general, the findings indicate that gender-based differences in conservatism, risk-aversion, and managerial opportunism may have important implications for financial reporting and corporate governance. Originality/value - This paper extends prior research by addressing the potential effects of female executives on earnings management. The findings reported in this paper provide novel insights to the empirical financial accounting literature.
INSTITUTIONS AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE: CROSS‐COUNTRY TESTS USING ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTIONAL MEASURES

The impact of property rights on economic growth is examined using indicators provided by country risk evaluators to potential foreign investors. Indicators include evaluations of contract enforceability and risk of expropriation. Using these variables, property rights are found to have a greater impact on investment and growth than has previously been found for proxies such as the Gastil indices of liberties, and frequencies of revolutions, coups and political assassinations. Rates of convergence to U.S.-level incomes increase notably when these property rights variables are included in growth regressions. These results are robust to the inclusion of measures of factor accumulation and of economic policy. Copyright 1995 Blackwell Publishers Ltd.
Generalising the Hit Rates Test for Racial Bias in Law Enforcement, with an Application to Vehicle Searches in Wichita

This article considers the use of outcomes-based tests for detecting racial bias in the context of police searches of motor vehicles. We characterise the police and motorist decision problems in a game theoretic framework, where police encounter motorists and decide whether to search them and motorists decide whether to carry contraband. Our modelling framework generalises that of Knowles et al. (2001). We apply the tests to data on police searches of motor vehicles gathered by the Wichita police department. The empirical findings are consistent with the notion that police in Wichita choose their search strategies to maximise successful searches.
Womenâ€™s Experience in New Panchayats: The Emerging Leadership of Rural Women

This paper presents some of the findings of our recent study on womenâ€™s representation and participation in panchayats. Some of the findings of the study (Buch; 1999) of women in panchayats after the amendment in 1992 mandating a minimum one-third representation to women in all panchayats in the country is discussed. The study captures their experience and impact in three northern states of MP, Rajasthan and UP. The study explores various aspects, including the newly elected womenâ€™s socio- economic profile, motivation to enter these institutions, awareness and knowledge, participation, performance, constraints, aspirations, supports of various social institutions and the community membersâ€™ perception about their impact and performance. [CWDS OP].