Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Managerial Work of Italian City Managers: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract Among the measures taken to reform local government in Italy, one of the most significant is the introduction of the post of city manager. In this paper we outline the personal and professional traits of city managers in today's Italy. The study provides a snapshot of a situation marked by increasing dynamism, but still with a certain degree of conservatism. A picture emerges of a manager with multiple roles, spending most time within the organisation and whose work seems typically orientated towards internal stakeholders rather than external constituencies. However, the changing role of municipalities in the Italian context poses new challenges and these will probably influence the evolution of the content of the managers' work.
Optimal Economic Growth with Recursive Preferences: Decreasing Rate of Time Preference

In the field of optimal growth theory, since Ramsey's time it is frequent to maximize a welfare function consisting of the discounted sum of instantaneous utilities. Such an optimality criterion implies that preferences are independent over time. Following in the tradition of Irwing Fisher, Koopmans presented postulates for recursive preferences for which the rate of time preference is variable. In a later study with Beals he showed that the implications are that even in the simplest situations described by the neoclassical growth model initial conditions affect the long run optimal path. These authors assumed a quasiconcave welfare function. In the present essay their analysis is extended to the case of a discounted sum of instantaneous utilities when the discount rate decreases as consumption increases, and the welfare function need not be concave.
Cherubism Mice Also Deficient in c‐Fos Exhibit Inflammatory Bone Destruction Executed by Macrophages That Express MMP14 Despite the Absence of TRAP+ Osteoclasts

Currently, it is believed that osteoclasts positive for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP+) are the exclusive bone‐resorbing cells responsible for focal bone destruction in inflammatory arthritis. Recently, a mouse model of cherubism (Sh3bp2KI/KI) with a homozygous gain‐of‐function mutation in the SH3‐domain binding protein 2 (SH3BP2) was shown to develop auto‐inflammatory joint destruction. Here, we demonstrate that Sh3bp2KI/KI mice also deficient in the FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (c‐Fos) still exhibit noticeable bone erosion at the distal tibia even in the absence of osteoclasts at 12 weeks old. Levels of serum collagen I C‐terminal telopeptide (ICTP), a marker of bone resorption generated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), were elevated, whereas levels of serum cross‐linked C‐telopeptide (CTX), another resorption marker produced by cathepsin K, were not increased. Collagenolytic MMP levels were increased in the inflamed joints of the Sh3bp2KI/KI mice deficient in c‐Fos. Resorption pits contained a large number of F4/80+ macrophages and genetic depletion of macrophages rescued these erosive changes. Importantly, administration of NSC405020, an MMP14 inhibitor targeted to the hemopexin (PEX) domain, suppressed bone erosion in c‐Fos‐deficient Sh3bp2KI/KI mice. After activation of the NF‐κB pathway, macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF)‐dependent macrophages from c‐Fos‐deficient Sh3bp2KI/KI mice expressed increased amounts of MMP14 compared with wild‐type macrophages. Interestingly, receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐deficient Sh3bp2KI/KI mice failed to show notable bone erosion, whereas c‐Fos deletion did restore bone erosion to the RANKL‐deficient Sh3bp2KI/KI mice, suggesting that osteolytic transformation of macrophages requires both loss‐of‐function of c‐Fos and gain‐of‐function of SH3BP2 in this model. These data provide the first genetic evidence that cells other than osteoclasts can cause focal bone destruction in inflammatory bone disease and suggest that MMP14 is a key mediator conferring pathological bone‐resorbing capacity on c‐Fos‐deficient Sh3bp2KI/KI macrophages. In summary, the paradigm that osteoclasts are the exclusive cells executing inflammatory bone destruction may need to be reevaluated based on our findings with c‐Fos‐deficient cherubism mice lacking osteoclasts. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Incidence and Consequence of Worker Displacement in Australia

This paper analyses displacement risk and its consequences for re-employment in Australia using data from the Survey of Employment and Unemployment Patterns (SEUP). We confirm overseas evidence that older workers and those from lower skill occupations are, in general, at a greater risk of displacement. By contrast, unlike US studies, no systematic link between tenure in job and displacement risk was found. Consistent with previous Australian research (Borland and McDonald, 2001) we find that males face a higher incidence of displacement than females. Decomposition of the gender difference revealed that industry effects are an important source of disparity in displacement rates. Analysis of re-employment hazards indicated that workers displaced from manufacturing faced increased periods of non-employment. Hence, it appears that there is a role for provisions to help workers in industries where the effects of structural reform have been concentrated (Kletzer, 1998).
Learning from Coarse Information: Biased Contests and Career Profiles

