Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
From War to Integration: Generalizing the Dynamic of Power Transitions

Generalizing the dynamics implied by power transition theory, we characterize the structural conditions that lead nations to initiate conflict or choose to integrate. The relationship between changes in relative power, hierarchical structures, and joint satisfaction are used to identify the structural conditions for conflict and cooperation. Empirical tests for the last two centuries confirm the strength and robustness of this characterization. In addition, long term assessments of Pax Britannica, the Cold War, and China’s potential challenge to the United States in this century are used to illustrate the precision of these findings. The fundamental implication is that structural conditions provide the pre-conditions for conflict and cooperation, but decision makers have leeway in advancing policies that eventually lead to either war or peace.
Income Shocks, Consumption, Wealth, and Human Capital: Evidence from Russia

Using the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey, this article investigates how Russian households’ consumption responds to income shocks and, in particular, how household wealth and human capital affect the households’ ability to smooth consumption. An instrumental variable estimation method with household fixed effects is implemented. After correcting for potential problems of sample attrition using the inverse probability weighting method, the article finds that household consumption in Russia is only partially protected from idiosyncratic shocks. The analysis also provides evidence that wealthier households can better smooth their consumption. Furthermore, changes in income have less impact on consumption when households have members with higher education levels. Wealth effects are more pronounced in rural areas, while education effects are stronger for urban households.
Corporate Governance in Emerging Capital Markets: whither Africa?

Having debated the pros and cons of alternative governance models in the developed market economies, a case is made for Africa's choice to be in the direction of the institutionally based model. It is emphasized however that the African economies which are restructuring need to adapt the model to the peculiarities of specific economies and that the inputs from more than a single model will be necessary to provide for globally competitive capital markets in these economies.
Phylogeny of the fern family Aspleniaceae in Australasia and the south-western Pacific

Abstract. Aspleniaceae is one of the largest fern families. It is species-rich in Australasia and the south-western Pacific (ASWP), where approximately 115 species occur. In the current study, the chloroplast regions rbcL, trnL–trnF and rps4–trnS were sequenced for 100 Aspleniaceae samples from ASWP. These data were combined with published sequences for species from New Zealand and other regions for phylogenetic analyses. Species of Aspleniaceae from ASWP were placed in six of the eight previously identified inter-continental clades. The majority of species from ASWP were placed in two of these clades, with the remaining four clades each being represented by three or fewer species. Strong biogeographic affinities with South-east Asia were observed and immigration, rather than local radiations of endemic taxa, appears to have made a more important contribution to patterns of diversity in ASWP. This study supports the current taxonomic practice of recognising two genera, Asplenium L. and Hymenasplenium Hayata, in Aspleniaceae, and identifies future taxonomic work required for the family in this region, including potential synonymising of species, and revision of species complexes or widespread species that are demonstrably non-monophyletic.
Photochromicity of Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin, an Atypical Microbial Receptor with a cis-Retinal Light-adapted Form*

We characterize changes in isomeric states of the retinylidene chromophore during light-dark adaptation and photochemical reactions of Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. PCC7120 sensory rhodopsin (ASR). The results show that ASR represents a new type of microbial rhodopsin with a number of unusual characteristics. The three most striking are: (i) a primarily all-trans configuration of retinal in the dark-adapted state and (ii) a primarily 13-cis light-adapted state with a blue-shifted and lower extinction absorption spectrum, opposite of the case of bacteriorhodopsin; and (iii) efficient reversible light-induced interconversion between the 13-cis and all-trans unphotolyzed states of the pigment. The relative amount of ASR with cis and trans chromophore forms depends on the wavelength of illumination, providing a mechanism for single-pigment color sensing analogous to that of phytochrome pigments. In addition ASR exhibits unusually slow formation of L-like and M-like intermediates, with a dominant accumulation of M during the photocycle. Co-expression of ASR with its putative cytoplasmic transducer protein shifts the absorption maximum and strongly decreases the rate of dark adaptation of ASR, confirming interaction between the two proteins. Thus ASR, the first non-haloarchaeal sensory rhodopsin character-ized, demonstrates the diversity of photochemistry of microbial rhodopsins. Its photochromic properties and the position of its two ground state absorption maxima suggest it as a candidate for controlling differential photosynthetic light-harvesting pigment synthesis (chromatic adaptation) or other color-sensitive physiological responses in Anabaena cells.
Management Buyouts, Supervision and Employee Discretion

