Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of the franchising code of conduct on the franchisor-franchisee relationship

The Australian government introduced the first mandatory Code of Conduct as part of the Trade Practices Act (1974) to regulate its franchising sector in July 1998. In this research fifteen interviews were conducted to obtain feedback from franchising participants regarding their views on the influence of the Franchising Code of Conduct (the Code) on the franchisor-franchisee relationship. It was found that although many of the interviewees thought the Code was ambiguous in many areas, as well as being costly and time-consuming to comply, they were generally supportive of the new legislation. In general, interviewees felt that through its numerous requirements, the Code was able to increase the level of trust and commitment between franchisors and franchisees at the beginning of the relationship. The Code was thought to be most beneficial when conflict occurred because it helps facilitate communication and provides a balance of power between franchisors and franchisees. However, it was revealed that the Code had the least amount of impact on the termination/renewal phase because most interviewees had not experienced the situation to be able to comment on it.
Consumer behaviour in the valuation of residential property

This paper reports the results of empirical investigations that examine behavioural aspects of residential property valuations. Following the house price collapse of the late 1980s in the UK, there was considerable criticism of the valuation methods used by residential valuers. In particular for the current research, the valuation methods employed by valuers had not taken account of buyer behaviour in the valuation process, which contributed to inaccurate valuations. This research investigates both the attitudes of the consumers of residential property and the actual valuation methods used by valuers to determine whether they account for buyer behaviour accurately. The study was undertaken on a cross‐national comparative basis in the UK, Ireland and Australia and pursued on a qualitative basis. Overall, the research concludes that although valuers believe that buyer behaviour is an important part of the valuation process they simply do not consider buyer preferences. In effect, valuers have reduced the valuation task to a confirmation of bid price and, because of lender pressure which occurs worldwide, valuers overlook the economic sustainability of the property asset, which has severe implications for housing markets and national economies that interact with these markets.
The Relationship between Exchange Rate and Macroeconomic Variables in China

The objective of this study is to provide evidences on the relationship between Renminbi (RMB) exchange rate and macroeconomic variables in China, as well as guidelines for reform of RMB exchange rate regime. The long-run equilibrium relationship between RMB exchange rate and macroeconomic variables of China is examined by applying the non-parametric rank tests proposed by Breitung. Furthermore, this study uses the threshold error-correction model (TECM) to detect the nonlinear casual relationship between RMB exchange rate and macroeconomic variables that are nonlinear forms. The results show that RMB exchange rate and macroeconomic variables have nonlinear relationship with each other. In the long run, these results demonstrate solid evidence that RMB exchange rate and macroeconomic variables support the hypothesis of an asymmetrical error-correction process in China. Our results have important policy implications for Chinese government under study.
Effect of early isolation on the synaptic function in the dentate gyrus and field CA1 of the guinea pig

We previously reported that neonatal isolation shapes neuron morphology remarkably in the dentate gyrus and hippocampus of the guinea pig, a precocial rodent whose brain is at an advanced stage of maturation at birth. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of early isolation on the physiology of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit. Male and female guinea pigs were assigned at 6–7 days of age to either a social or an isolated environment. After 90–100 days, the animals were anesthetized and electrophysiological experiments were carried out. The monosynaptic response evoked by medial perforant path stimulation in the dentate gyrus (DG) and the following response trisynaptically evoked in field CA1 by the DG‐CA3 system were evaluated with several stimulus protocols: (1) current source‐density (CSD) analysis; (2) input/output function; (3) paired‐pulse potentiation (PPP); and (4) long‐term potentiation (LTP). Isolated animals exhibited a reduction in the magnitude of the current sinks in the middle molecular layer and granule cell layer of the DG and in the input/output function of the granule cell population excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and population spike (PS) over a wide range of stimuli. The latter effect was larger in males. The ratio between the PS and EPSP of the granule cells was reduced in isolated compared to control males, but the opposite occurred in females. Isolation affected PPP of the granule cell response in males only, causing a larger facilitation of the PS. No isolation‐related effects were found in the magnitude of the LTP of the DG response in either sex. Isolated animals exhibited a reduction in the current sinks in stratum radiatum and stratum pyramidale of field CA1 and in the input/output function of the EPSP and PS of field CA1. These effects were larger in males. The results show that early isolation causes a reduction in the synaptic function of the DG‐CA3‐CA1 system, driven by perforant path volleys. The isolation‐induced impairment in signal processing along the hippocampal network suggests that the outcome of early isolation may be an impairment in the memory functions in which the entorhinal‐hippocampal system plays a key role. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traffic engineering in hierarchical SDN control plane