An organization's promotion decision between two workers is modelled as a problem of boundedly-rational learning about ability. The decision-maker can bias noisy rank-order contests sequentially, thereby changing the information they convey. The optimal final-period bias favours the "leader" , reinforcing his likely ability advantage. When optimally biased rank-order information is a sufficient statistic for cardinal information, the leader is favoured in every period. In other environments, bias in early periods may (i) favour the early loser, (ii) be optimal even when the workers are equally rated, and (iii) reduce the favoured worker's promotion chances.
Waist Circumference Threshold Values for Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Adult gains in body weight, excess adiposity, and intra-abdominal fat have each been associated with risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), forming the basis for preventive medicine guidelines and actuarial predictions using practical indices of weight (e.g., body mass index [BMI]) and waist circumference (WC). As obesity-related disease spreads beyond affluent western countries, application of WC thresholds to other populations has highlighted issues of their generalizability. For example, U.S. national health goals based on BMI < 25 kg/m2 and WC < 89 cm (women) and <102 cm (men) differ considerably with a recent law in Japan mandating intervention for older adults with WC exceeding 90 cm (women) and 85 cm (men). The U.S. military has also faced issues of generalizability of WC-based adiposity standards that are fair and achievable. Data from many studies indicate that WC is a reliable biomarker for T2DM risk, suggesting that, for adult men and women, action thresholds should be more stringent than current U.S. guidelines, and it would not be harmful to set worldwide targets somewhere below 90 cm for men and women, regardless of weight status. Medical technology has provided many great insights into disease, including modern imaging technologies that have differentiated fat depots that have the greatest influence on T2DM, but ultimately, an inexpensive measuring tape provides the most useful and cost-effective preventive measure for T2DM today. At some point in the future, a Star Trek-like abdominal body fat “tricorder” noninvasive assessment of tissue composition may provide an advantage over abdominal girth.
Mesenchymal stromal cells and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): challenges for clinical application

In contemporary reports, approximately 30% of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) will die1 and up to 70% of survivors have persistent significant disability.2 Several interventions which limit injurious ventilation have been shown to reduce mortality, primarily: low-tidal volume ventilation,3 prone positioning,4 early neuromuscular blockade5 and possibly extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 6 To date, no intervention targeted at the underlying pathophysiological process has been shown to be beneficial, including recent studies of β-agonists and statins.7 ,8 Given the failure of pharmacological interventions in ARDS, increasing interest has been shown in the potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). While the complex actions of MSCs are not yet fully understood, they appear to attenuate lung injury via three broad mechanisms. First, they have an immunomodulatory ability, influencing both innate and adaptive immunity. This is achieved by the secretion of anti-inflammatory soluble factors, including interleukin 10 (IL-10), IL-1 receptor antagonist and prostaglandin E2.9 Second, MSCs directly augment the host response to sepsis. LL-37 is a peptide secreted by MSCs which has direct antimicrobial properties and has previously been shown to increase bacterial clearance in an Escherichia coli model of lung injury after the intratracheal administration of MSCs.10 Third, MSCs play an important role in the repair and regeneration of lung tissue following injury. This ability appears to be mediated by the secretion of several growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor.9 In this edition of Thorax , Devaney et al …
Knowledge and Social Networks in Yahoo! Answers

This study defines and explores relations between knowledge-seeking and social relationship networks, using data from a popular Q&A social network site. Our theoretical framework draws on Motivation, Common-goods, and Social capital theories to generate an understanding of the interrelationship of the two types of networks. A dataset consisting of 19 months of activity on Q&A Yahoo! Answers provides the basis for answering the following questions: Does a reciprocal relationship exist between the two networks? Is there a positive correlation in either size or growth between the two? Who are their members and actual participants? How does the social capital created by the social activities influence the asker's satisfaction? Finally, can the growth of one network come at the expense of the other? Findings suggest a positive correlation between the knowledge-seeking network and the social network, Social capital does contribute to askers' satisfaction and furthermore, under certain conditions, one network might grow at the expense of the other. Theoretical and practical implications for the mutual dependency of social ties and informational provision are discussed.
Closing the Technology Gap Under Protection

This paper explores the linkage between protection and the speed with which a protected firm adopts new technology. Of primary importance here is the distinction between permanent and temporary protection on the one hand, and between tariffs and quotas on the other. The authors find that a permanent tariff speeds up adoption but a permanent quota delays adoption unless the quota is highly restrictive. However, temporary protection (i.e., protection that remains effective until the firm adopts new technology) always delays the timing of technology adoption. Copyright 1995 by American Economic Association.
The economic burden of end-of-life care in metastatic breast cancer