Using a matched sample of 1959 firms and 27,263 employees from the UK Workplace Employee Relations Survey, we examine the effects of the management buyout (MBO) organizational form on employee discretion and supervision. Our findings suggest that for MBO firms, supervision is lower where there is a higher proportion of craft and skilled service workers but is not lower for other occupational groups. Using random effects ordered probit analysis, we find that employees' discretion over their work practices is higher in MBO firms; and that the probability of higher discretion is greater where there is a higher proportion of craft and skilled service employees. Our findings are consistent with: (i) MBOs reducing hierarchical tiers and the number of supervisory staff, which increase employees' span of control and their discretion; and (ii) organizational change via an MBO being ‘skill biased’ in favour of craft and skilled service employees.
Regulation of public–private partnerships: the Danish case

The Danish government has considered the public–private partnership (PPP) model for major construction and infrastructure projects. But, whereas other countries have embraced PPPs, Denmark has been a sceptic. This article examines why PPPs have not got off the ground: a mixture of regulatory controversies among central government departments and strong public finances (making private finance largely redundant). Two case studies from the schools sector illustrate the regulatory difficulties that public and private partners face when engaging in PPP activity in Denmark. The author concludes that clear regulations are needed to support PPPs.
The front-line manager’s role in informal voice pathways

Purpose – There is a long line of human resource management and employee relations research that points to the important function that line managers play within organisations. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the level of line manager closest to the employees, the front-line manager (FLM), to understand the role they play in informal voice pathways. Design/methodology/approach – The research project from which these data are drawn is of mixed method design in a multi-site case study organisation. The organisation is a quasi-military, public sector organisation with around 2,000 front-line employees. While this paper focuses primarily on one aspect of data collection, survey results are provided to allow a deeper contextual understanding while the qualitative data progresses the theoretical contribution. Findings – The findings suggest that the FLMs play an important role in informal voice, however, the context of a strong and militant union means that the power dimension is different from previous.
European Integration and Outward FDI from Central and Eastern Europe – Is There Any Evidence of Knowledge‐Seeking?

The European Union (EU) Member States in central and eastern Europe (CEE) witnessed a surge in outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) between 2000 and the start of the global financial crisis. This article investigates whether the European integration process altered the relative importance of host country location factors. In particular, we investigate to what extent knowledge-seeking is a relevant investment motive, which has been documented as a key determinant for OFDI from other emerging economies. We apply a discrete choice approach to model foreign location choice of firms from CEE countries (CEECs) within the EU 27 (1996–2010). We find that the EU integration process is related with increasing importance of market access and less emphasis on labour cost advantages. We find heterogeneity in the valuation of foreign knowledge-related assets. The location probability within the EU15 is positively associated with knowledge-seeking. It also plays a role for technology-intensive industries and larger firms.
Subintimal Stent Graft Reconstruction of an Infrarenal Aortic Occlusion

The traditional approach to revascularization in aortoiliac disease is surgical. Endovascular treatment techniques for revascularization have emerged in recent years and have resulted in less invasive options for management of vascular disease. In this article, we describe a novel approach to endovascular stent graft reconstruction of a heavily calcified infrarenal aortic occlusion. The interventional management of aortic occlusions is subsequently discussed.
The effects of shopping value on retail outcomes: a comparison between department stores and hypermarkets

Shopping in various retail formats involves both utilitarian and hedonic value. Taiwan residents shop at department stores and hypermarkets frequently, compared to other retailers. This study contrasts the differential effects of shopping value on retail outcomes in department stores and hypermarkets. The results support predicted relationships: (1) in the department store context, (a) hedonic shopping value perceived by shoppers is higher than utilitarian shopping value; (b) hedonic shopping value has a greater effect on satisfaction and word-of-mouth than utilitarian shopping value; and (2) in the hypermarket context, (a) utilitarian shopping value perceived by shoppers is higher than hedonic shopping value; (b) utilitarian shopping value has a greater effect on satisfaction and repatronage intentions than hedonic shopping value.
Diathermy versus Scalpel Incision in a Heterogeneous Cohort of General Surgery Patients in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Background: The anecdotal fear of using cautery for surgical incisions is still common in surgical practice despite recent evidences. The aim of this study is to compare the results of electrocautery and the scalpel in skin incisions. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized double blind study conducted in the Department of Surgery, of a teaching hospital in Ibadan. Patients were randomized to have either scalpel or electrocautery incisions. The duration used in making the skin incision; the incisional blood loss and the ensuing length and depth of the wound were noted. Postoperative pain; duration of wound healing and the occurrence of surgical site infection were also noted. Results: There were 197 patients consisting of the scalpel group (n = 98) and the electrocautery group (n = 99). The ages ranged from 16 to 73 years. The demography, case distribution and body mass index were similar in both groups. The mode of presentation was predominantly elective. The incision time was shorter in the electrocautery group (P < 0.001). The blood loss was less with the diathermy compared to the scalpel (6.53 ± 3.84 ml vs. 18.16 ± 7.36 ml, P < 0.001). The cumulative numerical rating scale score for pain was 12.65 (standard deviation [SD] 8.06) and 17.12 (SD 9.49) in the diathermy and scalpel groups respectively (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in wound infection and wound closure (epithelialization time) (P = 0.206). Conclusion: The use of electrocautery in making skin incision is associated with reduced incision time, incisional blood loss, and postoperative pain.
GDP, FDI, and exports in East and Central African countries: a causality analysis

