Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Central Bank Credibility and Macroeconomic Performance

Abstract: In this paper, by using a vector autoregressive approach on panel data (PVAR) and decomposing the central bank credibility index into several important aspects highlighted in the literature, we emphasize the effects of these aspects of credibility on macroeconomic performance, and vice versa, for six emerging economies. A higher level of credibility is associated with lower interest rates, higher effective exchange rates, and a positive effect on economic activity. We show that the beneficial effects of credibility may be attributed mainly to achieved targets and past inflation. However, transparency and credible actions concerning public debt and country risk management can enhance these effects. Finally, an important policy implication might be the identification of the aspects of credibility that are altered when different shocks occur. We show that a positive long-term interest rate shock negatively affects the aspects of credibility concerning inflation performance and country risk, whereas in the case of a positive currency shock, credibility aspects concerning transparency, country risk, and fighting inflation improve.
Relational Contracting and Network Management

Our argument connects the management of relational contracts with the management of policy networks. Thinking about bilateral, horizontal extensions of governmental authority in a state of agents can be enhanced, we claim, because of the rich offerings of relational contracting theory. We review key results from economic theories of relational contracting, provide public-sector examples, and present a set of testable propositions that suggest a rationale for the creation and expansion of policy networks through relational contracting and its management. While adding theoretical leverage to research on public sector contracting, our approach provides one means of explaining the emergence of policy networks, and implications for managing within them.
Hrs, a Tyrosine Kinase Substrate with a Conserved Double Zinc Finger Domain, Is Localized to the Cytoplasmic Surface of Early Endosomes*

Hrs is a 115-kDa double zinc finger protein that is rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated in growth factor-stimulated cells. However, its function remains unknown. Here we show that Hrs is localized to early endosomes. Intracellular localization of endogenous Hrs and exogenously expressed Hrs tagged with the hemagglutinin epitope was examined by immunofluorescence staining using anti-Hrs and anti-hemagglutinin epitope antibodies, respectively. Hrs was detected in vesicular structures and was colocalized with the transferrin receptor, a marker for early endosomes, but only partially with CD63, a marker for late endosomes. A zinc finger domain deletion mutant of Hrs was also colocalized with the transferrin receptor, suggesting that the zinc finger domain is not required for its correct localization. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that Hrs was localized to the cytoplasmic surface of these structures. By subcellular fractionation, Hrs was recovered both in the cytoplasmic and membrane fractions. The membrane-associated Hrs was extracted from the membrane by alkali treatment, suggesting that it is peripherally associated with early endosomes. These results, together with our finding that Hrs is homologous to Vps27p, a protein essential for protein traffic through a prevacuolar compartment in yeast, suggest that Hrs is involved in vesicular transport through early endosomes.
The impact of renal function on the long‐term clinical course of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

Objectives: To determine the impact of the level of kidney function on the extended (>5 years) long‐term clinical course of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been significantly associated with an increased in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality following PCI. Methods: In this single‐centre retrospective study, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at baseline was estimated in 371 patients not on dialysis, who underwent successful PCI between mid‐1995 and mid‐1999. Baseline demographic and angiographic characteristics, and long‐term major adverse cardiac events and symptoms were compared for patients with GFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (normal or mildly impaired renal function) and GFR ≥ 60 ml/ min/1.73 m2 (CKD). The independent effect of GFR, modelled both as a categorical and a continuous variable, on long‐term clinical outcomes was also investigated using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: Nine‐year all‐cause and cardiac mortality rates were significantly higher in the CKD group (45.9% vs. 10.6%, P < 0.0001 and 35.4% vs. 7.1%, P < 0.0001 respectively), while there was no difference in the repeat revascularization (P = 0.27) and nonfatal Q‐wave myocardial infarction (P = 0.74) rates. Multivariate analysis demonstrated an independent impact of the level of GFR on long‐term mortality; adjusted 9‐year all‐cause and cardiac mortality increased by approximately 16% and 11%, respectively for a decrease of GFR from 120 to 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and by approximately 14% and 9%, respectively for a decrease of GFR from 60 to 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions: The level of renal function is a strong determinant of long‐term all‐cause and cardiac mortality after successful PCI. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trade Globalization, Financial Globalization and Inequality Within South-East Europe and CIS Countries

This paper contributes to the empirical literature by investigating trade globalization and financial globalization as channels of inequality within South-East Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries from 1992 to 2007. In addition, the paper uses KOF (2010) index to measure the overall impact of globalization on income inequality in South-East Europe and the CIS countries. To overcome the limitations of the least squares dummy variables (LSDV) model, Parks method is used. The paper has two results. The first result is that both trade globalization and financial globalization deepen the income inequality within South-East Europe and the CIS countries. The second result is that the overall impact of globalization have adverse effect on inequality within South-East Europe and CIS countries from 1992 to 2007. These results support the hypothesis that globalization widens the income inequality within countries.
DifferentialRequirements for Soluble and Transmembrane Tumor Necrosis Factor in theImmunological Control of Primary and Secondary Listeria monocytogenesInfection