Abstract Objective: To assess end-of-life (EOL) total healthcare costs and resource utilization during the last 6 months of claims follow-up among patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who received systemic anti-neoplastic therapy. Methods: Newly diagnosed females with MBC initiating treatment January 1, 2003–June 30, 2011 were identified in a large commercial claims database. Two cohorts were defined based on a proxy measure for EOL 1 month prior to the end of last recorded follow-up within the study period: patients who were assumed dead at end of claims follow-up (EOL cohort) and patients who were alive (no-end-of-life [NEOL] cohort). Proxy measures for EOL were obtained from published literature and clinical expert opinion. Cost and resource utilization were evaluated for the 6 months prior to end of claims follow-up. Baseline variables, resource utilization, and costs were compared between cohorts with univariate statistical tests. Adjusted relative risks were calculated for resource utilization measures. A covariate-adjusted generalized linear model evaluated 6-month total healthcare costs. Results: Of the 3,878 females included, 18.5% (n = 718) met the criteria for EOL. Mean observational time (MBC onset to end of claims follow-up) was shorter for the EOL cohort (EOL, 32 months vs NEOL, 35 months; p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, the EOL cohort had 4.15 times higher 6-month total healthcare costs (EOL, $72,112 vs NEOL, $17,137; p < 0.001). NEOL month-to-month mean total healthcare costs fluctuated between $2336–$3145, while EOL costs increased steadily from $8,956 in the sixth month prior to death to $19,326 in the last month of life. The adjusted relative risk of inpatient, hospice and emergency department utilization was >2 times higher in the EOL cohort (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Potential EOL presented a greater economic burden in the 6 months prior to death. EOL month-to-month costs increased precipitously in the last 2 months of life and were driven by acute inpatient care.
The nature, scope and effects of profit sharing in Japan: evidence from new survey data

In this paper we document in a variety of ways the nature, evolution and significance of Japanese profit-sharing plans (PSPs), using our new survey data. We also combine the survey data with corporate proxy statement data and produce firm-level micro-data for nearly 100 Japanese firms with PSPs containing detailed information on the characteristics of their PSPs. The resulting micro-data are then used to estimate the effects on enterprise performance of varying attributes of Japanese PSPs. Key findings include: (1) contrary to a popular notion of near-universal diffusion of PSPs among Japanese firms, about one in four publicly traded firms in Japan uses a PSP; (2) consistent with the free-rider problem of PSPs, PSPs are shown to be more popular among smaller firms, firms without unions, firms with employee participation at the grass roots; (3) over 70 per cent of firms with PSPs reported separate plans for officers and non-officers; (4) Japanese PSPs do not normally distinguish between union and non-union members; (5) Japanese PSPs are mostly company-wide; (6) nearly all Japanese PSPs are cash plans; (7) about a half of Japanese PSPs do not have a set formula for how the contribution should be tied to profits; (8) there is a statistically significant gain in firm performance from using an explicit formula; and (9) including certain targets in the formula appears to improve firm performance the most.
Civil Society's Role in Democratisation: An Assessment of the Central Bolivian Labour Confederation's Role in the Political Economy of post-Neoliberal Bolivia

At the time of writing Bolivia has experienced political democracy for nearly 30 uninterrupted years. During this period candidates have been voted into various levels of government through free, fair and regular elections. With each successful election it would seem that political democracy has become increasingly established in Bolivia. However, unlike in more traditional democracies the establishment of political democracy has not led to comprehensive social rights. One possible reason for the stalled democratisation currently facing Bolivia is the nearly quarter of a century of comprehensive neoliberalism, which began in 1986. During this period policy formation was largely decided by small, organised groups of powerful individuals. Furthermore, institutions such as organised labour movements that have been shown to help make political democracies more dynamic – through giving voice to wider interest groups in decision-making processes – were severely repressed during neoliberalism. Evo Morales’ ascension to the presidency in 2006 seems to have marked the end of the type of stringent neoliberal economic policies and narrow decision-making that defined the previous 20 years in Bolivia. More importantly, Morales’ election has coincided with the reassertion of certain political rights that had been limited during neoliberalism. Thus, the political rights that have been argued to be vital in democratisation processes by authors such as O’Donnell, Lipset, Przeworski, Rueschemeyer, Stephens, Sen and Valenzuela seem more available now than in the previous two decades. Based in the literature we argue that the opportunities provided by political democracy will not lead to more substantial social democracy on their own but rather need to be positively grabbed by capable actors. Thus, in this thesis we seek to understand if and how the Central Bolivian Labour Confederation is able to use political democracy as a springboard for obtaining greater social rights?
Delayed measles mortality among exposed children who survived the epidemic of 1714-15 in New France

