Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal debt adjustment in a nonlinear endogenous growth model

This work is a twofold contribution to the economic literature. First, we provide an Optimal Control theorem to transform a nonlinear infinite-horizon economic growth model into an equivalent finite-horizon representation that can then be solved numerically. This approach has several benefits compared to the methods currently in practice: (a) the nonlinear form of the model can be solved directly, avoiding log-linearization qualitative and quantitative errors; (b) the dynamic system is solved at each point in time so studying the transitional dynamics is now considerably easier; (c) shocks can hit the system at any point in time and do not require the economy to be in a steady-state; (d) more complex models, once deemed analytically intractable, can now be solved numerically. On top of this, we developed a framework to exemplify the application of the theorem and demonstrate its potential use in the exogenous and endogenous economic growth literature by solving the original, nonlinear description of two standard models: the utility-maximizing Ramsey-Cass-Koopmans neoclassical growth model and the Lucas endogenous growth model with human capital. We exemplified how to simulate shocks to a system that might not be at its steady-state, a strong requirement still in use in the literature, as well as multiple, sequential shocks. In the second part, we studied optimal debt adjustment by applying the numerical framework and developing a nonlinear endogenous growth model with public capital and public debt in order to study the optimal fiscal policy to curb large levels of public debt. Given that the model was solved in its nonlinear form, we were able to consider timevariant tax rates and a quantitative budget rule. It is shown that the optimal fiscal adjustment policy depends on the initial level of debt and the results suggest there is an inverted U-shape negative relationship between debt and growth. In the short-tun, the strategy consists in immediately cutting public expenditure, followed by a tax raise in the capital income tax. In the long-run, public expenditure resumes, capital income tax converges to zero and productive public spending is then fully supported by a tax on consumption.
Framework Issues in the Privatisation Strategies of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland

Framework issues in privatisation include the alternative of commercialisation of state-owned enterprises without privatisation, the scope and sequence of divestiture by branch of the economy, the organisational structure for privatisation, the choice among standard and non-standard methods, and problems in the administration of privatisation, such as valuation, transparency and corruption. For each issue, the study analyses major aspects and compares relevant experience of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. The concluding section draws some general lessons from the theoretical analysis and empirical comparisons.
Is Diversity Management Sufficient? Organizational Inclusion to Further Performance

This study focuses on the concept of organizational inclusion, which goes beyond diversity management, the dominant paradigm in the field of public administration. Although several studies in public administration mention the importance of inclusion, none of these studies have empirically tested its association with performance beyond diversity management. Data for this study comes from a survey conducted among public managers in Texas agencies. The study finds that diversity management alone is insufficient for improving workplace performance. What is required instead is an approach that promotes greater inclusion of employees in ways that takes their views into account and promotes self-esteem. The results show that productive workplaces exist when employees are encouraged to express their opinions, and their input is sought before making important organizational decisions. This requires supportive leadership and empowering employees with information and resources that will help them make important decisions about their jobs.
The Influence of a Hotel Firm's Quality of Service and Image and its Effect on Tourism Customer Loyalty

The aim of this article is to understand the influence of hotel service quality and corporate image on tourism customer loyalty. Data were collected from tourists at several sight-seeing locations in Mauritius. The study sample comprised guests of various hotels in Mauritius who were randomly approached and invited to participate in a survey on the hotel's services. The study findings suggest that it is the quality of service and the corporate image of the hotel that jointly influence tourism customers' loyalty. Although the study findings do not indicate a direct relationship between service quality and loyalty, it is the consistent quality of service that creates and sustains the image of the hotel which, ultimately, results in tourism customer loyalty. This would therefore suggest that tourism customer loyalty is dependent on a hotel's ability to consistently deliver service quality.
Voluntary Disclosure by State-Owned Enterprises Listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong

This study examines the impact of international capital market pressures on the voluntary disclosure of three types of information (strategic, financial, and non-financial) in the annual reports of former wholly state-owned People's Republic of China (PRC) enterprises, listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK). Consistent with a cost-benefit framework, we find that PRC H-Share firms disclose significantly more strategic and financial information than other SEHK firms. Additional analysis of disclosures in their home listings on the PRC exchanges, however, suggests an alternative explanation. The fact that these firms have been selected for "showcasing" in international capital markets may also play a role in our findings. While H-Share firm disclosures in the PRC also appear sensitive to management's assessment of the associated costs, the magnitude of differences across listing locations suggests that disclosure practices on the SEHK may also reflect the effects of state-encouraged disclosure policies. Our findings contribute to the understanding of disclosure behavior among former wholly state-owned enterprises and to the emerging literature on the efficacy of the privatization process.
Financial Distress and Corporate Performance

