Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multinationals and environmental regulation: are foreign firms harmful?

Abstract The rise of globalization has directed the attention of economists to the effect of trade and multinational production on the environment. We explore whether multinational firms, frequently the target of environmentalists, are harmful for a host country's environment. We introduce environmental regulation in a two-country model of heterogeneous firms with monopolistic competition. Using plant-level data from Chile, we test the model implications. We find that foreign firms are cleaner than domestic plants even after controlling for productivity that is likely to be negatively correlated with emissions. We also show that increasing the stringency of environmental regulations in a previously unregulated market affects the domestic firms more than the multinationals.
Return and Volatility Transmission in U.S. Housing Markets

This article uses the Case‐Shiller U.S. Home Price Indices to analyze spatial dependencies across 16 metropolitan markets for the period January 1989 to June 2006. Return transmission patterns establish New York, San Francisco and Miami as among the most influential markets. In terms of volatility linkages, there is a considerable amount of transmission in the East between New York, Boston and Washington, DC, and innovations in the housing markets of Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco play an influential role within their respective regions. In comparison, markets in the Central and Mountain regions appear to be relatively independent from external influences. Overall, the linkages appear to be more intensive during the active phase of the real estate market (1999–2006) than during the calm phase (1989–1998).
Going Green in Quick-Service Restaurants: Customer Perceptions and Intentions

As many industries are realizing the ecological, financial, and social benefits to implementing green practices in business, the literature shows that restaurants are slowly following suit (Deveau, 2009; Dutta, Umashankar, Choi, & Parsa, 2008). Increased competition in the marketplace coupled with changing guest demand as well the need to ensure guest satisfaction are some of the driving factors for service organizations to go green. The current study analyzes perceptions of a random sample of quick service restaurant guests in the Midwest regarding the green practices of restaurants in order to determine the impact that these practices may have on satisfaction, the intent to patronize the restaurant, and therefore the bottom line of the businesses. The findings show that although respondents believed that restaurants should utilize green practices, most people were not willing to pay higher prices for those green practices. Another finding is that people who implement green practices at home tend to have the intention to visit green restaurants more often. Increasing knowledge through marketing the green practices should be implemented by restaurants in order to increase awareness of such practices to the general public.
Molecular Characterization of Leishmania Parasites in Giemsa-Stained Slides from Cases of Human Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis, Eastern Algeria.

BACKGROUND In Algeria, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is due to Leishmania (L.) infantum, while three cutaneous forms (CL) are caused by Leishmania major, Leishmania tropica and Leishmania infantum. In this study, the use of Giemsa-stained slides was evaluated with two PCR techniques, in Eastern Algeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 136 samples corresponding to 100 CL smears (skin scrapings) and 36 VL slides (bone marrow aspirates) collected from 2008 to 2014 were tested. Upon DNA extraction, two PCRs were used to amplify the ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) and mini-exon genes. Amplified products were digested (PCR-RFLP) and profiles analyzed for Leishmania species identification. A statistical analysis was also performed. RESULTS ITS1-PCR was found significantly more sensitive than mini-exon-PCR (77.95% positives vs. 67.65%; p = 0.001). Comparison of PCR positivity showed statistically significant differences between old and recently prepared slides suggesting a better use of recent slides in PCR analyses. For species identification, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) results of ITS1 and mini-exon were concordant. L. infantum was identified from VL cases and L. infantum, L. major, and L. tropica from CL ones. According to geographical origin, L. infantum was found in North-Eastern provinces, while L. major was distributed from the North to the Center-East of Algeria. Interestingly, two L. tropica samples were identified in Annaba, located far North-East Algeria. CONCLUSION Distribution of leishmaniasis in Eastern parts of Algeria, besides finding of L. tropica in the far North, is in this study described for the first time using molecular tools, thus confirming the usefulness of slides for PCR identification of Leishmania parasites in retrospective epidemiological investigations.
Local complexities and global uncertainties: a study of foreign ownership and human resource management in China

Drawing on qualitative data, this paper examines developments in human resource and employment policies and practices among a sample of joint venture and wholly owned foreign enterprises operating in China. The research reveals that the effects of parent company nationality and ownership form were most visible in the areas of remuneration, worker representation and aspects of employee selection. There was, however, little overt involvement of multinational parent companies in the management of human resources of their Chinese operations. The trend was towards indirect reporting relationships with regional sub-units of multinational companies rather than direct links with the parent headquarters. Overall, these intermediate sub-units were playing an important role in the integration of Chinese business units in the global management systems of multinational companies.
Quarterly Trading Patterns of Financial Institutions

