Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factor Endowments: Institutions, and Differential Paths of Growth Among New World Economies: A View from Economic Historians of the United States

Many scholars are concerned with why the U.S. and Canada have been so much more successful over time than other New World economies. Since all New World societies enjoyed high levels of product per capita early in their histories, the divergence in paths can be traced back to the achievement of sustained economic growth by the U.S. and Canada during the 18th to early 19th centuries. This paper highlights the relevance of differences in the degree of inequality in wealth, human capital, and political power in accounting for the variation in the records of growth, and suggest that the roots of inequality lay in differences in the initial factor endowments of the respective colonies The large concentration of Native Americans, and the suitability of cultiva- ting sugar and other crops were key in generating extreme inequality. This encouraged the evolution of societies where small elites of European descent held highly disproportionate shares of the wealth, human capital and political power, and dominated the population economically and politically. Absent from the nearly all-inclusive list of New World colonies with these conditions were the British settlements in the northern part of the North American continent. Next, we discuss the tendencies of government policies to maintain these conditions along the respective economy's path of development. Finally, we explore the effects of inequality on the evolution of institutions conducive to participation in the commercial economy, markets and technological change during this specific era, and suggest that their greater equality in wealth, human capital, and political capital and power may have predisposed the U.S. and Canada toward earlier realization of sustained economic growth.
A longitudinal investigation on the factors affecting newcomers' adjustment: evidence from Japanese organizations

Using the longitudinal survey data of newcomers working for Japanese firms, this study demonstrates that the socialization tactics used by Japanese firms were positively related to the degree of socialization of newcomers, which eventually correlated positively with the time-series differences in organizational commitment and achievement motivation from the first year (T1) to the second year (T2) of their organizational entry, and negatively with the longitudinal change in turnover intention from T1 to T2. In addition, the results show that the newcomers' attitudes toward their pre-entry job search efforts, as with their entry (T1), had a negative influence on the change in value commitment from T1 to T2, indicating that those who rated their past job search activities as successful tended, as of their entry into the organization, to diminish their level of acceptance of their organization's values over a year. Findings are used to discuss how firms can effectively manage their entry-level employees to facilitate their adjustment and retention.
Self-poisoning with Dextropropoxyphene and Dextropropoxyphene Compounds: the USA Experience

This survey continues and expands earlier studies (Finkle et al., 1976a, b). A total of 27 medical examiner or coroner offices across the USA and Canada were visited. The combined jurisdictional population of these 27 sites is 64.8 million people: 56.5 million people in the USA (27% of the US population) and 8.3 million in Canada (Ontario). Since 1969 through mid-1983, a total of 4412 cases provided information sufficient for inclusion in this study. In each of the cases the presence of propoxyphene, and often its major metabolite, in the blood or tissues of the deceased was confirmed by toxicological analysis at the survey site. The following is a summary of the survey findings: The incidence of propoxyphene-associated deaths reached a peak in 1977, then declined by 22.2% from 1977 to 1978 and by 33.3% from 1978 to 1979, and by a further 10-18% since then. This continuing decline has occurred despite increased interest in propoxyphene misuse and the existence of improved analytical methods for the detection of propoxyphene and its metabolites. The decline is greater than can be accounted for by the decline in propoxyphene prescribing. The most common manner of death was suicide, accounting for about 45% of the cases; it can be safely assumed that the suicides were under-reported. A large majority of the suicides involving propoxyphene were multiple-drug intoxications, including alcohol. Propoxyphene alone was noted in about one-sixth of the suicides. These findings confirm those of the earlier studies, i.e., that a high proportion of the deaths associated with propoxyphene are suicides, and, in most cases, the deceased were victims of multiple-drug toxicity. More than 90% of cases involved persons between the ages of 20 and 40 years. There were very few instances of paediatric, adolescent or older adult deaths associated with propoxyphene. There is no evidence to support the view that the deceased were part of the street drug-abuse population. A history of heroin abuse appeared in less than 5% of the cases. Even fewer people had been known to have abused propoxyphene before their deaths, but 18% of the population had been known to 'self-medicate', using multiple drugs without appropriate medical supervision. The distribution of males to females approximated that of the US population. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Bivariate and higher-order terms in models of international equity returns