This study examines Granger causality among gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), and exports in seven East and Central African countries using time series and panel data from 1989 to 2011. We employ a vector error correction model to examine the interrelationship among the variables for Tanzania, while we employ a vector autoregressive model for the other countries. The findings suggest unidirectional causality from exports to GDP in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. The results also indicate causality from FDI to GDP in Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, while GDP appears to Granger-cause FDI in Rwanda and Tanzania. Furthermore, FDI Granger-causes exports in Uganda, while exports Granger-cause FDI in Rwanda. The results also show that GDP Granger-causes exports in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bidirectional causality is only observed between FDI and GDP in Rwanda and Tanzania. The results from the panel data analysis indicate that there is bidirectional causality between FDI and exports and unidirectional causality from exports and FDI to GDP.
Accountability through Ethics Enhancement Strategies: Empirical Evidence from American Cities

This article examines the relationship between ethics enhancement strategies and accountability. Using data from a national survey of city managers, the authors find that the ethics enhancement strategies of role modeling, ethics development, and ethics enforcement and review may significantly increase accountability efforts in cities. This research supports the argument that ethics enhancement strategies increase accountability by improving public workers’ willingness to be open to public scrutiny.
The Determinants of Net Interest Margin in the Indonesian Banking Sector

This study analyzes the determinants of net interest margin of the Indonesian banking sector over the period of 2003-2009 using a dynamic panel data methodology. Following the basic model of Ho and Saunders (1981) and later extension by Maudos and Solis (2010), the results show consistent findings from previous studies. It found that high and persistence net interest margin in the Indonesian banking sector was caused by a wide pure spread, bank’s specific factors, as well as market power. Furthermore, bank’s specific factor such as high operating costs contributes to high net interest margin.
Nonconvex Sparse Logistic Regression With Weakly Convex Regularization

In this paper, we propose to fit a sparse logistic regression model by a weakly convex regularized nonconvex optimization problem. The idea is based on the finding that a weakly convex function as an approximation of the <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\ell _0$</tex-math></inline-formula> pseudo norm is able to better induce sparsity than the commonly used <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\ell _1$</tex-math></inline-formula> norm. For a class of weakly convex sparsity inducing functions, we prove the nonconvexity of the corresponding problem and study its local optimality conditions and the choice of the regularization parameter. Despite the nonconvexity, a method based on proximal gradient descent is used to solve the general weakly convex sparse logistic regression, and its convergence behavior is studied theoretically. Then, the general framework is applied to a specific weakly convex function, and a local optimality condition and a bound on the logistic loss at a local optimum are provided. The solution method is instantiated in this case as an iterative firm-shrinkage algorithm, and a Nesterov acceleration is used with a convergence guarantee. Its effectiveness is demonstrated in numerical experiments by both randomly generated and real datasets.
The Volatility of a Firm's Assets and the Leverage Effect

We investigate the volatility of firms’ assets in contrast to existing studies that focus on equity volatility. We estimate asset volatility using a comprehensive data set on the market values of corporate security returns. We find significant differences between the properties of equity and asset volatilities with implications for several important areas of finance. First, financial leverage has a large influence on equity volatility. Second, leverage and asset volatility have permanent and transitory effects, respectively, on equity volatility, helping explain the short- and long-run dynamics of equity volatility. Third, we analyze and compare the cross-section of asset versus equity returns.
Customers' perceptions towards adoption of e-banking in Pakistan