This article investigates whether different types of institutions have discernible trading motives in response to portfolio disclosures. Results show that banks, life insurance companies, mutual funds, and investment advisors who act as external managers generally have similar trading strategies. They sell more poorly performing stocks during the fourth quarter than the first 3 quarters of the year, and such trading behavior is more pronounced for institutions whose stocks on average have underperformed the market. In contrast, property and liability insurance companies, pension funds, colleges, universities, and foundations, who manage their own assets, show less inclination to window-dress their portfolios.
American Indian Politics and the American Political System

Chapter 1 A Tour of Native Peoples and Native Lands Chapter 2 Indigenous Peoples Are Nations, Not Minorities Chapter 3 Indigenous Governments: Past, Present, and Future Chapter 4 Actors in Native Politics Chapter 5 A History of Federal Indian Policy Chapter 6 Native Political Economy Chapter 7 Indigenous Political Participation: Patriotism, Suffrage, and Partisanship Chapter 8 Native Interest Group Activity and Activism Chapter 9 Native Peoples, Images, and the Media Chapter 10 Indigenous Nations and the American Political System
Planned behaviour of tourism students’ entrepreneurial intentions in China

ABSTRACT This research aims to investigate the influence of planned behaviour and personal variables on entrepreneurial intention in order to explain and improve low entrepreneurial intention among tourism students in China. A total of 109 tourism students were surveyed to find the key factors affecting their entrepreneurial intention by factor analysis. The six hypotheses were then tested in a sample of 267 Chinese tourism students. According to structural equation modelling (SEM), it was found that there are statistically significant relationships between personal attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and entrepreneurial intention. Multi-group analysis further showed that there are differences between personal attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control according to different personal variables. The results highlight the importance of taking a subdividing approach when researching the factors that influence entrepreneurial intention. Thus, we believe a number of implications about the most effective role of creating entrepreneurial atmosphere from universities, enhancing tourism students’ self-efficacy, and setting student-centred policies in promoting and developing entrepreneurial intention.
Are two heads better than one? An experiment with novice share traders

We compare the performance of individual and two-person teams in an electronic share-trading task. Trader profits are negatively related to the amount of trader market activity and positively related to trader confidence. While we find no evidence of a difference in trading profit between individual and team traders, profit volatility is more sensitive to trading activity for teams. Team trading profit is positively related to attitude and negatively related to perceptions of the difficulty of the task, with overall team trading activity negatively related to views of team members’ abilities. JEL Code: D44, G14
Greek measles epidemic strain, 2005–2006

SUMMARY The purpose of this work was the molecular study of the virus strain that caused the last measles outbreak in Greece. Twenty-four saliva specimens were obtained from selected patients serologically confirmed as measles cases between December 2005 and March 2006. Measles virus (MV) detection was performed by a nested RT–PCR. The 447-bp segment of the N gene of these MV strains was used for genotyping. The N gene sequences of the Greek MV strains were identical to each other, therefore a phylogenetic tree was constructed using one representative MV (ThesGRE/06). Our data show that the MV strain which caused the 2005–2006 outbreak in Greece belongs to genotype D6, and differs by 0·68% from the New Jersey D6 strain and by 5·5% from the MV vaccine strain Edmonston B (U03656) belonging to genotype A.
Spatial and seasonal distribution of selected antibiotics in surface waters of the Pearl Rivers, China

The distribution and occurrence of 15 antibiotics in surface water of the Pearl River System (Liuxi River, Shijing River and Zhujiang River) and effluents of four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were investigated in two sampling events representing wet season and dry season by using rapid resolution liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS) in positive ionization mode. Only eight antibiotics (sulfadiazine, sulfapyridine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, roxithromycin, erythromycin-H2O and norfloxacin) were detected in the water samples of the three rivers and the effluents. The detection frequencies and levels of antibiotics in the dry season were higher than those in the wet season. This could be attributed to the dilution effects in the wet season and relatively lower temperature in the dry season under which antibiotics could persist for a longer period. The levels of the detected antibiotics in different sites are generally in a decreasing order as follows: Shijing River ⩾WWTP effluent ⩾Zhujiang River ⩾ Liuxi River. Risk assessment based on the calculated risk quotients showed that only erythromycin-H2O and roxithromycin detected in the Pearl Rivers might have adverse effects on aquatic organisms.
Score Normalization for Text-Independent Speaker Verification Systems