Nonsynchronous measurement induces significant higher-order auto and serial cross correlations in observed bivariate returns and squared returns to international equity indices. In order to investigate the statistical and economic significance of bivariate and higher-order terms in conditional models of international equity returns, we fit a VMA(2)–EGARCH(2,2) model with normal errors and a constant conditional correlation using MSCI index pairs for Japan, the UK and the USA. First-order univariate and bivariate conditional mean and volatility terms are statistically significant in each series. Second-order own- and cross-volatility terms also are significant, although second-order conditional mean terms are not. We investigate the economic significance of bivariate and second-order terms by comparing the return and volatility predictions of various models using out-of-sample regressions of returns or squared returns on conditional means or volatilities. Bivariate terms significantly improve return prediction in three of six series and volatility prediction in one of six series. Higher-order conditional volatility terms do not improve predictions of returns and squared returns despite the fact that they are statistically significant in these series. We conclude that it is important to include cross-effects, but not higher-order effects, when modelling conditional returns to international stock market indices.
Global Market Segmentation and Patterns in Stock Market Reaction to Us Earnings Announcements: Further Evidence

The purpose of this study is to investigate why the information content of US earnings announcements of non-US firms cross-listing in the US varies with the degree of capital market segmentation in the cross-listing firms' countries of domicile. My evidence shows that indirect barriers to investing (i.e., accounting rules and liquidity differences) rather than direct investment barriers (i.e., investment restrictions) mainly account for this difference. After controlling for the level of accounting disclosure in a firm's country of domicile, I do not observe a systematic difference in the size of market's reaction to earnings announcements depending on the degree of market segmentation in the firm's country of domicile. This study contributes to the literature by providing evidence that accounting disclosure plays an important role in the integration of global capital markets.
Strategic Positioning And Organizational Adaptation In Social Enterprise Subsidiaries Of Voluntary Organizations

Abstract This article examines a new organizational form, the community interest company (CIC), as a means for voluntary and charitable organizations to embark on formalized social enterprise activities in the UK. A combination of social, economic, legal and strategic positioning factors has influenced charities to set up CICs as social enterprise subsidiaries to complement their public service work. CICs with charitable origins have relatively weak strategic positions, which are distinct from those of their parent charities. This difference creates tensions in the relationship between the CICs and their parent charities, which have implications for the management of third sector social enterprises.
Efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We sought to comprehensively assess the efficacy of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. A computerized literature search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Seven randomized controlled trials involving 1001 participants were included. Compared with control, IPC significantly lowered the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk [risk ratio (RR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16 – 0.66]. The incidence of DVT in IPC and drugs group was similar (4.5% versus. 3.99%, RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.42 – 3.44). With regards to pulmonary embolism risk, no significant difference was observed in IPC versus control or IPC versus drugs. IPC had a lower postoperative transfusion rate than heparin (RR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.32 – 0.89), but had a similar transfusion rate in operating room to low molecular weight heparin (RR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.69 – 1.63). Combined use of IPC and graduated compression stockings (GCS) had a marginally lower risk of DVT than GCS alone (RR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.14 – 1.03). In summary, IPC is effective in reducing DVT complications in gynecologic surgery. IPC is neither superior nor inferior to pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. However, whether combination of IPC and chemoprophylaxis is more effective than IPC or chemoprophylaxis alone remains unknown in this patient population.
A Sustainability Analysis of Serbia's Current Account Deficit

The global economic crisis have important implications for international capital movements, which further sharpens the question of the sustainability of permanent current account deficits in Southeast Europe. The goal of this paper is to analyse the medium-and long-term sustainability of Serbia’s current account deficit. The first part of the paper presents a factor analysis of the sustainability of Serbia’s current account deficit. In the second part of the paper the theoretical model created by Milesi-Ferretti and Razin is used to access Serbia’s medium-term current account sustainability. On the basis of Reisen’s theoretical work (Reisen methodology) and by adding net reinvested earnings from foreign direct investment to the model, a new (modified) model for assessing the long-term sustainability of a country’s current account deficit is presented. The created model was used for assessing the long-term sustainability of Serbia’s current account deficit.
Altered Diffusion in the Frontal Lobe in Parkinson Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Parkinson disease (PD) is characterized by basal ganglia abnormalities. However, there are neurodegenerative changes in PD that extend beyond the basal ganglia and that are not sufficiently evaluated with standard MR imaging. The aim of this study was to characterize whole-brain gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) changes in PD by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen control and 12 subjects with nondemented PD were examined by using DTI and 3D anatomic T1-weighted images. Statistical parametric mapping analyses of DTI and anatomic images were performed. Patients were evaluated with a variety of neurocognitive measures and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) OFF (cessation of medication) and ON (taking medications as normal) their antiparkinsonian medications. RESULTS: The PD participants had dopa-responsive features as ascertained by the UPDRS OFF versus ON medications and had no cognitive impairment. Decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) was observed in subjects with PD bilaterally in the frontal lobes, including the supplementary motor area, the presupplementary motor area, and the cingulum. There were no significant differences in mean diffusivity or GM/WM attenuation between PD subjects and controls. CONCLUSION: Statistical parametric mapping analysis of DTI showed changes in FA in frontal areas without volume loss. These results confirm that the neurodegenerative process extends beyond the basal ganglia in PD.
Service orientation: changing in Tunisian industrial firms