This follow-up study examines delayed mortality of children under age 5 who were exposed to measles and survived the acute phase ofthe 1714–15 epidemic in Quebec. The objective of the study was to assess whether exposed children had higher long-term mortality thanunexposed children, by following them for 25 months past the estimated date of infection. Overall, children exposed before age 3 had higher long-term mortality than unexposed children. The difference remained significant while assessing other risk factors. Delayed mortality also varied by age and sex. Only exposed female infants had a significantly higher risk of dying, while both exposed male and female toddlers had higher mortality. No significant difference was found among children exposed after age 3. Findings are explained in terms of modern post-measles studies in Africa and of previous measles studies in New France.
Options, Short Sales, and Market Completeness

This paper presents empirical evidence that trading in options contributes to both transactional and informational efficiency of the stock market by reducing the effect of constraints on short sales. The significantly higher average level of short interest exhibited by optionable stocks supports the argument that options facilitate short selling. The authors also find significant effects on option prices related to the short interest in the underlying stock. They then present evidence that options also increase information efficiency. Earlier work, that is replicated and extended here, has suggested that short sale constraints cause stock prices to underweight negative information. Options appear to reduce that effect. Copyright 1993 by American Finance Association.
Implementation of International Accounting Standards in Poland: Can True Convergence be Achieved in Practice?

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to discuss the difficulties that Poland, as an example of a transition economy, has in complying with the underlying principles of IAS and to recommend changes that need to be introduced before true convergence to IAS can take place. The study identifies existing differences between Polish financial reporting and the IAS in terms of the underlying conceptual framework, using the treatment of fixed assets to demonstrate the fundamental differences between the two systems. Using in-depth interviews supported with a review of the published financial statements for a sample of listed Polish and UK companies, the study found considerable differences between Polish accounting law and IAS. The article argues that those differences arise predominantly from the Polish legalistic and rule-based orientation that is incompatible with the principle-based spirit of IAS. It will be argued that, in order to achieve greater convergence to IAS, Polish accountants will need to move away from the system of uniform reporting towards broader, principle-based accounting.
Impact of patenting on firms' performance: an empirical investigation based on manufacturing firms in India

The study aims to estimate the impact of R&D expenditure and patenting on the performance of firms using productivity, profitability and Tobin's q ratio as the performance indicators. The study uses firm-level data of 489 high- and medium-technology firms during the period of 2000–2010. We employ relatively a new source of data particularly in the context of India, firm-level patent granted, that has not been explored earlier. The study finds that firms patenting result in productivity improvement of firms, whereas R&D expenditure does not. The study further finds the evidence of positive impact of patenting on financial performance of firm with significant differences between foreign and domestic firms.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bumetanide after intravenous and oral administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats and DOCA‐salt induced hypertensive rats

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bumetanide were investigated after intravenous (i.v.) administration, 10 mg kg−1, and oral administration, 20 mg kg−1, to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and deoxycorticosterone acetate‐salt induced hypertensive rats (DOCA‐salt rats). After i.v. administration, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of bumetanide did not vary significantly between SHRs and the control Wistar rats. Similar results were also shown between DOCA‐salt rats and the control Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. After oral administration, the AUC0–12 h decreased significantly (186 versus 335 μg min ml−1) in SHRs and this resulted in decreased F(15.4 versus 23.6 and 2.78 versus 5.76% using two equations) in SHRs when compared with the control Wistar rats, although none of the other pharmacokinetic parameters varied significantly between SHRs and Wistar rats. This effect seemed to be due to the decreased enterohepatic recirculation of bumetanide in SHRs: the amounts of both bumetanide and its glucuronide product, which are capable of enterohepatic recirculation, excreted in 8 h bile juice decreased significantly in SHRs (11.3 versus 37.4 μg as expressed in terms of bumetanide) when compared with Wistar rats. The pharmacodynamic parameters did not vary significantly between SHRs and Wistar rats after oral administration of bumetanide. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of bumetanide did not vary significantly between DOCA‐salt rats and SD rats after oral administration of the drug. The liver weights compared to body weight increased significantly in SHRs when compared with Wistar rats and the corresponding values for the kidney increased significantly in DOCA‐salt rats when compared with SD rats.