Auckenthaler, Roland, Carey, Michael, and Lloyd-Thomas, Harvey, Score Normalization for Text-Independent Speaker Verification Systems, Digital Signal Processing10(2000), 42? 54.This paper discusses several aspects of score normalization for text-independent speaker verification. The theory of score normalization is explained using Bayes' theorem and detection error trade-off plots. Based on the theory, the world, cohort, and zero normalization techniques are explained. A novel normalization technique, test normalization, is introduced. Experiments showed significant improvements for this new technique compared to the standard techniques. Finally, there is a discussion of the use of additional knowledge to further improve the normalization methods. Here, the test normalization method is extended to use knowledge of the handset type.
An Hourly Periodic State Space Model for Modelling French National Electricity Load

Abstract We present a model for hourly electricity load forecasting based on stochastically time-varying processes that are designed to account for changes in customer behaviour and in utility production efficiencies. The model is periodic: it consists of different equations and different parameters for each hour of the day. Dependence between the equations is introduced by covariances between disturbances that drive the time-varying processes. The equations are estimated simultaneously. Our model consists of components that represent trends, seasons at different levels (yearly, weekly, daily, special days and holidays), short-term dynamics and weather regression effects, including nonlinear functions for heating effects. The implementation of our forecasting procedure relies on the multivariate linear Gaussian state space framework, and is applied to the national French hourly electricity load. The analysis focuses on two hours, 9 AM and 12 PM, but forecasting results are presented for all twenty-four hours. Given the time series length of nine years of hourly observations, many features of our model can be estimated readily, including yearly patterns and their time-varying nature. The empirical analysis involves an out-of-sample forecasting assessment up to seven days ahead. The one-day ahead forecasts from forty-eight bivariate models are compared with twenty-four univariate models, one for each hour of the day. We find that the implied forecasting function depends strongly on the hour of the day.
Noun-verb conversion without a generative lexicon

This paper discusses diﬀerent types of zero-derived de-verbal nominals with a focus on result nominals, simple event nominals and complex event nominals. I argue that zero-derived nominals should be treated on a par with overtly derived nominals. I claim that verbs that have related zero-derived nominals have nominal gender features in their lexical entries in addition to verbal features, like Proc and Res, and that merging a gender feature on top of an event-structure representation results in a nominal. To capture the fact that verbal entries can be inserted in both nominal and verbal contexts, I apply the principle of underattachment, or underassociation, that allows lexical entries to be inserted in the syntax even when not all of the features in the lexical entry are present in the syntax (see e.g. Ramchand 2008 and Caha 2009). In verbal contexts, no gender feature is inserted, and in some of the nominal contexts, only a subset of the verb’s event features are present. I further argue that the only function of overt nominalizing suﬃxes is to lexicalize a gender feature. If the lexical entry of a verb already contains a gender feature, no overt nominalizing suﬃx needs to be inserted.
The Coding ECP 434(G>C) Gene Polymorphism Determines the Cytotoxicity of ECP but Has Minor Effects on Fibroblast-Mediated Gel Contraction and No Effect on RNase Activity1

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a secretory protein of the eosinophil granulocyte, a cell involved in innate immunity. Functional studies have implicated ECP in numerous processes, such as tissue remodeling in allergic inflammation and cytotoxicity toward a variety of pathogens. Recent genetic studies have suggested that the ECP 434(G>C) polymorphism resulting in an arg97thr substitution would alter the function of ECP in vivo. Functional (in vitro) studies of ECP up until now have either been conducted with native preparations containing an unknown mixture of the ECP97arg and ECP97thr variants, or with recombinant proteins. Therefore, we have now for the first time extracted the native ECP97arg and ECP97thr variants from healthy blood donors and tested them functionally in vitro. Our results show that the arg97thr shift dramatically alters the cytotoxic capacity of ECP in vitro; the tested ECP97arg variants were cytotoxic toward the small-cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H69, whereas ECP97thr was noncytotoxic. RNase activity was unaffected by the arg97thr substitution. Both ECP97arg and ECP97thr stimulated fibroblast-mediated collagen gel contraction, an experimental model, which depicts wound healing, in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the ECP 434(G>C) gene polymorphism affects the functional properties of native ECP, but also that there is a dissociation between different biological activities; the arg97thr substitution impairs the cytotoxic potential of ECP but less the gel contraction and not at all the RNase activity.
Quality Management and Organisational Structure in Higher Education.

