Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Leverage in Slovenian Blue-Chip Firms and Stock Performance Following Substantial Debt Increases

Hypotheses concerning capital structures are some of the most frequently tested in the financial literature. Authors usually discuss different incentives for the use of leverage. Their views can be broadly classified in two main groups. The proponents of the first argue that leverage increases the cash flow available to investors. With the use of debt a firm gains because it uses a cheaper component of capital and since it pays less tax thanks to advantageous debt tax shields. On the other hand, the proponents of the second group stress the importance of minimising transaction costs, and information asymmetry. They point to a pecking order of finance sources. In this article, I explain the most frequently stated drivers that provide incentives for the more extensive use of debt with a focus on an emerging market environment and test whether they are relevant to Slovenian blue-chip firms that emerged from the transition of the last decade. The second part introduces the owners' point of view. I test whether raised debt levels in fact improve the long-term return to the stockholders of Slovenian firms. This should be expected because of the institution-led capital structure conservatism that firms practised in the past. Three methods are employed to test the relationship between increased levels of debt and long-term stock return. All of them offer a similar conclusion that the expected long-term performance of firms which significantly increased their leverage is no better than the long-term performance of firms that did not. The results are useful for other emerging capital markets in Europe where firms and investors faced similar circumstances tied to their socialist past and transition process.
Autism and vaccination-the current evidence.

PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to review relevant background literature regarding the evidence linking thimerosal-containing vaccine and the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to autism. CONCLUSIONS Rigorous scientific studies have not identified links between autism and either thimerosal-containing vaccine or the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Nurses are often in the position of providing advice regarding vaccines in their formal practice areas as well as in their daily lives. Families need current and credible evidence to make decisions for their children. Excellent vaccine information resources are available online.
Deposit Insurance and External Finance

In this article we examine one potential explanation for the cross-country differences in the importance of banks and capital market financing of investment. We provide both an equilibrium model predicting and empirical evidence showing that countries with explicit deposit insurance and a high degree of state-owned bank assets have smaller equity markets, a lower number of publicly traded firms, and a smaller amount of bank credit to the private sector. Finally, our results suggest that the effects of deposit guarantees are more important than the origins of national legal systems. (JEL G21, G22, G32)
Determinants of credit rationing to the private sector in Ghana

This study is designed to investigate the rationing behavior of Commercial banks in Ghana, by looking at the effect of chosen variables on the amount of loan realized even in the era of interest rate liberalization. A single equation model involving a categorical random dependent variable, being the amount of loan realized and security value, interest rate, the value of assets, the value of collateral security, net profits, experience in business, sex, age and purpose as the exogenous variables. The exogenous variables are jointly significant in explaining the dependent variable. The results suggest that even though interest rates may be liberalized as a way of ensuring credit allocation, the Commercial Banks would still ration out credit. It is therefore suggested, that there is the need for the government to play an active role in the financial sector and the banks to intensify their monitoring systems of minimizing default rate rather than using their traditional methods of credit ratings.
Parental Education and child Nutrition in Indonesia

This study uses 1989 Susenas household data to examine the impact of parental education on pre-school children's nutritional status, as measured by weight-for-age Z-scores. Reduced form regressions are estimated separately for boys and girls in rural and urban areas; explanatory variables include mother's and household head's education; per capita household expenditure; and aspects of the household sanitary environment. The analysis controls for influence of unobserved heterogeneity at village level, e.g. differences in prices and medical service provision. The estimates show a significant effect of parental schooling on child health status, varying between urban and rural areas, and by child gender and age. Mothers with secondary education typically have healthier boys than those with less schooling, while this effect is seen for girls only if the mother has more than secondary education. Maternal schooling significantly affects 2-5 year olds' health, but has little direct effect on that of younger children.
SECOND-ORDER SCHEDULES OF TOKEN REINFORCEMENT: COMBINED EFFECTS OF TOKEN-PRODUCTION AND EXCHANGE-SCHEDULE MANIPULATIONS

of Thesis Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science SECOND-ORDER SCHEDULES OF TOKEN REINFORCEMENT: COMBINED EFFECTS OF TOKEN-PRODUCTION AND EXCHANGE-SCHEDULE MANIPULATIONS By Christopher Bullock May 2003 Chair: Timothy D. Hackenberg Major Department: Psychology Four pigeons were exposed to second-order schedules of token reinforcement, with stimulus lights serving as token reinforcers. Tokens were earned according to a fixed-ratio (token-production) schedule and were exchanged for 2.5 s access to food according to a fixed-ratio (token-exchange) schedule. The token-production and tokenexchange schedules were manipulated systematically across conditions. Response rates varied inversely with the token-production schedule for a given token-exchange schedule value. Response rates also varied inversely with the token-exchange schedule for a given token-production value, particularly at the higher token-production ratios. Further, under higher token-production and exchange-schedule values, response rates tended to increase in token-production segments closer to exchange periods and food. Several probe conditions were also studied in a closed economy that permitted unconstrained food consumption. Under these conditions, response rates were less sensitive to tokenproduction schedule manipulations than under standard (constrained consumption)
The Neuroscience of Spontaneous Thought: An Evolving, Interdisciplinary Field