This study finds that highly leveraged firms lose substantial market share to their more conservatively financed competitors in industry downturns. Specifically, firms in the top leverage decile in industries that experience output contractions see their sales decline by 26 percent more than do firms in the bottom leverage decile. A similar decline takes place in the market value of equity. These findings are consistent with the view that the indirect costs of financial distress are significant and positive. Consistent with the theory that firms with specialized products are especially vulnerable to financial distress, we find that highly leveraged firms that engage in research and development suffer the most in economically distressed periods. We also find that the adverse consequences of leverage are more pronounced in concentrated industries. Copyright 1994 by American Finance Association.
The role of human resource practices in achieving quality enhancement and cost reduction: an investigation of volunteer use in tourism organisations.

This paper examines the role of human resource practices in enabling cost reduction and quality enhancement. In particular, it investigates the use of volunteers in tourism organisations. The study is located in two visitor information centres (VICs) and focuses on the financial costs and service quality of paid staff and volunteers. The research uses both qualitative and quantitative data. The findings suggest that volunteers provide a cost effective means of providing quality service and that there were, in this instance, no differences found in the quality of service provided by paid staff and volunteers. The findings also suggest that human resource practices such as innovative training programs, strategic recruiting and the provision of a team environment enhance the service quality. Future research directions are recommended as an outcome of this study.
Efficient pricing of ships in the dry bulk sector of the shipping industry

The aim of this paper was to investigate the validity of the Efficient Market Hypothesis in conjunction with Rational Expectations in the formation of dry bulk ship prices over the period January 1976-December 1997. Tests for market efficiency include those of orthogonality and unpredictability of excess returns on investments and tests based on the Vector Autoregressive models proposed by Campbell and Shiller. The latter methodology is extended further to a 3-variable Vector Autoregressive model, which is applicable to real assets with limited economic life. Results indicate that prices for newbuilding and second-hand vessels are not determined efficiently in the sense of Fama. Failure of the Efficient Market Hypothesis in the formation of ship prices is explained by the existence of timevarying risk premia, which relate excess returns to investors' perceptions of risk. These are modelled through the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity in mean (GARCH-M) models. The results have important implications for shipping investment strategies, both in the newbuilding and second-hand markets.
Complication rates of open transvesical prostatectomy according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

BACKGROUND Traditional open prostatectomies either transvesical or retropubic remains the reference standard for managing benign prostatic enlargement in some centers, especially in developing countries. The comparison of complication rates between the various types of open prostatectomies is usually a source of significant debate among urologists, most times with conflicting results. The Clavien-Dindo classification system is an excellent attempt at standardization of reporting complications associated with surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed retrospectively the records of patients who had open transvesical prostatectomy (TVP) in three specialist urology centers in Anambra state, Southeast Nigeria, over a period of 5 years (January 2004-December 2009), with the aim of documenting medical and surgical complications arising from open TVP. These complications were then categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo system. RESULTS A total of 362 patients had open TVP over the period under review. Of this number, 145 had documented evidence of complications. The mean age of the patients was 66.3 years (SD 9.4 years; range 49-96 years). The mean follow-up period was 27.8 months (SD 12.6 months; range 6-33 months). The overall complication rate for open TVP in this study was 40.1% (145/362). Complication rates for grades i, id, ii, iiia, and iiib were 0.8%, 0.6%, 35.1%, 0.6%, and 3.0%, respectively. Most complications of open TVP occur in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION Open TVP still remains a valid surgical option in contemporary environment where advanced techniques for transurethral resection of the prostate and laparoscopic prostatectomy are unavailable. Most complications occur in the early postoperative period, with bleeding requiring several units of blood transfusion accounting for the commonest complication. This should be explained to patients during the preoperative counselling.
Factors Influencing Voluntary Corporate Disclosure by Kenyan Companies

