Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investment in Human Capital: A Comment

THrE theoretical analysis of investment in human capital that recently appeared in this Journal performs a useful service by raising many relevant issues and in suggesting relationships. ' Without wishing to ascribe to the author's results a greater degree of definitiveness than he himself claims, it seemed to this reader that certain of them were put forward with more certainty than is warranted. In general I do not want to question the logical validity of those results. Rather, it is their generality, whether they provide reasonably accurate descriptions of reality and good predictions, that I shall mainly discuss. The analytic exemplar of the article is the discussion of on-the-job training, and it deserves to be the starting point of any criticism. From there this comment will pass briefly to some of the other issues raised.
The Stability of American Markets

Much of the evidence of coordination between corporations and their markets comes from cross-sectional conducted within portions of the American economy during the past two decades. We know, especially for manufacturing during the late 1960s, that certain structural qualities of markets predict profits and the organization of large firms. But this evidence is open to an uncomfortable empirical question: To what extent did the social-structural qualities determining resource dependence in American markets change during the 1960s and 1970s so as to limit the generalizability of cross-sectional evidence? The analysis here shows that markets were dramatically stable in he social structure of production relations known to predict the structure of large firms. Relying principally on Department of Commerce data, the article traces the American economy through the 1960s and 1970s in terms of 77 broadly defined markets, describing the stability of market boundaries and patterns of transactions with suppliers and consumers, the enduring profit inequalities generated by the social structure of the markets, and the constant sources of market constraint to be managed by firms designed to operate within each market. The implications are that organizational research with cross-sectional
Does Fair Value Accounting Contribute to Market Price Volatility? An Experimental Approach

type="main" xml:id="acfi12030-abs-0001"> This paper contributes to the debate on the impact of accounting measurement rules for financial assets. We examine the association between fair value accounting for financial assets and market price volatility for nonfinancial firms in an experimental setting. One group of participants was provided with financial statements where held-for-trading securities were reported at fair market value (FVA). Another group received financial statements with investments reported at historical cost (HCA). Controlling for accounting data, we find no systematic difference between FVA and HCA for three different measures of market price volatility, despite higher earnings volatility and marginally heavier trading under FVA.
Foreign Direct Investment and Total Factor Productivity in China: A Spatial Dynamic Panel Analysis

This study develops a spatial dynamic model to assess the total-factor-productivity (TFP) effects of externalities generated by foreign direct investment (FDI). The model is capable of disentangling TFP effects from capital accumulation effects and introducing spatial interdependence based on theoretical derivation rather than spatial statistical tests. An application of this model to a panel dataset of China at the provincial level over 1980–2005 shows significantly positive impact of FDI externalities on TFP within and across regions. This finding is robust to a range of empirical specifications of our theoretical model, to different estimators, and to alternative proxies of FDI intensity variable.
Entry Modes of Multinational Corporations into China's Market: A Socioeconomic Analysis

The economic boom and liberalization make China a new focus of international investments by multinational corporations (MNCs). How to enter this huge market and what entry mode should be taken, remain inconclusive. This paper is a study of the entry modes of MNCs into China from socioeconomic perspectives. It provides a theoretical discussion and also an empirical investigation of MNCs’ entry modes in the Chinese particular institutional and business environments. It examines the impact of sociocultural differences, the technology intensity of investment projects and regional factors on MNCs’ entry mode choice.
Fetal health locus of control in a sample of pregnant Turkish women.

BACKGROUND/AIM To examine the relationship between sociodemographic and pregnancy features and fetal health locus of control (FHLC) in a sample of pregnant Turkish women. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted with 256 pregnant women. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire and the FHLC Scale consisting of 3 components: 1) Internality Scale (FHLC-I), 2) Powerful Others Scale (FHLC-P), and 3) Chances Scale (FHLC-C). RESULTS The age of marriage was found to have a positive relation with FHLC-I (r = 0.141) and a negative relation with FHLC-C (r = -0.145) (P < 0.05). The age of first pregnancy was found to have a positive relation with FHLC-I (r = 0.127). Those who have a low educational level (r = -0.258) and income (r = -0.149), who are unemployed (r = -2.839), whose number of pregnancies is high (r = 0.152), who get pregnant unplanned (r = 3.839), and who come to their first prenatal examination late (r = -0.142) have a significantly high score of FHLC-C (P <0.05). CONCLUSION It may be helpful for better outcomes of prenatal care to identify pregnant women who believe that their behavior has little effect on the health of their fetus and that it is controlled by chance.
The effects of extrinsic incentives on respondent behaviour in contingent valuation studies