Abstract The paper reviews management theories about organisational structure, culture and the environment (the market place). The reduction of variation is the starting point for comparing a number of quality management theories, in particular Deming's emphasis on designing in quality and designing out variation. The theoretical frameworks are applied to evidence on the behaviour of higher education institutions. The concept of service quality is developed. Categorisations of organisations such as ‘analytical’ or ‘cybernetic’ are seen as loo idealised to apply to real higher education institutions, which are hybrids, but some of the ideas are helpful, in particular designing a university that is in tight contact with and learns from its environment, i.e. the market place. The conclusions from this evidence take the form of a summary, drawn out of the various theories and their usefulness in higher education, of structures that could optimise organisational effectiveness, including quality management.
Alterations in the Hippocampal Endocannabinoid System in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays central roles in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Its alteration in activity contributes to the development and maintenance of obesity. Stimulation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) increases feeding, enhances reward aspects of eating, and promotes lipogenesis, whereas its blockade decreases appetite, sustains weight loss, increases insulin sensitivity, and alleviates dysregulation of lipid metabolism. The hypothesis has been put forward that the eCB system is overactive in obesity. Hippocampal circuits are not directly involved in the neuronal control of food intake and appetite, but they play important roles in hedonic aspects of eating. We investigated the possibility whether or not diet-induced obesity (DIO) alters the functioning of the hippocampal eCB system. We found that levels of the two eCBs, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide, were increased in the hippocampus from DIO mice, with a concomitant increase of the 2-AG synthesizing enzyme diacylglycerol lipase-α and increased CB1 receptor immunoreactivity in CA1 and CA3 regions, whereas CB1 receptor agonist-induced [35S]GTPγS binding was unchanged. eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity was changed in the CA1 region, as depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition and long-term depression of inhibitory synapses were enhanced. Functionality of CB1 receptors in GABAergic neurons was furthermore revealed, as mice specifically lacking CB1 receptors on this neuronal population were partly resistant to DIO. Our results show that DIO-induced changes in the eCB system affect not only tissues directly involved in the metabolic regulation but also brain regions mediating hedonic aspects of eating and influencing cognitive processes.
Financial development and growth: A clustering and causality analysis

This article examines the relationship between financial development and economic growth in a sample of 69 countries. A regime switching panel vector autoregression model is specified to detect directional changes in finance-growth causality and potential time variation of such causality patterns. In addition, a clustering analysis is performed to identify the presence of convergence clubs based on data properties. The findings show that most countries have switching between two states: one way causality from growth to financial development but not the other way round, and coexistence of bi-directional causality. Poorer countries are represented by a system with stable steady state while the clusters of advanced economies tend to exhibit multiple steady states. The clustering results map closely the degree of financial openness, and the cultural and geographical proximities of member countries.
Psychological Distress and Hypertension: Results from the National Health Interview Survey for 2004-2013

Background/Aims: Psychological conditions are increasingly linked with cardiovascular disorders. We aimed to examine the association between psychological distress and hypertension. Methods: We used data from the National Health Interview Survey for 2004-2013. Hypertension was self-reported and the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess psychological distress (a score ≥13 indicated distress). We used a logistic regression model to test the assumption that hypertension was associated with psychological distress. Results: Among the study participants completing the survey (n = 288,784), 51% were female; the overall mean age (±SEM) was 35.3 ± 0.02 years and the mean body mass index was 27.5 ± 0.01. In the entire sample, the prevalence of psychological distress was 3.2%. The adjusted odds of reporting hypertension in psychologically distressed individuals was 1.53 (95% CI = 1.31-1.80, p = 0.01). Conclusion: The findings suggest that psychological distress is associated with higher odds of hypertension after adjusting for other risk factors for high blood pressure. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms by which stress increases hypertension risk.
Is the Relationship between Investment and Conditional Cash Flow Volatility Ambiguous, Asymmetric or Both?

We investigate the effect of cash flow volatility on investment. Our evidence suggests that financially constrained firms decrease investment (i) when experiencing persistently high volatility; (ii) when experiencing both high volatility and negative cash flow growth realisations; and (iii) when holding low cash levels and experiencing both high volatility and a negative cash flow growth realisations. In financially unconstrained firms, the above effects are either not found or are of relatively low economic importance. Overall, our findings lend support to the financial flexibility literature and tend to contradict predictions of the real options literature.
Video contrast adjustment using spatio-temporal histogram specification

Histogram specification based image contrast enhancement algorithms have been studied extensively. A recently presented 2-D histogram specification (2-D HS) scheme defines 2-D histogram from an input image and derives pixel-value mapping relationship using the 2-D histogram. In this paper, we apply the conventional 2-D HS to the temporal domain to adjust the spatio-temporal contrast of video signals. Our 2-D histogram is thus defined in the spatio-temporal domain, and the pixel values are adjusted using the spatio-temporal 2-D HS. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.