Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plea Bargaining: The Experiences of Prosecutors, Judges, and Defense Attorneys

"That relatively few criminal cases in this country are resolved by full Perry Mason-style strials is fairly common knowledge. Most cases are settled by a guilty plea after some form of negotiation over the charge or sentence. But why? The standard explanation is case pressure: the enormous volume of criminal cases, to be processed with limited staff, time and resources. But a large body of new empirical research now demands that we re-examine plea negotiation. Milton Heumann's book, "Plea Bargaining, " strongly and explicitly attacks the case-pressure argument and suggests an alternative explanation for plea bargaining based on the adaptation of attorneys and judges to the local criminal court. The book is a significant and welcome addition to the literature. Heumann's investigation of case pressure and plea negotiation demonstrates solid research and careful analysis. "-"Michigan Law Review"
The relations between governance and the internationalisation of SMEs: evidence from medium-sized Austrian firms

Corporate governance plays a crucial role in shaping a firm's strategy, including its international activity. However, the relations between governance and internationalisation have received limited scientific attention. Focusing on governance variables related to ownership, management and boards, this paper explores how the ownership-related factors 'group affiliation' and 'family influence' as well as the firm's governance bodies (management board, supervisory and advisory boards) impact internationalisation. Basing research efforts on medium-sized Austrian firms and drawing on bivariate and multivariate analyses, this paper investigates these relations in a country with a two-tier system. The findings suggest that companies belonging to a business group are more likely to operate internationally. Moreover, there seems to exist an inverted U-shaped relationship between family influence and internationalisation. Also, the firms analysed in this study do not make use of the pool of resources, offered by managing directors, to facilitate internationalisation. While our study reveals a negative correlation between international activity and supervisory boards, firms with an advisory board are more likely to engage in international activities. This finding indicates that business groups and advisory boards are best suited to provide medium-sized enterprises with the capabilities, know-how, networks and other resources necessary to operate internationally.
The mediating role of knowledge‐based capital for corporate entrepreneurship effects on performance: A study of small‐ to medium‐sized firms

Even though research suggests that a firm's pursuit of corporate entrepreneurship directly contributes to its performance, we develop a deeper explanation, based on the insight that this pursuit develops and extends the firm's knowledge-based capital. Specifically, we first demonstrate that the pursuit of corporate entrepreneurship enhances the firm's knowledge-based capital residing in people (human capital), relationships (social capital), and systems (organizational capital). Then, we examine the mediating role of each capital type for corporate entrepreneurship effects on performance. We test our hypotheses using multisource data from a sample of CEOs and their top management teams in 125 firms, including a time-lagged measurement of knowledge-based capital and performance. Our findings provide general support for this theory and indicate that corporate entrepreneurship is positively associated with knowledge-based capital and through this, with performance. Copyright © 2011 Strategic Management Society.
Value for money and the rule of law: the (new) performance audit in Sweden

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a classification scheme of different types of value for money (VFM) audits with different degrees of compliance audit, and to classify the performance audits carried out by the Swedish National Audit Office (SNAO) during its first six years as an independent state audit organization reporting to parliament.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical data were gathered from all of the 150 audit reports published by the SNAO from its establishment in 2003 to the end of 2008. Seminars were arranged to discuss the classifications for validation.Findings – The focus on traditional VFM audits (the “Three Es”) is unusual. Most audits carried out by the SNAO combine different types of extended VFM audits with compliance audit. On the one hand, they audit how the government and/or central agencies fulfil their mandates (from good to bad). On the other, they audit how the government and/or central agencies adhere to legislation, rules and policies (right or wrong). In some cases.
Biomimetic Habitats for Cells: Ordered Matrix Deposition and Differentiation in Gingival Fibroblasts Cultured on Hydroxyapatite Coated with a Collagen Analogue

In tissues, cells attach and migrate on collagen. Interaction with collagen modulates cell proliferation and differentiation. We propose that similar environments may be constructed by immobilizing collagen-derived cell-binding peptides in a three-dimensional (3-D) template. We identified a cell binding domain of type I collagen and showed that a 15-residue synthetic analogue (P-15) binds cells with high affinity. In the present study, we compared the behavior of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) in culture on hydroxyapatite (HA) and on HA-P-15. HGF cultured on . HA formed sparse monolayers with little order and deposited a scant matrix. HGF on HA-P-15 formed highly oriented 3-D colonies and deposited copious amounts of fibrous and membranous matrix. Northern analysis showed increased expression of osteogenic markers type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, osteonectin and transforming growth factor {3-1 on HA-P-15. Alizarin red stained the matrix of HGF cultures on HA-P-15 suggesting neo-mineralization. Gingival fibroblasts are a source of reparative cells in periodontal tissue repair. Our studies support this concept and suggest that HA-P-15 matrices may be effective as endosseous grafts. When seeded with appropriate cells HA-P-15 matrices may serve as tissue engineered bone substitutes.
Fundamental Uncertainty and the Firm in the Long Run

