Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing industrial symbiosis in Europe: towards a conceptual framework and research methodology

Industrial symbiosis (IS) continues to raise the interest of researchers and practitioners alike. Individual and haphazard attempts to increase linkages among co-located firms have been complemented by concerted efforts to stimulate the development of industrial regions with intensified resource exchanges that reduce environmental impact. Additionally, there are examples of both spontaneous and facilitated linkages between two or more firms involving flows of materials/energy waste. A striking feature of IS activities is that they are found across diverse social contexts and vary considerably in form (Lombardi et al., 2012); there are substantial differences in the ways in which IS manifests itself. Equally diverse are the activities of policy makers to stimulate such linkages. Such diversity can already be found within Europe, as became apparent in a first meeting among some of the present authors in 2009 (Isenmann and Chernykh, 2009). Researchers present there decided to create a network of European researchers on IS, with the explicit aim to develop a comparative analysis. We can thus provide insight to the relationship between the style of IS and its context and thereby the potential for policy makers in different contexts to learn from each other. Policy learning can be a tempting route to IS, but is fraught with difficulties if the influence of context is not appreciated (e.g., Wang et al., Chapter 6, this volume).
Estimating Congestion Costs and Segmenting Motivations for Recreational Festivals

This paper aims to evaluate the willingness to pay (WTP) of visitors to reduce congestion and to segment the market of visitors by motivations. A double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method and survival analysis are adopted to estimate congestion costs for tourists. Analysis of variance is used to test the satisfaction and the WTP of tourists among the segmented motivation groups. Exploratory factor analysis method is conducted to extract four major factorial dimensions, and cluster analysis was performed to identify the characteristics of visitors' motivations into three clusters. The average amount that a tourist is willing to pay to mitigate congestion is US$2.22. The most important market segmentation is the “pursuit of multiple goals”, which has the largest segment of the market. Festival managers need to mitigate overcrowding and identify the segmentation information to develop effective strategies and to refine advertising campaigns to attract more people.
Lawyers and Fools: Lawyer-Directors in Public Corporations

The accepted wisdom — that a lawyer who becomes a corporate director has a fool for a client — is outdated. The benefits of lawyer-directors in today’s world significantly outweigh the costs. Beyond monitoring, they help manage litigation and regulation, as well as structure compensation to align CEO and shareholder interests. The results have been an average 9.5 percent increase in firm value and an almost doubling in the percentage of public companies with lawyer-directors. This Article is the first to analyze the rise of lawyer-directors. It makes a variety of other empirical contributions, each of which is statistically significant and large in magnitude. First, it explains why the number of lawyer-directors has increased. Among other reasons, businesses subject to greater litigation and regulation, and firms with significant intangible assets (such as patents) value a lawyer-director’s expertise. Second, this Article describes the impact of lawyer-directors on corporate monitoring. Among other results, it shows that lawyer-directors are more likely to favor a board structure and takeover defenses that reduce shareholder value — balanced, however, by the benefits of lawyer-directors, such as the valuable advice they can provide. Finally, this Article analyzes the significant reduction in risk-taking and the increase in firm value that results from having a lawyer on the board. Our findings fly in the face of requirements that focus on director independence. Our results show that board composition — and the training, skills, and experience that directors bring to managing a business — can be as or more valuable to the firm and its shareholders.
QTL ANALYSIS OF FLORAL TRAITS IN LOUISIANA IRIS HYBRIDS

Abstract The formation of hybrid zones between nascent species is a widespread phenomenon. The evolutionary consequences of hybridization are influenced by numerous factors, including the action of natural selection on quantitative trait variation. Here we examine how the genetic basis of floral traits of two species of Louisiana Irises affects the extent of quantitative trait variation in their hybrids. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was used to assess the size (magnitude) of phenotypic effects of individual QTL, the degree to which QTL for different floral traits are colocalized, and the occurrence of mixed QTL effects. These aspects of quantitative genetic variation would be expected to influence (1) the number of genetic steps (in terms of QTL substitutions) separating the parental species phenotypes; (2) trait correlations; and (3) the potential for transgressive segregation in hybrid populations. Results indicate that some Louisiana Iris floral trait QTL have large effects and QTL for different traits tend to colocalize. Transgressive variation was observed for six of nine traits, despite the fact that mixed QTL effects influence few traits. Overall, our QTL results imply that the genetic basis of floral morphology and color traits might facilitate the maintenance of phenotypic divergence between Iris fulva and Iris brevicaulis, although a great deal of phenotypic variation was observed among hybrids.
The Determining Factors of Foreign Direct Investment in Spain and the rest of the OECD: Lessons for CEECs