ABSTRACT The relative contributions of transmembrane tumor necrosis factor (memTNF) and soluble tumor necrosis factor (solTNF) in innate and adaptive immunity are poorly defined. We examined the capacities of wild-type (WT) mice, TNF−/− mice, and memTNF mice, which express only transmembrane TNF, to control primary and secondary Listeria monocytogenes infections. Soluble TNF was not required for induction or maintenance of protective immunity against a low-dose (200-CFU) Listeria infection. In contrast to TNF−/− mice, both WT and memTNF mice cleared the bacilli within 10 days and were fully protected against rechallenge with a lethal infective dose. Furthermore, T cells transferred from immune mice, but not from naïve, WT, and memTNF mice, protected TNF−/− recipients against an otherwise lethal infection. By contrast, infection with a higher dose of Listeria (2,000 CFU) clearly demonstrated that solTNF is required to coordinate an optimal protective inflammatory response. memTNF mice were more susceptible to a high-dose infection, and they exhibited delayed bacterial clearance, increased inflammation, and necrosis in the liver that resulted in 55% mortality. The dysregulated inflammation was accompanied by prolonged elevated expression of mRNAs for several chemokines as well as the macrophage effector molecules inducible nitric oxide synthase and LRG-47 in the livers of memTNF mice but not in the livers of WT mice. These data demonstrated that memTNF is sufficient for establishing protective immunity against a primary low-dose Listeria infection but that solTNF is required for optimal control of cellular inflammation and resistance to a primary high-dose infection. By contrast, memTNF alone is sufficient for resolution of a secondary, high-dose infection and for the transfer of protective immunity with memory T cells.
Analyst forecast characteristics and the cost of debt

We examine the relation between analyst forecast characteristics and the cost of debt financing. Consistent with the view that the information contained in analysts’ forecasts is economically significant across asset classes, we find that analyst activity reduces bond yield spreads. We also find that the economic impact of analysts is most pronounced when uncertainty about firm value is highest (that is, when firms have high idiosyncratic risk). Our findings are robust to controls for private information in equity prices and level of corporate disclosures. Overall, the results indicate that the information contained in analyst forecasts is valued outside the equity market and provide an additional channel in which better information is associated with a lower cost of capital.
The Role of Place Identity in Smart Card Adoption

Public administrations are launching smart cards for citizens’ identification and access to local public services. Despite being focused on citizens’ demands, there is a lack of acceptance of such initiatives. This study explores the key drivers of citizen adoption of smart cards and reveals that, in addition to utilitarian benefits, social processes, such as citizens’ identification with the city, affect individual adoption. The effect of place identity is moderated by citizens’ level of interdependence. The discussion highlights place branding and the support of local collectives as strategic governmental instruments for achieving a critical mass of smart card users.
What Explains China's Rising Urbanisation in the Reform Era?

China has been transforming from a rural to an urban economy over the past century, especially since 1978 when economic reforms were initiated and rapid economic growth began. This paper attempts to investigate what factors contributed to the rising urbanisation in the period 1978-2000, based on time-series and cross-section analyses. We find that the main driving-forces behind urbanisation, besides changes in urban policy, are economic growth, structural changes and especially inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). The causal link runs from economic growth to urbanisation and not vice versa. FDI inflows contribute greatly to the coast-inland differences in the rate of urbanisation. Geographical and historical factors have a significant impact on regional urbanisation levels and a high initial level of urbanisation curtails a province's subsequent urban growth.
A randomized trial assessing the efficacy of peer counseling on exclusive breastfeeding in a predominantly Latina low-income community.

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of peer counseling to promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among low-income inner-city women in Hartford, Conn. DESIGN Participants recruited prenatally were randomly assigned to either receive support for EBF from a peer counselor plus conventional breastfeeding support (peer counseling group [PC]) or only conventional breastfeeding support (control group [CG]) and followed through 3 months post partum. SETTING Low-income predominantly Latina community. PARTICIPANTS Expectant mothers, less than 32 weeks gestation and considering breastfeeding (N = 162). Intervention Exclusive breastfeeding peer counseling support offering 3 prenatal home visits, daily perinatal visits, 9 postpartum home visits, and telephone counseling as needed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge, 1, 2, and 3 months post partum (n = 135). RESULTS At hospital discharge, 24% in the CG compared with 9% in the PC had not initiated breastfeeding, with 56% and 41%, respectively, nonexclusively breastfeeding. At 3 months, 97% in the CG and 73% in the PC had not exclusively breastfed (relative risk [RR] = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.14-1.56) during the previous 24 hours. The likelihood of nonexclusive breastfeeding throughout the first 3 months was significantly higher for the CG than the PC (99% vs 79%; RR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09-1.41). Mothers in the CG were less likely than their PC counterparts to remain amenorrheic at 3 months (33% vs 52%; RR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.95). The likelihood of having 1 or more diarrheal episode in infants was cut in half in the PC (18% vs 38%; RR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.16-3.97). CONCLUSION Well-structured, intensive breastfeeding support provided by hospital and community-based peer counselors is effective in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates among low-income, inner-city women in the United States.
U.S. SPACs with a Focus on China