Decoupling of control and data plane in Software Define Networks (SDN) creates significant flexibility in network management. As networks are evolving into a complex multi-domain multi-layer architecture, traffic engineering across multiple domains and layers entails challenges for the control plane, especially when each separate administrative domain does not disclose their network topology and resource information. In this paper, we present a hierarchical controller design over multidomain and multi-layer networks, by adopting a root controller at the top layer. We allow to aggregate network topology and QoS information into a hierarchical Network Information Base (NIB) for the confidentiality concern. Then, we devise a communication protocol, which enables controllers at different layers and domains to work collaboratively on bandwidth allocation by reading to the hierarchical NIB. We also present an improved traffic engineering algorithm by considering bandwidth and delay simultaneously, to maximize the network utilization while respecting max-min fairness. Experiments on a 717-switches 5-domain network topology demonstrate that our proposal could drive the link utilization ratio to more than 85%.
Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp.

Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) are the main agents of nosocomial infections. The antimicrobial resistance of these microorganisms has increased worldwide, justified by the selective pressure caused by the use of broad spectrum antibiotics. The prophylactic antibioticotherapy is also a concerning factor, because it increases the risk of infection, and difficult its management. Most staphylococci are resistant to penicillin, methicillin and actually reports of vancomycin resistance are found in the literature, and the resistance mechanisms are identical in S. aureus and CoNS. Detection of oxacillin resistant staphylococci is important to guide therapies and also to avoid use of vancomycin, which is an antimicrobial agent with therapeutic complications, and can lead to selection of resistant strains. This review aims to describe important points of the resistance to antibiotics in Staphylococcus spp. , regarding the therapies and laboratorial aspects.
From politics to good management? Transforming the local welfare state in Italy

In light of recent welfare reforms associated with new forms of managerial and financial accountability, this paper analyses the significance for the construction of new legitimate forms of governance of the relationship between public managers of welfare provider units and local elected politicians. The shift from local government as democratic representative institutions to depoliticised efficient agent of welfare provision has created in Italy the opportunity for the emergence of a new cadre of managers, less subject to interference by the parties. The increasingly problematic relationship between managers and politicians reflects the dynamics of a shifting game, originally intended for sector-specific interests, that was later transformed into a struggle between political elites across territory and about territorial politics. Any set of alternatives juxtaposing efficient management and politics is best viewed by taking account of the significance of local welfare institutions for political legitimacy.
Rapid Economic Assessment of Flood-control Failure along the Rio Grande: A Case Study

Recent flood events along the international border between the USA and Mexico resulted in significant economic damage and loss of human life. The International Boundary and Water Commission, the agency responsible for monitoring US–Mexican flood control levees, had requested funding for maintenance and improvement of these levees. However, the Office of Management and Budget requires agencies to provide benefits or in this case avoided loss estimates to justify the budget request. Due to severe time constraints in the budgetary process there was a need for a rapid assessment of the potential economic impacts from a failure of this ageing flood-control infrastructure. The economic losses avoided by four major flood-control projects on the Rio Grande were estimated using an innovative combination of satellite imagery, geographic information systems, and economic methods. The control projects apply to about 547 km (340 miles) of levees from Caballo Reservoir in New Mexico to Brownsville, Texas, and include several million people, extensive industry, and agricultural production. High resolution imagery was used to identify and quantify potential flood inundation areas, types of land use, and impacts of flood-control infrastructure failure. Value estimates of residential, industrial, and commercial property, and agricultural production at risk were developed from property assessment data, crop enterprise budgets, census data, and community leaders. Damage factors accounting for flood inundation levels and building contents were then used to develop gross economic losses avoided by flood-control infrastructure for each of the different property and land use types in each project area. The baseline analysis indicates that the four projects cumulatively prevent one time losses of US$322.9 million in flood-control protection.
An Economic Analysis of Participation and Time Spent in Physical Activity

Abstract This paper develops and estimates an economic model of physical activity that distinguishes between the participation and duration decisions (extensive and intensive margins). Results from IV estimators indicate that economic factors like income and opportunity cost of time are important determinants of physical activity and affect the participation and time spent decisions differently. Individuals with higher income are more likely to participate but, conditional on participation, spend less time engaged in physical activity. Individual characteristics like gender, race, marital status and having children also play an important role in the participation and duration decisions.
The HR competency requirements for strategic and functional HR practitioners