This paper – using an estimation of an econometric model with panel data – investigates the determining factors in bilateral direct investment flows between OECD countries (except for the more recently-incorporated former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, or CEECs) over the past decade. Although the research seeks to explore the general patterns in OECD countries, it also attempts to detect the possible patterns specific to the Spanish case, which could prove particularly useful in drawing inferences for the CEECs. The findings suggest that international flows of direct investment between developed countries are explained not so much by factor endowment differences as by other variables suggested in Dunning’s ‘ownership-location-internalisation’ (OLI) model.
Long‐Run Stock and Operating Performance of Underwriter Warrants: Evidence from Seasoned Equity Offerings

We examine the long‐run stock and operating performance of firms issuing underwriter warrants. Using matched samples, we found significant long‐run underperformance of seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) with warrant compensation, relative to SEOs with cash compensation, following offering announcements. Profitability measures of firms issuing underwriter warrants are also significantly lower over the post‐offering period. In sharp contrast to these results, growth measures of warrant‐issuing firms are greater for both pre‐ and post‐offering periods. Combined together, our results suggest that underwriter warrants are offered in a way to take advantage of the higher growth potential of issuing firms in the short term, whose growth trend is, however, transitory and not materialized into higher stock or operating performance over the long‐run, post‐offering period. We interpret our results as suggesting that the certification effect of SEOs with warrant compensation through growth signaling does not last in the long run. We further offer a behavioral approach as explanations of the short‐run outperformance of SEO firms with warrant compensation with empirical evidence supporting the Miller's divergence of opinion hypothesis.
MHC Gene Related Effects on Microglia and Macrophages in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Determine the Extent of Axonal Injury

Myelin‐oligodendrocyte‐glycoprotein (MOG)‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rats is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) strongly mimicking multiple sclerosis (MS). We determined the involvement of macrophages and microglia in the lesions of MOG‐EAE in relation to different major histocompatibility complex (MHC, RT1 in rat) haplotypes. We used intra‐RT1 recombinant rat strains with recombinations between the RT1a and RT1u haplotypes on the disease permissive LEW non‐MHC genome. Activated microglia and macrophages were identified morphologically and by expression of ED1 and allograft inhibitory factor‐1 (AIF‐1), and differentiated by their morphological phenotype. White matter lesions contained more macrophages and less microglia compared to grey matter lesions. Similarly active lesions were mainly infiltrated by macrophages, while microglia were abundant in inactive demyelinated plaques. In addition, we found a highly significant genetic association between a macrophage or microglia dominated lesional phenotype, which was independent from location and activity of the lesions. This was not only the case in demyelinating plaques of chronic EAE, but also in purely inflammatory lesions of acute passive transfer EAE. Rat strains with an u‐haplotype in both the Class II and the telomeric non‐classical Class I region revealed inflammatory and demyelinating lesions, which were dominated by activated microglia. The a‐haplotype in any of these regions was associated with macrophage dominated lesions. A comparison of lesions, exactly matched for stages of demyelinating activity in these different rat strains, showed that in spite of a similar extent of demyelination, axonal injury was significantly less in microglia compared to macrophage dominated lesions. Thus, our studies document a genetic influence of the MHC‐region on the relative contribution of macrophages versus microglia in the pathogenesis of EAE.
Suppression of Nonsense Mutations Induced by Expression of an RNA Complementary to a Conserved Segment of 23S rRNA

ABSTRACT We identified a short RNA fragment, complementary to theEscherichia coli 23S rRNA segment comprising nucleotides 735 to 766 (in domain II), which when expressed in vivo results in the suppression of UGA nonsense mutations in two reporter genes. Neither UAA nor UAG mutations, examined at the same codon positions, were suppressed by the expression of this antisense rRNA fragment. Our results suggest that a stable phylogenetically conserved hairpin at nucleotides 736 to 760 in 23S rRNA, which is situated close to the peptidyl transferase center, may participate in one or more specific interactions during peptide chain termination.
When does the ISO 9000 quality assurance standard lead to performance improvement? Assimilation and going beyond

ISO 9000 is a management standard that provides customers with assurance that their registered suppliers have a consistent quality system to which they adhere. This paper draws on four sources to show how ISO 9000 can lead to performance improvement: 1) theories of induced innovation and improvisation; 2) the literature on ISO 9000; 3) a case study of a telecom company; and 4) a survey of 1,150 North American companies. We find that the extent to which ISO 9000 is associated with performance improvement depends on the level of its assimilation, and the degree to which an organization goes beyond the minimal requirements of the standard.
Platform-based product design and environmental turbulence