This paper focuses on the development of services in industrial firms. Specifically, the main objective is to identify the antecedents of service orientation. It first presents the existing literature to understand how industrial firms adopt and develop service in their business strategies. Second, it shows the results of a field study implemented in Tunisian industrial firms. The study revealed that the managerial motivation, the firm and environment characteristics have potential effects on service orientation.
Private Equity in Emerging Markets: Stacking Up the BRICs

Private equity in emerging markets has experienced robust growth in recent years. The growth has been fueled by strong economic growth, a favorable business outlook, and improvements to regulatory framework. This article aims to evaluate private equity in the BRIC countries and provide their comparative assessment. The article suggests that Brazil is the leading private equity market among the BRICs.
A Pragmatic Actor — The US Response to the Arab Uprisings

Abstract After the US had initially assessed the Arab uprisings as an opportunity and displayed a dual role understanding as an anchor of security and modest advocate of democracy, the second role understanding faded the more the US perceived the uprisings as a risk rather than an opportunity. In respect to practice, the US response did not show clear patterns in terms of goals or instruments it pursued, which would correspond to the development of these role understandings or to predefined geostrategic interests. Indeed, it seems that the US has switched from default to ad hoc modus in its foreign policy in the region which challenges both, the rational actor, as well as the normative actor model. Instead, it might be more appropriate to speak of a pragmatic actor who had to navigate through an array of constraints, including new realities in the MENA region on one hand and domestic and bureaucratic politics in the US on the other.
Learning from Global Buyers

An increasing number of developing countries engage in contract manufacturing for a decreasing number of global buyers. This constellation characterises many labour intensive export sectors. The positioning of developing country enterprises in such buyer-driven chains is central to research concerned with identifying the winners and losers from globalisation. This study contributes to this debate by seeking answers to two questions: First, what can researchers learn from global buyers about the relative strengths and weaknesses of developing country producers; second, what can these producers learn from global buyers and what circumstances facilitate or constrain such learning.
Sense of community among Ukrainian Catholic young adults : a qualitative view

This study explored the experiences of young adult members of a Ukrainian Catholic community in Western Canada using the concept of sense of community as a conceptual framework. Psychological sense of community refers to “a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment to be together” (p. 9, McMillan & Chavis, 1986). Sense of community has been studied primarily at the level of the individual, rather than the group or community. This research used focus groups to move beyond the level of the individual to examine the sense of community shared by Ukrainian Catholic young adults. A total of 22 young adults participated in six focus groups. Qualitative analysis of focus group transcripts using Ethnograph 5.07 (Robbins & Seidel, 1998) revealed that belonging, familiarity with community members, and trust that the community would support them were three core aspects of the sense of community shared by these young adults. Three supportive aspects that increased sense of community also emerged from this study: participation in church services and community events, similarity in members’ beliefs, values, interests and goals, and a strong sense of one’s ethnic and religious heritage and traditions. These findings argue for the inclusion of participation as a dimension of sense of community rather than a correlate. Challenges to all of these aspects tended to decrease young adults’ sense of community. Lack of shared beliefs, feelings of intimidation in a new parish and hypocrisy in the actions of other community members were especially damaging to young adults’ sense of community. Based on this information, four areas of need were identified for the Ukrainian Catholic young adult population and suggestions were made to help strengthen their sense of community.
The Impact of Population Aging and Delayed Retirement on Workforce Productivity

As the population grows older, an increasing share of the workforce will be past age 60. Older workers have often been considered less productive than younger ones, raising the issue of whether an aging workforce will also be a less productive one. This paper uses evidence from the monthly Current Population Survey files to shed light on the issue. It documents the rapidly growing role of older workers in the labor market and the steady improvement in their relative earnings. Compared with earlier generations of aged Americans and compared with contemporary prime-age workers, today’s elderly are unusually well educated. Their high relative earnings and later retirement are partly explained by this fact. At the same time, the paper offers evidence that more productive workers stay in the workforce longer than less productive ones. Using a standard measure of worker productivity – hourly wages – workers between 60 and 74 are more productive than average workers who are younger. Compared with workers between 25 and 59, the pay premium for older workers is currently between 10 percent and 20 percent of the average wage earned by the younger workers. That pay premium has been increasing for a decade. There is little evidence the aging workforce has hurt productivity.
Working for America