HR competency research has predominantly focused on identifying generic HR competencies for HR practitioners using a universalist approach. This approach has led to the distinction between strategic and functional HR competencies, and a belief that the former is superior to the latter for successful performance in the HR domain. However, little attention has been paid to the interrelationships between strategic and functional HR competency dimensions, and their perceived relevance to strategic and functional HR roles. Drawing on a situationalist perspective and using a mixed-method approach, seven HR competency concepts are identified and examined for their perceived relative importance to strategic and functional HR roles. The findings indicate that Business Awareness competencies are important differentiators between strategic and functional HR roles, whereas Leadership and Relationship Building and Self-Belief and Social Factors are generic to all HR practitioners. The findings also indicate that there is a wider range of HR attributes required for HR job success than those espoused in the HR literature. Theoretical implications and recommendations on selection and development programmes for HR practitioners are also discussed.
Cloud Supply Chain Resilience Model: Development and Validation

Cloud computing is reshaping the information and communication technology (ICT) supply chain and creating a more dynamic ICT environment. However, this transformation is accompanied by a greater risk of disruption and brings new organisational resilience (OR) challenges. Focusing on OR in relation to the cloud supply chain (CSC), this paper adopts a two-stage qualitative research design to investigate how ICT resilience activities can best be coordinated across a CSC. It proposes and empirically validates a conceptual model as a tool for guiding efforts to maintain and improve resilience in CSCs. The model is based on existing supply chain management and supply chain resilience theories and considers specific characteristics of the CSC in order to identify coordination mechanisms that positively impact ICT resilience processes within it. Empirical validation with New Zealand companies established the value of the model in terms of structuring the OR conversation across the CSC.
Social capital as a decision aid in strategic decision-making in service organizations

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the role of social capital as a strategic decision aid in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in different service sectors.Design/methodology/approach – Data on 434 strategic decisions in service SMEs was gathered through computer‐aided telephone interviews and analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the mediating role of level of risk acceptance and confidence in the relationship between the breadth of social capital and decision effectiveness.Findings – Evaluative judgments (risk acceptance and confidence) explain the negative effects of social capital on decision effectiveness. Service delivery and dependency on tacit know‐how account for differences between SMEs in different service sectors and serve as explanations for different effects of social capital as a decision aid.Research limitations/implications – The study sheds light on the psychological underpinnings of social capital effects in strategic decisions. Higher varieties of actors make de.
Coping and co‐creating in tourist experiences

This research explores how a tourist copes and co-creates experiences in various situations and with various people during a vacation. Tourist experiences are explored in social (service provider and other consumers) and physical encounters (‘servicescape’). The study reveals examples of coping and co-creation strategies and the subsequent effects on tourist evaluations. The present work provides personal experiences and a diary as methods. The study proposes ways of dealing with tourist coping and co-creating strategies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can we improve the clinical assessment of working memory? An evaluation of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition using a working memory criterion construct

Working memory is the cognitive ability to hold a discrete amount of information in mind in an accessible state for utilization in mental tasks. This cognitive ability is impaired in many clinical populations typically assessed by clinical neuropsychologists. Recently, there have been a number of theoretical shifts in the way that working memory is conceptualized and assessed in the experimental literature. This study sought to determine to what extent the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition (WAIS–III) Working Memory Index (WMI) measures the construct studied in the cognitive working memory literature, whether an improved WMI could be derived from the subtests that comprise the WAIS–III, and what percentage of variance in individual WAIS–III subtests is explained by working memory. It was hypothesized that subtests beyond those currently used to form the WAIS–III WMI would be able to account for a greater percentage of variance in a working memory criterion construct than the current WMI. Multiple regression analyses (n = 180) revealed that the best predictor model of subtests for assessing working memory was composed of the Digit Span, Letter–Number Sequencing, Matrix Reasoning, and Vocabulary. The Arithmetic subtest was not a significant contributor to the model. These results are discussed in the context of how they relate to Unsworth and Engle's (2006, 2007) new conceptualization of working memory mechanisms.
The Audit Retention Decision in the Face of Deregulation: Evidence from Large Private Canadian Corporations