In contingent valuation studies to assess the economic value of environmental goods, respondents are often given small presents or money amounts at the beginning of the interview to compensate them for their time spent on the survey and to encourage them to be conscientious when answering the questions. Yet, it is still an open question whether this practice biases contingent valuation survey responses, especially stated willingness to pay (WTP) for the respective environmental good. This study employs a set of field experiments to investigate the effect of respondent incentives in the form of monetary and in-kind gifts on responses in a contingent valuation survey. It is analysed how these different kinds of incentives affect (1) respondents’ diligence when answering contingent valuation method questions, (2) the likelihood of a respondent to state a positive WTP and (3) the amount of stated WTP. Results show that with respect to raising respondents' diligence in the survey interview, a moderate monetary incentive is most effective. The results regarding the effect on WTP statements are less clear. While the likelihood to state a positive WTP is increased by most incentives, mean WTP estimates are virtually unaffected.
ANÁLISE DOS IMPACTOS DOS CPCS DA PRIMEIRA FASE DE TRANSIÇÃO PARA O IFRS NO BRASIL: UM EXAME DOS AJUSTES AOS RESULTADOS NAS DFPS DE 2008

In regard to the Brazilian international accounting convergence to the international standards, according to the Law 11.638/07, this work aims to measure and analyze the impact on the companies’ results of each new norm proceeded from the first transition phase to the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standard). 175 public companies that published the reconciliation table of the effects of the new Law on the Explanatory Notes of their 2008 Financial Reports were examined. The impact of each norm was measured by the inverse of Weetman et al. (1998)’s “Partial Comparability Index”, according to Gray’s (1980, 1988) “accounting values” and “Index of Conservatism”. The most proeminent impacts were: the exclusion of transaction costs and premiums for the bonds issued, which in average tripled the profits of the companies that reported this adjustment in 2007; and the impairment of assets , wich led to a 260% average decrease in the profits of the companiesreporting it in 2008.
Crohn's disease of the large intestine

EDITORIAL SYNOPSIS This paper sets out clearly the clinical and pathological features of Crohn's disease of the large intestine as seen in a series of 75 patients. The distinctions from ulcerative colitis are pointed out and the transmural nature of the inflammation in Crohn's disease emphasized, also the importance of anal lesions, which occurred in 81 % of the cases. Absence of the typical sarcoid reaction on one histological examination does not rule out Crohn's disease. This combined clinical and pathological study makes it clear that Crohn's disease is a different disease from ulcerative colitis and that the two do not occur together in the same patient.
Functional activity of Pat‐1 (Slc26a6) Cl−/HCO3− exchange in the lower villus epithelium of murine duodenum

Aims: The apical membrane anion exchanger putative anion transporter‐1 (Pat‐1) is expressed at significant levels in the lower villus epithelium of murine duodenum. However, previous studies of Cl−/HCO3− exchange in the lower villus have failed to demonstrate Pat‐1 function. Those studies routinely included luminal glucose which induces Na+‐coupled glucose transport and acidifies the villus epithelium. Since Pat‐1 has been proposed to be an electrogenic 1Cl−/2HCO3− exchanger, membrane depolarization or cell acidification during glucose transport may obscure Pat‐1 activity. Therefore, we investigated the effects of luminal glucose on Cl−IN/HCO3−OUT exchange activity in the lower villus epithelium.
The effect of policyholders’ rationality on unit-linked life insurance contracts with surrender guarantees

We study the valuation of unit-linked life insurance contracts with surrender guarantees. Instead of solving an optimal stopping problem, we propose a more realistic approach accounting for policyholders’ rationality in exercising their surrender option. The valuation is conducted at the portfolio level by assuming that the surrender rate of the representative agent is bounded from below and from above. The lower bound corresponds to purely exogenous surrender, and the difference between the upper bound and the lower bound represents the rationality of the policyholders. The valuation problem is formulated by a PDE approach and solved with the finite difference method. We show that the rationality of the policyholders has a significant effect on average contract value and hence on the fair contract design. We also present the separating boundary between purely exogenous surrender and endogenous surrender. This provides implications on the predicted surrender activity of the policyholders.
Residents' perceptions of tourism impacts in Guimarães (Portugal): a cluster analysis

In this investigation, a cluster analysis was used to separate Guimarães (Portugal) residents into clusters according to their perceptions of the impacts of tourism development. This approach is uncommonly applied to Portugal data and is even rarer for world heritage sites. The world heritage designation is believed to make an area more attractive to tourists. The clustering procedure analysed 400 data observations from a Guimarães resident survey and revealed the existence of three clusters: the Sceptics, the Moderately Optimistic and the Enthusiasts. The results were consistent with the empirical literature's results, with the emergent nature of the destination found to be relevant. The fact that tourism is relatively recent in this destination has its major reflex in the devaluation by most of the residents of the negative impacts of tourism development.
Corporate Financing Decisions on Research and Development Increases