Electronic distribution channels provide alternatives for faster delivery of banking services to a wider scope of customers. This study aims to understand customers' perception towards the potential benefits and risks associated with electronic banking in Pakistan. The outcomes would help the policy makers to develop effective strategies for future outlook of electronic banking in a country. Primary sources were used to collect the data which were analysed via frequency and mean score analysis. The results suggest that banks' customers in Pakistan perceive electronic banking as a tool for minimising inconvenience, minimising risk of carrying cash and time saving. Customers further believe that electronic banking increases chances of government access to public data, increases chances of fraud and data losses. The results conclude that various customers segments do not differ in opinions towards benefits and risks associated with e-banking.
Nerve Growth Factor and Pathogenesis of Leprosy: Review and Update

Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that regulate different aspects of biological development and neural function and are of great importance in neuroplasticity. This group of proteins has multiple functions in neuronal cells, as well as in other cellular populations. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that is endogenously produced during development and maturation by multiple cell types, including neurons, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, lymphocytes, mast cells, macrophages, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts. These cells produce proNGF, which is transformed by proteolytic cleavage into the biologically active NGF in the endoplasmic reticulum. The present review describes the role of NGF in the pathogenesis of leprosy and its correlations with different clinical forms of the disease and with the phenomena of regeneration and neural injury observed during infection. We discuss the involvement of NGF in the induction of neural damage and the pathophysiology of pain associated with peripheral neuropathy in leprosy. We also discuss the roles of immune factors in the evolution of this pathological process. Finally, we highlight avenues of investigation for future research to broaden our understanding of the role of NGF in the pathogenesis of leprosy. Our analysis of the literature indicates that NGF plays an important role in the evolution and outcome of Mycobacterium leprae infection. The findings described here highlight an important area of investigation, as leprosy is one of the main causes of infection in the peripheral nervous system.
An Investigation of the Effects of Social Desirability on the Validity of Self-Reports of Cancer Screening Behaviors

We evaluated 4 approaches to improving the reporting of disease prevention and screening behaviors. The conditions evaluated include (1) the mode in which data are collected, (2) asking the interview subject about her intention to obtain the procedure before asking whether the behavior occurred, (3) asking the interview subject about barriers that might keep respondents from getting the procedure before asking about whether she has received it, and (4) asking the interview subject about exceptions to the regularity with which she might report getting the examination. Data were collected in 2001 from a sample of women aged 50 and older in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. After completing a telephone or audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI), respondents gave permission to abstract their medical records to validate self-reports of Papanicolaou tests, mammograms, and clinical–gynecologic examinations received during the past 3 years. Interviews and matching medical records were available for 588 respondents. Results indicated that first asking about future intentions may be an important design feature that warrants additional consideration. In addition, the use of ACASI may lead to lower quality reporting among women with little computer experience. This study represents the only research to date that reports experimental attempts to address the social desirability biases commonly found in the reporting of cancer screening behaviors.
The End of South African Sanctions, Institutional Ownership, and the Stock Price Performance of Boycotted Firms

The authors studied the impact of social-ethical investing on firms targeted during the South African boycott. Findings indicate that the average percentage of institutional ownership of the stocks of the firms with equity interests in South Africa increased at a significantly greater rate than the rest of the market following the end of sanctions. Using event study methodology, the authors find that these stocks significantly outperform the market in this period. This study provides evidence of the stockmark et impact of social-ethical investing and of a positive relationship between corporate social performance and corporate financial performance as measured in stockmarket returns.
Quantitative signal detection using spontaneous ADR reporting

Quantitative methods are increasingly used to analyse spontaneous reports. We describe the core concepts behind the most common methods, the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), information component (IC) and empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM). We discuss the role of Bayesian shrinkage in screening spontaneous reports, the importance of changes over time in screening the properties of the measures. Additionally we discuss three major areas of controversy and ongoing research: stratification, method evaluation and implementation. Finally we give some suggestions as to where emerging research is likely to lead. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self-managed work teams: a lean or an autonomous teamwork model?

The paper examines how similar Self-Managed Work Teams (SMWTs) are to paradigmatic industrial teams – the lean teamwork, the sociotechnical autonomous group and the traditional Fordist group – highlighting their technical/structural, governance and normative characteristics. The SMWTs from two Portuguese industrial firms are analysed using the case-study methodology. Resemblance to the lean teamwork model is more evident than with any other group model. Team members perceive high job enrichment, what resembles the autonomous work group model. However, several team members maintain narrow jobs, numerical flexibility is more evident than functional flexibility and team management comes mainly from outside, which are some of the features close to the 'old' Fordist group. Finally, cooperation behaviours and attitudes between team members are clear features in these teams, but the cognitive dimension of cooperation, similar to collective competence, is not yet noticeable.