Oliver Williamson claims that bounded rationality and 'behavioural uncertainty' are principal factors influencing market-based transaction costs. Post Keynesian economists typically distinguish between ergodic and non-ergodic processes with the latter providing a technical definition of 'fundamental uncertainty'. Often, the salience of this fundamental uncertainty has been ignored or conflated with bounded rationality and behavioural uncertainty. Consequently, the richness and distinctness of such concepts is much diminished. This paper shows that while bounded rationality is a key behavioural assumption that may account for the existence of high market-based transaction costs in an ergodic world, and thus for the emergence of firms as distinct modes of economic organisation, it may do so only in the short run. I demonstrate, however, that non-ergodicity can be used to explain the existence of transaction costs and thus firms in the long run.
A Pooled Time-Series Analysis on the Relation Between Fertility and Female Employment

Various authors find that in OECD countries the cross-country correlation between the total fertility rate and the female labour force participation rate turned from a negative value before the 1980s to a positive value thereafter. Based on pooled time series analysis the literature seems to agree that this change is due to unmeasured country and time heterogeneity with respect to female employment. However, the role of female employment for time and country heterogeneity remains unclear. Using data of 22 OECD countries from 1960-2000 we estimate pooled time series models of fertility and female labour force participation by applying random effects and fixed effects panel models as well as Prais-Winsten regressions with panel-corrected standard errors and autoregressive errors. Proceeding with Prais-Winsten regressions our empirical findings reveal substantial differences across countries and time periods in the effects of female employment on fertility. Initial increases in female employment strongly lowers fertility, but continued increases have a progressively less negative effect. The country heterogeneity in the effect of female employment can also be confirmed for different regions as well as for varying welfare and gender regimes.
Predictability Bias in the U.S. Equity Market

In an investigation of an asset pricing anomaly, “predictability bias,” stocks were classified into quintiles based on how predictable the company's earnings have been in the past, as measured by analysts' past forecast errors. “Current” forecasts of earnings are excessively optimistic for companies whose earnings were hard to predict in the past; that is, the least predictable companies have much larger, positive forecast errors (forecast > actual) relative to the most predictable companies. Abnormal returns are consistent with the current forecast errors; that is, stocks of the least predictable companies substantially underperform stocks of the most predictable companies. Adjustments for systematic risk, firm size, book-to-price ratio, and industry factors do not eliminate the differential returns between least predictable and most predictable companies.
'Generative dance' between tacit knowledge, expertise and organisational frameworks

In this paper, we argue that it is critical for both strategy and entrepreneurship scholars to understand the competing choices that knowledge-holders face for deploying their knowledge and ultimately creating and appropriating value within: (1) established organisational structures, (2) new ventures or (3) market exchange. We explore the value creation options from individuals' tacit knowledge and expertise within a dynamic context, arguing that primarily through the 'generative dance' between tacit knowledge, expertise and combinatory assets of organisational frameworks will the knowledge-based value creation unfold over time. The level of configurations of knowledge-based assets and other organisational combinatory assets will impact the distribution of gains and the share the knowledge-holder will extract from generated economic rents. We shift the focus to the source of the value (i.e. the knowledge-holder) and pose the question: 'Who benefits most from the value generated from tacit knowledge and expertise? '
Do Going Concern Audit Reports Protect Auditors from Litigation? A Simultaneous Equations Approach

ABSTRACT: Audit researchers have a long-standing interest in understanding whether issuing a going concern report to financially stressed clients protects auditors from litigation. An endogeneity issue arises, in that litigation risk affects the going concern decision and the going concern decision impacts auditor litigation risk. Using a simultaneous equations approach, we find a significant positive association between auditors' ex ante litigation risk and going concern reporting. By applying simultaneous equations, we also find a significant negative association between going concern reporting and auditor litigation, suggesting that auditors deter lawsuits by issuing going concern reports to their financially stressed clients. Our research further provides a more rigorous analysis of the relation between going concern reporting and lawsuit outcomes in the form of auditor litigation dismissals, small settlement amounts, and large settlement amounts. Our results indicate that when auditors are named in .
Coming forward: the underreporting of heterosexist violence and same sex partner abuse in Victoria