Purpose – When competing in a turbulent environment, strategic flexibility can be a competitive advantage. One source of flexibility is the new product development (NPD) process, or more specifically product design. The purpose of this paper is to investigate platform-based product design and its relationship to environmental turbulence, strategic flexibility, and market performance. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical model is developed and relationships are empirically tested using structural equation modeling. Data were collected from engineering design managers in the US manufacturing industry. Findings – The paper found that the higher the level of environmental turbulence the more firms turned to platform product design. Also, the higher the level of platform design the higher the level of market performance, both in the short term and the long term. Finally, the paper showed that strategic flexibility positively and partially mediates the positive relationship between platform design and pe.
Cruise line industry and Caribbean tourism: guests' motivations, activities, and destination preference

This study examines passengers� motivations for taking a cruise vacation, their travel-related activities while on vacation, and their preferences to return to each destination for a land-based vacation. The study is based on a survey of cruise passengers on a 10-day itinerary with six ports-of-call from Miami, Florida to the Caribbean. Five underlying dimensions of cruise passengers� motivations were found: Convenience/Ship Based, Exploration, Escape and Relaxation, Social, and Climate. The findings of the study indicate that while the majority of respondents participated in shore excursions and a diverse range of activities in port, they had mixed rankings of destinations on the itinerary. Generally, passengers ranked the more developed destinations higher, spent more money in port, and traveled further from the port area. Furthermore, destinations that were ranked high were also those that respondents indicated preference to return for land-based holidays, suggesting that the satisfaction with a port destination and the activities participated in could influence passengers� intent to return.
Productive Government Spending, Patterns of Specialization and Economic Growth in a Small Open Economy

Constructing a two-sector small open endogenous growth model with productive government spending, this paper examines patterns of specialization and the growth effects of fiscal policy. It is shown in this model that a change in income tax rate can cause a change in an equilibrium pattern of specialization. Because of this property, the relationship between the tax rate and the growth rate yields either a humped shape or a two-humped shape, depending on world commodity prices. We also show that the growth maximizing tax rate is not necessarily equal to the tax rate that maximizes the level of social welfare.
Improvement of Success Rates for Abdominal Component Reconstructions Using Bovine Fetal Collagen

Between February 2008 and December 2010, the author performed 15 standardized component repairs in patients reinforced with bovine fetal collagen. Of 15 repairs, 14 (93%) were intact at an average follow-up of 18 months. This success rate is a significant improvement from the author’s previous success rate with this procedure (67%) and may represent a specific contribution of bovine fetal collagen reinforcement.
980-Nm Diode Laser Vaporization versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE We compared the effectiveness and complications of 980-nm diode laser vaporization and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 72 consecutive patients with BPH entered the study. All patients underwent general and urological evaluations. The primary outcome was improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The secondary outcomes were IPSS quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), residual volume, and complications. Patients were allocated randomly to the TURP and laser groups. The Ceralas HPD120, a diode laser system emitting at a wavelength of 980 nm, was used for photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP). TURP was performed with a monopolar 26 French resectoscope. Preoperative and operative parameters and surgical outcomes were compared. RESULTS In total, 36 patients in each group underwent PVP and TURP. The mean age ± standard deviation was 63.1 ± 9.1 years and 64.7 ± 10.2 years in the PVP and TURP groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in age, prostate size, prostate-specific antigen concentration, Qmax, preoperative IPSS, or preoperative Qmax between the two groups. The operation duration was also similar between the groups (P = .36). The catheterization time was 1.45 ± 0.75 and 2.63 ± 0.49 days in the PVP and TURP groups, respectively (P < .01). The PVP group had a shorter hospital stay than the TURP group. The 3-month postoperative Qmax increased to 9.90 ± 3.61 and 6.59 ± 6.06 mL/s from baseline in the TURP and PVP groups, respectively; there was no difference in the increases between the groups (P = .08). The IPSS and IPSS-QoL were significantly improved with the operation (P < .01), and this improvement was similar in both groups P = . 3 and P = . 8, respectively . The complication rate was also similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS PVP with a diode laser is as safe and effective as TURP in the treatment of BPH, and the techniques have similar complication rates and functional results. PVP has the advantage of shorter hospitalization and catheter indwelling times and no need for discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy.
Strategic intelligence in law enforcement: a review