An often-overlooked characteristic of the human mind is its propensity to wander. Despite growing interest in the science of mind-wandering, most studies operationalize mind-wandering by its task-unrelated contents, which may be orthogonal to the processes constraining how thoughts are evoked and unfold over time. In this chapter, we emphasize the importance of incorporating such processes into current definitions of mind-wandering, and proposing that mind-wandering and other forms of spontaneous thought (such as dreaming and creativity) are mental states that arise and transition relatively freely due to an absence of constraints on cognition. We review existing psychological, philosophical, and neuroscientific research on spontaneous thought through the lens of this framework, and call for additional research into the dynamic properties of the mind and brain.
Estimation of a hedonic price equation for Alsace, Beaujolais and Provence wines

The aim of this article is to explain Alsace, Beaujolais and Provence wine prices. The hedonic price method is applied to determine the main explanatory variables factors of price differences. This method indicates that the relationship between quality and price of the Alsace, Beaujolais and Provence wine areas is poor. This result explains, at least partially, the fall from favour of French wines in the eyes of foreign consumers and the resulting crisis in the French wine industry.
Integrating Service Learning into Public Relations Coursework: Applications, Implications, Challenges, and Rewards.

Drawing on a theoretical framework based on “use-inspired” applied research and service learning practice (Honnet-Porter & Poulsen, 1989), this paper argues the relationship between a servicelearning approach and Public Relations coursework is a natural and highly desirable fit. Through examination of the goals of both service-learning and public relations curricula, the instructional implications of service learning in Public Relations coursework are explored, with emphasis placed on published standards for good practice. Examples from the authors’ own course experiences in promoting service learning are also offered along with specific suggestions for motivating and preparing both students and faculty for a service-learning-enhanced Public Relations curriculum. Effective Public Relations practice is based on a strong foundation of communication theory, institutional knowledge, practical experience and ethical behavior. By its nature, the practice of Public Relations involves counseling in the service of a specific client: an individual, company or organization in need of reputation management and advice. For this reason, Public Relations instruction must be grounded in the practical application of lessons learned in the classroom. The study of Public Relations is not abstract or idealized, but rather is most effective when it takes place in the context of its real-world application. Only then can students learn to deal with the incongruities and dynamics of the marketplace or business world in ways that are
Financial market integration and financial crises: the case of big emerging market (BEM) economies

Due to liberalisation policies, capital market integration has increased in the international arena. As a result, linkages between emerging markets and the USA have also increased. In this study, we examine the international financial market linkages between 11 big emerging stock markets (China, Brazil, Egypt, India, and Indonesia etc.). To figure out the relationship between emerging countries and US market, both the daily closing stock price of the 11 emerging countries indices and those of US indices are collected from the periods of before, during and after the 2007 financial crisis. The short-term effects were measured using the VAR model. To check all the countries stock indices' stationarity, the ADF unit root test was used, followed by a VAR Pairwise Granger causality/block exogeneity Wald. The analysis results are further discussed.
Does Law Matter?: The Separation of Ownership and Control in the United Kingdom

Abstract The corporate world today subdivides into rival systems of dispersed and concentrated ownership, with different corporate governance structures characterizing each. Various corporate governance experts have argued that ownership concentration is a consequence of poor legal protection of shareholders. The experience in the United Kingdom casts doubt, however, on the extent to which legal regulation matters in the corporate governance context. Developments in Britain suggest that a highly specific set of laws governing companies and financial markets do not have to be in place in order for dispersed share ownership and strong securities markets to develop. Instead, alternative institutional structures can perform the function that “law matters” advocates say the legal system needs to play.
Gender and salaries in hotel financial management: it’s still a man’s world