Considerable research has asked whether public sector employees have different values and respond to different incen tives than private sector employees Recently, Jim Perry developed a scale designed to measure this construct, which he calls "public service motivation " We examine the relationship between public service motivation and federal employ ees' attitudes and behavior by examining responses of nearly 10, 000 federal employees to a recent survey Even though the survey only contained a subset of Perry's scale, we found significant relationships between public service motivation and federal employees' job satisfaction, performance, intention to remain with the government, and support for the government's reinvention efforts
In vitro Quality of Platelets with Low Plasma Carryover Treated with Ultraviolet C Light for Pathogen Inactivation

Background: The THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system uses shortwave ultraviolet C light (UVC, 254 nm) to inactivate pathogens in platelet components. Plasma carryover influences pathogen inactivation and platelet quality following treatment. The plasma carryover in the standard platelets produced by our institution are below the intended specification (<30%). Methods: A pool and split study was carried out comparing untreated and UVC-treated platelets with <30% plasma carryover (n = 10 pairs). This data was compared to components that met specifications (>30% plasma). The platelets were tested over storage for in vitro quality. Results: Platelet metabolism was accelerated following UVC treatment, as demonstrated by increased glucose consumption and lactate production. UVC treatment caused increased externalization of phosphatidylserine on platelets and microparticles, activation of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor (PAC-1 binding), and reduced hypotonic shock response. Platelet function, as measured with thrombelastogram, was not affected by UVC treatment. Components with <30% plasma were similar to those meeting specification with the exception of enhanced glycolytic metabolism. Conclusion: This in vitro analysis demonstrates that treatment of platelets with <30% plasma carryover with the THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system affects some aspects of platelet metabolism and activation, although in vitro platelet function was not negatively impacted. This study also provides evidence that the treatment specifications of plasma carryover could be extended to below 30%.
Comparison of oxygen uptake kinetics during knee extension and cycle exercise.

The knee extension exercise (KE) model engenders different muscle and fiber recruitment patterns, blood flow, and energetic responses compared with conventional cycle ergometry (CE). This investigation had two aims: 1) to test the hypothesis that upright two-leg KE and CE in the same subjects would yield fundamentally different pulmonary O(2) uptake (pVo(2)) kinetics and 2) to characterize the muscle blood flow, muscle Vo(2) (mVo(2)), and pVo(2) kinetics during KE to investigate the rate-limiting factor(s) of pVo(2) on kinetics and muscle energetics and their mechanistic bases after the onset of heavy exercise. Six subjects performed KE and CE transitions from unloaded to moderate [< ventilatory threshold (VT)] and heavy (>VT) exercise. In addition to pVo(2) during CE and KE, simultaneous pulsed and echo Doppler methods, combined with blood sampling from the femoral vein, were used to quantify the precise temporal profiles of femoral artery blood flow (LBF) and mVo(2) at the onset of KE. First, the gain (amplitude/work rate) of the primary component of pVo(2) for both moderate and heavy exercise was higher during KE ( approximately 12 ml.W(-1). min(-1)) compared with CE ( approximately 10), but the time constants for the primary component did not differ. Furthermore, the mean response time (MRT) and the contribution of the slow component to the overall response for heavy KE were significantly greater than for CE. Second, the time constant for the primary component of mVo(2) during heavy KE [25.8 +/- 9.0 s (SD)] was not significantly different from that of the phase II pVo(2). Moreover, the slow component of pVo(2) evident for the heavy KE reflected the gradual increase in mVo(2). The initial LBF kinetics after onset of KE were significantly faster than the phase II pVo(2) kinetics (moderate: time constant LBF = 8.0 +/- 3.5 s, pVo(2) = 32.7 +/- 5.6 s, P < 0.05; heavy: LBF = 9.7 +/- 2.0 s, pVo(2) = 29.9 +/- 7.9 s, P < 0.05). The MRT of LBF was also significantly faster than that of pVo(2). These data demonstrate that the energetics (as gain) for KE are greater than for CE, but the kinetics of adjustment (as time constant for the primary component) are similar. Furthermore, the kinetics of muscle blood flow during KE are faster than those of pVo(2), consistent with an intramuscular limitation to Vo(2) kinetics, i.e., a microvascular O(2) delivery-to-O(2) requirement mismatch or oxidative enzyme inertia.