There has been considerable research in respect of voluntary disclosure by companies and factors that may explain such disclosure. However, most of the research has been centred in developed countries. This study extends the previous literature by examining voluntary disclosure in a developing country, namely Kenya. Over the last decade, the Kenyan Government has initiated several far-reaching reforms at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) in order to mobilise domestic savings and attract foreign capital investment. These measures include privatisation of state corporations through the stock exchange and allowing foreign investors to own shares in the listed companies. This study provides a longitudinal examination of voluntary disclosure practices in the annual reports of listed companies in Kenya from 1992 to 2001. The study investigates the extent to which corporate governance attributes, ownership structure and company characteristics influence voluntary disclosure practices. Copyright (c) 2006 The Authors; Journal compilation (c) 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Consumer in Sports: Fan typology analysis

Abstract Sport fan loyalty is important to attain within a culturally rich and global audience as loyal sport fans are unique consumers. The ability to adequately understand what motivates the sports consumer is an important requirement for sport managers. This paper proposes that a greater understanding of fandom will contribute to a better understanding of the concept of loyalty. Although there is research regarding typology of fans and loyalty, but even within sport advocates group there may be sub-categories that can explain loyalty behaviour further. This research analyses types of sport fans in different disciplines in the UK, as an example of diverse society to explore factors determining category of fans.
Did Openness and Human Capital Affect Total Factor Productivity? Evidence from the South Asian Region

This article examines the impact of human capital and openness on total factor productivity (TFP) for five South Asian countries—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal—during the period from 1980 to 2011. The empirical results derived from the panel cointegration techniques provide evidence of a long-run relationship among the variables. The dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) results show that the long-run elasticities of TFP with respect to human capital and openness are positive. The results, however, suggest that the impact of human capital on TFP is relatively weaker than the impact of openness on TFP for the South Asian countries. The study also examines the long-run and short-run Granger causality between these three variables in a panel framework. The results indicate that there is a long-run Granger causality running from trade openness and human capital to TFP. Similarly, in the short-run, there exists a bi-directional Granger causality between trade openness and total factor productivity and between total factor productivity and human capital. The study suggests that by improving trade policy reforms, such as, licensing policies, and removing trade barriers, the low-income countries in South Asia can increase their level of openness, which would boost the TFP in the short run.
A case study on Colombian mitigation actions

This paper introduces the Colombian case study developed under the Mitigation Actions Plans and Scenarios Initiative and the Endesa Colombia Electric Vehicles Initiative. It is aimed to consider the use of electricity in the transportation sector, particularly in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. A model for assessing the economic and environmental impacts of the introduction of electric vehicules for private, utility and public services is proposed. Diversification of the energy basket by introducing electricity in the transportation sector is a plausible development strategy for the country. Colombian electricity is relatively clean because of the high hydro component in the generation basket; therefore the substitution of fossil fuels for electricity represents net savings in emissions of greenhouse gases as well as a reduction of particulate matter. The increase in electricity demand as a result of this new use is not high enough to stress installed generation capacity or supply security.
Erythrocytosis and Pulmonary Hypertension in a Mouse Model of Human HIF2A Gain of Function Mutation*

Background: Missense mutations have been identified in the HIF2A gene in patients with erythrocytosis. Results: A mouse knock-in line that models the first described HIF2A mutation exhibits erythrocytosis and pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion: The missense mutation is the cause of erythrocytosis, and is accompanied by pulmonary hypertension. Significance: The study demonstrates sequelae of global Hif-2α gain of function. The central pathway for oxygen-dependent control of red cell mass is the prolyl hydroxylase domain protein (PHD):hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway. PHD site specifically prolyl hydroxylates the transcription factor HIF-α, thereby targeting the latter for degradation. Under hypoxia, this modification is attenuated, allowing stabilized HIF-α to activate target genes, including that for erythropoietin (EPO). Studies employing genetically modified mice point to Hif-2α, one of two main Hif-α isoforms, as being the critical regulator of Epo in the adult mouse. More recently, erythrocytosis patients with heterozygous point mutations in the HIF2A gene have been identified; whether these mutations were polymorphisms unrelated to the phenotype could not be ruled out. In the present report, we characterize a mouse line bearing a G536W missense mutation in the Hif2a gene that corresponds to the first such human mutation identified (G537W). We obtained mice bearing both heterozygous and homozygous mutations at this locus. We find that these mice display, in a mutation dose-dependent manner, erythrocytosis and pulmonary hypertension with a high degree of penetrance. These findings firmly establish missense mutations in HIF-2α as a cause of erythrocytosis, highlight the importance of this HIF-α isoform in erythropoiesis, and point to physiologic consequences of HIF-2α dysregulation.
Going, Going, Gone? Recent Trends in Technology Teacher Education Programs