Abstract In an age where the role of police has morphed from simplistic response and enforcement activities to one of managing human security risk, it is argued that intelligence can be used to reduce the impact of strategic surprise from evolving criminal threats and environmental change. This review specifically focuses on research that has implications for strategic intelligence in law enforcement. The review findings highlight the absence of detailed research on law enforcement strategic intelligence. Findings suggest that current law enforcement intelligence literature focuses narrowly on the management concept of intelligence-led policing in a tactical, operational setting. As a result there is little theory on how to improve strategic intelligence outcomes. This is despite the fact that intelligence-led policing is envisaged as a management tool to guide strategic decision making. The review identifies central issues surrounding strategic intelligence and highlights key questions that future research agendas must address to improve strategic intelligence outcomes
Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in South Carolina

Approximately 66,000 LGBT workers in South Carolina are vulnerable to employment discrimination absent state legal protections. Four localities in South Carolina prohibit public sector employment discrimination against LGBT people. Only 18% of the state’s labor force works in those localities, and only a small proportion of those workers are employed by their local governments. Currently none of South Carolina’s LGBT-inclusive local ordinances prohibit discrimination in private employment. Findings from the South Carolina report are consistent with national data. A 2013 Pew Research Center survey found that 21 percent of LGBT respondents had been treated unfairly by an employer in hiring, pay, or promotions. In 2010, 78 percent of respondents to the largest national survey of transgender people to date reported having experienced harassment or mistreatment at work, and 47 percent reported having been discriminated against in hiring, promotion, or job retention because of their gender identity.
The Mediation of Poverty: The News, New Media, and Politics

This thesis considers how the mediation of poverty in Canada and the United Kingdom influences responses to the issue of poverty. The thesis focuses in particular on the issue dynamics concerning children as constructions of a “deserving poor” and immigrants as constructions of an “undeserving poor”. A frame analysis of mainstream news content in both countries demonstrates the extent to which individualizing and rationalizing frames dominate coverage, and that the publication of the news online is not leading to an expansion of discourses, as hoped. A frame analysis of alternative news coverage and coverage from the 1960s and 70s demonstrates significant absences of social justice frames and rights-based discourse in contemporary coverage. I suggest that mainstream news coverage narrows and limits the way poverty is talked about in a way that reinforces the dominance of neoliberalism and market-based approaches to the issue. Interviews with journalists, politicians, researchers and activists collectively indicate that getting media coverage is essential to gaining political attention in both countries. These interviews also reveal the power dynamics influencing the relationships between these actors and the way the issue of poverty is approached. I argue that while new media tools create new opportunities to share information, these tools are also creating new pressures by speeding up the working practices in mediated political centres in a way that forecloses potentials to challenge dominant news coverage and approaches to poverty. However, this cross-national comparison also reveals context-specific factors influencing poverty politics in each country. I conclude that this analysis and comparison of poverty issue dynamics reveals shortcomings in the democratic processes in both countries. Changing poverty coverage and approaches to the issue will require changing specific media and political practices.
Arabidopsis CRY2 and ZTL mediate blue-light regulation of the transcription factor CIB1 by distinct mechanisms

Significance Plants rely on many different types of photoreceptors to control light responses, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the coaction of different photoreceptors that regulate the same light response remains unclear. This study demonstrates a mechanism of the photoreceptor coaction. In Arabidopsis, the blue-light receptor cryptochrome 2 interacts with and activates the transcription factor CRYPTOCHROME-INTERACTING basic helix–loop–helix 1 (CIB1). It was found that CIB1 protein is degraded in the absence of blue light and that the light–oxygen–voltage-domain F-box blue-light receptor ZEITLUPE mediates blue-light suppression of CIB1 degradation. Plants possess multiple photoreceptors to mediate light regulation of growth and development, but it is not well understood how different photoreceptors coordinate their actions to jointly regulate developmental responses, such as flowering time. In Arabidopsis, the photoexcited cryptochrome 2 interacts with the transcription factor CRYPTOCHROME-INTERACTING basic helix–loop–helix 1 (CIB1) to activate transcription and floral initiation. We show that the CIB1 protein expression is regulated by blue light; CIB1 is highly expressed in plants exposed to blue light, but levels of the CIB1 protein decreases in the absence of blue light. We demonstrate that CIB1 is degraded by the 26S proteasome and that blue light suppresses CIB1 degradation. Surprisingly, although cryptochrome 2 physically interacts with CIB1 in response to blue light, it is not the photoreceptor mediating blue-light suppression of CIB1 degradation. Instead, two of the three light–oxygen–voltage (LOV)-domain photoreceptors, ZEITLUPE and LOV KELCH PROTEIN 2, but not FLAVIN-BINDING KELCH REPEAT 1, are required for the function and blue-light suppression of degradation of CIB1. These results support the hypothesis that the evolutionarily unrelated blue-light receptors, cryptochrome and LOV-domain F-box proteins, mediate blue-light regulation of the same transcription factor by distinct mechanisms.