This study examines value implications of remedial actions of the Securities Exchange Commission during the year 2011 that culminated in delisting a number of Chinese companies from the U.S public exchanges. To achieve that we examine the institutional characteristics and performance of Specified Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) used as a financing tool and gateway to the U.S. capital markets by Chinese companies in period 2004-2011. The overall evidence presented shows that SPACs merging with companies from China are not inferior corporate structure in respect to the other SPACs. While their institutional characteristics are similar, the performance tests show that these Chinese SPACs lost value around SEC decision dates but in overall they outperform other SPACs listed in the U.S. capital markets.
Cultural diversity in hospitality work: the Northern Ireland experience

International workers are a growing category of employees in the hospitality industry of Northern Ireland (NI). The retention and skills shortages of the industry are significant factors in facilitating this increase. Thus, international workers could be an invaluable new source of labour for the hospitality industry, provided that they are properly looked after and managed. However, little is known about the number of people moving to Northern Ireland to take up work in the hospitality industry. This paper sets out to answer some of the ‘unknowns’ – including nationality, demographic characteristics, educational, employment and economic background. The paper draws on data collected through a survey of migrant workers in nine hotels in Northern Ireland and focus groups with migrant employees in all of the survey establishments. Issues of social integration within the workforce and the wider community as well as the future that migrant workers see for themselves are discussed from a human resource perspective.
p53 Gene Mutations in Medulloblastoma: Immunohistochemistry Gel Shift Analysis, and Sequencing

Medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant tumor of the CNS in children, bears a loss of the short arm of chromosome 17 in almost half of the cases. The tumor suppressor gene p53 is located on this chromosome and its role in the pathogenesis of this primitive tumor is controversial. Twenty-two MBs were analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) of polymerase chain reaction-amplified conserved exons. Fragments displaying a gel mobility shift were subsequently analyzed by direct sequencing. Immunohistochemistry for p53 was performed in all cases; three had cytogenetic analysis. Two cases (9%) were found to harbor a mutation: one homozygous and one heterozygous. The latter showed focal p53 immunostaining. None of the cases with chromosome 17p abnormality by cytogenetic analysis were found to have a mutation in the remaining allele. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of 17p, however, was found in four cases (one by SSCP and three by cytogenetic analysis). Together with the homozygous deletion in one case, the overall incidence of p53 allelic involvement in MB is 23% Although LOH for the p53 gene may confer a selective advantage to tumor cells harboring mutations with dominant negative oncogenic effect, the infrequent occurrence of p53 mutations in face of frequent LOH for this gene supports the previously formulated hypothesis of a novel tumor-related locus distal to p53 on chromosome 17p.
on “ Tropospheric temperature response to stratospheric ozone recovery in the 21 st century ” by Hu et al . ( 2011 )

In a recent paper Hu et al. (2011) suggest that the recovery of stratospheric ozone during the first half of this century will significantly enhance free tropospheric and surface warming caused by the anthropogenic increase of greenhouse gases, with the effects being most pronounced in Northern Hemisphere middle and high latitudes. These surprising results are based on a multi-model analysis of CMIP3 model simulations with and without prescribed stratospheric ozone recovery. Hu et al. suggest that in order to properly quantify the tropospheric and surface temperature response to stratospheric ozone recovery, it is necessary to run coupled atmosphere-ocean climate models with stratospheric ozone chemistry. The results of such an experiment are presented here, using a state-of-the-art chemistry-climate model coupled to a three-dimensional ocean model. In contrast to Hu et al., we find a much smaller Northern Hemisphere tropospheric temperature response to ozone recovery, which is of opposite sign. We suggest that their result is an artifact of the incomplete removal of the large effect of greenhouse gas warming between the two different sets of models.
New Technology And Jobs: Comparative Evidence From A Two Country Study