Research into the careers and salaries of financial controllers in the hospitality industry has shown continuing discrepancies between men and women. Analysis of the results of a survey indicates that the assumption that differentials are based purely on gender are somewhat simplistic and that it is in the nature of the work that men and women perform that the real reasons emerge. Women and men appear in general to undertake different types of job within hospitality financial management, those with higher status and hence pay being more likely to be held by men. Occupational segregation and educational level emerge as being major factors although ongoing social attitudes towards women’s employment have limited their progress. It is essential for these attitudes to change if the hospitality industry is to optimise the use of all skilled and trained financial managers to the benefit of the business.
Organizational Slack and Knowledge Creation in Product Development Projects: The Role of Project Deliverables

Our concern is with how changes in organizational slack affect knowledge creation in product development projects. We operationalize a change in organizational slack as changed possibilities to depart from project deliverables in NPD projects. Through case research in high velocity industries we identify the effect a change in organizational slack has on knowledge creation processes inside product development projects. In particular we highlight the effects on tacit and explicit knowledge. More specifically we find that reduced slack creates a focus on explicit knowledge rather than tacit knowledge, which may reduce the ability to create knowledge creation and ultimately to innovate.
A new superconvergent method for systems of nonlinear singular boundary value problems

A new superconvergent method based on a sextic spline is described and analysed for the solution of systems of nonlinear singular two-point boundary value problems (BVPs). It is well known that the optimal orders of convergence could not be achieved using standard formulation of a sextic spline for the solution of BVPs. Based on the method used in our earlier research papers [J. Rashidinia and M. Ghasemi, B-spline collocation for solution of two-point boundary value problems, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 235 (2011), pp. 2325–2342; J. Rashidinia, M. Ghasemi, and R. Jalilian, An o(h 6) numerical solution of general nonlinear fifth-order two point boundary value problems, Numer. Algorithms 55(4) (2010), pp. 403–428], we construct a new O(h 8) locally superconvergent method for the solution of general nonlinear two-point BVPs up to order 6. The error bounds and the convergence properties of the method have been proved theoretically. Then, the method is extended to solve the system of nonlinear two-point BVPs. Some test problems are given to demonstrate the applicability and the superconvergent properties of the proposed method numerically. It is shown that the method is very efficient and applicable for stiff BVPs too.
Should Europeans fear the privatisation of pensions?

Many Europeans fear proposals to privatise their public pension arrangements. They believe that privatisation is necessarily informed by the classical liberal free market model, which, if imported to Europe, would prove to be incompatible with social cohesion and distributive justice. In endorsing privatisation, this article responds to these fears in two ways. First we examine several of the arguments upon which public pensions are premised, and find that they are flawed. Second, drawing upon our own extensive research, we find that several features of mandated private pensions can be compatible with the requirements of the public interest, defined in terms of collectivist values. Provided that they are appropriately designed and regulated, mandated private pensions are a viable alternative to publicly administered retirement income protection. In view of these arguments, Europeans should not fear all privatisation.
Understanding organizational justice and its impact on managing employees: an African perspective

The past decade has witnessed dramatic social and political changes on the African continent. The present article argues that these political and social changes may spill over in the workplace in the form of a quest for justice and empowerment. Based on the organizational justice literature, the article develops a conceptual framework that advocates the integration of justice concepts in managing African organizations. It also explains how African managers can anticipate this trend by developing and implementing fair organizational practices.
The Power of Incentives

Variable pay is usually defined as pay that is tied to some measure of worker output. The most typical form of variable pay historically was the piece rate, which was more prevalent during the early part of the 20th century than it is at the beginning of the 21st. There is a resurgence in variable pay, particularly as it relates to executives, whose pay is tied to output through some mechanism like stock options or bonuses that depend on individual or firm performance. Why use variable pay? The typical reaction is that variable pay provides incentives to put forth effort. Although true, discrete-pay schemes also generate incentives. Much of the confusion in the literature results from the use of the terms "high-powered" and "low-powered" incentives, which connote difference in ability to elicit worker effort. ' It is more informative to make distinctions between discrete and continuous pay and between inputbased and output-based pay.2 Pay structures can be summarized by the following equation:
Whither Strategic Choice: Do Managerial IR Ideologies Matter?