This paper investigates corporate financing decisions on corporate investment using cases of research and development (R&D) spending. We focus on U.S. firms with large R&D increases in 1986 to 2007, and we find that most firms with increases in R&D outlays use internal funds to finance the projects. R&D increasing firms with ex ante external financing are prone to low book-to-market ratios, indicating that firms choose external funds for their investment needs when the market timing is good. Finally, we find that the market reaction to R&D increases using internal funds is similar to R&D increases using external funds.
THE DIAGNOSIS OF IRON DEFICIENCY BY ERYTHROCYTE PROTOPORPHYRIN AND SERUM FERRITIN ANALYSES

ABSTRACT. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) and serum ferritin have been determined in 57 healthy children and in 25 children with varying degrees of iron deficiency. FEP was found to be inversely correlated to the concentration of hemoglobin (r=‐0.80) as well as to serum ferritin (r=‐0.64). Elevated FEP was found in children with hemoglobin less than 12.5 g/dl, or serum ferritin less than 8 μg/l. In a group of apparently hematologically normal children between the age of 10–14 years (hemoglobin≥ 12.5 g/dl), a 2‐month‐trial of iron medication resulted in an increase in hemoglobin and ferritin, and a decrease in FEP, indicating suboptimal supply of iron for hemoglobin synthesis before iron medication. In a patient with iron deficiency (FEP 15.3 μmole/l, hemoglobin 5.2 g/dl), iron therapy was followed by a rapid fall in FEP before any changes in hemoglobin, serum iron transferrin saturation and ferritin could be detected. The rapid fall in FEP during start of treatment in iron deficiency makes FEP a sensitive biochemical parameter on iron homeostasis in iron deficiency anemia.
Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children

Reliability and concurrent validity of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children were evaluated with a sample of 106 boys and girls, distributed into four age groups: 5–6 yr. (n = 20), 7–8 yr. (n = 20), 9–10 yr. (n = 46), and 11–12 yr. (n = 20). Test-retest reliability of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, estimated using intraclass correlation coefficients, was high across all age groups, and concurrent validity yielded moderate Pearson correlation coefficients between the Movement battery and long and short forms of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. These results support the use of the Movement battery as a measure of motor ability in children, ages 5 to 12 years.
S-nitrosoglutathione reductase deficiency-induced S-nitrosylation results in neuromuscular dysfunction.

AIMS Nitric oxide (NO) production is implicated in muscle contraction, growth and atrophy, and in the onset of neuropathy. However, many aspects of the mechanism of action of NO are not yet clarified, mainly regarding its role in muscle wasting. Notably, whether NO production-associated neuromuscular atrophy depends on tyrosine nitration or S-nitrosothiols (SNOs) formation is still a matter of debate. Here, we aim at assessing this issue by characterizing the neuromuscular phenotype of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase-null (GSNOR-KO) mice that maintain the capability to produce NO, but are unable to reduce SNOs. RESULTS We demonstrate that, without any sign of protein nitration, young GSNOR-KO mice show neuromuscular atrophy due to loss of muscle mass, reduced fiber size, and neuropathic behavior. In particular, GSNOR-KO mice show a significant decrease in nerve axon number, with the myelin sheath appearing disorganized and reduced, leading to a dramatic development of a neuropathic phenotype. Mitochondria appear fragmented and depolarized in GSNOR-KO myofibers and myotubes, conditions that are reverted by N-acetylcysteine treatment. Nevertheless, although atrogene transcription is induced, and bulk autophagy activated, no removal of damaged mitochondria is observed. These events, alongside basal increase of apoptotic markers, contribute to persistence of a neuropathic and myopathic state. INNOVATION Our study provides the first evidence that GSNOR deficiency, which affects exclusively SNOs reduction without altering nitrotyrosine levels, results in a clinically relevant neuromuscular phenotype. CONCLUSION These findings provide novel insights into the involvement of GSNOR and S-nitrosylation in neuromuscular atrophy and neuropathic pain that are associated with pathological states; for example, diabetes and cancer.
Structural changes and deviations from the Purchasing Power Parity within the euro area

This study focuses on macroeconomic convergence within the euro area over the period 1984–2002. The theoretical framework builds on the generalized purchasing power parity hypothesis, which is empirically tested using vector error correction models with broken deterministic components. The euro area turns out to be an integrated entity, even if national economies still exhibit a certain degree of heterogeneity. The results also suggest that up to now the ‘euro-effect’ in fostering integration within the euro area has been quite weak.
Forensic Accounting Corporations' Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice: A Comparison