The invention relates to lanthanum and nickel based alloys comprising components of the La Ni5 type where the lanthanum and/or nickel are partially substituted, the substituent element comprising a metal M chosen in the VI or VII group of the elements periodic system and this according to an atomic proportion comprised between 0.1 and 2 relative to nickel, and preferably between 0.5 and 1. The invention relates also to hydrogen electrodes made from such an alloy, and to an alkaline electrode type accumulator comprising such an electrode.
Online Shopper Segmentation Based on Lifestyles: An Exploratory Study in India

This study explores online shopper segments in India based on their lifestyles. A survey of 432 online shoppers revealed three key shopper segments, namely, mature traditionalists, offer enthusiasts, and technology mavericks. They were influenced by five key factors, namely, Internet enjoyment and convenience, Internet distrust, Internet offers, Internet logistical concerns, and Internet self-inefficacy. Mature traditionalists are the relatively older, married customers who prefer offers given by the brick-and-mortar stores but are attracted to the convenience and enjoyment of buying online. Internet-based offers, in terms of selection and quality, are the key attraction for the offer enthusiasts. Technology mavericks are the younger generation, avid users of the Internet having no logistical or self-inefficacy issues. However, they do not trust the security and privacy offered by Internet vendors. The research concludes with marketing implications as well as suggested future research directions.
Today Balkan endemic nephropathy is a disease of the elderly with a good prognosis.

BACKGROUND The outcome for Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) patients diagnosed in 1992 was analyzed in 2006 with the aim of detecting factors associated with disease progression and patient outcome. METHODS In 1992 BEN was detected in 119 patients (53 males, 56.9 +/- 13.8 years) from the village of Sopic. Changes in creatinine clearance as well as outcome (death or onset of regular hemodialysis) were analyzed retrospectively in 2006. RESULTS During the 14-year period 47 patients deceased (5 on hemodialysis) at the mean age of 72.2 +/- 8.2 years, while no data were available for 13 cases. Out of 59 remaining patients 3 were on hemodialysis in 2006 and 56 participated in the control examination. Of these 12 had creatinine clearance at least 50% lower than in 1992 and 44 had unchanged creatinine clearance. Logistic regression revealed age and proteinuria, but linear regression only age as significant prognostic factors for changes in creatinine clearance. The all-cause mortality rate varied between 1.1 and 5.3% per year and was similar to the mortality rate of the general population. The main cause of death was cardiovascular disease (40.5%) followed by malignant diseases (17%), most frequently (11%) due to upper urothelial tumors. Urine protein and age were found to be a significant independent predictor of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION In the village of Sopic BEN was commonly detected in patients in their fifties, progressed slowly, but most patients died from other causes at old age before end-stage renal disease occurred. Kidney function remained stable over the decade in three quarters of the surviving patients. Age and proteinuria were found to be prognostic factors for both disease progression and patient mortality.
Unemployment Dynamics in Britain

We examine the inter-related dynamics of the unemployment flows and stock. Our model allows them to be linked through the standard accounting identity, but also through behavioural relationships. We find that, for the UK, the bulk of the correlation between duration and the unemployment stock arises from the dependence of duration on unemployment, taking careful account of the inter-temporal identity. Outflow shocks have contributed little to the evolution of unemployment since the late 1960s. Given that the correlation of duration and unemployment arises from the behavioural relationship, we show that unemployment dynamics arise mostly from shocks to the inflow.
Beyond the Classroom to Coaching: Preparing New Nurse Managers

Few would question that frontline nurse managers are critical to the success of any organization. They are the key interface with patients, nursing staff, medical staff, other clinical and ancillary staff, and administration. This makes the role one of the most difficult and one of the most important in any healthcare setting. Despite the importance of the role, many new managers receive little, if any, formal preparation. While hospitals are starting to send nurse managers to formal educational programs, the new manager receives little benefit if they do not have help putting it into practice. Even when there is a preceptor, chances are that new managers are still not getting what they need. Preceptors have multiple demands on their time and little, if any, formal preceptor training. One hospital that has successfully tackled this issue is Bryn Mawr Hospital, a Main Line Health System Magnet-designated hospital in suburban Philadelphia. Bryn Mawr Hospital engaged an experienced nurse executive to coach new nurse managers for 4 months on site. While participants agree face-to-face coaching is the most important component of this program, they also say having a seasoned coach gives them the confidence to ask questions they would not have felt comfortable exploring otherwise.