It is widely recognised that one of the greatest economic problems facing developed countries is unemployment. An example of this recognition is the recent reports by the OECD ("The OECD Jobs Study", 1994) on unemployment, its causes and possible policies. One issue that is closely associated with unemployment in many people's minds is competitiveness and associated with that is the use of new technology. Indeed, the OECD Jobs Study plots out the relative importance of 'high-tech' manufacturing in each member country. This paper aims to contribute to the debate on this issue by examining the impact of the introduction of new technology on employment growth and profitability. We use two complementary datasets: two large representative cross-sections of establishments in Britain in 1990 and Australia in 1989/90. We investigate the effect of innovation in each country and then compare the outcome.
Environmental Interpretation Evaluation in Natural Areas

Environmental interpretation is widely assumed to influence visitor behaviour and reduce impacts on a natural site. Assumptions of cause and effect are difficult to attribute and relatively few studies evaluate the effects of interpretation on visitor behaviours. We reviewed a sample of the interpretation evaluation literature available through online databases. We looked at the internal validity of evaluative studies and compared different interpretive approaches in terms of outcomes. Findings indicate an evaluative emphasis on quantifying knowledge gain and attitude change with few studies extending to measurement of behavioural change. The large number of possible variables and small number of completed studies prevent substantive conclusions on the role of interpretation in promoting more sustainable visitor behaviour. Further research is needed in terms of robust evaluative studies to facilitate development of a clear understanding of interpretive programs' influence on visitor behaviour. It is problematic to assess environmental interpretation as a visitor management tool until further such evaluative studies are performed.
Constriction in the Variety of Urban Food Pantry Donations by Private Individuals

ABSTRACT: The urban poor face a number of health challenges, many linked to lack of sufficient and consistent access to nutritious foods. Social ecology models demonstrate the negative impacts of high food cost and limited availability in urban areas. These studies note that “food deserts” have a profound impact on physiological pathologies of urban poor populations. Food pantries are an understudied feature of these urban landscapes. To address this gap, this study surveys the contents of food pantry donations during the month of September 2008. Data demonstrate the socioeconomic impact of reductions of charitable food donations on the diets of the urban poor.
“I Wish I'd Slept Better in That Hotel” – Guests’ Self-reported Sleep Patterns in Hotels

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate how hotel guests sleep and the factors that typically disturb sleep when staying in hotels. A total of 2504 respondents for the survey were recruited through a link in a national online newspaper. They were asked to provide information about demographics, how they slept in hotels, factors disturbing sleep in hotels and how sleep typically developed with length of stay in hotels. On average, the respondents reported sleeping somewhat less well in hotels than at home. Males, younger people and people suffering from insomnia reported better sleep in hotels than did females, older people and subjects not suffering from insomnia, respectively. The factor which most frequently disturbed sleep in hotels was poor pillows, followed by high room temperature, poor mattress, poor duvet, noise from the street, poor indoor climate, too much daylight from the windows and noise from the ventilation system. Nearly 50% of the respondents reported that sleep usually improved with length of stay, whereas only 8.4% reported that sleep deteriorated with length of stay. The results point to several factors which could be altered by simple means and thereby improve sleep in hotels. The present study is the first large-scale survey that investigates how hotel guests in general experience sleep in hotels.
Hyperoxia prolongs the aminoglycoside-induced postantibiotic effect in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The objective of this study was to determine whether hyperoxia enhances aminoglycoside activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The existence of tobramycin-oxygen synergy was determined by using the in vitro postantibiotic effect (PAE). P. aeruginosa strains were incubated for 1 h in medium containing tobramycin at four times the MIC in the following gas mixtures: normoxia (21% O2), hyperoxia (100% O2, 101.3 kPa), or hyperbaric oxygen (100% O2, 274.5 kPa). Tobramycin was removed after 1 h and bacteria were incubated under normoxic conditions; growth rates were measured for 5 h. Exposure of three P. aeruginosa strains to hyperoxia prolonged the PAE of tobramycin approximately twofold compared with the PAE after exposure to normoxia (P less than 0.05). Exposure of P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 to tobramycin and hyperbaric oxygen prolonged the time required for bacteria to increase 1 log10 CFU/ml compared with the time after exposure for this increase to occur in tobramycin-treated, normoxic or hyperoxic groups (P less than 0.02). Pulse-chase labeling of bacteria with L-[35S]methionine, immediately after removal of tobramycin, showed that protein synthesis rates were decreased compared with those in controls (P = 0.0001). Moreover, in tobramycin-treated groups, hyperoxia and hyperbaric oxygen induced 2- and 16-fold decreases, respectively, in protein synthesis rates compared with normoxia; these results did not achieve statistical significance. In the absence of tobramycin, hyperoxia increased bacterial growth (134%; P less than 0.01) and protein synthesis (24%; not significant) compared with normoxia. Hyperbaric oxygen, however, delayed the growth recovery of bacteria (P less than 0.05). We conclude that hyperoxia enhances the bacteriostatic effects of tobramycin in a synergistic manner. +