Coming forward reports on the responses of 390 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and transgender (GLBT) Victorians to an online survey asking them about their experiences of heterosexist violence and same sex partner abuse. The survey also asked respondents questions about: Service access and quality when reporting incidents of abuse and pursuing cases through the criminal justice system Their knowledge and use of Victoria Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLOs) Barriers and “incentives” to their reporting and seeking assistance following an incident of heterosexist violence or same sex partner abuse The project was funded by the Victoria Law Foundation and managed through Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria (GLHV) with assistance from Victoria Police.
Family Businesses in Germany: Significance and Structure

This paper shows the relevance of family businesses to the German economy and their structure with respect to ownership, governance, and management. The data show that ownership, rather than governance or management, is the key to differentiating family from nonfamily businesses. As governance and management are more complementary to each other, families in German family businesses seek influence either through family members on the supervisory board or on the management board. The empirical data from this study is based on a clear definition of family business and a random sample, and it provides the basis for further investigation into German family businesses.
Teachers' Perceptions of Collaboration and Partnership regarding Children with Special Educational Needs in a Mexican Bilingual Elementary School

Mexico, like many other countries in the world, has subscribed to a UNESCO policy for the inclusion of children with special educational needs in mainstream education. Thus, at least since 1994, public and private mainstream schools have included children with special educational needs. In this study, the authors intend to explore the issues in the Mexican context in order to identify teachers' attitudes, perceptions and concerns about their practice, their preparation and their skills to help children with special educational needs in their classrooms. Among the dimensions the authors are trying to investigate are those opinions and experiences expressed by classroom teachers in relation to the collaboration and support they receive from all the stakeholders in the process of educating children with special needs. The study uses the techniques and procedures of Q methodology since it is seen as a method that is particularly compatible with a social-constructionist research paradigm which allows the participants to express their own opinions and to produce an individual configuration of their own beliefs and attitudes.
Informational Literacy And Information And Communication Technologies Use By Secondary Education Students In Spain: A Descriptive Study

Informational literacy and the use of technologies by Secondary Education students in Spain: A descriptive study. The development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), together with their application to research carried out on educational areas, are factors which contribute to the promotion of a new educative model constructed on literacy-based competences and skills, and which sets technologies as essential tools for a life-long learning process (Unesco, 2005). This is the framework where we can insert the research that we are currently carrying out, funded by the research Program I+D+I of the Spanish Ministry of Education, and in the frame of which we are developing a diagnostic assessment of informational literacy competence in students between 14 and 16 years (Secondary Education), based on the fact that one of the main aspects in knowledge generation and acquisition is the capacity to use information extracted from documents and electronic resources, available in informational networks in a correct way. In this paper we present the results obtained from evidences on the contrast existing between the level of use of technologies (videogames, social networks.) and the level of informational literacy shown by students. The data were gathered from a sample of more than 1000 Secondary Education students who are around 15 years old.
AMERICAN EXCHANGE OPTIONS AND A PUT‐CALL TRANSFORMATION: A NOTE

This note presents the following two results. First, the finite-lived American option to exchange one asset for another is transformed into a finite-lived American call, for which a large set of excellent PC-based programmes is available. And second, the finite-lived American put is transformed into acorresponding call. Thus, it is unnecessary to develop and implement a separate numerical method for the American put.
Preparatory Behavior for Condom Use Among Heterosexual Young Men

Objective. Motivation is not sufficient to actually use condoms, as self-regulatory processes are needed to translate motivation into action. Buying condoms and carrying them constitute preparatory behaviors that may serve as proximal predictors of action. Whether or not such preparatory behaviors operate as mediators between intention and action within a broader behavior change framework has been examined. Method. A sample of 150 heterosexual men between ages 18 and 25 years responded at three points in time to a computer-based survey that assessed behavior as well as social-cognitive antecedents. A structural equation model was specified that included preparatory behaviors and self-efficacy as mediators at Time 2. Results. Preparatory behaviors were the most proximal predictors of condom use, and they were, themselves, predicted by self-efficacy and intention. The latter was partly determined by positive emotional outcome expectancies. Conclusion. To bridge the intention-behavior gap, preparatory behaviors play a mediating role, and they represent a side of planning that constitutes the most proximal predictor of condom use.
Determining What to Benchmark: An Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach

Presents a model for strategic selection of processes for benchmarking. The process selection methodology, which incorporates Saaty′s Analytical Hierarchy Process, starts with situation analysis, is followed by the differentiation of target customer wants, and concludes with the prioritization of the value chain processes to be benchmarked. The proposed methodology was implemented in a manufacturing setting. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to test the robustness of the results. The feedback from the managers who participated in the selection process confirmed the utility of this approach.
On Properties of RDT Communication-Induced Checkpointing Protocols

Rollback-dependency trackability (RDT) is a property stating that all rollback dependencies between local checkpoints are online trackable by using a transitive dependency vector. The most crucial RDT characterizations introduced in the literature can be represented as certain types of RDT-PXCM-paths. Here, let the U-path and V-path be any two types of RDT-PXCM-paths. We investigate several properties of communication-induced checkpointing protocols that ensure the RDT property. First, we prove that if an online RDT protocol encounters a U-path at a point of a checkpoint and communication pattern associated with a distributed computation, it also encounters a V-path there. Moreover, if this encountered U-path is invisibly doubled, the corresponding encountered V-path is invisibly doubled as well. Therefore, we can conclude that breaking all invisibly doubled U-paths is equivalent to breaking all invisibly doubled V-paths for an online RDT protocol. Next, we continue to demonstrate that a visibly doubled U-path must contain a doubled U-cycle in the causal past. These results can further deduce that some different checkpointing protocols actually have the same behavior for all possible patterns. Finally, we present a commendatory systematic technique for comparing the performance of online RDT protocols.
Profiling Gene Expression in Human Placentae of Different Gestational Ages: An OPRU* Network and UW SCOR Study

We used the whole-genome approach to identify major functional categories of genes whose expression depends on gestational age. Using microarray analysis, we compared gene expression profiles in the villous tissues of first (45-59 days) and second trimester (109-115 days) placentae with C-section term placentae. We found that in first trimester placentae, genes related to cell cycle, DNA, amino acids, and carbohydrate metabolism were significantly overrepresented, while genes related to signal transduction were underrepresented. Among genes involved in organism defense, we identified genes involved in chemical response, metabolism, and transport. Analysis of signal transduction pathways suggested, and subsequently confirmed independently, that the Wnt pathway was changed with gestational age leading to inhibition of β-catenin protein expression. Our study will serve as a reference database to gain insight into the regulation of gene expression in the developing placentae and to compare with gene expression in placentae from complicated pregnancies.
OPTIMUM PORTFOLIO CHOICE FOR A CLASS OF JUMP STOCHASTIC MODELS

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of choosing the optimum portfolio in the context of continuous time jump stochastic models. The aim is to maximize the wealth of a small risk-averse investor that operates in this financial market. When the case of complete observation is considered, the optimal control problem is formulated and the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation is solved to yield the solution. On the other hand, to deal with the case of partial observation, the filter equations of the non-observed process are calculated and a sub-optimal control law is presented.
Inflation and Growth: Alternative Approaches

This paper develops alternative approaches to the principal relationships and results in the analysis of inflation and growth. Rather than derive new propositions, our purpose is primarily to present an accessible and coherent exposition of existing theories. The issue to be analyzed is how alternative rates of inflation affect realvariables, in particular, steady state per capita consumption, real balances, and real capital. To the extent that inflation represents a tax on real balances, the real effects of altering that tax depend on what we assume about the role and nature of money. Conflicting or ambiguous results derived from alternative theories are primarily the reflection of different hypotheses about the functions of money. Since derivation of such hypotheses from microeconomic foundations continues to be a field of current inquiry, any definite conclusions with respect to the real effects of inflation must await the further development and empirical validation of such theories.l Pending such progress we propose to take stock of competing theories of inflation and growth. There are essentially two approaches to the problem. One strand of the literature initiated by Tobin [12] and Johnson [4] assumes a savings function as well as a demand function for real balances and investigates the comparative statics properties of the implied steady state characteristics of the system. In these formulations real balances are alternatively treated as a consumer or a producer good. In the
A Study of Bankruptcy Costs and the Allocation of Control

This article studies how the allocation of control rights in bankruptcy influences outcomes. Using Hungarian data, we find that the large majority of bankrupt firms in our sample are maintained as going concerns despite the fact that these firms generate large operating losses and low recovery rates for pre-bankruptcy creditors. We trace the bias to the allocation of control rights between secured and unsecured creditors and the compensation scheme of the agent managing the bankruptcy process. Our findings shed light on a very important bankruptcy design question: how particular provisions of the bankruptcy code affect the costs of bankruptcy and the size of the pie available to pre-bankruptcy creditors.