This is the first study to critically compare the codes of ethics and standards of practice of forensic accounting corporations and whether forensic accountants understand the difference between the codes and standards. This study examines the extent to which forensic accountants are knowledgeable about forensic accounting corporations' codes and standards, and whether they are able to differentiate the differences between them. A survey of 182 forensic accountants found that a significant number of forensic accountants did not investigate the codes and standards prior to receiving their certifications. The results further revealed that a significant number of forensic accountants incorrectly believe that the codes and standards are substantially similar when they are significantly different. This raises questions regarding forensic accountants' investigative ability. It raises further questions concerning forensic accountants' commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and standards of practice. The results suggest a need for reform within the forensic certification industry, for the establishment of an independent agency to monitor and accredit forensic accounting corporations and their certifications, or alternatively for state or federal regulations to enforce minimum standards for forensic accounting corporations and the certifications.
Stratification of Public Universities and Students’ Segregation

We present a model which allows us to show that stratification of public universities, according to the quality they offer and the quality of students they select, is a plausible result even in a public university system where tuition fees are uniform and decided by the administration. This result is similar to that observed in private and competitive university systems. We prove that it is very unlikely that segregation and stratification could be avoided by subsidizing those universities that are more inefficient. We show also that even if stratification and segregation could be removed through subsidies, it would be at the cost of reducing quality of education at the whole university system.
Circadian pharmacology of l-alanosine (SDX-102) in mice

l-Alanosine (SDX-102) exerts its cytotoxicity through inhibition of de novo purine biosynthesis, an effect potentiated by methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) deficiency. The relevance of circadian dosing time was investigated for chronotherapeutic optimization of SDX-102. Toxicity was assessed in healthy mice following single (1,150, 1,650, or 1,850 mg/kg/d) or multiple doses (250 or 270 mg/kg/d). Efficacy was tested in mice with P388 leukemia receiving multiple doses (225 or 250 mg/kg/d). SDX-102 was administered at six circadian times 4 hours apart in mice synchronized with 12 hours of light alternating with 12 hours of darkness. MTAP expression was determined in liver, bone marrow, small intestinal mucosa, and P388 cells. Dosing at 19 hours after light onset reduced lethality 5-fold after single administration and 3-fold after multiple doses as compared with worst time [P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively (χ2 test)]. Neutropenia, lymphopenia, and bone marrow hemorrhagic lesions were significantly less in mice dosed at 19 hours after light onset as compared with 7 hours after light onset. SDX-102 at 7 hours after light onset transiently ablated the 24-hour patterns in body temperature and activity. A circadian rhythm characterized small intestinal MTAP expression with a maximum at 6:30 hours after light onset (P = 0.04). A minor survival improvement was found in MTAP-deficient P388 mice receiving SDX-102 at 7 or 23 hours after light onset as compared with other times (P = 0.03, log-rank test). In conclusion, the therapeutic index of SDX-102 was improved by the delivery of SDX-102 in the mid to late activity span. These results support the concept of chronomodulated infusion of SDX-102 in cancer patients. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(2):337–46]
Identification of receptor binding sites by competitive peptide mapping: phages T1, T5, and phi 80 and colicin M bind to the gating loop of FhuA

Previously we proposed a transmembrane model of the FhuA receptor protein in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. Removal of the largest loop at the cell surface converted the FhuA transport protein into an open channel and rendered cells resistant to the FhuA-specific phages T1, T5, and phi 80 and to colicin M. In the present study we employed acetylated hexapeptide amides covering the entire surface loop to investigate binding of the phages and of colicin M. Competitive peptide mapping proved to be a powerful technique to uncover three ligand binding sites within a region of 34 amino acid residues. Hexapeptides derived from three specific regions of the surface loop inhibited infection of cells by the phages and killing by colicin M. Two of these regions were common among all four FhuA ligands. Electron microscopy of phage T5 revealed that one inhibitory peptide triggered a strong conformational change leading to the release of DNA from the phage head. These results suggest that the FhuA gating loop is the target for specific binding of phages T1, T5, and phi 80 and colicin M.
Consumer Demand for Telecasts of Tennis Matches in Germany

The research presented here aims to fill the existing gap in empirical research on demand for individual sports. A unique data set on audiences for live broadcast tennis matches from Germany, as Europe’s biggest and most competitive TV market, is analyzed. The results indicate that canonical approaches of empirical sport economics can be fruitfully applied to individual sports. Consumers prefer prestigious competitions, relevant matches, highly ranked, and German players. The findings suggest that the German tennis industry needs to provide national tennis stars in order to revitalize the interest of major networks and audiences.
Rectangularization and the Rise in Limit-Longevity in a Simple Overlapping Generations Model

Whereas overlapping generations (OLG) models with endogenous longevity do not distinguish between the rectangularization phenomenon and the rise in limit-longevity, these constitute two different demographic phenomena requiring a distinct modelling. This paper presents a two-period OLG model where the probability of survival from the first to the second period, as well as the maximum length of life, are endogenously determined and influenced by public policies. The issues of existence, uniqueness and stability of a steady state are studied. It is shown that the transition towards the steady state exhibits, under mild conditions, the observed succession of phases of rectangularization and derectangularization of survival curves.