Following the emphasis on managerial ideologies in the Kochan, Katz, and McKersie strategic choice model, this study employs survey data from 293 Canadian firms to explore the extent to which managerial ideologies about unions, participation rights, and employment involvement (EI) programs explain managerial actions and outcomes independently of context variables. It finds that they do matter, but are generally of secondary importance to context variables. There is thus need to marry strategic choice with more structural theories of variation.
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All College Dreams Alternative Pathways to Desirable Careers

A sk middle and high school students if they plan to graduate from college and the vast majority will likely answer yes. Even students whose grades are below average or downright abysmal will nod their heads and say they sincerely believe they will not only gain admission to college, but will earn a four-year degree. Th is desire among practically all students to attain a bachelor's degree is both natural (given our society's emphasis on college as the key to a good life) and worth encouraging (especially since higher studies can lead to a good life of the mind). A four-year college degree has long been an aspiration for the nation's highest-achieving students. But over the past couple of decades, two dramatic changes have occurred: most of society became convinced that a bachelor's degree is necessary to land a good job, and many educators responded by encouraging all students to go to college. Today, most high school graduates are going to college, but that's not necessarily good news. Th e fact is, few are earning four-year (or even two-year) degrees. While we laud the college-for-all ideal, we believe that unless students are better informed, the movement will be self-defeating. James E. Rosenbaum is a professor of education and social policy at Northwestern University, a sociology faculty fellow with the university's Institute for Policy Research, the principal investigator for several major studies of how to improve outcomes for urban youth, and the author of several books and dozens of academic papers. Jennifer L. Stephan is a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University. Janet E. Rosenbaum is an assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland, where she studies adoles-cents' risky behavior in order to develop prevention programs.
Wage Inequality and Family Labor Supply

Using the March Current Population Surveys and the 1960 census, this article describes earnings and employment changes for married couples in different types of households stratified by the husband's hourly wage. While declines in male employment and earnings have been greatest for low-wage men, employment and earnings gains have been largest for wives of middle- and high-wage men. These findings cast doubt on the notion that married women have increased their labor supply in the recent decades to compensate for the disappointing earnings growth of their husbands.
VO2peak prediction and exercise prescription for pregnant women.

PURPOSE The present study was designed to develop and validate a prediction equation for peak oxygen consumption VO2peak) using a progressive treadmill test and to refine the current target HR exercise guidelines for pregnancy (PARmed-X for Pregnancy). METHODS One hundred fifty-six women between 16 and 22 wk of gestation performed the test to volitional fatigue (peak exercise test). Data from every fourth subject were used to form the cross-validation group. The women were separated into two age groups; 20-29 (N = 60) and 30-39 (N = 96) yr of age and then further separated into fit (VO2peak at the top 25th percentile), unfit (VO2peak at the bottom 25th percentile), and active (between these two ranges). HR and VO2peak values were used in the regression equation to predict target HR ranges at 60 and 80% VO2peak. RESULTS The prediction equation (R2 = 0.72, R2adjusted = 0.71 and SEE = 2.7) was compared with cross validation (N = 39; P = 0.78). Fit women had a VO2peak > or = 27.2 mL.kg(-1). min(-1) and > or = 26.1 mL.kg. min for ages 20-29 and 30-39 yr, respectively, representing the top 25th percentile. Unfit women had a VO2peak of < or = 21.0 mL.kg(-1). min(-1) and < or = 19.6 mL.kg(-1). min(-1), respectively, representing the bottom 25th percentile. HR/VO2peak regression lines for each fitness level were used to generate the target HR zones in each age group. CONCLUSION This is the first study to provide a validated prediction equation of VO2peak for pregnant women using a progressive treadmill exercise test. The defined target HR zones based on age and the appropriate fitness levels can be used for exercise prescription in healthy pregnant women.
Post-crisis export performance: The Indonesian experience in regional perspective

This paper examines post-crisis export performance in Indonesia against the backdrop of pre-crisis experience and the comparative export performance of other Southeast Asian countries. It surveys trends and patterns of export performance, focusing on comparative experience in major commodity categories and changing revealed comparative advantage. It also examines the implications for Indonesia's export performance of China's emergence as a major competitor in world trade, considers market prospects for textile and garment exports following the demise of the Multi-fibre Arrangement, and explores the factors contributing to the post-crisis export slowdown. The findings support the view that Indonesia's poor export performance in the post-crisis era is largely supply driven. They strengthen the case for reversal of recent backsliding in macroeconomic policy reform, and for speedy implementation of the unfinished reform agenda. Prudent macroeconomic management, while necessary, is not sufficient to achieve rapid and sustained export growth in an era of rapid economic globalisation.
Battlefields and marketplaces

Divided societies in the developing world experience wasteful struggles for power. We study the relationship between political stability and resources wasted in the struggle within a model of competitive power contests. The model of power contests is similar in structure to models describing oligopolistic market competition. This analogy helps us in deriving results that are new to the conflict literature. We show, for example, that the Herfindahl-Hirschman index can be interpreted as a measure of power concentration and that a peace treaty between fighting groups has a parallel in tacit collusion between firms in a market.