We examine the demand for audited financial statements in the context of deregulation. In 1994 a change in Canadian legislation eliminated a mandatory requirement for certain private companies to file audited financial statements. The objective of this research was to determine the importance of factors that might influence whether the audit is discontinued. Information was obtained from the Cancorp Plus database and through a survey of companies affected by the change in legislation. It was found that a large majority of the companies retained their audit. The strongest predictors of whether the audit would be retained were the prior existence of a lending agreement requiring audited financial statements and the level of audit fees. The likelihood of retention was positively related to the magnitude of fees, perhaps reflecting the perceived benefits of the audit. The existence of a lending agreement was found to be influenced by the ownership level of the entity's officers and directors. This study under.
The heat shock transcription factor PsHSF1 of Phytophthora sojae is required for oxidative stress tolerance and detoxifying the plant oxidative burst.

In the interaction between plant and microbial pathogens, reactive oxygen species (ROS) rapidly accumulate upon pathogen recognition at the infection site and play a central role in plant defence. However, the mechanisms that plant pathogens use to counteract ROS are still poorly understood especially in oomycetes, filamentous organisms that evolved independently from fungi. ROS detoxification depends on transcription factors (TFs) that are highly conserved in fungi but much less conserved in oomycetes. In this study, we identified the TF PsHSF1 that acts as a modulator of the oxidative stress response in the soybean stem and root rot pathogen Phytophthora sojae. We found that PsHSF1 is critical for pathogenicity in P. sojae by detoxifying the plant oxidative burst. ROS produced in plant defence can be detoxified by extracellular peroxidases and laccases which might be regulated by PsHSF1. Our study extends the understanding of ROS detoxification mechanism mediated by a heat shock TF in oomycetes.
Governance Structures and Contracting Out Municipal Auditing in Finland and Norway

This study explores the effects of governance structure and contracting out on municipal audit costs. There is economy of scale, asymmetric information and human asset specificity in municipal auditing. As a consequence, both unified governance and market contracting could result in high total audit costs for municipalities. According to Oliver Williamson, relational contracting has been a neglected issue in transaction costs analysis (TCA). We studied 47 municipalities in Finland and 298 municipalities in Norway using multivariate analysis. The municipal audit fees per capita were highest in Norway where the municipal audit market was regulated and had virtually no market contracting. The audit fees per capita increased most in Finland, possibly due to lowballing after the Finnish market was deregulated in 1997. The municipalities in both Finland and Norway predominantly used audit in relational contracting even though the audit fees per capita were relatively high. Relational contracting could be efficient when production, transaction and political costs are taken into account. The findings corroborated several core TCA propositions.
The Equilibrating and Disequilibrating Effects of Entrepreneurship: Revisiting the Central Premises

Research summary We review existing theoretical propositions on the equilibrating and disequilibrating effects of entrepreneurship in the market process. We then introduce a game theoretical model of the market process and employ computer simulation to analyze it through time. The formal analysis suggests that entrepreneurship as the creation of new opportunities may not always be disequilibrating, and entrepreneurship as the discovery and exploitation of existing opportunities may not always be equilibrating. We identify specific conditions that produce counterexamples to the generic equilibration and disequilibration propositions previously considered to be the central premises of entrepreneurship research. Managerial summary Many entrepreneurs advance society by building businesses around creative new ideas. Yet, other entrepreneurs start businesses by discovering opportunities to profit without necessarily innovative ideas. In reality, most entrepreneurship involves both creation and discovery. We run computer simulations of a small hypothetical economy to analyze the impact of creation and discovery actions on the extent to which the economy contains unexploited opportunities at any given time. Our results largely support previous ideas on how entrepreneurs help clear the markets by discovering opportunities or how innovations disrupt the market through creative destruction. Our results also highlight ways in which these ideas may be oversimplified and may have boundary conditions.
Can Momentum Portfolios Earn More in the Karachi Stock Exchange?

In this study, we attempt to show empirical evidence of momentum profits in Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) using monthly stocks returns data of 609 stocks over the period June 2004 to March 2014. Using Jegadeesh and Titman (1993) methodology, we find that investors can earn positive returns by holding a zero-investment momentum portfolio i.e. buying past winners stocks and selling past losers stocks. These results are robust to excluding small stocks (share price< PKR 5) as well as to using different sample periods. Further research in this area might consider factors such as risk, size, liquidity, book-to-market value, transaction costs, and trading volume to see which of these factors can explain momentum profits in KSE.